How long to sharpen your Chainsaw?

dmftoy1 · Jan 2, 2004

Just finished sharpening my chain after some heavy usage and was just curious as to how long it takes most people. With the chain still on the saw I estimate it takes my maybe 5 minutes, 10 at the most. (using a Dremel and a chainsaw jig)

Regards,
Dave

JJT · Jan 2, 2004

5 - 10 minutes to touch the teeth up. 30 - 40 minutes if it needs serious grinding. (20 inch bar)

leaddog · Jan 2, 2004

I touch up mine every tank full with a file and it takes well less than 5min. I just use the angle mark on the chain and no guide and two passes with the file. Keep the chain sharp and the saw will cut like butter. Doing it this way I never have to use a machine.
leaddog

JDgreen227 · Jan 2, 2004

I use Sears saws with the 18 inch bars and it normally takes less than five minutes to do each one with a hand file. Never tried doing it with a Dremel bit. I usually touch the chains up about every 4/5 tanks of fuel. When the job is done I pull the clutch cover, take the bar and chain off, then use engine degreaser to clean out the oil and wood chips inside the clutch cover, use a stiff pin to clean out the bar grooves, then put it back together, reversing the bar.

theonlybull · Jan 3, 2004

i'm about the same as the last 2, when i worked in the woods for a living, i could put the saw in my lap, and file the whole chain in about 10 mins, or 5 mins in the vice back at the shop. hand file, by eye here too

kevinj · Jan 3, 2004

The old loggers around here only let a grinder near a chain if it has been damaged. I too find the file every tank or two keeps you cutting efficiently and prolongs chain life greatly.

Egon · Jan 3, 2004

Hand file by eye on 18 inch bar takes about 5-10 minutes.

Egon

PineRidge · Jan 3, 2004

I use a system of cycling through 5 different chains for my Stihl saw in the field. Changing a chain is much quicker than touching one up. Once a blade needs sharpened at the end of the day I then run it through my bench mounted Oregon 511A sharpener. They come out sharper than when I purchased them.

dmftoy1 · Jan 3, 2004

Thanks guys! That's what I was hoping to hear. I've been just lightly touching it up everytime I notice small chips while cutting. If I'm seeing those big ones' and the saw is cutting fast then I don't worry about it. How long does a tank of bar oil typically last you? I seem to have to refill mine 1 or 2 times per tank of fuel. I would've thought it would last for an entire tank. (bought this saw used and it good shape, so I don't have any good manuals for it.)

Thanks in advance,
Dave

RobertN · Jan 3, 2004

Your oil to gas usage should be better than 1:1. You should have a fair amount of oil left when your gas runs out, lest you burn up your chain.

My newer Husky 335xp runs almost two tanks of gas to one tank of oil. I always top the oil when I refuel anyways.