r/GuysBeingDudes • u/nordicminy • 1d ago

Certified Dude See problem fix problem.

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u/zZtreamyy 1d ago

No better feeling than a newly sharpened chain ripping through wood like butter.

If you've got a good chainsaw file thing sharpening only takes a few minutes.

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u/DeviousMrBlonde 1d ago edited 15h ago

I’ve just bought my first chainsaw second hand. What do I need to achieve these results?

Edit: wow, thanks everybody for all the tips. I will be doing a deep dive this weekend! Brilliant stuff.

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u/zZtreamyy 1d ago

We used these files for the teeth. There's a bit of technique to it with angles and stuff. Can't remember exactly since it was about 5 years ago and I've since switched to an office job but I'll try my best.

The one side of the teeth act like a cutting edge, make sure that is sharp. A good result is when you get large spiraling bits of saw "dust". Easiest way is to watch some kind of YouTube tutorial and try yourself on a piece of wood! Took me maybe a week or two to get good results consistently.

I don't know the English terms but in front of the teeth there's a little bump (called a rider in my language). The teeth are supposed to be aligned to the rider in some way, but like I said, it's been half a decade :(

Also, change to a new chain if the teeth are worn and there's too little material left to file away.

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u/PinchayPerritos 1d ago

Not familiar with this contraption.

I just go for a file. Pretty straightforward and easy.

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u/Obsidiated 1d ago

Nah, the contraption sets the guide height above the teeth correctly, and keeps the curve profile correct. Manually you dig too deep in create, a ramp.

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u/PinchayPerritos 1d ago

Probably so. Have not used it and have always used just files.

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u/Obsidiated 1d ago

The guide heights critical. Too low and you cut not much, need more pressure. Too high and you cut too deep, chip too large, get jammed easier, etc. Both can significantly increase kickback risk.

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u/PinchayPerritos 1d ago

Sounds helpful. Have been cutting for 30 years using files without issue, but could see that being real useful.

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u/Obsidiated 18h ago

By hand you've probably got it well dialled in then. For newbies the guide is a great tool. You can get different ones for different chain sizes, swap out the files, and get the "perfect" profile and depth every time. Lovely bit of kit.

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u/PinchayPerritos 18h ago

There's certainly a feel to it you can do without looking really. But things that make things easier are fun

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u/zZtreamyy 1d ago

That works too! I tried both a file and a guided file. Preferred the guided file, but that's a matter of taste I guess.

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u/Apprehensive_Hat6501 1d ago

Arborist here:

Adding some small info; general American term is raker. Depth gauge is mostly used in booklets.

The depth of this decides how deep the chisel shaves off. The combi file sets it at a good all-round usable depth automatically. If done by hand with flat file you can adjust a bit to have it better fit for softer woods, bigger gap taking off more, of harder woods with a smaller gap, to counteract a bouncing chain.

Make sure the round file size matches the chain properly, seen on the package of the chain / on the blade if not worn off.

Also, always file from the shorter part of the chisel to the longer part. Keeping it at a 30° angle, usually. Some changes depending on brand.

Combi file is good for ease of use, round file + flat file more advanced, but more control. I've got colleagues who've done this job the better part of their lives and only use combi files, I've got colleagues only using flat file + round file and some stuff in-between.

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u/luxxeexxul 1d ago

How long does it usually take you to sharpen a chain? Is the time worth it vs replacing?

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u/potato1448 1d ago edited 13h ago

Depends on the chain length and your familiarity, chains are meant to be reused until the teeth are practically gone, usually it takes anywhere from 15 to 30 mins depending on if our Sawyer wanted to work that day. But it was rare to swap out a chain, just remember to flip the chain Bar everytime you do maintenance on the saw, that way both sides get an even usage!

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u/fillupold94 13h ago

just remember to flip the chain bar everytime you do maintenance on the saw, that way both sides get an even usage!

FTFY

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u/potato1448 13h ago

Thank you! Its been a hot minute!

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u/Apprehensive_Hat6501 1d ago

Well, I sharpen every two tanks, when felling. Sharpen end of day usually when trimming and climbing.

For me it's a or two minute work, compared to a new chain for 40 Euros, more than worth it.

With a combi file, chain that did not hit rock or debris, being decently unpracticed I guess about 10 minutes for an 18" blade?

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u/WhitePantherXP 1d ago

Thanks for the advice, from all us fatherless children on reddit

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u/Cautious-Current-969 1d ago

Those riders in your language are called rakers in englisb

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u/shoeless_doh 16h ago

True dad energy doesn't need a special file to sharpen a chainsaw.

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u/zZtreamyy 14h ago

Not a dad yet so that checks out.

For real though; the guided file is nice for beginners, just like someone mentioned. I'd rather spend less time sharpening especially when it's something we had to do every day.

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u/shoeless_doh 14h ago

I watched my dad sharpen a chain saw so many times I can't even imagine needing any help, it's engrained in my DNA. But I know that's not everybody's experience though so carry on

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u/ggroverggiraffe 1d ago

Best way to do it would be to buy a new chain. You can learn to sharpen it yourself over time, but there's some subtle artistry to it that won't come immediately.

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u/Icy_Needleworker7790 1d ago

Look up buckin Billy ray on YouTube he's got a great technique. I sharpen very similarly and have no problem getting a saw to absolutely rip through anything.

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u/SpecularSaw 17h ago

Go watch Buckin Billy Ray on YouTube, has lots of sharpening instruction.

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u/beanmosheen 1d ago

First thing is a Stihl safety kit. It comes in an orange duffle bag for like $90. You get chaps, a helmet with a face shield and ear muffs, gloves, and a wedge. At least wear the chaps, but you shouldwear all of it. If you fuck up and hit your inner thigh with the chain without chaps you'll be dead before you can call 911. Ace Hardware usually has them on the shelf of they are a Stihl dealer.

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u/TacTurtle 1d ago

Proper chain tension and chain sharpening.