Chainsaw Chains......

bower · #41 01/29/14, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph97297

I have a guide and an electric sharpener. I set up my electric one with a new chain to get my angle set, but only use it after 5-6 times with the hand file. Usually I hand file during each fill up and that gets me through the day.

After I hand file for a day I usually take that chain out of rotation (5-6 times with hand file) and will wait until I have about 8-10 chains to use the electric sharpener.

I check the depth gauges when I use the electric sharpener, that means after 5-6 hand files, I'll check em.

I'm not good enough to free hand (well, probably, but the guide works for me).

Like I said, I can take a chain straight from the box, put it on, tension it, and within 1-2 cuts, it seems as if I am using a hand-held gas-powered band saw. Really smooth cut, really dusty, and really, really slow.

I will try to get a Stihl chain as recommended and see if there is any difference.

Otherwise, I may just order a load or two of firewood for the remainder of this season and stick to cutting green trees and waiting for them to season for Winter 14-15 (and saving some chains in the process).

Unless you hit rocks or really throw it into the dirt a properly hand sharpened chain is better than any electric sharpened chain. I would try out those roller guides as they will allow you to easily get the correct depth and it makes hand sharpening a breeze. With a little practice you can get a chain sharper than out of the box.

joseph97297 · #42 01/29/14, 04:33 PM

Will do. I use to take my chains in for sharpening, but my dad gave me the electric one so I figured to save myself some money.

Off to Amazon to check for chains. If not there, then Bailey's here I come..... or does anyone else have a good place for chains?

JoePa · #43 01/29/14, 04:43 PM

Excessive heat will dull any sharpened edge - you got to make sure that you are not overheating the chain when you are cutting - take it slower and don't exert too much pressure - I've been cutting firewood for over 35 years - use Stihl saws and chains - never had a problem with the chains getting dull so fast - I always sharpen the chains with a hand file - there are plenty of u tube deminstrations on how to do it properly -

bower · #44 01/29/14, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoePa

Excessive heat will dull any sharpened edge - you got to make sure that you are not overheating the chain when you are cutting - take it slower and don't exert too much pressure - I've been cutting firewood for over 35 years - use Stihl saws and chains - never had a problem with the chains getting dull so fast - I always sharpen the chains with a hand file - there are plenty of u tube deminstrations on how to do it properly -

THIS. If you're cutting downed wood that may have had time to dry you lose much of that natural water that green wood has which keeps your chain cool. If your chains are a little dull then you add to the heat dulling the chain even more. Grab those roller guides. You might not understand them at first but if even want I wouldn't mind you calling for me to explain how to use them since they're very useful.

lonelytree · #45 01/29/14, 05:25 PM

You could also turn up the oiler.

bower · #46 01/29/14, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonelytree

You could also turn up the oiler.

Doubtful on a homeowner saw but I'm no husky expert. If so then for sure.

logbuilder · #47 01/29/14, 05:38 PM

Here is a youtube video that does a good job of explaining the basics of chains and sharpening.

simi-steading · #48 01/29/14, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bower

Doubtful on a homeowner saw but I'm no husky expert. If so then for sure.

I think some you can.... Mine's got three settings.. Oil is cheaper than bars....

MNBobcat · #49 02/03/14, 02:23 PM

Don't use a full chisel chain on dirty wood. They'll dull right away. You want to use a semi-chisel on dirty wood. The Stihl brand of chain has a better grade of metal that holds sharp longer than the Oregon brand of chains. I'm running Oregon but am going to switch to Stihl for the reason above.

Allen W · #50 02/03/14, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph97297

Will do. I use to take my chains in for sharpening, but my dad gave me the electric one so I figured to save myself some money.

Off to Amazon to check for chains. If not there, then Bailey's here I come..... or does anyone else have a good place for chains?

Bailey's house brand chain is what I run with a loop of stihl mixed in part of the time. I like the bailey's best.