Chain Saw Sharpening Question

PineRidge · Apr 30, 2005

Just put a sharpened chain on the Stihl and tried to make a cut, all I got was dust. I knew the chain was sharp so back to the pole barn we headed.

This particular chain had been sharpened maybe 6 or 7 times since new. Once I set the depth gauge on the chain I quickly realized what the problem was.

Even though the chain was sharp the depth gauges were never ground since the chain was new.

After setting them to Stihl's recommended .030 depth the chain again cut like new.

So, my question to those that do their own chain sharpening is this. How many times do you sharpen your chain before you re-check the depth gauge?

Do you automatically check and reset the depth gauge of the chain every 5 or six sharpening's or do you check the depth each time?

ronjhall · Apr 30, 2005

Mike
I do it the same way you did. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

When chain does not cut after sharpening. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I check the height. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

hwp · Apr 30, 2005

I use a Husky combination file that files both the chain and the runners at the same time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

kenmac · Apr 30, 2005

I use the electric sharpener that looks like a small chop saw. I have to check the depth gauges ever other sharpen

ScottAR · Apr 30, 2005

I check em every time, I only touch em up when needed. Usually every 2-3 filings.

PineRidge · Apr 30, 2005

Ken I use an Oregon myself but guess I have been lax in checking the depth gauge in the past.

Maybe from this point forward when doing a chain sharpening I'll also do a quick touch up like you guys suggest, that way the saw should cut like it has a new chain installed.

Richard · Apr 30, 2005

Call me ****... I took my chains to my local Ace hardware store to help support the local economy.

Later I was cutting a dead pine tree that was too close to the house. the tree settled and pinched the bar /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. No problem, because of this site, I had a SECOND bar and a freshly sharpened chain /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Walked BIG circle around the tree to garage, got tools, flipped head onto new freshly sharpened chain & bar & very smugly fired the saw back up.

The freshly sharpened chain would not cut BUTTER /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I was angry as a hornet and REAL nervous at this time because of the pickle I was in.

I got a couple wedges out and had at it to finish the job. Seems Ace "forgot" to check those rakers (?) heights and they were wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too high making the chain useless.

I learned my lesson. I called Madisens I belive, ordered a 100 foot spool cut into 24" loops. I think it came out to like 24 new chains.

today if I run into a lot of sawing, I just be sure to have a brand new in the box chain with me. I'll probably never use the old chains just because of that happening unless I get my own grinder and do it myself. That was CLEARLY not worth the money spent and left me in a really bad situation.

If someone has an interest in some used 24" loops off a Stihl 044 (I think it's 3/8 links?? if memory serves), let me know and I might just send you a bunch of loops if you pay shipping. I'd say that 90% of them are dull, but clearly have good life in them if you sharpen them properly. I simply don't trust anyone to sharpen them anymore so I'd rather slap a new chain on and KNOW I'm ok (until I hit the dirt again /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif)

kenmac · Apr 30, 2005

Mike, thats the best way in my opinion to sharpen a chain.In the past I took my chains to have them sharpened & they would take off 1/2 the tooth which shortens chain life . I have a large husky saw & the chans not cheap so I purchased that tool& sharpen them.I grind the depth gauge all the way down on my chains causing the chain to take a big bite. Warning: If you do this HOLD ON TO THE SAW!!!

billbill1 · May 1, 2005

Mike, I use the same sharpener as you only it is the cheap Harbor Freight model ($60 on sale) I don't check mine until the chain seems to slow down cutting. I have been told that you need to make sure that you don't file the rakers down too far or it will ruin the chain. The saw won't be able to pull it as it will cut too deep. Any of you guys have a means of splicing or riviting a chain that is too long? I have one I need to take a link out of.

PineRidge · May 1, 2005

I found some additional interesting reading material on this subject here

It's interesting to know why a chain should cut smooth so that one can figure out why theirs isn't. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif