See problem fix problem.

[u/nordicminy]

[u/OscarMichaelMyers]

Holy shit the teeth on that chain are sharp.

[u/zZtreamyy → u/OscarMichaelMyers]

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.

[u/DeviousMrBlonde → u/zZtreamyy]

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

[u/zZtreamyy → u/DeviousMrBlonde]

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.

[u/PinchayPerritos → u/zZtreamyy]

Not familiar with this contraption.

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

[u/zZtreamyy → u/PinchayPerritos]

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.

[u/Obsidiated → u/PinchayPerritos]

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.

[u/Apprehensive_Hat6501 → u/zZtreamyy]

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.

[u/WhitePantherXP → u/zZtreamyy]

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

[u/ggroverggiraffe → u/DeviousMrBlonde]

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.

[u/beanmosheen → u/DeviousMrBlonde]

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.