Chain of chain saw

Any equipment will function perfectly when brand new. However, every time you use it, that perfection gradually wears away. Fortunately, with a little work and a few adjustments, you can always regain that perfection. Chain saws are no exception. With the repeated use of the cutting chain, the cutters are bound to get dull. But by sharpening the cutters, they can be as good as new.

You know the cutters are dull when the chain no longer feeds into the cut. If you need to push the chain saw to make the cut, the cutters are in need of sharpening. Another indication is when your saw is discharging wood dust. This shows that your saw is abrading, not cutting, the wood. Sharp cutters expel wood chips. A shiny chain also indicates dull cutters. If the chrome plating of the cutters is worn, the steel beneath is exposed, giving it a shiny appearance.

Stop cutting if your chain saw is dull. Continuing to do so would only damage the sprocket, powerhead, chain, and guide bar. Take your saw instead to a workbench and give it a good sharpening. Be sure it is secured and steady. You will also need to check the chain’s tension as a loose one could wobble when you file.

You want to be careful when choosing your files as its diameter will depend upon the size and design of the cutter. This is important because a file with the proper diameter can simultaneously sharpen three different angles of the cutter, thus saving you time. The manual of your chain saw should contain this information, otherwise you can always seek the help of your dealer.

Sharpening cutters requires you to file at a specific angle. Fortunately, there are file guides that could be placed on top of the cutters. These will allow you to stroke your file at the required angles. Hold the file with both hands, and, using full strokes, begin filing from the inside to the outside of the cutter. A light pressure should be applied when pushing outside, but ease up on the return stroke. All cutters on one side of the chain should be filed first before moving to the other side. Keep filing until you have removed all damage to the cutters. Be sure the cutters on both sides of the chain are equally sharp, otherwise the saw will pull to one side when used.

Man handling chain saw (Courtesy-www.fotosearch.com)

Safety should be your primary consideration whenever you operate a chain saw. The merging of the engine’s power and the sharp cutting teeth on the chain could prove to be a destructive or even lethal combination when not handled properly. Indeed, the Office of Safety and Health Administration issued a set of guidelines relative to the operation of a chain saw.

Before you even start your equipment’s engine, you need to perform the following:

1) Ensure that the chain is sharp. If the cutting teeth fail to cut into the wood, the saw may kick back.

2) Check the oil levels of the engine and the chain oiler. This will prevent total engine failure, and ensure the continuous smooth and efficient operation of the chain.

3) Check the tension of the chain. If it is too slack, it may cause damage to the sprocket, chain, and guide bar.

4) Secure all loose bolts and screws and check all controls and handles to see if they are functioning properly.

5) When refueling, be sure you are at least 10 feet away from any source of ignition. This includes a cigarette.

6) Never refuel a chain saw that is still running. Instead, cut the engine and let it stand for a few minutes to cool down before refueling.

7) Use only metal or plastic fuel containers with a maximum capacity of five gallons

8 ) Before you start the engine, leave the refueling area and start at least 10 feet away.

9) Do not attempt to start the engine by holding the chain saw in one hand and pulling the starting cord with the other. Instead, put it on the ground or on any solid surface.

10) Be sure you are wearing all the necessary protective gear. This includes a hard hat, safety goggles, earmuffs, gloves, chaps, and work boots. These are intended to protect you from falling or flying branches, splinters and dust, and excessive noise. And do not wear loose-fitting clothes that might get caught in the chain.

11) Clear the area of the tree where you will be cutting off debris and tree limbs. Check if there are any nails or spikes left in it.

Once you get the engine running and you start cutting, remember the following:

1) Do not attempt to hold any part of the chain saw other than the handles. You could either get burned or cut if you do.

2) Ensure that your footing is secure. With a running chain saw in your hands, you definitely do not want to fall.

3) When you are not actually cutting, turn off the engine or engage its chain brake.

4) Always be on the lookout for a kickback.

5) Never saw with the tip. Instead, if your saw has a tip guard, leave it on.