First things first. When did you last use your chainsaw? Last month? Last year?
A blunt chainsaw may not seem like a big deal when you start up the engine, but it could quickly end in disaster - for you and the tree.
Recognising a blunt chainsaw isn’t rocket science, but it is important to know the signs, especially if you plan to do a little Christmas tree chopping this holiday season.
Here at Sunshine Coast Mowers, our team are the experts in chainsaw maintenance and repairs and can help with your concerns of a blunt chainsaw, before you strike up the engine.
If you are concerned your chainsaw is blunt, there are a few signs to look out for:
- First of all, how does the chain look? If it has been sitting in the garage for a while then you may find signs of rust, which could mean a blunt chain is imminent. Make sure to inspect your equipment fully before starting up the engine, as the tell tale signs could be right in front of you.
- If you think the chain looks clean and sharp, try it first on a small, stable log. Does your chain pull itself into the wood, or do you need to force it? A dull chain won’t eat into what you need to cut, which will force you to apply pressure.
- Sound is a big one. If your chain rattles, bounces and growls at you when cutting then it’s most likely blunt - or very close to its last days.
- Can you smell the engine working in overtime? If you see smoke when cutting, then your chainsaw is most likely blunt and you could be hurting the engine by forcing the motor to work through the wood with a blunt chain.
Remember, a chainsaw can only truly turn its power into peak cutting performance with a sharp chain. If you notice these signs while working with your chainsaw, it is time to sharpen or possibly replace the saw chain. We can help with both these tasks at Sunshine Coast Mowers.
Using markings as aids when sharpening the saw chain
Every STIHL saw chain has so called service and wear marks.
Service marks to sharpen a STIHL saw chain:
- Marking for the correct cutting angle of the top-plate cutting edge and the minimum cutting tooth length. The saw chain must be replaced if this mark is reached during resharpening.
- Marking for the correct angle of the side plate and the minimum cutting tooth length.
- Marking for the correct angle of the depth gauge and wear. The resetting of the depth gauge must run parallel to this mark.
- Check mark for the wear of the cutting tooth running faces. Consistent wear parallel to the mark indicates normal chain wear.
Checkout our Chainsaw Accessories for chains and sharpening tools.