8
CHAIN TENSION AND MAINTENANCE
CHAIN TENSION
Stop the motor before setting the chain tension. Make sure the
tension knob is loosened to finger tight, turn the tension knob
clockwise to tension the chain. A cold chain will be correctly tensioned
when there is no slack on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is
snug, but it can be turned by hand without binding.
Chain must be re
-
tensioned whenever the flats on the drive links hang
out of the bar groove.
During normal saw operation, the temperature of the chain will
increase. The drive links of a correctly tensioned warm chain will hang
approximately .050 in. (1.25mm) out of the bar groove. (Fig. 12) Be
aware that chain tensioned while warm, may be too tight upon
cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next use.
NOTE:
A new chain tends to stretch, check chain tension frequently
and tension as required.
Approx. .050 (1.25mm)
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
CAUTION:
Remove the battery pack and make sure the chain has
stopped before you do any work on the saw.
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be maintained properly.
The chain requires sharpening when the wood chips are small and
powdery, the chain must be forced through the wood during cutting,
or the chain cuts to one side. During maintenance of your chain
remember:
-
Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the risk
of severe kickback.
-
Raker (depth gauge) clearance.
-
Too low increases the potential for kickback.
-
Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
-
If cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails and stones, or
have been abraded by mud or sand on the wood, have service
dealer sharpen chain.
NOTE:
Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or damage when
replacing the chain. If signs of wear or damage are present in the
areas indicated, have the drive sprocket replaced by a qualified
individual.
FIG
.
12
FIG
.
13
Cutting
Corner
Top Plate
Rivet Hole
Heel
Gullet
Toe
Depth Gauge
Side Plate
HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to the same
length, as fast cutting can be obtained only when all cutters are
uniform.
Wear gloves for protection. Properly tension the chain prior to
sharpening. Refer to “Chain Tension Section” earlier in this manual.
Do all of your filing at the midpoint of the bar.
Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not let the file dip
or rock. Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front corner
of the tooth. (Fig. 13)
Lift file away from the steel on each return stroke.
Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand cutters in
one direction. Then move to the other side and file the right
hand cutters in the opposite direction. Occasionally remove
filing from the file with a wire brush. (Fig. 14)
WARNING:
Improper chain sharpening increases the potential
of kickback.
WARNING:
Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can
cause serious injury.
Right Hand Cutters
Left Hand Cutters
FIG
.
14
