Winchester356
ArboristSite Operative
When out in the field do you stop and sharpen or take extra chains with you and swith them out?
Stop and sharpen or swithout chain?
- Thread starter Winchester356
- Start date
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I switch them out. I'm usually within 50' of my tailgate. Switching is faster for me.
NORMZILLA44
Addicted to ArboristSite
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.
dingeryote
Blueberry Baron
Depends.
It only takes 5-6Min. to give each cutter a couple licks, but if I hit wire, or buggered up a couple teeth bad, I'll swap.
Stay safe!
Dingeryote
It only takes 5-6Min. to give each cutter a couple licks, but if I hit wire, or buggered up a couple teeth bad, I'll swap.
Stay safe!
Dingeryote
indiansprings
Firewood Purveyor
I'll just bet Dinger meant seconds, since we have the luxury of having several work saws, when one starts getting a little dull, we'll switch saws with the user and I'll touch the one up hea was using. I have a vice mounted on the trailer, it makes it really easy to do in the field. While I've got the saw, I'll go ahead and fill it up and top it off with bar oil and it'll be ready to go.
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WadePatton
ArboristSite Guru
switching saws is also the fastest way to refuel/oil.
sharpen in the field or in the shop, same amount of time for same amount of sharpening-but i'd hate to think i had to swap chains _every_ time i needed a sharp one. it's a matter of burning daylight this time of year.
i sharpen on the vise every morning, then touch up in the woods, rarely taking the chain off. but i'm just a woodchuck in the hardwoods.
sharpen in the field or in the shop, same amount of time for same amount of sharpening-but i'd hate to think i had to swap chains _every_ time i needed a sharp one. it's a matter of burning daylight this time of year.
i sharpen on the vise every morning, then touch up in the woods, rarely taking the chain off. but i'm just a woodchuck in the hardwoods.
Captain Crunch
ArboristSite Operative
Sharpen. Since my BIL, ole "lazer eye", taught me to file it doesn't take much longer than swapping, not that I get them quite as sharp as he does, but I do ok.
Never mind that I don't have a spare chain for "the BIG boss" anyway.
Never mind that I don't have a spare chain for "the BIG boss" anyway.
dingeryote
Blueberry Baron
Nah. I meant the whole loop takes 5-6 Min. or so.
5-6 seconds and I'm hanging a shingle to compete against the grinders!:hmm3grin2orange:
Stay safe!
Dingeryote
StubornDutchman
ArboristSite Operative
I always carry at least two spare chains for each bar in case I rock one. I'm cutting a lot of dirty storm damaged tops right now so I am doing touch ups with each tank of mix. With all these touch ups I'm starting to get a better feel for filing. The Stihl file guide is a big help to me and really speeds up the process.
i switch oit out or grab another saw. i always take 3 saws with me cuse thats how i roll!
paccity
Addicted to ArboristSite
usually swap out. i can swap a chain out faster than you can touch one up. if i'm not in a big rush i'll sit down have a smoke take a quick pass with the d-bevel.
MEATSAW
ArboristSite Guru
I have extra chains and extra saws (can only use one at a time!). If needed I'll just grab another saw. If they all get jacked up, then I'll swap chains. I like to sharpen chains once I get back home. I tend to do a better job filing when not in the field.
Soilarch
ArboristSite Operative
Sharpen.
I didn't think that many switched out. Sometimes I'm by the truck, sometimes I'm not. I enjoy filing, it gives me a breather and it makes me slow down enough to look everything over.
I didn't think that many switched out. Sometimes I'm by the truck, sometimes I'm not. I enjoy filing, it gives me a breather and it makes me slow down enough to look everything over.
Justsaws
Addicted to ArboristSite
Anything over a 20" bar and I will swap chains, I will probably/typically swap the shorter ones as well. I carry files with me and will use them if needed but would typically prefer to swap chains.
bobt
Addicted to ArboristSite
I do neither.
I am just a leisurely firewood cutter, and only cut one pickup load at a time.
I gas up two saws at home and throw them in the truck with my tool bag. I leave the gas and oil containers home. If I dull the first saw, I grab the other.
When I get home, I split the rounds with a maul and pile the split pieces.
If I want to go back for another load, I will file the chain in the shop vise if necessary.
It works for me, and I never have to clean up a gallon of spilled oil out of the pickup box!
I learned all about leaving the oil and gas in the box when tossing in heavy rounds! Haha!
Bob
I am just a leisurely firewood cutter, and only cut one pickup load at a time.
I gas up two saws at home and throw them in the truck with my tool bag. I leave the gas and oil containers home. If I dull the first saw, I grab the other.
When I get home, I split the rounds with a maul and pile the split pieces.
If I want to go back for another load, I will file the chain in the shop vise if necessary.
It works for me, and I never have to clean up a gallon of spilled oil out of the pickup box!
I learned all about leaving the oil and gas in the box when tossing in heavy rounds! Haha!
Bob
SawTroll
Information Collector
I usually have spare chain with me, but don't use them unless I rock one outn (or hit something hard in the trees, like old wire or spikes) - and just touch the chain on the saw up with a file every other tank or so, or when I feel it is needed.
russhd1997
Innocent By Stander
Neither! I bring extra saws and switch those out. I have more time to sharpen and clean during the week so I spend as much time as I can cutting on the weekends.
Ductape
Addicted to ArboristSite
Since I bought my chain grinder, I just swap them out. I sharpen a few at a time and always bring a spare or two if i'm going to be out cutting for the day.
