Your chainsaw will require sharpening. The frequency for sharpening your chain will depend on several factors such as whether or not you have let the chain come into contact with the ground or any other foreign object, the type of wood you are cutting, the amount of dirt and foreign object that can be embedded in the wood.
For example, barbed wire fence can become absorbed by a tree through the years of growth and your chain can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and its it comes into contact with the ground for just a split second, that can be more than enough to dull the chain to the point that will require immediate sharpening.
Even a standing tree will have a certain amount of dirt embedded in its bark from wind blown debris that will dull your chain over time. One good rule of thumb to make sure your chain remains sharp and in good condition is to file the chain with a few light strokes on each tooth using a filing guide each time you refuel even if you think it's still sharp.
You can determine the chainsaw's condition by physically inspecting the cutting edges for rough or worn spots. Also be sure to inspect the chain links and ribbets for wear, cracks or damage. If any part of your chain is cracked, worn or damaged, you should replace it immediately and have the damaged chain inspected and repaired if possible by your authorized dealer.
When operating your chainsaw, there are certain things you can look for that will indicate the condition of your chain. When the chain is sharpened properly, it will produce large well-defined chips from the cut. When a chain isn't sharpened properly or is dull, it will produce a finely granulated form of powdered sawdust. Looking at the sawdust is a good first indication of the condition of your chain.
In operation, the chainsaw is designed to cut effortlessly and with very little pressure applied by the operator. If you find you have to apply excess pressure to the saw in order to cut, the chain is most likely dull or you may have a problem with your bar and chain lubrication system.
Often when you find you have to apply a lot of pressure to mark the chainsaw cut, you will also see smoke coming off the top of the bar, another good indication of the chain's condition or lubrication problem. If the conditions occur, you may need to sharpen your chain immediately or replace it and check the bar and chain lubrication system. To continue cutting with the dull chain or lack of bar and chain lubricant will cause operator fatigue and a high rate of wear on critical parts of your chainsaw.
Another indicator to look for is if your chainsaw tends to drift to the right of left in the cut. This would indicate that the angle on your chain has been sharpened incorrectly and will need to be resharpened or it could mean your bar rails are worn unevenly. This could also cause operator fatigue, unsafe operating conditions or damage to your chainsaw.
With the right tools and instruction, you can maintain your bar, chain and sprocket with confidence. Let's look at how you would perform this service in the field.