Chainsaws are an essential tool for many homeowners. They can be used to cut down trees, trim bushes and shrubs, or clear out overgrown areas on your property. But have you ever wondered how the chainsaw interacts with the soil? It turns out that this is a question worth asking because it has a lot of implications for how long your chainsaw will last before needing repair or replacement.
A chainsaw blade can dull quickly when cutting through soil due to the high level of friction that occurs between metal surfaces and wet earth. This means that if you’re relying on your saw to help maintain your yard, then it’s important not only to keep up with regular maintenance such as sharpening blades but also periodically checking them for wear and tear.
If the blade is dulled, then it will not cut through wood as easily and can end up causing difficulty when you’re using your chainsaw for its intended purpose.
Therefore, one way to keep the cutting ability of your chainsaw is by clearing away high concentrations of soil particles or debris before starting work with it. This means that you should always make sure that the area you’re working in is free of any loose particles such as rocks or soil clumps before beginning your work.
You can do this by spraying water on the ground to wash away anything larger than ½” and then allowing it some time to dry out.
This will help keep not only soil particles from dulling or damaging your chainsaw but also keeps it free of rust that can grow on blades when exposed to wet conditions for long periods of time.
How long should a Chainsaw Chain stay Sharp?
The average chainsaw chain can be expected to stay sharp for about 45 minutes of continuous use on hard material like metal. Softwood or dry wood will have very different effects on your chainsaw.
You may need to sharpen your blade more or less than this time frame depending on what you are using it for and how often you’ve used the saw in general. If you notice that your blade is getting duller much faster over time, then you may want to check it for signs of damage or wear and tear.
Checking the chain on your chainsaw:
- Make sure that your chainsaw is turned off before checking the chain
- Check both sides of each link on your blade by looking at them carefully one side at a time
- If there are any rust spots present, deep nicks, or any other deformities on the blade then you will need to replace it as soon as possible
- If your chainsaw is still cutting smoothly and easily after 45 minutes of continuous use even though there are rust spots present then this can be a sign that it needs sharpening.
What can cause a chainsaw to bog down?
A chainsaw can bog down for a variety of reasons. One possible reason is the chain is not sharp enough or it needs to be replaced. Another possibility could be that there are too many knots in the wood being cut, which will wear out your saw blade more quickly.
It may also happen if you use too much pressure on the saw while cutting through material, or if you have dirt and debris buildup on your bar oiler.
Other reasons why your chainsaw can bog down are;
- chainsaw will bog down when the engine is overheating
- parts are worn or broken and need to be replaced
- blade needs sharpening, but only if it’s dulled beyond what you would expect over 45 minutes of use. If this is not the case then your blade needs sharpening.
Sharpening your Chainsaw
Sharpening your chainsaw can be a daunting task. But with these few simple steps, you will have it done in no time at all! I’ll show you how to sharpen the blade and keep your saw running smoothly.
- Inspect the chain for any missing or broken teeth and replace as needed
- If you need to, use a file to sharpen out any dents on old chains. This is best done before trying it with the saw itself because if there are deeper nicks in the blade then they may be unable to be sharpened
- Sharpen your blade with a file or grinder. This will depend on what type of chainsaw you have, whether it be gas powered or battery operated
- Reinstall the chain onto the saw and lubricate with bar oiler after making sure that all areas are clear of any dirt particles or debris
- If you are using your chainsaw for long periods of time, then it is recommended to check the chain every 15 minutes or so and sharpen if needed. You may need to perform this process more than once per hour depending on what you are cutting through and how often. Make sure that when sharpening your blade that there is no dirt or debris on it.
- If you notice your chainsaw is getting duller much faster than usual, then that can be a sign of damage to the blade itself and may need replacing soon.
Chainsaw Wear
What are some signs of wear when using a chainsaw? If there are rust spots present, deep nicks, or any other deformities on the blade then you will need to replace it as soon as possible. If your chainsaw is still cutting smoothly and easily after 45 minutes of continuous use even though there are rust spots present then this can be a sign that it needs sharpening.
- check if chain is tightened correctly, or needs replacing
- clean any dirt and debris from the bar oiler
- check if gas tank is full, or needs replacing
- make sure to store it safely when not in use. Make sure that the chain cover is securely fastened on your chainsaw so as to prevent injuries and accidents happening due to flying parts. Store it away from children and pets where possible.
If you notice your chainsaw is getting duller much faster than usual, then that can be a sign of damage to the blade itself and may need replacing soon.