Most of the time when a saw won’t cut straight, it’s caused by a problem with the saw chain. Most of the time, when a saw won’t cut straight, the chain is the culprit. Since a saw chain is a “Team” of cutter teeth, the cut will pull in the direction of the side whose cutter teeth take the biggest bites.
Your chain will have links on both sides of the chain. As I mentioned earlier, the chain is most likely the root cause of your problem, but if that’s not it, then it could also be your chainsaw bar. Use your gauge tool to clean the oil hole on both sides of the bar, to keep your chain running smoothly.
If a chainsaw cuts at an angle rather than cutting straight, then the problem most certainly lies in the guide bar and chain assembly. Adjust the chainsaw bar: If possible, adjust your chainsaw bar on a bench before continuing. Use a bar cleaner handle: A bar cleaner hook tool removes debris stuck in the bar’s rails.
The most probable reason why a chainsaw pulls either to the right or left during a cut is because it was sharpened unevenly. Keep working the side which you feel lacks attention, and eventually the chainsaw should start going as straight as new. The teeth have to be equally sharp on each end to make the chainsaw work straight.
I’ve also seen chains that were brend new at the start of the day, cutting cut circles by the end of the day due to someone hitting dirt/sand/rocks or pushing the chain way longer then they should have. If the chain is damaged like it would be if its cutting arcs take the chain to a saw shop to get the chain sharpened. Bottom line, if sharpened at the right angles, and if sharp……it will cut straight.
what causes a chainsaw not to cut straight Related Question:
What causes a chainsaw to cut at an angle?
Uneven top plates can cause a chain to cut crooked. It’s important to keep all top plates equal length. Dull cutters damaged by rocks can cause a chain to cut crooked. It’s important to remove all damage from cutters prior to cutting.
Why does my chainsaw always cut to the right?
One major reason a chainsaw curves to either the right or left during a cut is that it was unevenly sharpened. The unequal teeth of the chain cause it to take a different-sized bite into the wood. What is this? The uneven sharpness of the chain is mainly due to manual sharpening, especially with the use of a file.
How do you fix uneven wood cuts?
Usually, the fixing method is to fill the gap with lots of glue and wood filler. But here’s a better method, take a small piece of wood and put it in the gap. Then glue it in the right place and clamp it to the side of the tenon. Make sure that you have arranged the grain of the wood.
What angle do you sharpen a chainsaw?
Always file at right angles to the guide rail. The right sharpening angle depends on the saw chain and the wood that you want to cut. The sharpening angle will generally be between 25° and 35° – the harder the wood, the greater the angle.
When should a chainsaw chain be replaced?
Once the wear markers have been met it’s essential to replace the chainsaw chain. Filing past the wear marker will greatly reduce the chain’s cutting performance, and increases the risk of the tooth breaking off. Ideally you should reach the tooth and depth gauge markers at roughly about the same time.
Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?
There is a tension screw located near the base of the bar on the chainsaw. To tighten the chain, turn it clockwise, and to loosen turn it counterclockwise. Don’t over-tighten the chain as this could cause it to break.
Why does my chainsaw keep throwing the chain?
The drive sprocket is the mechanism that propels the saw blades on the chain around the bar. If the sprocket gets significantly worn down, it will be impossible to maintain proper chain tension, which will result in your chain saw throwing its chain.
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common hazards associated with chainsaws are injuries caused by kickback, pushback, and pull-in. Kickback is the most common and poses the greatest hazard. Kickback occurs when the rotating chain is stopped suddenly by contact with a more solid area throwing the saw rapidly backward toward the operator.
Can you cut with both sides of a chainsaw?
A chainsaw is one of the most versatile tools you can own, but it cuts both wood and flesh equally well.
Do you flip the bar on a chainsaw?
Every chainsaw bar has been designed to be mounted right-side up or upside down. The reason for this is that it allows the user to extend the life of his chainsaw bar by 50%. Flipping the bar will give the heavily-used areas some relief from wear and tear.
Can you drill holes in chainsaw bar?
Re: Drilling a Chainsaw Bar Drilling that bar may not be as difficult as you think. It will be best if you use a drill press, start with a pilot hole, and then drill to the size you need. Make sure you have a sharp bit, run at the lowest speed you can, and use cutting fluid.
Why does my chainsaw dull so fast?
Dirt Causes A Chainsaw To Dull If you’re cutting through logs and your angle of approach is too steep, a simple cut through could nick dirt or even worse, rocks on the floor causing your chainsaw to jerk, thus dulling.