Last Updated on January 10, 2023
A chainsaw should be sharpened regularly like other cutting tools.
While you can sharpen it manually with a tool like a file, an electric chainsaw sharpener is quite effective in sharpening a chainsaw. Not to mention, it saves your time and gives you superb results.
Unlike other methods of sharpening a chainsaw blade, an electric sharpener is an economical way of making your cutters sharp. Plus, you can use it to sharpen different chainsaws in the comfort of your home.
Sharpening a chainsaw makes it easier for you to cut in a short time.
In this post, we are going to show you how to sharpen a chainsaw blade with an electric sharpener. We are also going to give you some maintenance tips.
How Do You Know If the Teeth of Your Chainsaw Are Blunt or Not?
Using a blunt chainsaw can be quite cumbersome. A blunt chainsaw may not be effective in cutting different types of wood.
If you are exerting a lot of pressure while cutting a piece of wood, your chainsaw might be blunt.
Moreover, the teeth of a blunt chainsaw may deflect in a certain direction as you are cutting wood.
If your chainsaw is displacing wood in the form of wood dust instead of displacing wood chips, the blades might be blunt.
Step By Step Guide On Sharpening With An Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Step 1: Get Some Information on the Type Of Blades That You Are Using
Since chainsaws come with different features, you have to find out the type of cutters you are using. Most chainsaws have an information guide that gives you some insight into the type and quality of blade featured on your chainsaw. Not to mention, it also shows you the gauge and the pitch of the blades.
Now, if your chainsaw doesn’t have such crucial information, you can visit their official website and search for such information from their database.
With such information, you can easily find a sharpening disc that is compatible with the blades you are using.
Step 2: Place Your Electric Chainsaw Sharpener on a Stable Surface
The next step is to place your electric sharpener on a flat and sturdy surface. Some electric sharpeners have a bench-mount design that allows you to mount them on a stable surface as you are sharpening your blades.
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Placing your electric chainsaw sharpener on a sturdy surface makes it easier for you to sharpen a chainsaw blade. Your chainsaw won’t move as you are sharpening it.
Step 3: Fit the Sharpening Stone on the Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Once you finish positioning your electric chainsaw sharpener on a sturdy surface, fit the sharpening stone on the sharpener.
Use the information that you had gathered earlier to find the right type of sharpening disc. The right type of sharpening disc will easily fit in between the teeth of the chainsaw.
While most sharpening units have the same shape, the width of sharpening discs may differ.
Step 4: Clean the Chainsaw
You can use a solvent to clean your chainsaw in this step. Clean it thoroughly for a couple of minutes and let it dry. After that, place it on the electric sharpener.
Most electric sharpeners have chain stops that secure your chainsaw in one position and minimizes any movement.
Pull the chain stop up, then place your chainsaw on the electric sharpener. Use the chain stops to secure your chain saw on the electric sharpener.
Step 5: Adjust the Blade Tooth Angle of the Electric Sharpener Based on the Type Of Blade That You Are Using
Adjust the angle of the electric sharpener based on the type of blade that you are using. Since different blades have different designs, you have to adjust the angles of the electric sharpener to suit the design of your blades.
The chainsaw instruction manual shows you the type of blades that you are using.
Electric chainsaw sharpeners have an adjusting knob that allows them to change the angle.
Step 6: Find the Most Suitable Depth Stop
After that process, the next step is to find the most suitable depth for the blades that you are sharpening. It makes it easier for you to sharpen your chainsaw without cutting too deep.
If you don’t adjust the depth of the electric sharpener, you might cut the links of the chainsaw. Instead of sharpening the blades, you will be cutting the links that hold the blades together.
This is a very crucial step.
Step 7: Sharpen Your Chainsaw Blade With the Spinning Wheel
Before you start sharpening your chainsaw, countercheck the other parts to check whether you have set up everything correctly. After that, mark the first link of the chain with a marker or something bright. This makes it easier for you to know your starting point. It also saves you from any uncertainty that may arise in the future.
After that, switch on the electric sharpener. Once you switch on the electric sharpener, the sharpening wheel/stone will start rotating at a very high speed.
Lower the edge of the sharpening wheel/stone until it comes into contact with the blade that you are sharpening. It will produce some sparks when it comes into contact with the tooth of the cutter. Hold it in that position for a short period, then separate the two. Check if the cutter has been sharpened completely or not.
Lift the chain stop, and slide the chain along the track. Repeat this process on the next tooth. Just lower the edge of the sharpening disc until it comes into contact with the next tooth.
To sharpen the cutter completely, you have to change the angle of the electric sharpener. You should change the angle after sharpening all the teeth. For instance, if you had adjusted the electric sharpener to work at an angle of 45 degrees, change the angle to negative 45 degrees.
Tips That Will Help You Sharpen Chainsaw Chain
Keep the Chainsaw Sturdy As You Are Sharpening It
Your chainsaw should be sturdy as you are sharpening it. If the chainsaw moves as you are sharpening it, you might damage the chain links. Not to mention, the electric chainsaw sharpener may not sharpen the blades completely.
Securing your chainsaw on a sturdy surface also reduces the risk of any injuries. If a chain saw falls or moves as your sharpening, it may injure you. To prevent this from happening, you have to secure it sturdily on a stable surface.
Sharpen the Chainsaw on a Dry surface
You should sharpen a chainsaw on a dry surface. Sharpening your chainsaw in a moist place can be quite dangerous. For starters, water conducts electricity and can cause serious injuries if it comes into contact with an electric current.
Apart from that, do not use an electric sharpener in a place that has flammable gases. A chainsaw produces some sparks once it comes into contact with the edge of a sharpening stone. In the presence of flammable gases, this can be quite dangerous.
Use a Head Lamp While Sharpening a Chainsaw
A headlamp illuminates different parts of your chainsaw chain, making it easier for you to sharpen your chain without straining. It improves visibility and helps you sharpen the blade teeth. You can also sharpen your chainsaw chain in a workshop that has some good lighting.
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Sharpen the Cutters Evenly
To prevent any irregularities on your chainsaw blade, you should sharpen all the cutters evenly. The number of times that the wheel comes into contact with each tooth should be constant. Not to mention, both sides of the cutter should be sharpened evenly too. Swing the sharpener on both sides of the cutter. The number of swings should not change.
Focus on the direction of each tooth. This makes it easier for you to sharpen the chainsaw without reducing the size of the teeth.
Clean the Blade After You Finish Sharpening It
You should always clean your chainsaw blade after the chainsaw sharpening process. Clean off the chippings that might be on the links of your chainsaw. You can use a cloth to clean the chainsaw blade. After that, lubricate it with some oil.
Be careful as you are handling the chain saw. Lubricating the chain minimizes friction. The chain also rotates smoothly after being lubricated. It is a maintenance step that helps you maintain the quality of your blade.
Do Not Wear Loose Clothes as You Are Sharpening the Chainsaw Chain
Loose/baggy clothes might get in your way as you are sharpening the blade. Not to mention, such clothes might come into contact with the chainsaw sharpener and jam up your electric sharpener.
Additionally, you should not wear any hanging jewellery as you sharpening the blades of your chainsaw. Well, such jewellery might get stuck on the electric sharpener, making it quite hard for you to continue with the sharpening process.
Who Requires a Tool Like an Electric Chainsaw Sharpener?
If you only use your chainsaw occasionally, maybe once or twice a year, an electric chainsaw sharpener might be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you like using your chainsaw on a regular basis, an electric sharpener might help you keep your blades sharp. If the blades are used regularly, they might get blunt as time passes.
Not to mention, sharpening your chainsaw with a tool like a file can be time-consuming and cumbersome. It can also be quite expensive. On the other hand, an electric chainsaw can be purchased at an affordable price and can be used to sharpen tons of chainsaws. It is suitable for anyone looking for an affordable way to sharpen the cutters of a chainsaw chain.
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Get Started on Your Sharpening
If you follow our instructions on how to sharpen a chainsaw blade with an electric sharpener, you can sharpen your blades at the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to maintain the same angles as you are doing the other side of the cutter to make sure they are sharpened evenly on all sides. Be careful not to ruin the construction material and the components of the chainsaw as you are sharpening it. Lastly, the cutters should maintain their size.
Have you ever tried sharpening your chainsaw blades at home? Tell us about it in the comments section.
Ian loves everything that revolves around the home improvement niche. He loves trying out new home appliances. He has also handled a lot of equipment and has a lot of insight. Plus, he’s worked on various home improvement projects that became a success. If Ian isn’t busy working on his latest project, you can find him reading up about another one!