You’re trying to cut down that tree, but your chain saw just isn’t performing the way it should. You stop to sharpen the blade, thinking that will do the trick – but it still doesn’t seem to be cutting right. What’s going on?
It could be that your chain saw isn’t getting sharpened properly. When you sharpen a chain saw blade, there are certain angles you need to hit in order for it to perform well. If you’re not hitting those angles, then you’re not going to get the results you want.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on why a sharpened chain saw does not cut right and how to fix this issue. With these tips, you’ll be able to get your chain saw back into top condition and start cutting through those trees like butter.
Why sharpened chain saw does not cut right:
Here are some reasons why your sharpened chain saw might not be cutting correctly:
1. The chain is dull:
A sharpened chain saw should cut through wood easily, but if the chain is dull, it will not be able to do so. This is because a dull chain will not have the same cutting ability as a sharp one, and it can also cause damage to the blade and the wood being cut. To fix this problem, you will need to sharpen the chain using a chainsaw sharpener.
2. The chain is damaged:
If the chain is damaged, it will also not be able to cut correctly. This is because a damaged chain can cause problems with the way the teeth are aligned, which will make it difficult for the saw to cut through anything. You can tell if the chain is damaged by checking for bent or broken teeth, as well as by looking for excessive wear on the chain. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
3. The bar is damaged:
If the bar is damaged, it can also affect the way the chain saw cuts. This is because a damaged bar can cause the chain to come off the track, which will lead to poor cutting performance. You can tell if the bar is damaged by looking for dents, cracks, and bends in the metal. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
4. The sprocket is damaged:
The sprocket is the part of the chain saw that connects the chain to the engine. If the sprocket is damaged, it can cause the chain to come off or to slip, which will lead to poor cutting performance. You can tell if the sprocket is damaged by looking for cracks, breaks, or excessive wear. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
5. The engine is not running at the proper speed:
If the engine is not running at the proper speed, it can also affect the way the chain saw cuts. This is because an engine that is running too slowly will not be able to provide enough power to the chain, which will lead to poor cutting performance. You can check the engine speed by using a tachometer. If the engine is running too slowly, you will need to adjust the throttle.
6. The fuel mixture is incorrect:
If the fuel mixture is incorrect, it can also affect the way the chain saw cuts. This is because an incorrect fuel mixture can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which will lead to poor cutting performance. You can adjust the fuel mixture by using the carburetor adjustment screws.
7. The air filter is dirty or clogged:
If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it can also affect the way the chain saw cuts. This is because a dirty or clogged air filter will prevent enough air from getting to the engine, which will cause it to run improperly. You can clean or replace the air filter as needed.
8. There is something wrong with the carburetor adjustment:
If there is something wrong with the carburetor adjustment, it can also affect the way the chain saw cuts. This is because an incorrect carburetor setting will cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which will lead to poor cutting performance. You can adjust the carburetor by using the carburetor adjustment screws.
How to fix this issue:
Here are some steps to fix the problem:
- Check if the chain is dull and needs to be replaced or sharpened.
- Inspect the saw to see if there is any damage that might be causing it to not cut correctly.
- Adjust the tension of the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure that the bar is properly lubricated.
- If all else fails, take the saw to a professional for help.
Tips for avoiding:
- Make sure to keep the chain properly lubricated.
- Inspect the saw regularly for damage and fix it as soon as possible.
- Adjust the tension of the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Only use high-quality replacement parts when necessary.
- Take the saw to a professional for regular maintenance and repairs.
FAQs:
How can you tell if the chain saw is sharpened correctly?
If the chain saw is not sharpened correctly, it will not cut through the material properly. The most common problem with a sharpened chain saw is that the blade will start to “wander” off track, making it difficult to cut evenly. There are a few ways to tell if your chain saw is sharpened correctly:
The chain should be sharpened to a point.
The chain should also be adjusted so that it is snug against the guide bar.
If the chain saw is cutting properly, the guide bar should be completely clean (no sawdust or wood chips).
How often should you sharpen the chain?
The frequency with which you need to sharpen the chain will depend on how often you use your chain saw, as well as the type of material you are cutting. It is generally recommended that you sharpen the chain after every 5-10 hours of use.
When sharpening the chain, be sure to use a file that is the same size as the teeth on the chain. Using a file that is too small will result in an uneven edge while using a file that is too large will cause the chain to become dull more quickly.
What are the consequences of not sharpening the chain correctly?
If the chain is not sharpened correctly, it can cause a number of problems, including:
The chain saw will be less effective and may take longer to cut through the material.
The chain may start to “wander” off track, making it difficult to cut evenly.
The chain may become dull more quickly.
The chain may break or come off the guide bar.
How can I tell if my chain saw blade is too dull?
If your chain saw blade is too dull, you will notice that it takes longer to cut through the material. The teeth on the blade may also become bent or damaged. If you notice any of these problems, it is time to sharpen the blade.
Conclusion:
We hope this article has helped to clear up the confusion about chain saw sharpening. It is important to remember that there are many factors that go into a well-sharpened chain saw, and it is not always easy to get it just right.
However, with a little practice and some patience, you should be able to achieve great results. Have you tried sharpening your own chain saw? What tips do you have for our readers? Let us know in the comments below.