The Process Of Using Chain Saw Sharpeners
The tendencies of all tools that are designed to cut or saw eventually begin to dull with use. These tools can range anywhere from knives to scissors to saws and to chainsaws. You can generally tell when a cutting or sawing tool has become dull and is in need of sharpening. This is simply based on the fact that more work is exerted by the operator of the tool than is necessary in cutting through or sawing through a particular object.
In regards to determining whether a chain saw needs sharpening, it is important to understand what are chain saw sharpeners, when they need to be used and how to use them.
What Are Chain Saw Sharpeners
Chain saw sharpeners are electronically powered machines that sharpen your chainsaw and allow for maximum production from the saw action of the chainsaw. The basic parts of this sharpening machine consist of two metal bars with clamps that hold the chain from the chainsaw. These metal bars can be adjusted at various angles to accommodate the corresponding angle of the chain used.
In addition, a grinding wheel, attached to an electric motor, is held by an extending arm. There are variations of grinding wheels and are proportionate to the size of the chain teeth that are attached to the chain of the chain saw. When the chain, which is held in place by a securing lever, is ready to be sharpened the grinding wheel is lowered by a lowering lever to facilitate that process. All of these features are mounted on a sturdy base that provides the housing.
Knowing When Chain Saw Sharpeners Are Indicated
Knowing when chain saw sharpeners are indicated is a valid question. There are two basic indicators that the chainsaw needs to be sharpened.
The first indicator is based on how a chainsaw operates. When sawing a wood product, the chainsaw is designed to propel itself through the wood by grabbing into that wood. A sharpened chainsaw does not require much pressure to be applied by the operator in forcing the chainsaw down through the wood. Therefore, if the chainsaw is dull, the self propelling action is not occurring which will require more strength to be exerted by the chainsaw operator.
Secondly, a dull chainsaw is indicated by the residue of the wood that is being sawed. A properly sharpened chain saw will leave behind wood chips that may range up to three inches in size. An unsharpened chain saw does not grab the wood. Therefore, rather than small wooden chips, the resulting wood residue left by the chainsaw will take on the appearance of sawdust.
How To Use Chain Saw Sharpeners
Following the proper securing of the chain to the chain saw sharpener, it is important to where safety glasses to protect your eyes. You are now ready to begin the sharpening process.
After powering up the machine move the grinding wheel down towards the front part of the chainsaw tooth. In addition to the grinding wheel honing the tooth of the chainsaw, fine sharpening can be accomplished by adjusting certain refinement screws.
Once the first tooth has been sharpened, the grinding wheel is returned to its idle position, the lever holding the chain in place is loosened and the next tooth is moved into position. Generally there is a guide built into the chain saw sharpeners that will guide the chain properly through the process.
It is important to be methodical in performing this process. That methodology should include the sharpening of all teeth angled either to the left first then followed by the right angled teeth or vice versa.
In addition, there may be accessories that you can purchase with chain saw sharpeners that will allow the advancement of the chain to occur automatically through the process without having to raise the lever and advance the chain manually to the next tooth.
