How To Sharpen A Chainsaw With Dremel

Using a Dremel to sharpen your chainsaw is a quick and effective way to maintain its cutting performance. It’s especially useful for those who regularly use chainsaws for tasks like pruning, cutting firewood, or even tackling larger landscaping projects. A sharp chain ensures safer and more efficient cutting, reducing strain on both you and your saw.

Preparing Your Chainsaw and Dremel

First, secure your chainsaw. A vise is ideal, clamping the bar firmly. If you don't have a vise, find a stable surface and wedge the chainsaw to prevent movement. Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Safety first!

Next, select the correct grinding stone for your Dremel. These come in various sizes and shapes. A smaller, cylindrical stone is typically best for chainsaw teeth. Refer to your chainsaw's manual for the recommended sharpening stone size, but generally, a stone that closely matches the diameter of the cutting tooth's curve is a good starting point.

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Mount the grinding stone onto your Dremel. Tighten it securely. Adjust the Dremel’s speed setting. A medium to high speed is generally recommended, but start at a lower speed and gradually increase it until you find what gives you the best control and smoothest grinding. Test the speed on a piece of scrap metal to get a feel for it.

Sharpening the Chainsaw Teeth

Identify the cutters (the teeth) on your chain. Notice that each cutter has a top plate and a side plate. You'll be sharpening both. Locate the shortest cutter; this will be your guide for sharpening the rest. It’s crucial to maintain consistent length and angle to ensure smooth cutting.

Start with the top plate. Hold the Dremel at the correct angle. This angle is usually marked on the chainsaw's cutter. If not, a good starting point is around 30-35 degrees. Gently guide the grinding stone along the top plate, following its existing curve. Use short, controlled strokes. Don't apply too much pressure; let the Dremel do the work. Remove only a small amount of metal with each pass.

How to Sharpen Chainsaw with Dremel | Backyard Mike

Repeat the process for each cutter, working your way around the chain. Consistency is key! After sharpening a few teeth, visually inspect them to ensure they are uniform in length and shape. If one cutter is shorter than the others, you'll need to shorten the others to match.

Now, move on to the side plate. Maintain the correct angle. Again, this angle is usually marked on the cutter or in the chainsaw's manual. Typically, it's around 60 degrees. Gently grind the inside of the side plate, following its existing angle. Use short, controlled strokes, removing only a small amount of metal. Focus on restoring the sharp edge.

Alternate between the top plate and the side plate for each cutter, making small adjustments as needed. Regularly inspect your work to ensure you are maintaining the correct angles and removing metal evenly. Over-grinding can weaken the teeth and shorten the life of your chain.

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Pro Tip: Some users find it helpful to use a marker to color the cutters before sharpening. As you grind, the marker will disappear, indicating where you have sharpened. This helps ensure you're sharpening evenly and consistently.

After sharpening all the cutters on one side of the chain, rotate the chainsaw bar and repeat the process on the other side. Remember to maintain consistent angles and pressure.

Dealing with Depth Gauges (Rakers)

Once you've sharpened the cutters, check the depth gauges (also known as rakers). These are the small, flat pieces of metal located in front of each cutter. The depth gauges determine how much wood each cutter will take with each pass.

If the depth gauges are too high, the chain will be grabby and difficult to control. If they are too low, the chain will not cut effectively. Use a depth gauge tool (available at most hardware stores) to check the height of the depth gauges. The tool will indicate how much material needs to be filed off.

Use a flat file and a depth gauge tool to carefully file down the depth gauges to the correct height. File them evenly and smoothly. Round off the front edge of the depth gauges slightly to prevent them from catching on the wood.

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Finishing Up and Testing

After sharpening all the cutters and adjusting the depth gauges, clean the chain thoroughly. Use a brush to remove any metal filings or debris. Inspect the chain for any cracks or damage. Replace the chain if necessary.

Lubricate the chain with chainsaw bar oil before using it. Proper lubrication is essential for preventing wear and tear on the chain and bar.

Test the sharpened chainsaw on a piece of wood. The chain should cut smoothly and efficiently. If the chain is still grabby or difficult to control, recheck the depth gauges. If the chain is not cutting effectively, re-sharpen the cutters.

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Important: Always unplug the chainsaw or remove the battery before performing any maintenance. A dull chain is more dangerous than a sharp one. A dull chain requires more force to cut, which increases the risk of kickback.

Sharpening your chainsaw with a Dremel requires patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it perfect the first time. With a little experience, you'll be able to keep your chainsaw cutting like new.

Regularly sharpening your chainsaw will extend the life of your chain and bar. It will also make your cutting tasks safer and more enjoyable. How often you need to sharpen your chain depends on how often you use your chainsaw and the type of wood you are cutting. A good rule of thumb is to sharpen the chain every time you refuel the chainsaw.

By mastering this skill, you'll save money on professional sharpening services and ensure your chainsaw is always ready for the task at hand, whether it's prepping for winter firewood or managing your backyard trees.