CHAIN TENSION
Stop the motor before setting the chain tension. Make sure the
sprocket cover bolt is loosened to finger tight, turn the chain
tensioning bolt 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. Be
aware that chain tensioned while warm, may be too tight upon cool-
ing. Check the "cold tension" before next use.
Approx. .050 (1.25mm)
NOTE: A new chain tends to stretch, check chain tension frequent-
ly and tension as required.
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Disconnect the saw from the power supply 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.
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.
CHAIN TENSION AND MAINTENANCE
Model PS44008
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.
Cutting
Corner
Side Plate
Top Plate
Depth Gauge
Rivet Hole
Heel
Toe
Gullet
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.
Left Hand Cutters
Right Hand Cutters
WARNING: Improper chain sharpening increases the potential of
kickback.
WARNING: Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can cause
serious injury.
WARNING: The saw chain is very sharp, always wear protective
gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.
TOP PLATE FILING ANGLE
Correct 30 degrees – File holders are marked with guide marks to
align file properly to produce top plate angle.
Less than 30 degrees – for cross cutting.
More than 30 degrees – feathered edge dulls quickly.
CORRECT TOP PLATE
FILING ANGLE
SIDE PLATE ANGLE
Correct – 80 degrees produced automatically if correct diameter file is
used in file holder.
Hook – "Grabs" and dulls quickly. Increases potential of kickback.
Results from using a file with a diameter too small or file held too low.
Backward Slope – Needs too much feed pressure, causes
excessive wear to bar and chain. Results from using a file with a
diameter too large, or file held too high.
9
INCORRECT TOP PLATE FILING
ANGLE
LESS THAN
MORE THAN
30°
30°