How to sharpen a chainsaw

IN THIS VIDEO I GO THROUGH A FEW THINGS THAT MAY GET YOU EXCITED ABOUT CUTTING FIREWOOD AND USING YOUR CHAIN SAW AGAIN, , HAND FILING IS A GREAT SKILL TO POSSES

[@ralphcure127]

"learn to free hand file" it strengthens the spirit. Best thing I've heard all week!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

YA BROTHER

[@chrisbingham799]

Hahaha me as well! Blew my mind!

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

Thats is for sure the mindset that this generation does not have....for the most part. Those that do, well i have several positions to fill in my company. You few are a dying bread and worth the money.

[@casterman2]

I took a page out of your book today Buckin. Not with my chainsaw but with my hole saws. Rather than go buy a new one, inspected the teeth, grind angle etc. it took 15 minutes to hand file a 2” hole saw. She cuts!! Saved a trip to the store and some money!

[@dantco]

After watching your chain sharpening videos, the thing I hated most is what has become what I look forward to!!! I love sharpening! Really I love how the sharp chain just melts the wood, but now I love the sharpening too! I used to just buy a new chain rather than sharpen the old. Not no more! Thanks, Buckin'!!!

[@strandymusic]

Hope the hate/love switch happens to me!! Interesting comment..

[@dantco]

@@strandymusic always hated when my saw started working me and/or not cutting straight. Like I said, this was a sign that I needed to change out to another (sharpened by the hardware store) chain, or buy another chain. I'll probably get blown up now, but I will ONLY use Stihl chain, so that's a 30 mile trip for me. I can't say why, but I always felt like chain sharpening was for someone more knowledgeable than me. I watched Buckin's videos and found out I'm a decent hand at sharpening the steel. There's nothing better than setting a saw on a log and watching it go through under it's own weight...especially for someone who thought he had to push the saw through the cut.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

@@dantco this makes me smile ,, well done dantco, be great to see you at Buckin'stock

[@obxkoastie8170]

One of the main causes of saw cutting crooked is the chain is loose in the rails. This could be due to wear over time or the bar is just starting to spread due to loading with dull chains. Take a new chain and bar and see how tight they fit. If the bars and chains you are using are not close to that fit you will start cutting crooked and it will get worse. As I commented earlier you can either go to a larger gauge (not pitch) chain, try through trial and error to close the rails on an anvil with a sledge, or get a bar rail closer. I got a Silvey from Madsens but Baileys has Chinese knockoffs. A point that Buckin makes over and over is the chain angles and length of top plates is not as important as #1 getting the gullet; and #2 getting your rakers as close as possible. His raker gauge is made by Husqvarna but you have to get the one he uses. The one that comes with their roller filing guide is soft metal and does not hold up. Husky dealers can get them. The part number for 3/8 chain is 505698101 and for .325 chain is 505698100. Hope this helps.

[@YaxisX]

Buckin' Billy Ray, I have to tell you that whenever I have been confused about sharpening, your instructions are the most helpful. You really move from all of the extraneous information can get right down to the basic facts.

[@johnwilliamson5191]

Thank's Billy; I learned more on sharpening in 90 seconds than any other story on the net.

[@drawbridge611]

Never sharpened a chain in my life. Watched this video, took lots of notes, freehanded my first sharpening job following exactly what you did down to the last detail, and frickin' NAILED it! Now the saw cuts twice as fast as it did when the chain was new. And the saw is working only half as hard. Never could've pulled it off without this video. Thank you!!

[@robertenglaish4093]

Always follow your tips on filing. I Learned how to from an old logger myself. He sharpened them surgical sharp. Thank you buckin, for all that you do.

[@Altaswaysia]

I just bought my first hand file kit. I’ve got a STIHL TC 192, an MS 210, and an 064. I’ve been visiting my Dad, cutting wood with him, and since watching your videos, have been spending lots of time hand splitting, and hand sharpening. Thanks for all you do! It’s greatly appreciated! 🍻

[@ivan3070]

Thanks Bill for putting all your experience at the service of the community. a fantastic document correction of angle of the tooth. a video very necessary in my case so that the cuts are straight and the edge is not lost

[@derekdolbey7491]

Always the best videos! These saw maintenance ones are great. I can’t wait to see the videos where you file the chain at different angles! Thanks for your time Buckin! Love Brother.

[@G.A.gigger]

i have been cutting firewood and making handsplit cedar shakes and fence rails for years . i do it now just to keep active. I logged for a few years and actually worked in the pulp mill in Port Alice when i got out of high school. Turned 67 this year and still doing it. Never was a faller but have done tons of landing bucking and burn piles and in the woods for salvage . Love the smell of cedar .Right now i am running a 372 xp ...i prefer Husqies for shake blocking so i have almost always ran them ...my two saws before this were 575 xps and i keep a little Poulan with me for possible bail out situations . Will use it for cutting the smaller firewood too. I always like watching videos where i learn something and yours are great ..thanks for that . i learned to file over the years and file a lot like you do . nothing worse than trying to buck with a dull saw . Cheers from Pemberton BC.. Ms Echo was the name of one of my female labs ..i am a old mill worker , logger , shakeblocker , and male. Thanks and your st8 forward way of presenting and pleasant disposition.

[@leesaunders8449]

im really liking the filing videos even learned a thing or two and decided to give the boat technique a try and couldnt be happier with it . keep the great videos coming

[@strandymusic]

Love the eye in the sky view with your commentary! Been using the Stihl file guide set up and like results but am looking forward to try a single file hand sharpening! Thanks so much.

[@bykrmom]

Thanks for the refresher. Good timing, I'm repairing a couple power saws for a friend and I want to sharpen the chains before I give them back.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

RITE ON ANGE

[@kivaswander5537]

This is the best explanation ever. Consider putting a disclaiming in your old sharpening tutorials nexuses they’re obsolete after this. Man I had anxiety when you had your son moving the camera around but you found the perfect angle and now I get a couple things I missed in your other great videos Good camera work Hogan!

[@alsims8280]

You can hear the sound of the file smooth out when the top plate and gullet come into line.Great vid Buckin! I was cutting huge oak blowdown today and hit some old wire. Using this technique I got the chain sharp as fast as I could have changed it out on a 28" bar. Be Kind Buckin Army!

[@richardoconnor7162]

Beautiful file work, glad your showing them the close ups of a true sharp edge.

[@timberzachlogger8865]

So much good advice Buckin thank you your knowledge has taught me a thing or two and makes my life easier in more ways than one haha nice to have things answered that's sometimes a mystery and frustrating turned into positivity

[@dieseltrucksfirewood2540]

Buckin', I'm glad you talked about dressing the bar and blowing it out with the compressed air because that is just as important as a well sharpened chain. The bars get very neglected and people don't take care of those like they do their chains.

[@MLo12B]

Thank you for this video. I try to take care of my tools but there's a lot they leave out of the manuals. Also your positivity is a beacon in a darkening world.

[@theubergoober]

This is what it's all about! Father and Son working in perfect harmony. In the west we lost our way and started worshipping the dollar but family time is what matters above all else. Keep up the good work fellas! Those classic McCullochs sound better than a male voice choir. And you NORMALLY can't beat a male voice choir. Guess there's no such thing as normal.......

[@Sailor376also]

Oh Brother you are gooood. I hand sharpen as well. Most often on the tailgate of the pickup. The file only cuts on the upstroke, you don't drag the file back over the hook you are working on. 5 degree up angle,, and the new one you just taught me,,, You rotate the file as you work. that looks like only a 20 degree or so rotation,, but every third or so stroke, you leave the rotation and reset your hand only. Always fresh file teeth coming into play. That is seriously slick man. I agree, a smoothly hooked gullet , sharp at all three contacts, cuts and clears the best. I detest factory or machine sharpened chains. Your skill makes me look like a rube. I am just good enough to see and learn new subtleties, and appreciate them. Thanks.

[@awesometopics1988]

Always love the info this man gives ..not many people left in this world like this good great human. Love this man and aim to be as free of a spirit as him thanks for ur knowledge

[@MaxwellPSmart]

Glad you did this vid. I believe in gullet getting ! Awesome McC fodder that big maple! That some saw log!

[@dekuts1489]

You’re the man Buckin’!!! Keep doing what you do...

[@splitpotrose]

You are madder than a bag of broken chisels, but, a few more people like you and the world would be a lovelier place. Thanks for the lesson. I have just ordered some 7/32 tooths to give it a go. Looking forward to the next vid for another breath of fresh air.............Peace.

[@stephenhair5501]

Gullet Head here. Great Eye in the Sky video!! I've got a new Stihl chain that I'll compare to my older chain that needs some sharpening. I want to make sure that I understand how much I need to attack the gullet and then get the working corner. Yes, I do free file too. Not a gadget freak. I enjoy moving metal and have the patience to allow the file to do the work. This video you did is one of your best. Thanks Buckin!!

[@strandymusic]

Agree. He's turning into a frequin professor! Wish you had been a prof where I went to college... No joke!

[@TonaldDrump686]

Them Stihl round chains leave the factory with a fancy, one of a kind grind. Holy smokes do they cut fast. The top plate looks to be flat filed like a square chisel. One round file stroke, and she’s just round chain again.

[@hosocat1410]

Best video analysis of sharpening on KZbin. Great job!!!

[@thejerseyj1636]

I look at this guy, and I look at his shop and tools and you just gotta know. This guy knows his stuff. I would enjoy just hanging out there and looking around. Can't wait for dawn, going out cutting !!

[@team_1j_jont-179]

Like the exhaust on that mac! Great video billy thanks for the help

[@stevewarner8880]

Great video and great attitude! It truly is not rocket science to sharpen and maintain a chainsaw. I retired from a state highway dept and used a saw almost everyday in the winter. Always free hand filed everything. I burn wood to heat my house and still use a saw often. I have several newer model Stihl saws and I like vintage Homelite for fun. I’m glad Outdoors With The Morgan’s turned me on to your channel. Thanks again my friend

[@abuickguy6335]

I try to watch one of your videos every day. Usually on my lunch break. I've watched a few of your videos about sharpening and I think this one is the best. Last night when I got home I pulled out my saw and the chain was already sharp from when I put it away last time. Nuts, I guess I'll have to use it more often. I can't wait to try it free hand, now that I understand. Thank You.

[@adamevans4824]

I just bought a bar grinder and I have to say it was a great investment. I already ground 2 bars that were heavily worn and now they cut like new. I would have never known about that tool until I saw you use it on the channel. Thanks for all the lessons over the years and have a great day

[@mmarja42]

too bad it is useful for only 2 or 3 grinds per a bar, because be aware that the groove gets more shallow every time you grind it, am I right Buckin?

[@jaredgreen4950]

@@mmarja42 use his depth gage (hacksaw blade) run though bar to the lowest depth. Now com pair to cain drive tooth, bar should always be deeper. Oh clean out bar groove first you will be surprised how much can pack in there hope this helps

[@waynetharp]

Can the guide teeth be filed off alittle(like rakers) to have clearance in bar groove if needed??? Thanks

[@jaredgreen4950]

@@waynetharp no don't do thats how there driven, but with that said if i had no other option I'd try it and better prepare my slelf next time but try it (experience is real knowledge) buck'n

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

@@mmarja42 thats not my experience at all , but i do maintenance grinds , i don't wait til its destroyed and have to push hard .. but lets say you got three grinds depending on the amount of cutting one does that wood amount to atleast a year extra time on the bar maybe , thats alot ,, maybe more for the weekend worrior ,, a great investment indeed

[@mikeheizmann6804]

All great information!! My chains have been in much better shape after watching a handful of these kinds of videos

[@jokalukacs]

Dear Buckin' Billy Ray! Thank you for the very good advise. Using 3/16 instead of the 5/32. I used it on a 1/4 Stihl carving chain. It works very well. Thank you again!!!

[@94SexyStang]

I'm hooked on chainsaws!! It helps clear my head, and forget about everything! It started as a hobby Rebuilding 1 old saw......now I have like 10 running saws, Lol. Now I do sidework and been learning as I go.

[@davidtaylor9089]

used to hate sharpening my chains after seeing you have fun doing them I now have a different view on things thanks buckin

[@rlgoers]

You are flippin' awesome! Great information, very complete, and with close-ups so we don't miss the point (pun intended). So glad I stumbled upon this video. I do file by hand, but I'll be doing a much, much better job now. Thank you!

[@jasonmawle2457]

Hand file hand file hand file!! The way I was taught by my grandad and father! Hand file!! I have honed my skills by watching your vids. Thanks for the watch island buddy!!

[@shawnsmith64]

I've gotten soooooo much better with a file after watchin Buckin' teach...Thanks to you Friend. My Daddy tried to teach me more times than I can count, somehow, I never got it. I'm certain he is smilin on both of us now.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

SUPER KOOL

[@brianlozano8791]

Great video on bar and chain maintenance BUCKIN! Keep the videos coming.

[@ericdowney3716]

Love your energy. Positive attitude. Your great.

[@Treewise]

On the Stihl 3/8 RS they recommend the 13/64. But on a new stock RS chain i find it doesn't get the gullet enough so i use the 7/32 and at the end of the chains life or tooth's life i use the 13/64. But 7/32 is fine all the way through. I find the same on the Oregon LGX and LPX Chains. Nice to see someone doing some good chain filing vids that knows what they are on about... I'm starting to get into hand square filing lately it's a little tougher to get right but i'm getting there.

[@tonyblunsum2547]

Love watching these updates awesome !

[@luckxy7760]

I like the way billy talks. Genuine!

[@jeffbrooks8504]

Thanks for showing your knowledge-simplified! Always very helpful.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

WELCOME SIR

[@lenhowl]

Well done there Billy, love it.

[@AdventuresAtHome1]

Great close-ups on the chain! I am very new to cutting wood with a chainsaw and I don’t think I have been getting my chain sharp. This will help me the next time I sharpen it! Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

your welcome

[@tcongo4204]

buckin billy my friend another video full of encouragement, enlightment, and entertaining ....thank you

[@itsjaybytheway1534]

Hey Buckin Isaacs Poppop here. I've been MIA here for awhile. Miss your stuff . Give Family best wishes . Mom n Wife. I'll be here. Your the man

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

poppop

[@joebob1970jc]

Another great video buckin

[@lukep6017]

Excellent advice. Love the channel.

[@jayalbertz9756]

Great information Buckin, your videos are fun too.

[@KoalityofLife]

It's amazing how much you can learn about sharpening a chain. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@Johnnydoxx]

Thanks for the demo, your explanation in this and other videos have been very helpful. I wonder if you could do part of a video showing whether (or not) a standard chain sharpening device (the electric one with the spinning round disc for sharpening) sharpens as desired. I know you are really busy , so may not have time for this, but you are an authority that we can follow your advice. thx again

[@843bigj]

Thanks, I own a Tree Service and I hand file. I am all ways looking for tips thanks again. Great video.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

perfect way of showing the real details,,,, and yes the side plates cut, same as a circular saw has teeth on one side then the other,,,,, creates the kerf.

[@rsgpartsdivision]

Followed your tutorial. Excellent results. Thank you for your vidjas!

[@walterwaller9784]

Good morning Buckin. Have a great day and be safe brother!! Good morning and welcome to all new comers and true blues!!!!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thx Walter

[@Dean-zx6nx]

@9:41... give that a little inspection 😂 cracked me up...good stuff 👍

[@huckmiller1971]

Another good instruction video ! Pay attention , Billy knows what he's doing ! Hi everyone !

[@kendogz161]

These videos new get old. This has help me a lot. Thanks

[@melandaverywilliams3288]

Thanks for the update and the eye in the sky! Hehe 🙃

[@Jjosephda]

hey. I just watched a webinar on tree stuff about saw safety and maintenance. 75% off chain saw accidents occur usually with a dull chain. causes more kick back and more forces when it grabs. buckin is right, need to learn how to keep your saw sharp. it's helps with production and for your safety. good video. very informative.

[@michaelremski8295]

That's same mindset "sharp knife is a safe knife".

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

not only safer, but also much less physical effort expended, along with less wear n tear on your engines and equipment.

[@wecopopkes6038]

Well you want to make one solid cut usually. Rev that bitch

[@kevincowan4887]

When I have a bad day I go out in the shop and just file and grind chain for a couple hours very therapeutic also on the plus side productive to

[@richiev63]

I learned a ton there. Thank you!

[@ardixhan4047]

Holy smoke, Buck you are a "maestro" . I like that sound of sharpening the saw

[@strandymusic]

Yes, I could also hear the difference when that whole portion of the file made nice contact...

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

hey Ardi

[@georgewyatt5318]

Hey billy your videos are the best I’ve seen as explaining and the experience you have to test it tried and true iam from eastern Ky were hands on learning is a must were we also put God first enjoy watching God bless

[@spencermcginty9812]

You’re getting pretty fancy with the camera work buckin👌👌 very helpful video! Thank you for sharing with us. Love to you and the family❤️

[@spencermcginty9812]

Nick dumpster Hanna what up dude🤷🏻‍♂️

[@teejay2726]

Love it and good to know I have been doing it almost right. I will fix my way of filling.

[@TheJonsberg]

❤ This is why I love this channel. Beautiful little secrets

[@hugh381]

How are you and your family, my friend I hope your well.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

HEAVY HITTERS HERE ,, THE JONSBERG AND HUGH 381,, LOVE TO YOU BOTH

[@felipesandoval7593]

Gotcha thnx my man. You got good info. I like that

[@petersteiner872]

I don‘t have a chainsaw but I‘m still learning from you, my friend! Welcome to the NewSubs, hello all Soldiers of Kindness, friends.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

always a pleasure Peter,, thx for your warm spirit here

[@yorkshiresnumero2gardener244]

A Silky hand saw is cheaper on gas Peter. V sharp for pruning work...

[@jonnymoore5342]

Good work as always buckin 👍 my chains have never been as good 😁 cheers

[@erichusqvansonswanson7955]

Ol buckin, a smilin and filin machine!!!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

hey Eric

[@malekabusalah527]

Man I love your channel. I always learn something new and your explanation is very informative. Thanks a lot . Peace up

[@williamj.barnhartjr.3108]

Thank you I learned a lot today friend God bless you my friend and stay safe

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

good stuff

[@user-bz7cs8lc1g]

This works just try it. If you're not a pro like buckin get down at eye level and look at the tooth after a few strokes and make them all look the same. Don't worry about how long they are. Set your rakers with the guage and it'll cut better than new. This is the best info on chain sharpening out there

[@Jimmy-372]

Been sharpening chains for 20 years . . . WRONG! Have always used 7/32 and thought I was doing it pretty good. Dull chain, sharpen it. trim the rakers. Cuts better. However, I have NEVER given gullet much attention. I am looking forward to this upcoming cutting season. I will be working on the gullet. Thank you SO MUCH for your videos and sharing with the community.

[@pablogatti8213]

Saludos Buckin tus vídeos me encanta son de mucho aprendizaje

[@kansaskev8684]

Thanks for the bar flipping advice. I flip mine just not after every time I use it hard. I will now. I have been hand filing for a couple of years now but I still like to watch and learn new things. Thanks again Buckin.

[@1d1hamby]

I still use a diamond bit Milwaukee 12v variable speed rotary tool to sharpen my chains because I can hold it steady, it takes me less work, I'm used to it and I already have it for my carbide chains. I still take my files with me in the field, along with a few chains for emergencies.

[@julianalderson6996]

always better to sharpen by hand, unless chains really f...d then yer' keep it sharp little but often'

[@julianalderson6996]

takes time to get it how ya want it', some like to drop the rakers, i try not to so much just seems cut good for longer, but well said mate used to saw just polish the tooth,

[@jacobrice5452]

I need to move to Canada. Billy is awesome

[@justinp9515]

Great tips, thanks buckin! Welcome all new comers!

[@ryanssawmill8224]

Buckin yu gave me some great tips I tell ya I double my production falling massive white pine man o man haha dont she cut my Johnson red turbo just pulls like a dam freight train now baby!!!! 😄 never hit my gullet hard till I joined this amazing channel!!!! Thankyu thank ya for the fileing videos buckin thankyu ... I always did a c but never thought to take the gullet out more.. all them years an bam the last pice of the puzzle yu hadit buckin glad I found it buckin ...

[@daltonmiller3166]

Good video gonna share it with my brother!!

[@bunndyboy]

I like your style mate. Thanks from down under for your vids, subscribed.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

William ,, welcome we are happy to have you brother

[@mercoldswfo]

Super informative. I'm excited to see that experiment where one side is filed straight and the other at an angle. I've a lot of troubles cutting to the left lately and I don't know exactly why but I think it may be my angles are off. My bars dressed and my rakers are set equal

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

its probably that your dominant stroke is sharpening the left side of the chain,,? is that a possibility ?

[@treesbylumberjake]

New to the channel! Love it!

[@CSkwirl]

Hi everyone, today I made a video while I was sharpening my chain because I've never seen or found a video that shows a good close-up view of sharpening. I did a top down view so it's easier to see the angle and kind of like how you'd be seeing it if you were doing it. Please read the description for info, happy sharpening. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp7IqIVmbd6UebM

[@steelefamilyhomestead8309]

that was such a helpful video. from now on ill be sharpening my new chains right out of the box. i was wondering why my new chain kept makin my saw bog down and was cutting horribly

[@JohnSmith-_--]

Your Enthusiasm is contagious

[@ryanssawmill8224]

A true man that knows his chainsaw... that's called a tooth hook from God!!!! haha I love it when buckin does a sharpening video people just listen to buckin he knows a power saw..a true master in my book . Good stuff here I love it !!! Thumbs up an love to Yu buckin.. an friends out there.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

THX FRIEND

[@scottharman8117]

Your awesome. Have learned a lot from ya.

[@MrFreeknassty]

It's 2024 , looking back on some of tho good hand fileing video. Still a great video 5 year later. Can't say that about to many things. 😊

[@martineastburn3679]

Hogan should get a PhotoTag for his work on that - Great close ups.

[@816treeservice6]

Great video, very helpful. 👍

[@kerrypurcell6022]

great lessons,,,,,learned a lot,, thank you,,

[@SciaticaDrums]

Thanks to your videos I was able to file my first chain today. The results were awesome. The chain had hit a rock and I was able to save it. Thank you so much. I was having my chains sharpened up until now. Those options are rapidly disappearing. If you are like me, learn this shit. Stop paying for inferior work. You can do a better job.

[@stateniland]

3:50 love the close ups.. helps a lot