Why Is My Chainsaw Cutting Crooked?
Share it
Anyone who uses a chainsaw will be frustrated if it stops cutting straight through wood projects. It is quite common for chainsaws to become crooked.
We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get your saw to cut straight. Our experts will help you understand why your chainsaw cuts unevenly.
The Crookedness Of A Chainsaw And How To Fix It
Reason #1: Uneven Sharpness
The chain curves can become dull from manual sharpening. Right-handed people tend to sharpen their left side more than their right, which can lead to uneven sharpness and a cutter tooth that takes a different-sized bite.
How to fix unevenly sharpened chains
It is important to sharpen the saw equally on both ends. This includes the basic component, the cutter tooth. Do not focus on your dominant hand; instead, pay attention to the side you are least interested in until you achieve the perfect balance between sharpness and dullness.
Sharpening a Chainsaw that Cuts to the Left or Right
This is a quick guide to how to properly sharpen your chain so that you avoid making crooked cuts.
- To remove excess material around the blade, use wrenches and pliers.
- Place a file at the point where the teeth meet.
- Do not force the tooth to be filed in one direction.
- To sharpen the tooth, place the fine-grit Sandpaper on top. After that, remove any burrs and file both sides until they are equal.
Reason #2: Uneven Top Plate
Uneven lengths on the top plates are one of the main reasons for uneven bites. The chainsaw will curve to the heavier side and form an angle.
How to fix an uneven top plate
Avoid crooked cuts by your saw by making sure the weight of the plate is evenly distributed. A 180 degree angle is the ideal angle.
You can sharpen the shorter side of the plate with your dominant hand if you notice the other one is smaller. This will make it easier to cut straight and achieve precise angle proportions, which will help to avoid any distortion.
Reason #3: Bent Bar
A dented or irregularly shaped bar is the main reason a chain curves when it is being cut. A bent chainsaw bar can make a chain cut crooked.
How to fix a bent bar
Place your bar flat on a surface. It is not difficult to fix a bent bar. You can use a hammer or a screwdriver to straighten the bent bar’s peaked side and adjust its strength according to the bars condition.
Reason #4: Uneven Cutting Teeth
Uneven cutting of teeth is the most common cause for crooked cut, and it often happens as a result of wear and tear. Uneven sharpening can cause the chain teeth to become sharper on one side.
The teeth can be pulled in one direction by dragging your chainsaws. This can result in cuts that favor the largest bite side.
How to fix unevenly cut teeth
You can prevent the teeth from becoming duller by removing any sharp objects like nails or rock. They are often responsible for your cut teeth becoming uneven.
A professional can help you sharpen your chainsawteeth perfectly. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, you can use a grinder instead.
Reason #5: Improper Chain Tension
A loose or improperly tensioned chain can also be a reason your saw isn’t cutting straight. Crooked cuts can also be caused by a loose tension.
A tightened chain will prevent the saw’s ability to cut straight and move freely around the guidebar.
How to fix improper chain tension
You need to know the right tension for your chainsaw so it can work in the correct direction. You should be able see the drive links when you pull the chain. If it doesn’t, it will spring back.
When you adjust the nuts on your chainsaw, hold your guide bar until you achieve a fair tension. To avoid any cuts to your finger, always wear protective gear while adjusting loose tension.
Understanding Your Chainsaw
It is not enough to get a chainsaw for woodworking. You will still have headaches. Woodworkers who don’t read the instructions and don’t know how to properly use the chainsaw can feel more anxious.
To avoid common problems with your chainsaw, we recommend that you understand how it works.
How To Choose And Buy A Chainsaw.
The purchase of a chainsaw is one of the most important investments. Make sure you choose the right model for you. If you are using the chainsaw to do DIY, consider the power and how often it is used. A battery-powered saw is often the best.
Professionals should choose higher-end models, which are usually gas-operated. Whatever model you choose, remember that maintenance covers both the motor as well as the chain.
Chainsaws: The Most Common Problems And How To Fix Them
Issue #1: Overheating
Overheating can cause engine damage and stop your chainsaw from running. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure smooth operation of your chainsaw. This is especially important if you use it in the summer, when they can overheat. Clean the exhaust regularly, as it can become clogged with sawdust and broken wood particles.
Issue #2: Flooded engine
Flooded engines are a common occurrence even in high-end brands likePoulan. This is caused by the gas left in your machine’s tank. There are also risks associated with flooded engines if the chainsaw is started without oil. Although it can be difficult to restart the machine after the oil has dried, the starter should turn the machine on again.
Issue #3: Turnover
You are probably trying to find out why your Husqvarna saw is turning over. Our experts discovered that improper lubrication is often the culprit.
Users are often surprised by the turnover problem. You should not abuse the engine or leave it sitting still. This can lead to serious headaches.
FAQ
Why is my chainsaw constantly jamming?
Chainsaws are useful in cutting wood. You should consider the tree’s weight before you cut large logs. When you force them to cut heavyweight woods, the blades can often wear. Chainsaws can jam if you are cutting softwood or wet trees. They were designed to cut hardwoods only.
My chainsaw produces smoke.
People who don’t like the sight of smoke when they cut wood with their chainsaws can become intimidated by this rare event. These cases can occur when the chain is not properly lubricated.
Smoking can also be caused by abuse of the machine or running it for longer than necessary. Unusual smokes can also be caused by insufficient oil.
What is the life expectancy of a chainsaw blade?
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your chainsaw’s chainsaw blades sharp. Chainsaw chains are not guaranteed for life.
To maintain satisfactory performance, you will eventually have to replace your chainsaw chains. A chainsaw’s sharpness will last five years for most users. However, casual woodworkers can get a longer life span.
This chart will help you identify the correct chain for your chainsaw when it is time to purchase a new one.
Conclusion
The possible reasons your chainsaw cuts unevenly, according to woodworkers. This article will help you identify the possible reasons your chainsaw cuts crooked.
