Took Me 4 Years To Figure This Out
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- čas přidán 29. 07. 2024
- Today I talk about how to sharpen a chainsaw chain. I cover some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for getting a razor sharp chainsaw chain
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As I was taught by a faller fifty years ago now, start with the file low and as it moves forward twist the file in your hand and lift. This covers the whole face of the tooth from bottom to top in one pass and spinning the file uses the whole file and helps to keep it clean. Use only 2 or three passes, sharpen lightly but frequently.
Twist shouldn't be needed. Round files are spiral ground.
Amen brother that's how I do it and Never drag a file backwards .
I don't think his point was about better sharpening per se, but to twist in order to use the entire file surface to avoid clogging up one side of the file with sawdust.
William that is exactly the technique I learned in the woods when I was falling except it included Edward Lester's comment to never drag a file backwards. I cringe when I see someone drag a file.
@@dwighthires3163 dragging a file does almost nothing negative compared to lifting and resetting. There have been scientific experiments done, and they showed no average difference. Just FYI.
Been cutting with, and sharpening, chain saws for 48 years now. My favorite hobby. This video has VERY good insights and advice. I personally use one hand for the file, and the other gloved hand to hold the tooth steady in the bar's slot....makes for a consistent mating file to tooth. I also, as noted below, put a 1/4 turn twist in each stroke....razor sharp, friends. Enjoy...stay warm...and be safe!
I’ve been falling timber in British Columbia since I was a teen. Hand sharpening is the only way to go, two firm passes with the right size file on either side, one pass on the rakers every third sharpening, takes about five minutes on a 24” bar and with practice to get the angle memorized, you should have big bright chips every time.
Agree
Me thinkus this guy has to be a slow learner! Four years. And I agree with you, hand sharpening is the best.
I file every other fill
Pretty much exactly what I do while on the fire line.
Well buzz not knowing how old you are now sharpening is an art form doesn’t matter what your sharpening I understand but I’m kind of picky about how shit gets sharpened I have a jig because I’m a homeowner when you’re in the field you give her tits he could take this back in the shop sharpen it up shit he’s at home he should have more than one chain ready to go but it is an art form you don’t do it right you just throw that chain in the garbage sorry I’m rambling Unfortunately for this fella he spent a lot of money on junk
I was running this saw for about 2 hours at about a 30-50% duty cycle czcams.com/users/postUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and it did a great job. I used the lever for the built in sharpener to clear chip buildup out more than to actually sharpen the chain. It managed to cut some hardwood stumps much larger than it's size without bothering the neighbors with hours of 2 stroke noise.
Yeah, but where is the fun in that? Seriously though, electric chainsaws have a long way to go to compete with big pro saws. For smaller timber, they can be useful.
It's so sl to hear anybody freely say "this took me four years to figure out." Props to you for being a humble guy and passing along your well-earned knowledge. Obviously good folks watching the video, too. Merry Christmas, y'all.
Good man... for sure
sl?!
I'm an arborist that's been running and sharpening saws for over 40 years. The Stihl and Pferd 2 in 1 sharpeners are the best thing going. Files your rakers to proper depth and sharpens the cutter at the same time. Try em, you won't be disappointed.
Agreed mate , just picked up two of those . Work fantastic
I enjoy stihl sharpener just as much as holding a loose file=)
@@reallife9036 My enjoyment comes when I stick it in the tree and the chips fly.
@@raytyre750 Absolutely agree. The efficiency is unmatched, especially out in the field.
Guys learn to file by hand,nothing beats it "LEARN TO FILE " !!!
Always good to seek out advice, Im always learning. My buddy saved me a ton of time early on by telling me to switch to a shorter bar. Shorter bar less equals less sharpening time. He's been in the wood business for 40 years and like most have said already use good files and sharpen often there's really no shortcuts to getting a sharp chain.
Its absurd how many times a tooth hits the ground even with the slightest touch. The older I get the more aware I am of wearing protective gear. One slip to the leg alone in the woods and your probably finished without a tourniquet. Im embarrassed to admit how little I knew about chainsaws when I started 30 years ago, wish I had CZcams.
I ran both 16 and 18 inch bar for decades cutting firewood. Last year I bought a stihl 362 cm with a 25 inch bar and just bought a stihl 500i with a 25 inch light bar..
My back feels relieved... BTW 61 here...
" stand up and buck "
@@wittsend1961 I find filing less painful then a sore back, run the biggest bar that your saw can comfortably handle, my Stihl 066 is nicely balanced with a 33" bar but the 36 is easier to handle. Running skip tooth chain makes filing quicker but I don't know how well it works in hardwood, living in coastal BC it's all softwoods.
As a tool grinder for 35 years the rake angle ( the area that the chip follows after cut) is the most important. To keep that correct I use a file holder. It also shows the angle to the tooth. Well worth the time and money.
All the information I've found about hand filing is quite adament to avoid dragging files back against the material. Make a filing stroke, lift the file away and then have another go, but not back and forth like a washboard. Good video. Nice presentation and no wasted time. Thank you.
Look again, that's a myth, czcams.com/video/xbykic--SKA/video.html
I take a paint pen and mark what will be my first tooth, when it comes around it is time to change direction and to the opposite facing teeth, until the marked one comes around again. No counting or losing count.
Me too. I use a red sharpie.
I use a black sharpie. Forgot to mention that
I just start at the odd colored link all the time. I think this is the link that they use when they "make" the chain.
@@HometownAcres My eyes aren't what they used to be. Hard for me to see the black one.
@@sharkman8810 told, if Stihl chain, the coloured link indicates if safety or pro type chain build.
Green, safety, low kickback etc
Orange, more experienced operators, less protection built-in. More aggressive cut.
I applaud you for posting this vid and subjecting yourself to all the experts who shower you with their self righteous wisdom. They want everyone to believe they fell out of a vagina knowing how to sharpen a chain
LOL
Well said.
If yoyre falling out of vaginas then you got bigger (or smaller) problems than a dull chain. My advice is to take shorter strokes ...
Some of us actual did though.. so its not that big of a deal if people want to help. It's just the rude or arrogant people that can jump off.
More than 50 % of younger folks never fell out of a vagina, their mums had Caesarian deliveries. How about yours? ;-)
What a lifestyle. I start my morning by dropping a couple of logs, then at work I fell a few logs and at night I'm stihl sawing logs. These vids give me a woody! I gotta leaf now. See ya fellers!
You are very special
As some others have said:
1. Tighten - over tighten the chain for sharpening, this keeps the file and tooth at 90 deg.
2. Make sure you have the right size file, it’s usually written on the box of a new chain. Buy two files per chain.
3.File - push the file- towards the sharpened edge only, do not draw it back across the tooth on the backstroke.
4. Those new file guides with two round files and one flat file combined made by, Stihl and others, work well.
5. Maintain the proper angle horizontally between the file and the bar, ie. parallel to the hatch marks on the each tooth.
5. Practise man Practise, I got better at it as I sharpened more. Eventually, it becomes a ‘zen’ thing, Relaxing , and I love doing it!
6. Definitely clamp the saw in a vice, as shown.
Excellent summary.
I sharpen my saws with EVERY tank of gas.
2 or 3 strokes per tooth. Quick and easy.
North Central Florida
That rig made by stihl with the 2 rounds and 1 flat is the best sharpening rig out I use my every tank of gas and do 3 passes per tooth cuts like butter and str8. Best 40$ I ever spent
Ι use Stihl and it is amazing. However, there is a small metal "tool" to calibrate the guide in between the teeth
@@kokkinias hi are you referring to calibrating the Stihl 3-file sharpener? Please provide more info.
@@chasshaw7111 hey, no in case you don't have the three and only the classic one sharpner, there is an extra small metal device which shows you how much you have to remove from the guide inbetwen. I will try to find it and send you the link
Best advise I've gotten on here is don't let you chain get to dull they say to brighten it up every tank of gas but i get by with every 2 tanks hand file still works great.
My family owned a mower store. I am a small engine mechanic. Certified briggs and stratton tech, I have sharpened more than 1000 chains in my life. We prefer Oregon Semi Chisel at 3/8. The flat teeth hold their edge longer and bounce off debris, the hogged out kind have a sharper thinner edge that blunts faster and hooks onto debris which can snap the tooth off completely. I have seen chains run into star pickets, fencing wire, Nails, Screws.. you name it :D I came to say you got it right. Well done. As others have said tighten the chain and don't file on the backstroke. Make sure to file the rakers down under the level of the tooth peak if the teeth are really worn down. (raker height gauge preferred) Thanks for taking the time out to teach others.
This is exactly how my Father taught me to sharpen the chain years ago, he is an industrial machine re-builder, Lovely tutorial.
Helpful hint: tighten your chain before you file, it keeps it in the guide groove, and helps you maintain better angles
I hold each tooth with one hand and sharpen with the other. That gives me the best control.
@@bobnewman534 I do that as well, reduces file chatter
Stihl 2 and 1 file I’ve been hand filing my chains for 20 years got it for Christmas last year simple easy and works great
I find it takes the rakers down too far for me. I gave mine away. I like to tune the chain to the power saw with the wood I'm currently cutting.
@@1d1hamby the stihl tool is simple to use for quick mindless sharpening. I've never seen a faster way to sharpen, doesn't mean it's perfect just easy.
Fact.. I tired every which way... and the Stihl one is just the best one I have found so far... yes its not like they are out of the box and the old timers can still out sharpen it but for out in the field on the fly it really really made it easy for me to get my saw back into shape fast
Take the raker file out of the 2in1 and just use the round files if the rakers are too low A few sharpenings later the rakers will be back in spec .... rinse and repeat
Fabz Acres 100% correct. The raker files are not set correctly on the 2 in 1. Wrong angle and way too much off.
I took a white marker and marked 30 degree angles on the vice jaws to guide my filling.
Great video, I’d like to confirm the Stihl 2 in 1 does a great job of filing the tooth and depth guide with perfect distance from tooth to depth guide. Also to stand out better I use old fashioned white out to mark the first tooth. Gary
I like the white-out idea to mark the starter tooth. I've been using kids colored sidewalk chalk. I put it on the side of the tooth.
I use my wife’s old fingernail polish , red is good !
Love your "no nonsense" videos. Another good one Adam. Looking forward to your livestream with shifty!
Thanks for the tips Adam. I’m new to firewood and chainsaws and need to work on filing my own chains soon.
Also try turning or rotating the file as part of your stroke to use your whole file and minimize build up on the file 👍 kool video Adam
Excellent video. I've been through the same evolution of saw sharpening you have (in processing firewood) and I've come to the same conclusion. Hand filing and examining the tooth gullet, depth gage, and tip close up is the key to getting that "out of the box" performance.
i been working with a chainsaw all my life ,and today . the first filling on my new chain is the sharpest that chain will ever be. sharper than factory .
Stihl makes the 2 in 1 file. Excellent tool. It’s all I use now.
I just bought a generic 2 in 1 myself, but haven't had the opportunity to use it yet.
@@wsfd4321 since I’ve been using it, and got good with it, I haven’t used anything else since. Great tool that’s worth the money.
This is what I use also. Great tool.
I was gonna leave the same comment. The wheel has been reinvented!
@@scottwarren8847 yes, sir, when used properly, that’s all ya need.
Great video and in-depth explanation. I have an old chain sharpening machine from the 70's that I bought at a farm estate sale for $30. So far, that is all I have needed...but, it is good to continue to broaden one's skillset. I appreciate the knowledge shared.
I always try to think of it like sharpening the chain and cutting a little wood in between sessions....
Been sharpening chains with a file since I was ten. Using two hands like he does always crowns the tooth. Much easier using one hand and tighten the chain more so the teeth don’t roll back and move around. Use my thumb on one side of the tooth to stabilize it. Have never had a problem sharpening a saw this way and always a out of the box result.
I find shoving a wedge on the underside between the bar & chain you will achieve ultra tension reducing the tacking of the chain during sharpening. Once you have complete one or a couple teeth take the wedge out move it along & re-wedge it.
Handy trick to free up the other hand if you want to refine alternative motions, angles & twisting. But I bet you can do a wicked sharpen if you've been doing it since 10yrs
Duane, How old are you now, 11?
@@martinkerker1190 good one bro...🤣
I didn't realize how little interaction with the ground it actually takes to dull a saw. I knew not to cut into the ground but I thought incidental contact here and there wouldn't hurt. So wrong. That little bit will save me a lot in the future. Thank you!
I've had really good results with the Stihl 2-1 sharpening tool. I know, it looks like a gimmick but it works and it's easy! Wranglerstar tested it on his channel and was surprised and impressed. Sharpens all of these edges in one pass.
Make sure you're file isn't dull. They are cheap and a new one can save a ton of time
Ironically I discovered hand filing does the best sharpening also. Been sharpening with a bench grinder 16 years and found last week that a file does the best job... thanks for confirming
Ditto! Tried a few gadgets. None lived up to their hype. I always went back to hand filing, but after a few times doing so I got "diminishing returns". This is the first person I recall that talks about the gullet in a clear fashion.
Amen
Old fashioned way . No gadgets or guides needed . My Sthil has a faint line at the back of each tooth to show correct angle for the tooth . Use anything as a straight edge across two teeth , to see your Raker height . No special tools to be bought or stored or carried along . May need more practice , and seeking good advice ( but ) Ironically , training your hand and eye , gives pretty good results . Cheers
Eventually, you'll learn to sharpen with one motion that effects the gullet as well as the cutting edge. You'll know when you see the file "marry" the top cutting edge. 3 strokes is usually all that it takes for a non abused chain. Be sure to use a 7/32 file for 3/8th chain. Was a professional logger and have been cutting wood for 45 yrs. Needed to hand sharpen a 20" bar in under 4 minutes.
THat is how i do it. make first the gully round, and with the right size file you see the top of the teeth get sharped and make a brim on it.
Cool
if you cant keep sharp , you cant keep up , we dont need ya . lol
What brand of chain and file do you prefer? Thanks in advance!
@@wwgbert Pherd for the files and Sthil for chains.
Thank you very much for posting this. Been using a saw myself for about 3 years and have never paid attention to the gullet. Nice work!
Simple tips took me years to learn(!) : 1) Color a tooth top with a Sharpie so you can quickly see when your sharpening loop is complete. 2) Over time the sawbar groove top surface can flatten out beyond the bar edge so I file away the splay both sides to restore uniform bar thickness. 3) If you don't have a grapple but have a tractor bucket with/without digging teeth, roll the log against the bucket edge on the ground with a cant hook then tie the cant hook handle to your upper center bucket hook (or use a hook on your tie for the bucket top lip) then lift the log so you have an instant sawhorse regardless. 4) Use a wire brush or hatchet away any underlog dirt at each area to be finish-cut before you finish the cut -through after your 75% upper log cuts even if you've no way to lift your log and/or keep it mud-free.
Years ago I worked for the US Forest Service and I spent the entire summer on a four man crew thinning and cutting standing timber to reduce the fire loads around a couple of big camp grounds that had major die off from spruce bark beetles. We were not required to buck or limb the downed timber, just get as many on the ground in a week as we could. I discovered that if I did a quick touch up with the file every time or every other time I fueled up that I was able to drop more trees on a tank of fuel then the others. The saw just ran more efficiently and it only took a couple of minutes once you learned the tricks of hand sharpening. The other advantage of always having a sharp chain was that I was much more accurate and had less hang ups then the others. A couple of guys consistently had issues and a few close calls and it almost always came back to them not taking care of their saws and or chain maintenance.
Excellent comment!
The steel to the one filing system works yet change my chainsaw life
basically the only video that actually teaches you how to sharpen a chain correctly.
Great tips! I have always taken my file 5 to 7 time past the depth gauge. I find that I can cut 3 to 4 as much wood before a sharpening. It was a old tip that my father in-law taught me years back. Not a good idea for a one handed tree saw working from a bucket though!
Great video, thanks for mentioning our LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool as a good solution to this common problem. Along with helping you buck up logs as a cant hook or timberjack, when set up as a Hauler it's also useful for moving rounds and loading a log splitter while taking much of the strain off of your back and arms.
I'm old school and I have always felt I do a better job with a hand file. I think that touch ups are important too. If the chain isn't really dull, just a quick job will help a lot. I have used the Stihl all-in-one sharpener, but I still like hand sharpening.
Same.
the issue i see with the all in one is the flat file wears down and the guys only change out the tooth file. It really annoys me because it really screws up how the whole setup gets.. and then the complain about strange things that start happening and dont bother to realise what the real issue is
Buckin Billy Ray All you need to know about chainsaw and how to.
Buckin Billy Ray is the expert of experts on axes and wood splitting. Love that guy
its just common sence and look at the mirror from the glaze from file in the material.
Friends , I watched tons of hand filing videos. I sucked. I watched Billy one time all the way through paid attention and the first time I sharpen the chain with a file after that I was a pro.
@@davidbryant5844 I agree. I learned more from Buckin in one video then I did in years just going at it on my own. His eye-in-the-sky close ups that got me to put on some reading glasses and take a good look at exactly what I was doing. It was a game changer.
Great sharpening tips! A bench sharpening trick I’ve found helpful is using long nose vice grips to clamp the chain to the bar. Also, I’d set rackers first, in case I accidentally nick the cutting edge. Thanks!
I've gotten fairly experienced over time. You made some great points that should help. Thank you. Doug
I use the little oregon bits like you showed EXCEPT I put them in a die grinder that spins 20,000 rpm and I get my chains razor sharp. I actually sharpen brand new chains before using them because I can get them to cut better. Also the other thing A LOT of people dont do like you said is lower the rakers as they sharpen a chain over and over. The rakers are what sets how deep of a cut each tooth on the chain takes. If you sharpen the chain over and over and dont lower the rakers it will never cut well.. You can adjust the rakers based on the HP of your saw, more HP the lower you can set them and really make some chips.. The other thing is that chain you show is a "safety chain" with rolled over rakers and they dont cut nearly as well as a "pro" chain with just straight up rakers....
true! homey is using a beginner chain, needs to run chisel skip chains, probably cut that tiny log in three seconds.
@@njonebale7889, full chisel chain definitely cut faster, but also dull faster. Sounds like he's dealing with a lot of dirty wood, so a semi chisel chain might be the better option for him. Especially if he hasn't learned the different techniques in cutting wood, so he doesn't drag the dirt through the wood when he makes his cuts.
Are all saftey chains supposed to have the depth gauges folded over like that? Pretty sure the chains I use on my ms250 are saftey chains (has the green link) and the rakers are straight up
Good info about rolled over rakers . Then comments about semi chisel and such
Grinding takes off to much metal and heats up the metal to weaken the metal, it also effects the Angel.
Stihl makes an awesome Sharpener that lowers the rack to the perfect point at the same time.
In other words I disagree with you.
They sell a gauge to set the height of the rakers
Another tip (you may already know this )
I learned last year that the most efficient way to saw through wood , is in fact the rocking back and forth from nose to dogs pretty well , not just straight cut where you leave your saw level and cut through that way , it helped me alot
Righteous good comment . Shorter cutting surface . Maybe not technically correct , but experiment and find different techniques you like . Cheers
Sharp chain no need to do that put the saw in and let it eat
good tip, if you don't saw clean wood. (e.g. clear loads of small trees / bug bushes), where you need to saw near the ground. often you have dirt on and in the wood (sometimes even small gravel). so the chain dulls extremely quickly. can't stop every 5 min to resharpen.
Rocking the saw cuts slower always
Get the gullet! I've done this as well and it really makes a difference. Thanks Adam!
Nicely done, Adam. Thanks for sharing. -Ed
Use the Stihl 2 in 1 file holder, it gets your rakers and the tooth perfectly every time you sharpen, it even has an angle guide to help you.
make sure you change out all files at the same time when needed. i work with guys that only change the tooth file and it screws everything up..
Thanks. Learn something new every day. I tend to tighten the chain more for sharpening.
Great info on how to sharpen properly. I was totally unaware of the gullet and cutting edge being different and having different angles. Thank you
I never used full chisel I've always used semi it's I'm always in dirty firewood. But I also touch up the chain after every tank and I never have a problem going dull.
Can’t ever go wrong referencing Buckin Billy Ray!
lol yup this! after he said the best way to get it sharp as new is to do it by hand I was agreeing 100% due to having watched buckin billy ray! no more evening the teeth out of anything like that anymore for me
3 thumbs up for Buckin Billy Ray
Literally just watched the new Buckin video lol. Never miss one
You most certainly can. What he does and what you do are two entirely different things. He's just found a way to make money on the internet.
I referred him today to a client. Buckin!
Good job explaining the parts of chain and their functions. When sharpening a chain on the bar, it is a good idea to tighten it to keep it in the groove, especially if a jig is used, to keep consistent angles. For those having a hard time getting the angles correct, Granberg has a great guide for hand files called the 'File-N-Joint'. I prefer the 12v 'Grind-N-Joint' grinder. A guide that keeps everything aligned can be a great help for beginners.
Thank you for taking the time to make the video!
My teacher always said when it is below zero and/or the wood is covered in snow, the chain will get dull faster than in non frozen wood. I will try to wipe the snow of or just knock it of with another piece of wood. I myself and my co workers at work always use these file guides that you put on the file, they will help with sharpening the edge of the cutters and in the same pass creating the half moon shape. If used in the right way, those guides guarantee a sharp chain
Wood that is "frozen" in the winter, is easier to cut than wood in the warmer weather. Has to do with the cells in the wood.
If you are cutting frozen green wood try sharpening your chain a little more square with the bar and step up one size with your file. It won’t cut quite as fast but it will not dull as quickly.
It helps a lot to tighten your chain so you can just comfortably turn from tooth to tooth, this makes it more rigid and easier to sharpen.
Thanks for the added info on this subject even though some ppl have contrary opinions. The video is still a good submission of context to learn from. Thanks.
Been sawing and bench sharpening for years but never knew about the gullet, thanks for sharing and I will now try to do it right. Great video and well presented
If you flip the saw upside down in the vice, the body of the saw is out of the way and you can sharpen more teeth without moving the chain. Also when you have a brand new file use nice light strokes until you break it in. The files are acid sharpened and the cutting edges are very fragile. If you put too much pressure on those edges big chunks break off making the file dull. If you use light strokes then just little chunks break off keeping a sharper file.
I didn’t know about a file being fragile at first and the break in (and I know just about everything 😂) thanks for the tip.
My dad taught me that :-) About honing in new files, band saws, hacksaws, etc.
I knew about the acid sharpening of the files. But break in time I didn't, maybe that's why my files suck after a while 😂😂😂👊😎 common sense right in front of you... you just don't think about it. 👊😎🤪 thanks for the tip.
@@dougn4942 👍
Nope, I never knew that. Cheers.
Been in the logging and tree service for 43 years have sharpened by file and grinder had one like yours but ended up getting 2 Oregon ones it's best to use two or three chains throughout the day when one gets dull switch it out with a sharp one as soon as you think it's getting dull and then spend 15 minutes sharpening all of them on the grinder will keep your production up. I use a cheap Windsor Carlton or Forester brand chain might not last as long but I'd rather have three sharp ones than one that I'm fighting with, the three of the cheaper ones will cost about the same thing as a good Oregon or stihl
You have no idea how much your video has helped. It is amazing
New friend here from arms family homestead, thanks for sharing I also cut firewood and this is great information! Stay safe!
I feel like my brain just increased its capacity by a factor of 20. Thank you for this exceptional, humble and honest training video. Wow. Man you just don't know how stupid I was before I saw this video.
Tighten up on that chain and QUIT dragging that file on the backstroke!
czcams.com/video/6lxJ3E_UjtY/video.html
Wrong. The key is in the shape of the file teeth. They are unidirectional by design to cut in one direction only. If you really believe it doesn't matter how you drag a file back and forth on hardened toolsteel with no apparent difference in longevity, then go ahead and run your drillbits and endmills and ANY other machine tool cutters in reverse and tell me how long they last.
Just look at file tooth profile at about 3:40 of the video you referenced.
@@keithmessinger75 Why are you blabbering about tool steel?
Because toolsteel, as opposed to mild steel is what your chain cutters and your file is made from. Toolsteel is a general term that refers to types of steel with enough carbon to make them "heat treatable". Your cutters are hardened, your files are hardened even "harder". That's the only way one can cut the other.
I quit sharpening freehand 45 years ago. I use a Granberg jig. This maintains the angles I want for hard and soft woods, keeps me from over-filing and saves me a lot of money on chain. The jig fits in my tool bag and I can use it anywhere. While it won’t give me a new ‘out-of-the-box’ chain it’s close and makes cross-cutting and ripping much more productive and yes... There’s that great feeling I get when the saw cuts like going through butter. Good video.
Thank you for this method for sharpening.. can't wait to give it a try
Ok that was the most informative demo on saw sharpening that I've seen. Good stuff Adam, thumbs up.
The electric chainsaw sharpener you showed at first is often miss-used and that's why it does not get good results. What you pointed out is right. With electric sharpener, first don't touch the face of the tooth but sharpen the gullet. Then as you raise the sharpener, push-in on the sharpener wheel as you exit to sharpen the face. You will get better results this way. Forth years of sharpening chains teaches you things. Hope this is helpful.
I'm glad I watched this. I never knew how to do and but I also never thought to look it up
I have that same bit you referenced early in the video. Use that thing in a dremel and it’s awesome. I have had good look with it. Will try your file method sometime too though
Hey Ken, yes it does work and it will definitely shave down on your cut time. I just haven’t found to give a really really sharp chain!
Working in the woods every day with a saw one develops the skill to make a saw cut free hand. This is true for a chain right of the box, not sharp, well not sharp enough. Needs to be touched up with a file. Now that I am not running a saw all day, every day, the out of the box chain seems good enough for me now. The skill one looses from not being active is also apparent when I walk up to the tree. Look for the lean and not seeing it right. My experience is if you don't use it you loose it.. this is what separates the pros from the rest of us.
Down to earth no nonsense explanation. Thank you.
My man. I've been running chainsaws pretty often now for a few months and this video was on point. Thanks.
I started swinging a saw when i was 14. The guy i learned from showed me how to file a chain and wouldn't let me run the saw till i could sharpen to his satisfaction 10 times. It took me 2 days to get it right and now at 57 i can file my saw without my glasses on. This was definitely a good video for beginners
Better get your glasses and watch again.
Sidenote: files didn’t have a spiral pattern when you learned so the technique would be a little different.
@@briankennedy1313 I can put an edge on my chain that will out preform a new chain every time! With or without my specks on.
otatime 2 I was kidding, just a little poke. I totally believe and can attest to it. A new chain is only a partially sharp chain compared to what hand filing is capable of producing. It took me years to get to where you are. Thinking I had it figured only to prove myself wrong.
Watching, learning, and appreciating with a like and this comment. Thank you Adam. 👍🏾
It’s one of those things that you have to test out and see what works and doesn’t. Watching helps but doing really teaches you
@@HometownAcres it took me awhile to get through my last cut on the firewood video i just posted on my channel. It took forever to get through. Finding better ways to keep the chain sharp will save me a ton of time in the future. Might as well learn early from you & my experiences.
That is a really good informative video sir I've been sharpening my chainsaws by hand since I was 12 years old and I'm 50 now
This video definitely helped me a lot, thank you very much for your time and efforts!
I even angle down when doing the gullet like buckin bill shows in his video. I saw a really cool video of a saw cutting wood with different angles on the top plate. It was very interesting especially when it comes to different woods and how long the blade lasts vs speed cut.
Good stuff - Here's another top tip to give you an even sharper edge - ROLL THE FILE (approx 1/4 of a turn counter-clockwise as you push) this smooth twist of the wrist will sharpen that top edge even more.
Final somebody got some damm sense
Agreed. I discovered that entirely by accident; it makes a big difference.
Good point . Cheers
here in NC we go from cold to nice off and on much of the season so we dont always want a fire, i learned about banking only a few years ago after burning wood exclusively for over 30 years. i built a fire in November and it didnt go out till mid march. i dont miss starting fires
This is the best chainsaw sharpening video I've ever seen. Thank you!
I will never disagree that hand filing is or can be more accurate. What I can say is that what ever method you use it can be perfected to create box sharp chains. I use a hand file to touch up and my Oregon 620-120 to take it back to original. No one is a loser in this if you understand what you are doing and commit to a process.
Never pull a file backwards, it rolls the teeth over, wears it out quicker and just like your saw blade, makes it cut inefficiently.
It hurts to watch
Agreed - don't cut on the backstroke, roll the file but first thing to do is to check the "points" on the teeth. Each tooth should have a nice sharp angle on the point. If the point is rolled, beat or burred at all it will shine - the light collects on the roll. You have to get rid of the rolled edge and make a sharp point or all your sharpening will be wasted. I used to cut and pile 5 cord of pulpwood a day. The guy working the strip next to me cut and piled 7 cord a day and he only had one lung. He felt bad for me one day and showed me the bad points on my chain and helped me with sharpening. Quick way to get rid of a rolled point is to use a one size over file on the point to get the nice V then use a proper size to get under the top edge and roll in for the crescent moon. File stroke, roll, lift and no back drag.
@@cellerfeller1474 Reading all the good comments makes me wonder why the big corporations don’t give precise instructions for filing. Thanks youtube!
This was tremendously helpful for a newbie like me. Thank you.
Also there is a mark on the top of the tooth of the angle that you hold your file that gives you the correct tooth angle
You really need to get rid of those safety chains. Since you've been cutting for a few years you know about kickback and shouldn't have that issue. Those big safety rakers just just stop the blade from cutting faster. And tighten up that chain when you sharpen it so you're not filing it sideways when it rolls out.
@Josh Blick I’m 15 and have been cutting wood for 2 years, just bought a ms 261c and have been using skip tooth for 1 1/2 years
@@anonymouscorky6091 Good deal. Just be safe.
Had never used a chain like that.
Safety chain! Wow I missed that. I throw those suckers out so I don't grab it by mistake. Lawyers came up with that piece of crap for liability issues I'd bet👍😎👌
I'll second the 2-in-1 tool recommendation. Also, the same tool is available from a variety of other manufacturers for other saws, e.g. Husqvarna, Pferd, etc. The 2-in-1 tool makes sharpening a snap. That said, even a plain filing guide for your chain is a great improvement over the "file the depth gauge, cut, repeat" process. You can get the depth gauges exactly to the proper height relative to the teeth on the first try.
Naturally, make sure the round file is the right size for the chain. Using the wrong size file is going to put the shape of each tooth out of whack relative to the rest of the chain geometry.
Got my Stihl 2-in-1 about a year ago. I’ve got sharpening down to 5 minutes. I get brand new condition every time. It’s a no brainer for me. I like not having to mess with multiple files and worrying about all the angles.
Great points, the only thing I do in addition, when not out in the field, is secure the chain itself in the Vice, (This stops any movement & a more accurate sharpen). In addition, I either mark the vice or have a scrap piece of wood with the desired angle the cutter is to be sharpened at adjacent to the chain. This ensures the angles are close from left to right side of the chain. Keep up the good work. All the best for the new year :)
I think a good thing to mention is sometimes you may need an over sized round file for your chain or an under sized round file on hand because sometimes pending the shape of the tooth on the chain you will need it for correcting damaged teeth. It helps get the half moon shape back perfectly
Love the video Adam! I just started hand filing with mixed results. I think I’m gonna try out your method!
Only way to learn is screwing up chains and trying again haha
@@HometownAcres, Totally agree 👍
I always file from the opposite side than you demonstrated into the tooth to prevent a wire edge from forming on the cutting edge. Kinda like sharpening a knife edge. Your technique for the 2 step sharpening is spot on to get the entire cutting edge sharp but I seem to get a cleaner sharper edge filling from the other side.
I do as well. The "burr" from sharpening seems to effect the lifespan of the edge. My chain stays sharper longer.
I just commented the same thing...the edge gets too thin and breaks off on the first contact
One thing that I find interesting is that I see sharpening a chain saw chain like sharpening a knife or a wood chisel. Keeping a constant angle while sharpening, but the chain flexes back or forth as the file is guided in order to sharpening it. If you tighten the chain tension as to have less flexibility in the chain you should have a more consistent angle or a straighter edge. Where as if the chain flexes alot you have a more rounded edge that would dull faster. Yes you would have to loosen the chain every time you wanted to rotate it then retighten it again to sharpening. Maybe I'm over thinking it but I usually sharpen the chain around every 4-5 fuel fill up
I have tried a lot of sharpening tools. The one that I think does the best job of sharpening the gullet and cutting edge is the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener kit. A little slower than a hand file, but more reliable.
Yep, thats what I always say "box sharp". It took me 4 years as well to really get my handfiling to the point I could make a dull chain "box sharp". I got a Stihl 2-1 file and I have given up handfiling. It takes the rakers down perfectly in the same stroke. Its just less work and that's my gig.
I have the similar one for my husqvarna. I do have to flip the files around for opposite sides but that’s easy to do
I've gotten to the point where I'll tune/adjust/file the chain from the box, to the power saw and wood I'm currently cutting.
When he mentioned the gullet I thought about buckin billy ray, then he referenced him 😂
I was always Leary of doing this until I found Buckin Billy Ray. I’m on the path now. Thanks friend
Very good vid bro. I have been sharpening saw blades for decades with little tips other than the basics. This one was detailed and easy to follow. 👍👍
When your sharpening your chain tighten up your chain more so it’s not coming out of the bar
yes, and then after sharpening, loosen it back to normal tension so you don't prematurely stretch the chain and ruin your sprocket. If you check your bar nuts, you don't have to tighten them while sharpening - just wait till loosening the chain.
@@jimwittneben7719 actually that's only true when you're running your saw and the chain is warm it's going to loosen up a little bit so when you tighten it again height then at the end of the day when you're done if you store your chainsaw without loosening the chain that is true the chain will get cold it will stretch the chain and hurt your sprocket but not if it's been put away cold and you tighten it to sharpen it you can leave it like that if you want
yes. It pained me to watch the angle of the chain pitch sharply when the drivers left the bar...and that horrible sound of the file being used on the backstroke stopped the video...right there, lol. seriously!
@@jimhofoss9982 Yup, files don't cut on the back stroke.
@@jimhofoss9982 I agree. That was a show stopper for me also. It's difficult for me to have much confidence in the quality of information when folks don't understand the basics. And proper file usage is about as basic as it gets.