Umair Gaines
Maintaining your Worx electric chainsaw is important to ensure it performs effectively and safely. One of the most important tasks is sharpening the chain. A sharp chainsaw cuts with little to no pressure, reducing the workload on the machine and yourself. There are two approaches to sharpening a chainsaw: using an electric chainsaw sharpener or manual sharpening. This article will focus on the manual method, which is more common and accessible to DIYers.
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What You'll Learn
Safety precautions
Safety should be the top priority when sharpening your electric chainsaw. Here are some crucial precautions to follow:
Wear Protective Gear
Before starting, put on heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands from injuries. It is also essential to wear eye protection to shield your eyes from any metal filings or debris generated during the sharpening process.
Disconnect Power Source
Ensure that the electric chainsaw is completely disconnected from its power source before attempting any sharpening or maintenance work. Remove the battery or unplug the electric cord. This precaution is critical to prevent the chainsaw from accidentally starting up, which could lead to serious injuries.
Use a Clamp
Secure the chainsaw in a vice or clamp to hold it firmly in place during sharpening. This will help stabilize the chainsaw and prevent any unintended movements or slips that could cause accidents.
Check the Owner's Manual
Refer to the owner's manual for specific safety guidelines and instructions related to your particular electric chainsaw model. Different chainsaws may have unique safety considerations, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Maintain Proper Chain Tension
Before sharpening, check and set the proper tension on your chainsaw chain. A properly tensioned chain improves cutting performance and safety. A loose or overly tight chain can be dangerous and affect the overall effectiveness of the chainsaw.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly maintain your electric chainsaw to ensure it remains in good working condition. A well-maintained chainsaw is safer to operate. Keep the engine, sprocket, and guide bar in optimal condition, and always inspect the chain for any signs of dullness or damage before use.
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Using a rotary tool
To get started, put on some gloves and eye protection. If you are working with a battery-powered chainsaw, remove the battery. Now, use a marker to mark the section of the chain you will start sharpening. This will help you keep track of which teeth you have sharpened and ensure that you sharpen each section for a similar amount of time.
Next, turn on your rotary tool and attach a thin-diameter grinding stone at a 30-degree angle. You can purchase a chainsaw sharpening kit that includes an attachment to hold your tool steady and at the correct angle. When sharpening, be sure to hold the rotary tool square to the bar and at the correct angle to the chain.
As you work, be mindful that rotary sharpeners can overheat, causing the metal to soften and lose its sharpness. If a tooth overheats, it will turn blue and become too hot to touch. If your chain is very dull, consider sharpening it gradually, allowing the teeth to cool between applications.
Finally, when you are finished sharpening, use a file and depth gauge jig to complete the process. The rounded protrusion just before each tooth is a depth gauge. Each depth gauge should be shorter than the adjacent tooth. If a depth gauge is taller than its closest tooth, file it down so that it sits about 1/10 of an inch below the tooth.
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Manual sharpening
There are two ways to sharpen a chainsaw: using an electric sharpener or manually. The manual method is more common and accessible to DIYers. Here is a step-by-step guide to manually sharpening your Worx electric chainsaw:
First, ensure you are wearing protective clothing, including gloves and eye protection. If your chainsaw is battery-powered, remove the battery before you start.
Next, you will need to determine the correct file size for your chainsaw. The file size must match the size and shape of the chainsaw teeth. The most common sizes are 3/16-inch, 5/32-inch, and 7/32-inch. The Worx 16" saw, for example, uses a 5/32" file size.
Now, use a marker to mark the section of the chain you will sharpen first. When sharpening the first tooth, hold the file at a 30° angle. You can also try filing at a 35-degree angle and lifting or dropping the tail of the file by 10 degrees. Each tooth will only take a few seconds to sharpen, so try to sharpen each section for the same amount of time. Remember that the teeth alternate in direction, so make sure to match the file to the direction of the tooth. Work your way around the chain, sharpening each tooth until you return to the first one with the mark.
After you have finished sharpening all the teeth, refer to a chainsaw sharpening angle chart to check the proper angle. File every second cutter around the chain, then reverse the saw and file each of the teeth that you left alone in the first pass. When you are finished, the flat tops of the cutters should be roughly the same length. Finally, inspect the depth gauges (the curved links between the cutters). Each depth gauge should be shorter than the adjacent cutter. If it is not, file down the raker so that it sits about 1/10 of an inch below the height of the cutter.
By following these steps, you can keep your Worx electric chainsaw well-maintained and ensure clean, smooth cuts every time you use it.
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Electric chainsaw sharpeners
Keeping your chainsaw sharp is important for safety and performance. While some people choose to replace the chain when it gets dull, sharpening is a more cost-effective and sustainable option.
There are several ways to sharpen a WORX electric chainsaw. One method is to use a rotary tool, such as the WORX MAKERX rotary tool, which is designed for precision and versatility. This method involves marking the section of the chain you will sharpen first, turning on the rotary tool, and sharpening the first tooth at a 30-degree angle. It is important to match the bit to the direction of the tooth and work your way around the chain, ensuring each tooth is sharpened for the same amount of time.
Another method is to use a file. This can be done by hand or with a powered chainsaw chain grinder. When using a file, it is important to orient the file angles on a new chain and duplicate them on the dull chain. For a small electric chainsaw with a 3/8" pitch chain, a 5/32" file is recommended. The tooth will be a semi-chisel tooth, with a slightly rounded cutting edge. By filing at a 35-degree angle and lifting the tail of the file by 10 degrees, you can achieve a sharper edge.
Additionally, there are electric chainsaw sharpeners available on the market, which offer convenience and ease of use. These sharpeners require electricity to function, so they may not be suitable for all situations. It is recommended to have a manual sharpener as a backup in case of power outages or when working in remote locations. When choosing an electric sharpener, it is important to consider the size of your chain and match it with the correct file or bit size. Some sharpeners come with multiple bits to accommodate different chain sizes.
Overall, regular sharpening of your WORX electric chainsaw is important for maintaining the machine and ensuring smooth and efficient cutting performance.
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File sizes
Chainsaw files are made in specific sizes that match the size and shape of the chainsaw teeth. The file size is important as it determines whether you can properly sharpen the blade. If the file is too large or too small, it will be difficult to sharpen the blade.
There are three common sizes of chainsaw files: 5/32, 3/16, and 7/32 of an inch. These sizes are standard across most file brands. The file size you need depends on the size of your chainsaw teeth. You can check the owner's manual or the label on the original box for the correct file size. The guide bar on your chainsaw will also have the specifics for the chain printed on the side.
Some manufacturers recommend a file size of 3/32 of an inch for a 3/8 pitch, 0.05" gauge chain, which is standard for the Worx 16" saw. However, some sources state that 5/32 of an inch is the correct size for this chain. The 3/8" chain on the Worx saw is considered a "Lo-Profile" chain, and the proper file size for this type of chain is generally agreed to be 5/32 of an inch.
In the metric system, the most popular file sizes are 4 millimeters, 4.8 millimeters, and 5.5 millimeters.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sharpen a Worx electric chainsaw manually or by using a powered chainsaw sharpener. To sharpen manually, you will need a file or a sharpening kit. Mark the section of the chain you are going to sharpen first and hold the bit at a 30-degree angle. Work your way around the chain, sharpening each tooth until you get back to the first one.
Using a powered chainsaw sharpener is the most efficient method. You can use a rotary tool, such as the Worx MAKERX, with a thin-diameter grinding stone attachment. This will get the work done faster and make it easier to restore the blade.
Chainsaw manufacturers recommend sharpening the chain frequently. A dull chain can be a safety hazard and will also put more pressure on the mechanical parts of the chainsaw.
The file size depends on the pitch and gauge of the chain. The Worx 14" Electric Chainsaw and Worx 18" Electric Chainsaw have a chain pitch of 3/8" and a gauge of 0.05". The recommended file size for sharpening these chains is 5/32".
