Pro tip: Dust means it’s time to sharpen. Chips indicate that the cutters are sharp. Note: A dull chain is dangerous—it greatly increases the chances of kickback. The chain is more likely to catch in the material and propel the bar up toward the operator.
Here are a few signs on how to tell if a chainsaw chain is sharp. If the chain of the chainsaw hits soil, ice, or rocks multiple times, then it’s probably time to change and replace your chainsaw chain. If the chain passes those lines, there’s a risk of the chain breaking into separate pieces or even the chain flying off while using.
FYI, the pile in the left hand came from a new Oregon LGX chain with maybe 10 cuts into it. The pile in the right hand came from the same chain as it got into about 25-30 cuts.
The chainsaw has a power-driven and fast revolving chain of metal teeth which is known as the chainsaw chain. Below are some additional ways to tell if a chainsaw chain is sharp. A dull chainsaw chain produces fine sawdust, less thick than that produced from a sharp chainsaw chain.
sharp vs dull chainsaw Related Question:
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is blunt?
When looking at the chain itself if you can see a line of light on the cutting edge, the chain is blunt (see below). The teeth on a chain are chrome plated; the thin hard chrome edge of the chain does all the work.
Why does my chainsaw blade dull so quickly?
Is the wood that you’re cutting with the chainsaw particularly dirty? Many chainsaw enthusiasts have noted that their blades dull faster when they’re cutting muddy wood. If the logs that you’re cutting up are muddy, then perhaps that is the sole reason why your blade is dulling too fast.
Why does my chainsaw get 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.
Is it better to sharpen chainsaw chain or buy new?
Sharpen before replacing If your chainsaw chain becomes dull after a long lifespan, it will struggle to cut through the wood at the efficiency it once had. This is why, where possible, you should be looking to keep the will be chain sharp, as sharpening a better course of action than sourcing a replacement.
How many times can I sharpen my chainsaw chain?
Cutters can be sharpened up to 10 times or more before the chain needs replacing. If your cutters are worn unevenly after a few sharpenings, a professional can regrind them to uniform shape. If you use the same chain for a few years, then buy a new one, the new one won’t mesh smoothly with the sprocket and bar.
How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
Will plastic dull a chainsaw?
Can Chainsaws Cut Through Plastic? Yes. Chainsaws do a good job cutting plastic.
Why does my chainsaw bar smoke?
This most commonly is a result of a dull chain and exerting to much pressure on the bar and chain trying to make the chain saw cut. This could also be either a lack of bar and chain oil ( tank empty, restricted oiler hole ) or an inferior type of oil that is being slung off the chain and not lubricating.
Which chainsaw blade is dull?
The chainsaw runs in one direction causing a crooked cut. This is an indication of dull cutting teeth on one side of the chain or uneven cutting teeth lengths. The chainsaw “rattles” and “bounces” during the cut. It is difficult to achieve precise positioning.
What is the cutting edge of a chainsaw chain?
Chainsaw chains rotate in a clockwise direction, so the cutting edges should be facing away from the engine and to the right, on the top of the chain.
Will wet wood dull a chainsaw?
Does Cutting Wet Wood Dull a Chainsaw? Using your chainsaw to cut through wet wood will not dull the chain any faster than using it for other types of wood. When you think about it, your chainsaw chain is already wet. True, it is not wet with water.
Does hard wood dull a chainsaw?
Re: Chainsaw and oak Very hard but really puts out the heat in the fireplace. If you cut it green it is not too bad. After it has dried it will dull a chain about each tank of gas. And that was Stihl chain.
How often should I change my chainsaw chain?
The chain sprocket must be replaced if the depth of the wear marks reaches about 0.5mm, i.e. the wear limit. A seriously worn chain sprocket can cause the chainsaw chain and guide bar to wear at an increased rate, as well as reducing cutting performance too, so it’s important to keep an eye on.
Why do loggers run upside down bars?
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.