Chopping Chain Saws

Archive for the ‘Maintenance’ Category

All chainsaws will usually have either a manual or automatic chain oiling system.

Oil is needed to reduce friction and prevent heat from building between the chain and guide bar as well as to insure that the chain operates smoothly at high speeds.

Testing the oiling system is easy. Simply hold your chainsaw approximately 2-3″ above a sheet of white of paper and rev the chainsaw a couple of times. For chainsaws with a manual chain oil controls, you want to depress the oil lever while you are revving the chainsaw. If your chainsaw oiling system is function properly, you will see a light mist of oil on the sheet of paper. If oil was not dispensed during testing, then there is a problem with the oiling system and you should not use your chainsaw until the problem has been corrected.

The first thing you need to do is make sure there is sufficient oil on the oil reservoir. If the oil reservoir is full, then remove the chain and inspect the oil passages on the guide bar. It is very possible that his has become dirty, and simply need to be cleaned with a shop rag.

Your next step is to check the oil outlets. These should be located near the clutch and sprocket assembly that is behind the guide bar mounts. Many times these become clogged with sawdust and chain oil and need to be cleaned. Usually a careful and thorough cleaning will remedy any problems with the oiling system’s performance. Refer to your owner’s manual for the precise locations of the oil outlets on your particular chainsaw.

Once you have performed these steps, if the oiling system still doesn’t function properly, you will need to take your chainsaw to an authorized service center.

When your chainsaw is new, the chain will wear and stretch significantly, this is also true for new chains.

With new chains, sometimes you will be required to readjust them within five to ten cuts. A loose chain can be hazardous; it can bind in the wood or come off of the guide bar. A chain that is too tight on the other hand will cause the chain and guide bar to wear prematurely. To test your chain’s tension gently pull it with a gloved hand. A well-adjusted chain will not bind or sag and will move easily and smoothly.

Step 1: Using a wrench, loosen the guide bar retaining nuts located on the side of the saw
where the guide bar attaches to the motor.

Step 2: You want to locate the chain tension adjustment screw. This should be on the front of the motor housing near the guide bar. (If it is not there, then check your owner’s manual to for the location of the adjustment screw.)

Step 3: With a screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to increase the tension. To decrease the tension, turn the screw counterclockwise. Properly correct the chain tension if needed for your chainsaw to work safely and properly. When your chain is properly set, it will be snug, yet able to be moved freely when pulled with a gloved hand.

After you have tightened the saw chain, if the chain is still too loose, then the chin will need to be replaced. Before installing a new chain, soak it in SAE 30 oil overnight.

TIP: Always keep at least one replacement chain on hand.

Step 4: Once the chain tension has been adjusted, while holding the guide bar in its uppermost position, tighten the guide bar retaining nuts.

It is important to keep in mind that even when your saw is sharp, it will not properly cut if the depth gauges are incorrectly set.

It is recommended that you check your depth gauges after every third sharpening. The depth gauge control how thick a chip of wood the cutters are able to remove at one time. When the depth gauge set higher than the top leading edge of the cutters, the cutter cannot cut or chip the wood, no matter how sharp it is. On the other hand, when the depth gauge is set too low, the cutters will attempt to take too large a chip. This will result in it cutting roughly and unsafely. The chainsaw will also vibrate more and increase the chance of the cutters breaking.

Before you can properly setting your depth gauges, it is important that you have the correct depth gauge tool. Most saw chains are stamped with a number on each cutter located on the depth gauge indicating the correct depth gauge setting. If you are unsure of your chain’s depth gauge setting, ask your chainsaw dealer. These steps will help you correctly set your depth gauges:

First, place the depth gauge tool on top of the chain so that 1 depth gauge protrudes through the slot in the tool. Using a flat file, file the depth gauge down level with the top of the depth gauge tool if the depth gauge extends above the slot.
Do not file the depth gauge down so that it exceeds the depth gauge setting specified.

Chainsaws like everything else can break down and have problems.

If you can figure out what the problem is, you can save on repair bills, plus keep your chainsaw working properly longer. The following is a basic list if symptoms and the possible mechanical problems and Solution.

Symptom: Difficult or poor cutting

Possible Problems/ Solutions: There can be several reasons why your chainsaw isn’t cutting properly. To investigate the cause, always start with the obvious – the saw chain. Is the chain dull? If so sharpen it. Has the chain been improperly sharpened? If this is the reason, then you will have to carefully inspect the chain and reshape it correctly or replace it. Are your depth gages set too high? Check to see if you have place the chain on backwards. (My father did this all the time.) If this is the cause then simply turn the chain around. Next, move to the guide bar. Has it been damaged? If so, then you may have to replace it. Is your bar and chain getting lubrication? If not, check and fill the oil reservoir and adjust the oilers. If this doesn’t correct the problem then move to the muffler, are the exhaust ports dirty? If so, clean the muffler and exhaust ports. You also want to see if your fuel filter needs cleaning and if your carburetor is properly adjusted. If none of these solutions resolves your problem, then take your chainsaw in for service.

Symptom: Engine will not start

Possible Problems/ Solutions: Again there could be several reasons for this, and like before, we are going to start with the obvious. Check to see if the switch is turned on. Next, pull out your owner’s manual and follow their starting procedure. If your chainsaw still will not start, check the fuel tank. The next possible reason the chainsaw won’t start is that the spark plugs may be fouled or the engine is flooded, in either case, clean, or replace the spark plugs. Lastly, the problem could be the carburetor is adjusted incorrect. If this is the problem then simply adjust the carburetor. If none of these solutions resolves your problem, then take your chainsaw in for service.

Symptom: Engine shuts off or doesn’t accelerate:

Possible Problems/ Solutions: Generally, when this occurs I always check to see if there is full in the tank. Next, I check the air cleaner and clean them. If this doesn’t solve my problem, I next clean or replace the spark plug as well as check the carburetor adjustment and lastly, I check to see if debris has clogged the vent on the fuel tank cap. If none of these solves my problem, I take my chainsaw in for service.

These are a few of the simple solutions, as you can see, many of the problems could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

With normal use of you chainsaw, the saw chain blades will eventually become dull.

To ensure that your chainsaw operates properly, the chain blades periodically need to be sharpened.

There are several easy methods to keep the teeth of your chainsaw sharp. You can purchase kits, rotary tool attachments, or just spend a couple of minutes with the proper files. For the first-time chainsaw owner, your chainsaw storeowners and technicians can show you how to correctly sharpen your chainsaw. Many major home-do-it-yourself stores also offer classes during the fall and winter months, or perhaps you may ask a neighbor experienced in saw sharpening to show you how.

To tell if your chain needs sharpened, follow these guidelines:

* If you have to apply pressure on the bar to cut.
* The chainsaw produces more sawdust than wood chips
* There is light reflecting off the leading edges of the cutters. Sharp cutters do not have flat edges to reflect light.
* Do you have any bent or burred drive links
* If you have any broken cutters or tie-straps
* Loose or broken rivets, or rivet heads

If you have broken parts, it is best to replace the chain.

To sharpen your chainsaw it is important to know that different types and sizes of saw chains, require different sizes of round files to sharpen them. Make sure you have purchased the correct size of round file for the size of saw chain you use. In addition to the round file, you will also need a flat file to lower the rakers, (depth gauges). Many experienced chainsaw owners sharpen their saw chains without using sharpening guides, however, you will achieve a better and consistent job is you using a sharpening jig, which you can purchase from wherever chainsaw parts and accessories are sold.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw blade:

Make sure you have the correct size file and file guide. If you are hand filing, ensure that you hold 20% of the file’s diameter above the cutter’s top plate. The easiest way to hold the file in this position is to use the correct file guide. Most cutters have a guide mark that is stamped near the rear edge of the top plate that can be used as a guide for the filing angle. Make sure to keep the correct top-plate filing angle line on your file guide parallel with the chain. You want to sharpen the cutters on one side of the chain, filing from the inside of each cutter to the outside. Next, turn your chainsaw around and repeat this process. If you notice damage on the chrome surface of the top plates, or side plates, then file back until you remove the damage. Start with the cutters that have the most damage and hand file all cutters back until they are equal. It is important that all cutters are kept equal.

Important Note: Never attempt to file or alter the tops of the kickback reducing bumper tie straps, or bumper drive links.

Usually once the warm weather returns, our chainsaws are stored away.

To guarantee that your chainsaw will be ready the first cool autumn morning that you need it, we’ve listed the following instructions on how to safely store your chainsaw:

* Drain the fuel tank. Unleaded gasoline becomes destabilized in approximately 30 days. (This is valuable to know if you store gasoline for other power tools such as hedge clippers, lawn mowers, edgers, trenchers, etc.)
* After the fuel tank has been drained, run the engine until it stops. This will clean the fuel from the carburetor. Fuel left in the carburetor can foul the spark plug, clog fuel lines, and cause your chainsaw to be difficult to start.
* Once the engine has cooled completely, remove the spark plug, then add approximately 2-cycle oil to the combustion chamber. (Oil displaces water vapors and reduces the risk of rust.)
* Pull the starter slowly a couple of times to coat all internal parts of your chainsaw.
* Replace the spark plug.
* Place chainsaw in case if you have one.

When it is time to remove your chainsaw for storage, simply follow these instructions:

* Briskly pull the starter cord to clear the oil from the combustion chamber.
* Clean and re-gap the spark plug.
* Refill the fuel tank with fresh oil/ fuel mixture.
* Check the chainsaw’s oiling system, chain, guide bar, and all other safety features before use.