Yes, you can over tighten a chainsaw chain. While it’s important to keep the chain on your chainsaw properly tensioned, if it’s too tight, it can lead to issues. If a chainsaw chain is over tightened it can cause too much stress on the drive sprocket, the engine, and other parts of the chainsaw.
If the chain is overly tight, it will be more difficult to move the side plate and it can cause the chain to over-stretch, which leads to more wear and tear than normal. It can also cause the saw to vibrate more than usual and make it harder to control.
To prevent this from happening, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines when tightening the chain on a chainsaw. This will help ensure you don’t end up over tightening and causing damage to the saw.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is too tight?
Firstly, you should give the saw a try and see how it performs. If the chain is too tight, it will cause the saw to jump, jerk and be difficult to operate. Additionally, if the chain is too tight, turning the chainsaw over and tugging lightly on the chain should not move it along the bar.
If the chain moves easily along the bar, then it means it is too loose. You should also look at the chain for signs of overheating, because an excessively tight chain can cause the chain to heat up quickly and smoke.
Lastly, you can use a deflection test, which involves measuring the amount of deflection of the chain when pressure is applied to two points of the chain. If the chain deflects more than 1/16 of an inch, then the chain is too loose, and if it deflects less than 1/16 of an inch, then the chain is too tight.
Why does my chainsaw smoke when cutting?
Most commonly, a chainsaw will smoke when it is being used because of the build-up of oil, fuel and other substances that can accumulate in the engine or exhaust. Excessive smoking can indicate a number of problems, including an overly rich fuel to air mixture, which could be caused by a dirty air filter, insufficient air flow to the carburetor, or incorrect spark plug gap.
It can also be a result of debris, including sawdust, wood chips, and other contaminants that have been sucked into the engine, which can reduce engine performance and cause smoking. In some cases, excessive smoking could be a sign of a damaged or worn out exhaust or piston.
It’s important to get your chainsaw serviced periodically to prevent potential problems and ensure it works as it should. If you notice your chainsaw is smoking while you’re using it, you should stop immediately and consult a professional to have the issue assessed and repaired.
How do you adjust the tension on a Husqvarna chainsaw?
To adjust the tension on your Husqvarna chainsaw, you’ll need a few tools and some patience.
First off, you’ll need to turn the chainsaw off and unplug it. Once it is unplugged and cooled off, you can use a chainsaw cover or cloth to cover the bar and the chain before you begin. This is to protect both you and the chainsaw.
Second, you’ll need to locate the tensioning screw which is generally located at the side of the chainsaw. Turn the tensioning screw in a clockwise direction until you hear some resistance. This is to make sure the chain won’t be too tight when you’re using it.
Third, check the tension of the chain by pulling it away from the bar lightly with your finger. The chain should have some slack, but it shouldn’t be loose. If it is, then you can turn the tensioning screw in a counterclockwise direction.
Fourth, take off the bar and chain cover and use a file to sharpen the chain. You can use either a round depth gauge or a flat depth gauge to keep the file at a consistent angle as you sharpen. Make sure to sharpen both sides of the chain.
Finally, replace the bar and chain cover, put the chainsaw away, plug it in, and turn it on.
Adjusting the tension on your Husqvarna chainsaw is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to always use caution and wear proper safety gear to prevent any harm to yourself or the chainsaw.
Which way does a chainsaw blade go?
When it comes to operation and use, the chainsaw blade should be spinning in a counter-clockwise motion. This motion helps guide the blade through whatever material the user is working to cut. Depending on the size and type of chainsaw, the speed of the blade and amount of force required to cut through material will vary.
Before beginning to use the chainsaw, make sure to always follow safety protocols such as wearing proper protective gear and ensuring the chainsaw is in good condition before use. Doing so will help prevent dangerous situations and minimize the chance of personal injury.
Additionally, reading and familiarizing yourself with the user manual before using a chainsaw will give you a better understanding for the specific operation of your particular model.
Will a chainsaw cut if chain is on backwards?
No, a chainsaw will not cut if the chain is on backwards. A chainsaw chain is designed to cut in a counterclockwise direction, so when the chain is placed backwards, the force of the chain against the wood is greatly reduced and the chain will not cut.
In addition, backwards chainsaw chains can cause trouble for the saw’s motor. Due to the backward rotation of the chain, the power to the motor is not transferred correctly and can overwork the motor, leading to motor damage.
Therefore, it is essential to always ensure that the chain is correctly installed before using your chainsaw.
How do you tell if chainsaw blade is on backwards?
To tell if a chainsaw blade is on backwards, you should first inspect the blade for any obvious signs that it is not threaded on correctly. Check for any spacing between the cutting teeth and the housing, as wella s any signs that the blade might be installed upside down.
You should also check to see if the blade is protruding beyond the protective housing.
Next, you should look at the direction of the topside of the blade, which should perfectly align with the direction of the majority of the cutting teeth. If the blade and the teeth are pointing in opposite directions, this is a sign that the blade is installed backwards.
Finally, you should also look at the leading edge of each link on the chain. This should always point in the direction of the sprocket and drive links and never away from them. If the leading edge of the chain points away from the sprocket, this is another sign that the blade is on backwards.
How much slack should be in a chainsaw chain?
The amount of slack to have in a chainsaw chain will depend on the type of chain you have and the make and model of your chainsaw. Generally, most chainsaws require approximately 1/8 of an inch of slack between the two sides of the chain when it is loose.
It is important to check the manual that came with your chainsaw to make sure you are following the recommended settings since different chainsaws may require different settings. It is also important to check the chain tension regularly to make sure it is not too tight or too loose to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Too much slack can lead to skipped cuts and kickback, while too much tension can lead to increased wear and tear on the saw and chain.
Does it matter which way you put a chain on a chainsaw?
Yes, it does matter which way you put a chain on a chainsaw. The orientation of the cutting teeth matters; they should alternate in a direction pointing away from the bar while they are mounted. That is, the first tooth should point to the right, the next one should point to the left, and so on down the chain.
By setting the cutting teeth in this alternating pattern, you will create a more efficient cutting action and less wear on the blade. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the top plate of the chain is facing away from the bar so that it can come in contact with the wood.
Lastly, the chain should be tensioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that the chain is securely in place, but not so tight that it inhibits the saw from moving freely.
What causes a chainsaw to cut to one side?
A chainsaw cutting to one side is usually caused by an incorrect chain tension or an incorrect sharpening angle on the chain’s cutting teeth. When the chain tension is too loose or the sharpening angle is wrong, the chain will not track straight and will instead tend to drift to one side as it moves through the wood.
To correct the problem, the chain tension must be adjusted to the proper tension or the chain must be resharpened to the correct angle. Another possible cause of a chainsaw cutting to one side could be a bent or warped guide bar.
If the guide bar is not straight, the chain will pull the chainsaw in the direction of the bend as it moves through the wood. To fix a bent guide bar, a flat bar that is the same length as the original bar must be installed.
Does cutting wet wood dull a chainsaw?
Yes, cutting wet wood can dull a chainsaw. When working with green or wet wood, the moisture content in the wood will interact with the heat created of the blade and cause it to expand. This tool expansion can cause the chainsaw chain to become brittle and crack, making it much less effective than when it was new.
Also, wet wood is often more difficult to cut, with the chainsaw’s bar often bouncing off when it hits the surface of the wood. As the chainsaw works harder to cut the wood, more heat is generated, and the chainsaw’s blade is more likely to suffer wear and tear.
Additionally, as the chainsaw runs, wet sawdust builds up on the outer of the bar and the chain links, causing it to stick on the blade and create more friction. This will cause further wear and tear on the chain, resulting in a duller chain that needs to be replaced more often.
What is the angle for a chainsaw chain?
The angle of a chainsaw chain varies depending on the specific chain and it’s intended use. Generally speaking, chainsaw chains range from 0.043” to 0.058” in pitch, with a corner angle anywhere from 20 to 30 degrees.
Chain pitch is the most important aspect of a chainsaw chain, as it affects both performance and the size of the cut.
It is also important to note that each chain has top-plate angles which vary from 0-20 degrees. The angle of the top-plate determines the angle of the cut on the wood and increases the ability of the chain to stay sharp and effective while cutting.
A typical angle for a top plate is around 7.5 degrees.
Another important factor is the cutter angle, which can run anywhere from 70 – 80 degrees and affects how the chain interacts with the wood. A 70 degree angle is more aggressive, while an 80 degree angle is less so and will cut slower but can last up to twice as long.
In summary, the angle of a chainsaw chain fluctuates with different styles and sizes of chain, but can generally range from 20 – 30 degrees on the corner angle, 0 – 20 degrees on the top plate, and 70 – 80 degrees on the cutter angle.
