19
Sharpening Errors and Damage
If a saw chain does not perform satisfactorily after sharpening, chatters, bounces or wanders in the cut, it should be checked
for possible sharpening errors.
The following pages show some common errors, their effects and remedies.
Condition Sharpening error Remedy
Chain snatches
in cut
Sharpening angle too acute (narrow) Use filing aid to maintain sharpening angle
Hooked side plate angle Use filing aid, hold file higher, use right (larger)
diameter file
Different side plate angles Use filing aid, pay attention to uniform pressure
Different cutter lengths Find master cutter and file back all cutters
to same length
Depth gauge setting too wide If possible, file back cutters, the saw chain must
otherwise be replaced
Different depth gauge settings Find shortest depth gauge, file back all cutters to suit
shortest depth gauge setting, correct all other depth
gauges
Poor cutting
performance
Sharpening angle too obtuse (wide) Use filing aid to maintain sharpening angle
Backsloping side plate angle Use filing aid, hold file lower, use right (smaller)
diameter file
Depth gauge setting insufficient Lower depth gauges, using filing gauge that matches
chain pitch
Cut wanders Different side plate angles Use filing aid, pay attention to uniform pressure
Different filing angles Use filing aid, pay attention to correct sharpening angle
on all cutters
Different cutter lengths Find master cutter and file back all cutters
to same length
Different depth gauge settings Find shortest depth gauge, file back all cutters to suit
shortest depth gauge setting, correct all other depth
gauges
Increased risk of
kickback
Hooked side plate angle Use filing aid, hold file higher, use right (larger)
diameter file
Depth gauge setting too wide If possible, file back cutters, the saw chain must
otherwise be replaced
Short edge life Sharpening angle too acute (narrow) Use filing aid to maintain sharpening angle
Backsloping side plate angle Use filing aid, hold file lower, use right (smaller)
diameter file
Hooked side plate angle Use filing aid, hold file higher, use right (larger)
diameter file
0457-181-0121_02.book Seite 19 Donnerstag, 13. Dezember 2012 11:50 11