Chainsaws are an essential tool for many professionals and homeowners. They allow you to efficiently cut through wood, fell trees, and clear brush. However, chainsaws require frequent maintenance and sharpening to keep the chain cutting efficiently and safely. A dull chainsaw chain can be dangerous and cause more wear on the saw. This leads many chainsaw owners to wonder: is there such a thing as a self-sharpening chainsaw?
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How Chainsaw Chains Get Dull
Chainsaw chains become dull through normal use. As you cut, the cutter teeth on the chain get worn down from friction and contact with wood and debris. Several factors contribute to a chain dulling faster:
- Cutting dirty or sandy wood
- Not lubricating the chain properly
- Using the chainsaw incorrectly (wrong chain angle or pressure)
- Hitting nails, dirt, rocks while cutting
- Cutting excessively hard woods
Even with proper use and care, chainsaw chains gradually dull over time. Very resinous woods can accelerate wear as well. The dulling process is unavoidable during normal chainsaw operation.
Risks of Using a Dull Chainsaw
A dull chain poses several problems:
- Reduced cutting performance – Takes longer to make cuts
- More difficult to control the chainsaw
- Can increase kickback risk
- Causes more wear on chainsaw bar and motor
- Potential for chain to jump off bar
- Higher safety risk for user due to increased force needed
Professionals advise sharpening your chainsaw chain as soon as you notice any decrease in cutting performance. Don’t wait until it is completely dull. Letting the chain get too dull makes it much harder to sharpen properly.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain
You’ll need a few specialized tools to sharpen your chainsaw chain:
- Round file of proper diameter for chain pitch
- File guide/handle
- Depth gauge tool
The process involves filing down the cutting teeth to restore their sharp edges. You want an even file stroke on each tooth at the proper angle. The depth gauges also need adjustment to get the exact height relative to the cutting edge.
With practice, hand filing your chain can become a quick routine maintenance task. Chainsaw dealers and small engine repair shops can also sharpen your chain for a small fee.
Options for Self Sharpening
Now let’s get to the key question – is there a reliable self-sharpening chainsaw option? There are certain attachments and guide tools designed to assist with sharpening, but no true “self-sharpening” capability exists for standard chainsaws. However, there are a few options that come close:
Electric Bench Grinders
Bench grinders use a rotary wheel to sharpen chain teeth. Just secure the chain in place and guide each cutter across the spinning wheel at the right angle. This automates part of the process for consistent results. Grinders are fast but require holding the chain steady by hand.
Electric Sharpeners
These tools have motorized filing wheels that automatically spin at the correct angle. You slowly insert each tooth in a guide slot for sharpening. It’s like a manual file but powered. Electric sharpeners are fast and easy but lack flexibility compared to hand filing.
Cordless Power File Tools
Battery powered file guides essentially motorize the filing motion. Just insert a file and hold the guide on each tooth to sharpen. It’s faster than hand filing but you still control the tool movement. Cordless tools allow sharpening in remote areas.
Auto-Sharpening Saw Chains
Oregon and Windsor Forest brands have developed specialty chains that self-sharpen by rubbing on the bar. Hard composite rails on each tie strap wear down as the chain spins and restore the cutter edge. However, performance is not as good as standard chains. The sharpening effect is minimal and short-lived. Most professionals do not recommend relying on these chains for consistent cutting.
Pros and Cons of Self Sharpening Options
Below is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the different self sharpening chainsaw options:
Bench Grinder
| Pros | Very fast sharpening; Consistent results; Little skill required |
| Cons | Less portable; Can overheat chain; Requires secure chain holding |
Electric Sharpener
| Pros | Faster than hand filing; Ensures correct angles; Compact/portable |
| Cons | Less flexible vs hand filing; Can still require clamping chain; Costly |
Cordless Power File
| Pros | Portable sharpening; Faster than manual; Doesn’t overheat chain |
| Cons | Battery life limits use; Still requires skill; Cost |
Auto-Sharpening Chain
| Pros | Truly self sharpening; No tools needed |
| Cons | Doesn’t sharpen well; Short life span; Inferior cutting |
Recommendation for Serious Use
For professionals and serious DIYers, electric bench grinders likely provide the most efficient self sharpening capability. They deliver fast, consistent results with minimal effort. However, they lack portability in the field.
For all-around convenience, compact electric or cordless file sharpeners are a good balance. They automate much of the process but give you more control compared to a grinder. Invest a little time to master the skill and you can sharpen chains quickly.
Auto-sharpening chains don’t perform well enough for regular use. They can keep a chain somewhat sharp for lighter tasks, but you’ll still need sharpening tools for optimal cutting.
Tips for Extending Chain Sharpness
No matter what sharpening method you choose, here are some tips to extend the sharpness of your chainsaw chain between sharpenings:
- Always cut with a properly sharpened chain – don’t wait until it’s dull
- Check chain tension regularly and adjust as needed
- Lubricate the chain and bar every time you refuel
- Use reduced kickback chains designed to stay sharper
- Keep the bar groove clean of debris
- Monitor chain temperature to avoid overheating
- Consider harder alloy chains if cutting very abrasive wood
- Alternate between two chains to double the lifetime
Proper chainsaw operation and maintenance technique goes a long way in maximizing chain sharpness. But no chainsaw will stay sharp forever. Plan on periodically sharpening the chain yourself or having it sharpened by a professional. That’s the price to pay for safe, effective chainsaw performance.
Conclusion
While chainsaws don’t truly sharpen themselves, there are tools and methods to automate much of the sharpening process. Bench grinders and compact electric sharpeners allow fast sharpening with minimal effort. However, nothing fully replicates the on-demand flexibility of hand filing yet.
No current self-sharpening chainsaw technology completely eliminates the need for manual sharpening. But aids like grinders and power sharpeners can greatly extend the time between sharpenings. With experience, you can learn to touch up a chain quickly. Proper saw operation and maintenance is also key to maximize chain sharpness.
So while self-sharpening remains somewhat elusive, chainsaw technology continues to advance. With the right tools and knowledge, keeping your chainsaw chain sharp is a manageable task. A sharp chain means you can work safely and productively until it’s time to sharpen again.