What causes a saw chain to cut in a curve?

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patch53

New Member
Dec 10, 2009
217
UP of Michigan
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
One side is definately sharper than the other.
 
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
 
webie said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
Un even sharping job, to much off the teeth on one side.
 
70marlin said:
Un even sharping job, to much off the teeth on one side.
Click to expand...

+1
 
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.
 
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