chain saw sharpening

[DrPhil]

Sould I try to sharpen my chain saw blade? Is it easy to do? or just take it to the guy that does this for a living.

[JB]

I always take mine to the pro. Plus, I always keep a spare chain sharpened.

John

[Gomezz]

It's easy. Clamp the bar in the vice, make a mark (so you know where you started), file it (with the correct size chain saw file for your bar in one of those 'clamp on' guides that shows the correct angle) and I give it about

6 to 8 strokes on each tooth. While you're there, check the bar oiling system, chain tension, and grease the nose roller. These are all things you should be able to do 'out in the woods' (without heading back to the "chainsaw guy" for every little thing).

Red

[Srgnt Billko]

If you think it's a blade, I am guessing you shouldn't try.

Make sure you don't hit nails, wire, etc imbedded in wood or rocks or stone - and keep the bar and chain out of the dirt. If you are carefull the chain should last for lots of cutting. From the way you talk I'm guessing you aren't using it much - probably should last a couple years. I work the hell out of mine and they last over a year.

[DrPhil]

duh. meant chain:0

musta got into the dirt trying to cut into roots of stump left over from tree that fell during storm. Was new blade now makes dust when I use it. I am good at sharpening drill bits, never tried chain saw sharpening.

[Srgnt Billko]

Our local shops only charge $5 and they use a machine that lines the cut up right. I'm a retired tool and diemaker and I don't bother doing it myself. I do keep extra chains though - and I cut roots with an axe - never a chain saw.

[Gomezz]

That's definetly reasonable for a professional job.

[John Harlow]

I use a dremel adapter. It does a great job and is very easy to use, especially the 2nd + time ;)

[William W. Plummer]

I tried doing my own once. It was time consuming and the results weren't the best. $6.50 at the hardware store is reasonable. I keep three blades on the shelf ready to go.

[DrPhil]

I found a guy close by that will do them for $5 each so I took them to him. For that price, why not, huh. thanks for the input