32
Keep the edge within
the chromium layer
The cutter on a chain-saw
chain is covered with a very
thin chromium layer, giving
a very sharp and durable
edge.
As long as the edge is in the
chromium layer, your chain
will have perfect sharpness.
However, after between 50
and 100 cuts with the M7
sawmill, the edge in the
chromium layer will be worn
down. At that point it is time to
le the chain. If you are really
sensitive, you will notice that
the chain slows up, the guide
bar heats up and the feed
pressure must be increased.
If you file as soon as you
sense that the chain is no
longer perfectly sharp, you
will need only a few, light pulls
with the le.
If you always le before the
chain becomes dull, wear on
the guide bar and chain will
be minimal.
However, if you make 5-10
cuts after the edge has left
the chromium layer, the chain
will be so dull it will be difcult
to saw. The sawing speed will
be low and the feed pressure
high. The guide bar and chain
will easily overheat. It is
still possible to saw, but the
equipment will wear out very
quickly.
When you le a chain, there
is a real danger that you won’t
reach the chromium layer.
The chain may feel sharp,
but because it isn’t in the
chromium layer, it will become
dull again very quickly.
If you don’t le in time, you
will have to remove a lot of
the cutter to get it sharp.
The working life of the chain
will be short. And if a lot of
the sawing is done with a
dull chain, you will need
a high feed pressure, with
consequent rapid guide bar
wear and a high risk for chain
breaks.
In conclusion, le before the
chain is dull so that you avoid
getting into a vicious circle
where the wear on the sawing
equipment increases and the
sawing result goes down.
Regular chain sharpening
is especially important if
you are sawing wood that
is aggressive to the chain,
such as dry material, hard
wood or wood with sand or
earth in the bark.
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