Chainsaw blade sharpening? What size file to get?

rodm1 · Aug 26, 2012

I have a Poulan 1950 chainsaw 14' that I need to get a sharpening kit for but I'm not shire what size file to get. All to files at TSC and the hardware stores seem to be to small. This is the chain I'm using, any help on the proper file size would be grate.

http://www.amazon.com/Poulan-952051209-14-Inch-Chain-Saw/dp/B0000CBJ4Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=6JDYY5UB2ZFK&coliid=I18P449G10KJW1

Loosehandle · Aug 26, 2012

3/16" works well for .325 chain
Yours might be smaller on that type saw so you might need
5/32“
Next time get a better saw from your local shop, well worth
the extra $.

rodm1 · Aug 26, 2012

Thanks and I agree, I don't use it much maybe 3 hours of run time a year. How can you tell if the file is sized properly for the blade?

Anonymous-0 · Aug 26, 2012

I think it's 5/32". You can always sharpen with a smaller file, than
recommended, for the chain. Then switch up to the right size, one
32nd at a time!

Butch(OH) · Aug 26, 2012

That saw should have a 3/8" pitch low profile chain and you should use a 5/32 file for it. For those learning it is much easier to do a good job if you use a file guide. The flat blade type as sold at TSC and most box stores is the one. Check out Oregons web site, much good info there.
Oregon

JDseller · Aug 26, 2012

To tell what file you need just take one of your chains with you. Then just find the one that fits the cutter radius the best. One a little small is better than one too big. Then just match the angle of the cutter top when filing.

Stephen Newell · Aug 27, 2012

Sharpening a saw chain is a big enough of a job anyway. I think I would throw the chain away before I would sharpen one by hand with a file. I use a carborundum blade or better known as a metal cutting blade for a circular saw on a grinder to sharpen my saw chains. It sharpens the blades better than new.

JML755 · Aug 27, 2012

(quoted from post at 09:08:25 08/27/12) Sharpening a saw chain is a big enough of a job anyway. I think I would throw the chain away before I would sharpen one by hand with a file. I use a carborundum blade or better known as a metal cutting blade for a circular saw on a grinder to sharpen my saw chains. It sharpens the blades better than new.

I get mine sharpened by a shop (costs $7) and then touch them up by hand every fill-up or so. I keep a fresh chain in the case. When I'm out sawing, I don't want to waste time messing with chains. I want the saw to run at its best. BTW, I use a Stihl 361 and with a fresh chain, it cuts just about anything like butter.

Bret4207 · Aug 27, 2012

I cannot imagine having the money to simply throw a chain away rather than sharpen it. Go to Lowes or TSC and you will find a Husqvuarna filing kit that looks like this and costs about the same- http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=HVA%20505%2069%2081%2094 That is for a .325 chain, they make them for 1/4" and 3/8" too. I believe your saw takes a .325. It's very easy and simple to use and it's fast. Any dolt can use one, I know because it works for me!

60 acre hillside · Aug 27, 2012

It takes less time to file a saw by hand than it does to remove and replace the chain.

old popper · Aug 27, 2012

I heated our home with wood for around 18 years, and always hand filed my saw chains. About every six or eight times, would take them to town to get the pro job, and get the lugs ground down. It doesn't take long to learn that you file each tooth the same number of strokes so the chain cuts straight. Heats with propane now. Old age!

SweetFeet · Aug 28, 2012

My husband just sharpens chain saw blades on his bench grinder (also does drill bits too). For doing this on the grinder, he puts on a padded grinding wheel that attaches with velcro. His saw blades and drill bits work better and stay sharp longer than ones he has had professionally sharpened.

Butch(OH) · Aug 28, 2012

Please post pictures or video of that operation.

Butch(OH) · Aug 28, 2012

I should add that there is no reason to guess what pitch chain your are running it is etched on the side of the bar as is the gauge (slot width) and link count or go to the site I posted and punch in your specifics to get all needed info. Unless it has been changed from the factory set up it is 3/8 LP not .325 and takes a 5/32 file. As some others correctly said you can go too small with the file and get away with it as long as you know what you are doing. Too big means you cannot achieve the correct profile.

Bret4207 · Aug 28, 2012

Butch, my bad. I've never seen a 14" bar with 3/8 chain on a Poulan. Anything that small they usually went with .325 or 1/4". Even at 14", I can't imagine a 2.0 CI saw pulling 3/8" very well. On a little toy like that I'd say .325 would be as wide as I'd want to go.

Butch(OH) · Aug 28, 2012

All is good, my typing is stronger worded than my intent sometimes. The 3/8 chain on his saw is not the 3/8 you are used to on the 60CC and up saws. It is made for the small saw market replacing what used to be 1/4" you referred to, same usage I mean, wont fit on same saws of course. It is actualy called 3/8 low profile. #91 Oregon is an example or N1C in Carlton is a good one I like. Rather confusing that we have 3/8 on the 60 80 CC stuff, .325 on 45-55 CC and then back to 3/8 on the little ones.

jeffcat · Aug 28, 2012

One of the saw repair places near me has a real good parts department and they do chains too. On the counter is a box with a whole bunch of different sizes of files. The real ones from Germany Sthil, are very good. You need to take and FIT your chain. Saws like yours might have a 3/8 low profile chain. jeffcat

Bret4207 · Aug 29, 2012

(quoted from post at 17:46:58 08/28/12) All is good, my typing is stronger worded than my intent sometimes. The 3/8 chain on his saw is not the 3/8 you are used to on the 60CC and up saws. It is made for the small saw market replacing what used to be 1/4" you referred to, same usage I mean, wont fit on same saws of course. It is actualy called 3/8 low profile. #91 Oregon is an example or N1C in Carlton is a good one I like. Rather confusing that we have 3/8 on the 60 80 CC stuff, .325 on 45-55 CC and then back to 3/8 on the little ones.

Interesting, I never noticed that before and I've been playing with saws for years.

SweetFeet · Aug 30, 2012

I will try to take some photos this weekend and post them to your attention.

(I can't post a video).

SweetFeet · Sep 1, 2012

Butch OH,

Husband said the guy would be better off to buy a chain saw file. He modified his bench grinder by removing the grinding wheel and put a differetn end on it. He said buying a file would be more economical for this guy.

rodm1 · Sep 22, 2012

Thanks everyone, I took the chain in and it whose a 5/16 file. I looked at the high end saws to. I think a 50cc pro saw is on my wish list.

Chainsaw blade sharpening? What size file to get?

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