Sharpening a Chain Saw

[countryguy]

Does anyone have a good site that explains in detail on how to sharpen a chain saw?  I've watched several videos on youtube and found several sites explaining how to do so but I'm still trying to figure it out.  Up till now I've been doing it manually and probably not correctly.  I discovered that there is an attachment for a Dremel to sharpen the chain but there seems to be a lot of negatives from people about using it.  Has anyone tried it?  I was hoping it would make it easier. 

 

Thanks.

 

Gary

 

[hunter]

I'd say try the stihlusa.com website.

I don't own a chainsaw myself, but several buddies of mine have Stihl saws.

I looked on the stihlusa.com website and they've got some good videos on how to sharpen. Try the attached link, though I'm not sure it'll work. If it doesn't just look for 'chain saw' then 'videos'.

Hunter

http://www.stihldealer.net/videolibrary/OnePlayer.aspx?v=3&vt=3&vb=0&id=3

 

[norgeway]

It is!

Just something I do by "Feel", You have to get used to using a round file and hold it at the correct angle.

 

[rp2813]

I've used a small diameter "rat tail" file to sharpen mine using the same method as Hans and it seems to do OK.

 

[goatfarmer]

I have the Dremel attachment, love it. For out in the field, I have the round file.

 

[countryguy]

Thanks....I'll check out the Stihl video.

Gary

 

[sudsmaster]

You can get little handheld jigs for positioning the file to the saw tooth. I picked one up at Home Depot or OSH a few years ago, but never have used it. It came with instructions and a file.

Harbor Freight also sells a newly redesigned powered chain saw sharpener. It looks much better than the older model it replace (that model had a very fragile grinding disk - the new one has a more robust looking disk).

I almost bought one but considering I use the chain saw maybe once or twice a year, haven't had the need so far.

 

[tolivac]

Sharpening chain saw teeth-not a lot different than sharpening circular saw teeth-have done both-shop class.the small round "chain saw" file for the chain saw teeth-and a small flat file for circular saw teeth.Since I haven't done this in many years-would be "rusty"There are jigs to guide your file for the sharpening process-and be sure to sharpen each tooth EQUALLY-otherwise the chain or blade will be out of balance-vibration-and it won't cut properly.Counting the file strokes helps here.and of course for frequent saw users-the chain filing machines as sold thru Harbor Freight and others.For carbide cicular saws-best to shapen these professionally-and the dust from the carbide WILL damage your lungs quickly.Typical chain saw chains don't have this issue.a company called Rapco sells carbide tipped saw chains for rescue work and specialized cutting purposes-too expensive for the usual sawyer.

 

[countryguy]

I picked up a file and jig at Canadian Tire yesterday so I will give it a go this weekend if I get a chance. 

 

Thanks for all the info.

 

Gary