chainsaw bar care

[blueknobbuck]

hi all; i am new to the site and think its great,ok heres my question: been cuttin wood now for 2 years, since i got the woodburner, bought a stihl ms 310, no complaints, noticed a groove forming on the edge of the bar, especially toward the tip, is this normal wear or a lubrication problem, does this need to be filed down or just let it go? what do ya think? also: developing another problem, starting to think that one saw isn't enough and the need for more power,where does it end,:hmm3grin2orange: i think its contagious

 

[Ray Bennett]

I think you are running your chain too tight if you have a groove from just cutting your own fire wood for 2 years, How many cords are you cutting? Are you flipping the Bar on a regular basis? The 310 is fine for your own firewood saw, now if you are moving 50 some cords a year like myself you owe yourself a 460 or at least a 361. And finally you always need more power.

 

[tawilson]

Are you talking about a little ridge along the side that is so sharp you can cut your finger on? If so, file or sand it down.

 

[Timberhauler]

The most common cause of it is overtightning the chain....I suggest flipping the guide bar every other time you sharpen the chain...Tighten the chain just enough to where it touches the bar and doesn't hang....Anything beyond that is too tight.

 

[Butch(OH)]

Normal? Kinda hard to say, because we don't know how, or how much it has been used. Dull chains, dirt and lack of lube will all wear bars quicker. Some wear is normal. As long as the groove depth remains deep enough you can true and level it back to new by several methods. If your into tools for every reason special tools are sold just for this or you can draw file it (old gunsmith here, LOL) or you can use a bench mounted disk sander with the rest set to 90 degrees. Watch for spreading and side ways wear too, tools are also sold to bend the sides in to reduce the width of the groove.

 

[blueknobbuck]

saw has probably only cut 20 cords of wood total, mostly white oak, just noticed the wearing recently, thanks for everybodies advice

 

[Ray Bennett]

In that case that bar should look almost new, chain is too tight, I bet your sprocket is showing a little wear also. No real harm done with just 20 cords, just keep your chain a little looser

 

[sILlogger]

belt sander

personally i use a vertical belt sander to nock down the ridges and true up the bar rails, it works great. good luck