Chainsaws: Having A Sharp Chain Is Vital

Chainsaw, the popular weapon of choice for many screen villains,
still remains a nightmare for humble home users. Powerful and
helpful tools, chainsaws are used around the house for a number
of purposes, including pruning trees and scrubs, cutting
firewood and even woodwork. For proper maintenance, chainsaws
require a number of accessories, including carving bars,
suitable stands and a reliable chainsaw sharpener.
With time, depending on the project, your chainsaw may become
dull, and the chain will not produce the same precise cut. You
will notice that it’s time to reach for your chainsaw sharpener
when the cut from the saw is not straight anymore or the edges
are uneven. Dull chains also produce fine sawdust when cutting,
while a sharp saw produces thicker chips of wood.
If you need to push your chainsaw harder to make a cut, it also
means that the saw needs sharpening. The chain either is too
dull or has been damaged. Newly sharpened chain will enter a cut
easily even if you apply only slight pressure.
When you fail to sharpen the chain properly, you will loose
power and momentum. As a result, you will consume more fuel.
Your chainsaw will age faster and the engine will wear more, too.
Many people refrain from using chainsaws because of the
potential dangers. Indeed, injuries caused by chainsaws are
severe. The number of chainsaw accidents that required medical
attention is getting higher every year, increasing two-fold in
five years. 85 percent of injuries to chainsaw users resulted
from a contact with a moving or improperly maintained chain.
To survive through many of your home improvement projects and to
protect you against possible accident, your chainsaw must be
kept in good condition. Keeping your chainsaw sharp will save
you fuel, effort and may even prevent you from injury.
Today chainsaw sharpeners are powerful yet safe tools suitable
for sharpening virtually all kinds of chains. To prevent
injuries the chain is safely locked and grinding wheels are
designed to adapt to all your sharpening needs. In many cases, a
chainsaw sharpener includes a tool that allows checking the
sharpness of the chain finding pitches and changes in gauge
depth.
The chainsaw sharpener should be mounted in a well-lit area with
plenty of room to work safely, away from any flammable
substances. Always wear eye protection when operating a chainsaw
sharpener and wear gloves when removing or installing the
cutting chain.
Make sure the wheel guard is in place before starting the
chainsaw sharpener. Replace the guard if it is damaged or
cracked. Use only the correct file size and gauges recommended
for specific types of chain.
Make sure your chain is tense if you sharpen it directly on the
saw. You may not do a good job when you try to file a loose
chain, and besides, you can even damage a chain. Before
sharpening the chainsaw, always cleanse the chain properly to
prevent soiling the sharpener.
Even if you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, return your chainsaw
for re-sharpening to a qualified dealer after sharpening it for
a few times yourself. Even with the correct tools, you run the
risk of filing at an incorrect depth. A dealer has the equipment
to precisely file the chain, and a professional sharpening will
make the chain last longer.
Keep your saw clean and energy-efficient by sharpening the chain
often and checking the catcher for damages. Clean the chain of
your chainsaw with mineral spirits and a soft dense cloth when
you finish working. Following these simple tips will keep your
chainsaw in top working order.