Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Chainsaw blade - Sharpen or replace?

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA
daronson
08-25-07, 06:59 AM
Sears 16" chainsaw is about 7 years old, used it to cut down about 10 trees over this time (don't use it often). Blade must be dull now since I had alot of trouble cutting through a 3" tree!! I will disassemble saw and clean the guide bar and other parts that the owners manual recommends cleaning. I was going to buy a chain sharpener (saw manual and electric ones) for anywhere between $20-$50. Blades are between $15-20 and being that I don't use the saw that much, am I better off just buying a new blade?

Thanks.

mitch17
08-25-07, 07:37 AM
I think you're on the right track with buying a new chain, or maybe having a pro sharpen your existing one. More money tied up in a sharpener and space to store it than it seems to be worth.
marksr
08-25-07, 10:49 AM
Whether to sharpen or replace depends a lot on how much wear the teeth have. I don't have a "sharpener" but used to use a file and now use a stone on my dremel. I sharpen often and use my eye to keep the angle close. I'll often have the chain proffessionally sharpened about once during it's lifetime.

They don't charge a lot to sharpen a chain so if you have the time to bring it to them and pick it back up that can be a good option. Most anyplace the works on chainsaws will sharpen the chain.

BFHFixit
08-26-07, 06:50 AM
Spend a few bucks on a file with a guide and file your old one. Find some info on the net on how to sharpen and give it a go. For under $10, you will find it is very easy, takes less than 15 mins and will make enough of a difference you will notice right off. A spare chain is a good idea in case yours is worn or possibly damaged, but not likely if you have hardly used it and it has never been sharpened. Make sure you have the correct dimensions for your chain and get a file that corresponds.
Wirepuller38
08-26-07, 02:47 PM
With a little practice, you can file you old chain fairly easily. Hold the file with one hand at each end of the file to maintain a straight, even stroke. Check instructions for your chain to find correct angles to hold the file. File with a forward motion only; do not use a back-and-forth stroke. Secure the bar in a vise to hold it securely while you sharpen. Be careful not to clamp the chain with the vise jaws.

One sign of a sharp chain is large shavings. Fine shavings means the chain is dull.

Items such as stones or metal imbedded in a tree will dull the chain instantly.

Good luck with your project.