Almost any owner of a residential private home or homestead has a tool for cutting wood: a jigsaw, a saw, or a powerful fuel-powered electric saw. Undoubtedly, any of the listed equipment will require a certain skill and skill to work. If you own an electric tool, a basic knowledge of the characteristics of the chains, how to replace them and how to properly sharpen them is required.
The electric saw is the ideal ergonomic tool for regular home repairs: building a fence, repairing a barn, sawing logs. Thanks to its compact design, it is easy to use both indoors and outdoors, requiring only a power source.
Unlike gasoline options, you don’t have to spend money on fuel, and the accuracy of the operation will be top notch.
The only disadvantage is the required interval of sawing wood, that is, the saw is in operation for forty seconds and then rests for twenty seconds.
Short article content:
Choosing a chain for a saw
The picture of the saw chain shows an old, worn-out model that has been used extensively. Such a part should either be sharpened or completely replaced with a new one, since it is on the same place as the motor in terms of importance.
Before selecting a saw chain, it is advisable to consider the following nuances:
- The type of chain directly depends on the purpose of its use. For example, a 3/8″ pitch is better if you require the most power from the tool, while a lower load allows for 0.325″ pitch. The volume of the cylinder can be disregarded;
- when replacing any replacement part, it is better to take products from the same manufacturer to avoid incompatibility as a whole;
- look at the sharpening angle, which affects care, replacement and future work process. For large amounts of work, a 30-degree angle is reasonable. But more complex woodworking will require sharpening the chain at 10 degrees;
- The size of the product must match the size of the bars. But despite proper length selection, it may stretch during use, which is eliminated by removing a few links.
Of course, experts recommend taking into account the quality of the material and the way it is processed.
Teeth and their dimensions
An important element of a modern chain are the teeth, which have distinctive features, which should also be taken into account when buying. Every part of the tooth carries an individual name.
The inclination of the blade from the end face and the sliding surface connect the front angle, which has a value of a maximum of 85 degrees. It should be corrected when working on sharpening the chain. And absolutely every part, its parameters are directly responsible for the cutting action of the electric saw.
It is not possible to adjust the angle on your own, for this purpose there are special standard norms that must be exactly observed.
The rear angle, the most important one, is between 50 and 60 degrees.
Changing the chain at home
Any manufacturing company allows you to replace the chain with your own hands, in addition, even attached exact instructions on how to replace or repair the equipment yourself.
The first step, that is, before putting the chain on the saw, is to purchase a new part.
Perhaps the most popular and relatively inexpensive option is the side-tensioned saw. Replacing the chain requires a few steps:
- Pull back the protective shield, while lowering the brake at the same time.
- Turn the test tension screw using a screwdriver, then unscrew the nut, loosening the tension.
- Remove the cover.
- Separate the tire and sprocket.
- Remove the used chain by replacing it with a new one.
- Then put all the parts back in the exact order.
Keep in mind that the chain must be tightened with smooth movements, i.e. do not make rough jerks. With the plastic cover closed, you can fully tighten the chain with the screw and nut. More brand-name designs have wing nuts for quick tensioning, which provokes quicker replacement.
Sharpening the chain of an electric saw
Undoubtedly, the quality of the equipment decreases significantly as time passes, because wood is not the softest raw material, and the cutting surface tends to gradually deteriorate in performance. In time, the untreated teeth will lose their initial shape at all and will have to be completely replaced, which will require the greatest financial expenses.
It is worth considering that the condition of the teeth needs constant monitoring, as there is no definite time for spoilage of parts. A dull part can easily be identified by the quality and size of the chips.
Dull saw teeth release very fine and dark wood dust. It is therefore necessary to inspect the condition of the working tool immediately. Sharp elements imply no chipping, disturbance of integrity and changes in the appearance of the cutting edge.
Of course, you can go to a professional saw sharpener, who will do the job without a doubt more qualitatively. But, a more budgetary option would be self-treatment with special tools.
Most craftsmen use files for this purpose, but you need a special set:
- flat file, correcting depth limitation;
- a frame that determines the angle;
- circular part with orienting strips;
- gauge.
As a rule, the chain is inserted into a bar secured in a vise, select an appropriate file that fits the diameter of the teeth. It is necessary to notice the first tooth in order to avoid a second round of sharpening.
The master makes precise rhythmic movements to one side. The gauge is applied to the edge with the face of the limiting part. When finished, the quality of the tool should be checked by making a test cut.
To extend the life of the tool, it should not be used on materials other than wood! For this purpose, make sure there are no foreign metal objects in the wood (nail, bolt, staple). Regular lubrication of the chain and checking the machine for overheating is recommended.
It is better to use high stands when working with the tool, to avoid contact of the bar with the soil. It is necessary to observe accurately the intervals of the working mode of the equipment. Observing the following simple rules, you can significantly extend the life of the electric “helper”!
Saw chain photo
10/30
