Stop and sharpen or swithout chain?

[Swamp Yankee]

When I was starting out

Old logger once told me, never sharpen a saw in the field, just grab another and keep going. When you run out of saws, change a chain. If you run out of saws and chains you're having a bad day and should get out of the woods and find a comfy bar stool.

Take Care

 

[Scandy14]

I always sharpen. The key is to not let the chain get real dull, then it only takes a few strokes with a good file to have the chain back cutting like new. If I were to totally wreck a chain, I would just grab another saw. I normally take at least five or six when I cut wood.

 

[lone wolf]

If I am leasurely cutting wood, I will sharpen one. If I am doing a production job, or cutting I grab another saw, and get at it fast. I am real good about keeping them sharp, and not hitting stuff, and have a good eye. But it happens, I bring all 5 of my good cutting saw's. Every time I cut. It takes time to change, or sharpen one. Takes about 30 seconds to pull the trigger on another saw.

Hell Norm you dont even swap the chains you just grab another saw:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[WKEND LUMBERJAK]

a quick lick with a file every tank works for me, i didn't get good at file'en by hand changing out chains
a little file'en often is better than a lot of file'en not so often

I will agree alittle is better than a lot. With file or grinder.

 

[outdoortype]

I allways have a spare chain just in case. But most of the time I sharpen in the woods. I use full chisel so I have to touch up a lot. Bear in mind I'm using 3/8 pitch chains on 64 driver bars so it doesn't take long. The only problem I have with with switching to a new chain is that I don't have a grinder. This means I have to put the dull chain back on the saw to sharpen it later.

 

[Captain Crunch]

. The only problem I have with with switching to a new chain is that I don't have a grinder. This means I have to put the dull chain back on the saw to sharpen it later.

Yeah. What he said.
The dull chain would then ride around in the tool box forever, and be dull the next time I need it. So I sharpen.

 

[lone wolf]

It depends how much of a hurry you are in.Every situation is different .

 

[In The Weeds]

I almost always sharpen on the saw cuz if I throw the chain in the toolbox I almost always forget about it when I come in.

 

[slowp]

It doesn't take long to file full skip on a 28 inch bar. I switch chains if I rock it, or if it comes off and messes up the drive link thingies on the bottom. If I don't have much more to cut, I will run a dull chain and finish up. :msp_ohmy:

 

[outdoortype]

I found out last year that a chainsaw can also be used as a metal detector.

 

[WadePatton]

oh yeah

answer before was for woodchukkin'.

We're logging my poplars and asst hardwoods right now. After watching bucker dirt up his chain and then keep on bucking, i started helping on the landing. Saves him some steps and keeps the loader rolling and lets me bury my 20" bars more than I'm used to.

I dodge the dirt as long as possible, then keep file real handy to touch up between _cuts_ . I'm not standing there melting a bar like he does.

 

[StihlyinEly]

It really depends on the job for me. I've always got at least two or three saws along even on the quick and easy jobs, so if I'm in a situation where I have to move along smartly and a chain goes dull I'll just grab up one of the other saws.

If I'm doing a lot of bucking and hauling, I'll pretty much always sit down and touch up the chain after two tanks of gas. That short rest to sharpen the chain keeps me from getting overtired and making mistakes.

 

[komatsuvarna]

I just sharpen it, unless I hit something and really screwed it up. If ya don't wait till it quits cutting, it don't take that long to touch it up. I can take my time and go around a 24'' full comp real good in less than 10 minutes easy. JMO...

 

[Wicked500R]

I will swap chains out in the field. I keep a toolbox with me that has extra chains and my saw tools. I like to do my filing on the bench in a warm garage. I like to take my sweetass time...

 

[bluesportster02]

I always carry 3 saws with me and extra chains. I either change the chain or grab a different saw what ever i feel like doing at that time.

 

[sunfish]

I carry two saws and sharpen in the field. It's quick and easy.

Extra chains stay back at the shop.

 

[nick 55]

I usually take 2 extra chains with me to swap out. I do take a file also, bur that's just in case I absolutely need it. I sometimes cut out of state though and I prefer to crack open an adult beverage to sit down and sharpen the chains in the evening. It gives me something to do instead of turning on the TV.

Nick

 

[NORMZILLA44]

LOne wolf, Im not bragging but I dont dull em very often LOL! I take an extra minute or two to look out for dirt, rock, stuff in the tree. I have found sometimes taking my ax to chip of dirty bark, before I fall a tree, or one already on the ground, really helps. Look at it this way it's only fair to give all the saw's there time in the sun:biggrin:

 

[HD2010]

I sharpen in field. Usually try to sharpen and fill up at the same time. Usually ends up up about every 3 or 4 tanks of fuel.

 

[chopperfreak2k1]

well i can't yet afford to have extra chains for my saws so i file them when they need it. i do have at least 3 saws with me at all times so if i'm in some sort of time crunch i can just grab another saw and keep going if needed, but usually i just file as needed. as others have said it gives me a break and time for a smoke.

NORMZILLA- my dad taught me to clean the wood up with an axe or hatchet as well. it's worth the extra few minutes for sure.