Generally, a fully functional chainsaw should cut straight and smooth, but if this does not happen, your chainsaw is likely to be faulty. The chainsaw bar can cause the chainsaw not to cut woods straight. The first step to solving any chainsaw problem is to understand the type of chainsaw suitable for your needs and how it operates.
Dull cutters damaged by rocks can cause a chain to cut crooked. It’s important to remove all damage from cutters prior to cutting. Cutting with a dull chain can accelerate wear to the bar and chain.
When the saw teeth become chipped, damaged or dull, the chainsaw likely won’t cut straight, especially if more teeth are affected along one side of the chain. Sharpen the teeth uniformly using a file and file guide, or take it to professional for sharpening. Madsen’s recommends using a grinder rather than a file, if you want to avoid taking it to a professional.
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.
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.
why is my chainsaw cutting to the right Related Question:
What causes a chainsaw to cut sideways?
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.
How do I stop my chainsaw from cutting crooked?
Check the size of the top plates, which sit on the longer sections of each tooth on the chain. These top plates should be the same size. If some are shorter than others, file the longer ones down to match. Keep the same angle on all the top plates as you file – angles that don’t match also can cause curved cutting.
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
The chainsaw pulls in one direction, which results in a crooked finish. Blunt cutting teeth on one side or uneven teeth lengths usually cause this. The teeth has hit rocks or dirt and broken. If you notice the tops of the teeth are missing you will need to replace the chain.
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.
How do you know if your chainsaw sprocket is worn out?
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.
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.
How long should a chainsaw bar last?
Re: how long does a bar last The next, a Granberg, lasted about 2 months. About that time Stihl started using them with the same results. A good bar can be filed a few times on both sides and the tip replaced when needed. They could last almost as long as the saw.
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 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 many times can you sharpen a chainsaw?
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.
Does cutting 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.
How much does it cost to sharpen chainsaw chain?
A typical chainsaw can be sharpened up to 10 times before it’s time for a replacement. The cost to have a chainsaw sharpened ranges from $13 to $16. The average cost per chainsaw sharpening is $14.50 for people who choose to have their chainsaws professionally sharpened.
When should a Stihl chainsaw sprocket be replaced?
To maintain the service life of your saw chain, STIHL recommends that you replace the sprocket on your chainsaw after you have gone through two chains or sooner if the sprocket shows more than 0.5 mm of wear. STIHL advises alternating between the two saw chains to help keep the sprocket from wearing out prematurely.