The chainsaw blade is one of the most important parts of a chainsaw. The chain is what does the cutting, but without a good-quality blade, it will need to be replaced often and you’ll get poor performance from your saw.
All blades are not created equal though. Chainsaws come with different types of blades which are designed for specific purposes like limbing trees or cutting firewood logs into smaller pieces.
Chainsaw blades can also differ in terms of thickness, teeth per inch (TPI), tooth shape, rake angle, and kerf width. So if you’re looking for more power when mulching wood chips in an industrial setting then you’ll want to choose a blade with greater TPI while someone who needs less noise during their backyard tree-trimming will want a blade with lower TPI.
A chainsaw blade’s size is usually measured in inches, though there are some who still refer to them by the old standard of millimeters. It’s important however for you to know or at least have an idea about how long your saw bar is so that you can buy the right size or type of blade.
You should also consider factors like what material you’ll be cutting before choosing the best blades for your chainsaw.
Pros of using universal chainsaw blades
1. Universal chainsaw blades are cheaper than other types of chainsaw blades
2. Chainsaws with universal blade attachments can be used for many different cutting projects
3. Universal chainsaw blades are easier to find at hardware stores and home improvement retailers
4. Universal chainsaw blades last longer than the average metal or fiberglass blade
5. The universal attachment makes it easy to switch between wood and metal cutting without having to buy a new tool each time
6. These blades work well in different environments and conditions – from softwood to hardwood trees.
Cons of using universal chainsaw blades
One key downside to choosing a universal blade for your saw is that they have less bite, compared to purpose-built blades.
Another problem with them is that there are so many different kinds, it’s hard to tell which one will work best in what situation. This can be especially frustrating if you’re looking for a specific type of blade to cut through thick branches or hardwood.
Finally, because universal blades are designed for general use, they don’t always produce the cleanest cuts on dense materials and their quality is inconsistent.
So if you want precise work then it’s best that you buy the brand specific to your chainsaw.
Do chainsaw blades come sharpened?
Chainsaw blades are sharpened when they are manufactured by the company.
While most chainsaw blades are pre-sharpened, they will need to be sharpened after some time. Sharpening is the process of removing metal from the blade in order to make it cut better and faster.
If your blade is not cutting well or you notice that it is wearing out too early, then it may need to be sharpened before any further damage occurs.
There are many ways people choose to sharpen their chain saws including using a bench grinder or hand file but it’s important to use a sharpener specifically designed for chainsaws.
You should also look at the speed of your chain saw blade before choosing a method because slower blades need more gradual filing whereas faster blades can be damaged by too much fast filing.
Sharpening is an essential part of prolonging the life of your saw and ensuring that it is always ready for use.
Can chainsaw blades be sharpened
Every chainsaw blade will eventually need to be sharpened. It is important to sharpen the blades before they get dull, otherwise, it can cause damage. Understanding how to sharpen a chainsaw blade is an important skill for every homeowner.
The first step is making sure that you have all of the necessary equipment on hand; this includes gloves, protective eye gear, and earplugs. The next step would be finding a flat surface where you can work with your chainsaw safely while avoiding injury or accidents.
You will then need to understand how the blade needs to be sharpened. There are different types of sharpening systems and you should check the manual for instructions specific to your appliance.
With these few simple steps in mind, sharpening your chainsaw blades should be easy.
How to sharpen a chainsaw blade?
- Ensure that the machine has been switched off and unplugged from its power source before you begin sharpening your saw or detach it completely if possible.
- Use a file with at least four teeth per inch (TPI) as this will give you a sharp blade.
- Always hold the file at an angle of 20 degrees so that it is perpendicular to the saw chain’s drive links. Do not push too hard or you could damage your chainsaw blades, use steady even pressure instead.
- When filing, do not move back and forth as this will only cause more damage. Instead, file in one direction only and smooth out any ridges with a fine-grit sandpaper or emery cloth to avoid scratching the metal.
- Keep filing until you can see clean grooves left by your saw’s blade; this will show that the teeth are sharp enough for use again. Do not over sharpen your blade as it can ruin the saw and strip away its cutting power.
- To get a smooth finish, use 400-grit wet or dry sandpaper followed by 600- to 800-grit paper.
What dulls chainsaw blades
As chainsaw blades are used, they gradually get dull. Eventually, the saw will not cut through trees and logs as effectively because it is no longer sharp enough to do so.
Dull chainsaw blades are more likely to break, will not cut as quickly or cleanly, and may require much more power to run.
Dull chainsaw blades can be dangerous for both the operator and other people nearby due to the increased chance of kickback when trying to cut something. The best way to maintain the blade of your chainsaw is by getting them sharpened every year or two depending on how often you use them.
