Saw chain sharpening procedure
•A Low-kickback Chain
•Low-vibration Chain
•Narrow-kerf Chain
FILING
TOOLS FOR FILING
Description
4.5 mm Round file
4.5 mm Assembled file guide
.025 inch Drop-centre depth-gauge tool
Depth-gauge file (flat)
Square-ground Filing
WHO SHOULD PERFORM SQUARE-GROUND FILING? Most chain saw users will probably never need to use square ground chain, nor learn to perform square ground filing. But in areas where the timber is larger and the guide bars used are longer, the performance advantages of square-ground chain can outweigh the fact that square-ground filing is more difficult and much less forgiving of filing errors.
FILE POSITIONING
The file will sharpen the top plate, and the side plate, simultaneously. This creates a line, (A), where the top plate cutting angle meets the side-plate angle. For best results, file so that the line joins the cutting corner (B).
SIDE VIEW | END VIEW | TOP VIEW |
FILE DIRECTION
The chain manufacturer recommends that square-ground chain be filed from the outside in (in a downward direction). This leaves a better edge on the chromed cutting surfaces and makes it easier to keep the file’s position, and the resulting cutting edges, in correct alignment as
shown in the preceding “File positioning” section. Filing from the outside in will wear out your file faster, however. Some square-ground chain users may prefer to file from the inside out (in an upward direction). You should be aware that inside- out filing is much more difficult. But whichever direction you choose, be sure your file and your cutting edges stay positioned as shown in the preceding “File positioning” section. File all cutters on one side of the chain, then reverse the chain and repeat the process. Use the same file positions for cutters on the opposite side of the chain.
TOOLS
Only use files specially designed for square-ground chisel cutters, available from your chain saw dealer.
DOUBLE BEVEL HEXAGON | “GOOFY” |
CORRECTLY | INCORRECT | INCORRECT |
FILED | CORNER TOO HIGH | TOO LOW |
To properly sharpen the cutter, use the correct filing position, as shown here from three different points of view:
