Sharpening Saw Chain ... How ... And Why

Note: Some of this is temporary and will be replaced. Also note the the explanation page is not yet finished.

Presented in the hope that logging might be made safer. Not safe --- logging never will be --- but, hopefully, safer. Logging is the most dangerous occupation and we cannot guarantee your safety.

What is presented here is how things should be done. Clicking on the links will take you to the explanation of why they should be done that way.

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You need a sharp saw --- a saw that can be easily controlled to do what you want it to, without forcing it. And you want the chain to last a long time.

Sharpening the cutter

[left hand cutter] Here are a left-hand cutter and a right-hand cutter, each with proper shape. Note the top corner shape -- that's most important.

[right hand cutter]

[EM You can touch up a chain by carefully fitting the right size file to the chain and taking a stroke or two. Doing that often saves chain by preventing the need to file a lot off in order to get back to the right shape. Periodically (or, if you damage the chain) it's wise to use a filing guide like this. This one is by Electrolux Motors. Similar guides can be obtained from others, such as Windsor/Sandvik.

Setting the depth gauge

You need a depth gauge file to set the depth gauge. (It is not a raker!) Just file off the bit of the depth gauge that pokes through a gauge.

[Electrolux tool] You do need a gauge that will help you set the correct angle. Two such are the gauges sold by Electrolux Motors (Husqvarna, Jonsereds, Poulan, etc.) and

[Carlton tool] the one sold by Carlton for their chain (which can often be adapted to other brands of chain as well.)

The jointer gauge has a different effect, and I suggest one of the kinds pictured above.
With either, simply set the gauge in place and file off any of the depth gauge that sticks up.

All about saw chain guide bars

red@sarna.org
Last modified: Sun Mar 18 19:16:45 EDT 2012