16
Your saw’s performance on the job
depends heavily on the condition of its
saw chain.
How the Saw Chain Works
As the saw chain is pulled through the
wood:
1. The depth gauge setting determines
the depth of cut for each cutter.
2. The cutter’s leading edge enters the
wood, causing the entire cutter to
“rock back” and lift away from the
bar.
Saw Chain Performance
NOTE:
For consistent filing angles, use a filing
guide.
2. After all cutters are sharpened, use
a depth gauge joiner to measure the
height of each depth gauge.
3. As required, use a flat file to lower
depth gauges to the appropriate
0.025” (0.64 mm) height.
4. After all depth gauges have been
adjusted, use a flat file to round each
depth gauge leading edge to original
curvature and angle.
Use a Filing Gauge
Using a Depth gauge joiner
Using a Flat File to Round the
Front Corner on a Depth Gauge
IMPORTANT!
Most of the actual cutting is done by
the sides and corners of the individual
cutters!
Sharpening Technique
1. Using the appropriate round file,
sharpen all cutters to a 25° angle as
shown.
IMPORTANT!
File all cutters to the same angle and
depth! Unequal filing may cause the
saw to vibrate or cut erratically!
Correct Filing Technique
Filing Problems
Top plate
angle less than
recommended
Backslope
on side plate
cutting edge
Top plate
angle more than
recommended
Hook in side
plate cutting
edge
Cause
File held at less than
recommended angle.
Result
Slow cutting. Requires
extra effort to cut.
Remedy
File cutters to
recommended angle.
Cause
File held too low or the file
was too small.
Result
Rough cutting. Chain grabs.
Cutters dull quickly or won’t
hold a cutting edge.
Remedy
Check file size. File cutters to
recommended angle.
Cause
File held too high or the file
was too large.
Result
Cutters won’t feed into wood.
Slow cutting. Must force
chain to cut. Causes
excessive bottom wear.
Remedy
File cutters at recommended
angle. Check file size.
Cause
File held at more than
recommended angle.
Result
Cutting angle is very sharp
but will dull fast. Cutting
action rough and erratic.
Remedy
File cutters to
recommended angle.
Low depth
gauge
High depth
gauge
Cause
Wrong gauge setting
or no gauge used.
Result
Rough cutting. Chain grabs.
Saw won’t pull chain through
wood. Excessive wear on the
cutter heel.
Remedy
If depth gauges are too
low, the chain is no longer
serviceable.
Cause
Depth gauge never filed.
Result
Slow cutting. Must force
chain to cut. Will cause
excessive wear on the
cutter heel.
Remedy
Lower gauges to
recommended setting.
0.025” (0.64 mm)
20
0
50
0
Correct angle
on top plate
Slightly protruding
hook or point (curve
on non-chisel chain)
Top of depth gauge at
correct height below
top plate
Front of depth
gauge rounded
35°
3. The top plate peels the severed wood
chip away.
4. The chip is discharged out the rear of
the cutter.
