What causes a saw chain to cut in a curve?

[patch53]

I have always used a regular rat tail chain file for my saw chain, but decided to try one of those dremel tools with the chain sharpener. Saves a LOT of time compared to the hand file. Seemed to work good the first few times, but something is wrong now. When I start to make a cut on a log, the bar starts to curve to the right and then binds in the log, very frustrating. At first I thought maybe I had tweaked the bar somehow, so I took it off and it looked nice and straight. Tried a new chain, and it cut great, so it has to be the other chain that I was sharpening with the dremel. Is there some trick to using these dremel tools for chain sharpening?

thx, Pat

 

[smokinj]

Dremel are very hard to get a chain accurate. If it pulls to the right may try sharpening the left again but dremel are more of a crap shoot

 

[Tony H]

I did it sharpening with a file got the one side sharpened better and it would cut right. I found if when sharpening with a file or dremel I switch the saw around so the motor is to my right it does not seem to happen. So far I have had good results with the dremel and they do call for using it with motor to the right.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I filed for years. I now use the dremel and it works very nice for me. At first I did find I tended to sharpen a bit more on one side but learned quickly (probably because I did the same thing when I first learned how to file).

Also, check your chain tension.


EDIT: With the dremel, it is better to sharpen more often so you just have to lightly touch; that way you won't burn the chain. Every time you add gas to the saw, just touch the chain lightly with the dremel and all will be well. I clip onto the battery of the atv for sharpening and always have the dremel with me so it is just a couple minute job at most. Quick and easy.

 

[patch53]

The one I have is just a 15K RPM unit, so I don't really have to worry about scoring the chain. My chain is nice and snug on the bar, it just wants to start curving to the right. I must have sharpened it unevenly or something. I'll try putting a nice new edge on it and see if it works, but for now I'll just use the other chain.

Pat

 

[Rustaholic]

Either one side is duller than the other one or one side is sharpened to a different angle.

I have a saw that cuts like that but it is my $99 Mac from KMart.
I use that saw to cut up huge 5' X 12' oak pallets and one time I nicked a hidden nail with the teeth on one side.
The chain is no good for cutting a tree up but it still works for those big pallets.

I only sharpen my Husky with a file.
I just touch it up in the field then when it really needs a going over it gets clamped in the vise downstairs.

 

[johnnycomelately]

One side is definately sharper than the other.

 

[webie]

You also could have a worn out saw bar too or one that is running a bur on the one side . You could try flipping the bar , if it cuts the same chances are its a bad sharpening job

 

[patch53]

You also could have a worn out saw bar too or one that is running a bur on the one side . You could try flipping the bar , if it cuts the same chances are its a bad sharpening job

Hi Web, the bar is relatively new, and I did try flipping the bar over first, didn't change anything. The new chain worked great, so I'm pretty sure it was just a sharpening issue. I resharpened the chain yesterday and I'll try it again when the other one needs sharpening, hopefully it will work good.

 

[70marlin]

Un even sharping job, to much off the teeth on one side.

 

[mhvond]

Un even sharping job, to much off the teeth on one side.

+1

 

[trafick]

Don't forget the rakers. If one side is filed more than the other the side that is filed more will take a bigger "bite" causing the chain to cut crooked. But I agree with others, you probably just filed the teeth more on one side.