how do you sharpen a chainsaw blade?

Question

I have a Poulan 14in chainsaw and the cutting edge is extremely dull. It's the first time I've owned a chainsaw and I don't know how to sharpen the blade myself nor do I know where to take the saw to have it sharpened.

Answer 1

VERY CAREFULLY!!!

Answer 2

Sharpening the chain requires special tools. Most hardware stores that carry chainsaws will also carry some sharpening equipment. You can purchase a hand held saw file, but it must be the appropriate size for your chain. The chain teeth are set at a pitch and must be sharpened at that pitch / angle. So using the simple round file is the most difficult way to sharpen the chain, based on the fact that you are just eyeballing the angle. Several types of pitch / angle gauges are made that can be attached to the file to help guide you to the correct pitch / angle. More expensive sharpening tools are also available. Chain sharpen attachments are made for rotary tools as well as 12 and 110 volt dedicated saw sharpen rotary type tools. Probably the most expensive, yet most accurate tool is a bench mounted chain sharpining tool that has an angled grinding wheel that sharpens on a very precise angle.

For just average home use the hand file is the best as well as least expensive option. The key is there is a real knack to sharpening the saw teeth using the eyeball method. As with riding a bike, once you get, you got it. I would suggest you find someone that knows how to sharpen and have them give you a quick lesson. The first time you lay your freshly sharpened chain in to a piece of timber you will realize real quickly if you got it right or not. Large rectangular particles of saw dust indicate sharp teeth generally the finer the saw dust, the duller the chain. If you see smoke in lieu of sawdust it’s time to buy a new chain.

With all this being said, there are many small engine shops and hardware stores that will perform this service for you for a nominal fee. Depending on your location you may need to look in the phone book to find something, you could start with Outdoor power equipment suppliers.

Answer 3

Here you go, this should help. At the bottom is where it tells you how to sharpen it.

When purchasing a chainsaw, get one with a good warranty. The chainsaw should also come with a video that provides instructions for use and maintenance as well as safety rules.

Chainsaws can be frustrating, particularly when they don't run well. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tuning the engine. You might also want to take the chainsaw to a small-engine-repair center once a year for professional tuning and cleaning.

When you're using a chainsaw, the blade should send out small chunks of wood. If it begins sending out fine sawdust, the chain is probably dull. If that's the case, you can send the chain to a professional sharpener or sharpen it yourself.

To sharpen the chain, run a 3/16" round file through each tooth. Hold the file at the same angle as the cutting edge of the tooth, and twist the file as you pull it through. Make six passes through each tooth, then repeat the process for the other side of the blade.

Answer 4

sharpening a chain saw takes a good eye and a sharp file. When your chain is new you will see the pitch and angle that your tooth is at make sure you have the right size file and that your file is new always helps if you have a bench with a vice, clamp the bar in the vice mark the tooth that your going to start with. If your right handed grasp the file handle with your right hand and the front of the file with your left hand make your stroke at the same angle as the tooth has and rotate the file down word as you stroke it. What this will do is clean out that part of the tooth that gets between the tooth and the raker. you should only have to make 3 or 4 stroke on each tooth. when you rotate the chain to the next tooth always bring that next tooth to the same spot that the one prior was so that you get into a kind rythem keep checking your angle a good way to do this is to look closely at the tooth and you should see that file is cutting the whole tooth at the angle that it was when it was new. Your not going to get this if you try to hurry this takes time and practice once you get it you got it. something else you will notice if you look at a tooth the front of the tooth is higher than the back of the tooth as your tooth get smaller from sharpening you will need to check your raker hight i suggest u buy a raker tool it is a small thats shaped like a piece of channel with a slot cut through the middle and it sets on two teeth and if the raker sticks up through the slot the with a flat file you file the raker down to the top of the racker tool. This is the way i file a saw it may not work for you all but it works for me.

Answer 5

You will need to get what is called a 'rat tail' file. This is a small round file. You will need to get one the is the size of the curves in your chain links.
You need to focus on these curves and get them all consistent. Its best to start at the Mater link (the big one), so you will know where you started.

Note: If you take it off to have it sharpened, note the direction of the link curves. If you put it on the wrong way, you won't be cutting much at all.

Answer 6

If you don't use it alot, just take it to a hardware store. The kits for do-it-yourselfers are ok if you need it alot and get good at it. Spend the $4 and get it done right.

Oh, and DON'T just go but a new chain. I can't believe it.

Answer 7

Simple ya buy sharpeners anywhere and have to sharprn like every tooth.

Answer 8

You can buy a chain saw blade file at any hardware store, Wal-Mart, or Lowes. They will explain to you how to use them. Its easy.

Answer 9

It is a specialised job for if you get it wrong, the saw will buck with possibly dangerous results. Take it to a hardware store who will either do it, or inform you where it can be done......

Answer 10

If you have a roto-zip you can get a diamond sharpener attachment and sharpen each tooth that way.

Answer 11

A lot of hardware stores will do it for you for a reasonable fee. Get a couple extra chains while you are there.