Chainsaw problem

[John Torchick]

OK, got everything set up and Murphy's Law rides again. For some reason the saw starts square and drifts to the left half way through the cut. It's a HF 12V Portland saw. Frustrating to cut a log for turning for cross grain or end grain. Ideas and/or suggestions?

 

[Wyatt Holm]

The problem is usually a worn bar or the chain was sharpened uneven. You could try turning the bar upside down.

 

[John Torchick]

Wyatt, it's new. This is the third time being used.

 

[robo hippy]

I had that problem with an old saw where the grooves for the bottom of the chain were worn. They "fixed" it, but that lasted a day or two. Since yours is brand new, I would guess the chain is not properly sharpened with one side being off more than the other. I know HF has made efforts to improve the quality of their tools, but maybe take it back, and/or get a new chain.

robo hippy

 

[Tom Rice]

Wyatt, it's new. This is the third time being used.

Chain issue, most likely a couple teeth got dinged, the small saws are a PITA with that because theres way less teeth, found that out the hard way, my husky 395xp with 48” bar will go like hell even with a few bad teeth, my little milwaukee limbing saw wont cut for sheeit with just one tooth dinged.

 

[John Torchick]

Dinged...used three times? First two times didn't even get through as the log kept rolling.

 

[John Torchick]

I had that problem with an old saw where the grooves for the bottom of the chain were worn. They "fixed" it, but that lasted a day or two. Since yours is brand new, I would guess the chain is not properly sharpened with one side being off more than the other. I know HF has made efforts to improve the quality of their tools, but maybe take it back, and/or get a new chain.

robo hippy

It's going to the Habitat store. Looking for another saw. My son has a Poulan saw that I gave him but hard to keep shuffling it back and forth.

 

[David Shumaker]

OK, got everything set up and Murphy's Law rides again. For some reason the saw starts square and drifts to the left half way through the cut. It's a HF 12V Portland saw. Frustrating to cut a log for turning for cross grain or end grain. Ideas and/or suggestions?

My friend had a Harbor Freight saw that gave him problems. He replaced the bar and chain with one from a reputable manufacturer. All of his problems resolved. Maybe give that a try before getting rid of it.

 

[John Torchick]

David, that would cost more than the saw. Got my eye on a possibility: Kobalt 48V, 12 inch chainsaw; good reviews. Have two batteries and charger for a lawnmower; wife lives it as its lightweight.

 

[John Torchick]

David, holding off and looking at the chain, might need sharpening.

 

[John K Jordan]

Chainsaws. One o my favorite subjects!

I've stuck with Stihl for years, several gasoline a corded electric I often used in the shop.
But recently acquired a 14" Milwaukee that uses the M18 batteries. It's amazing. Usually keep it on the floor in the excavator.

After sharpening by hand with a file for years I now use an electric chain sharpener from Northern Tool in the shop when possible - very quick for a SHARP chain.

Every time I sharpen a chain I flip the bar for even wear. As recommended in the manuals.
I set chain tension, run a few seconds, turn off the saw and check the tension again. Sometimes it loosens a bit.

Don't forget to test the oil pump before sawing. From a Stihl manual.


JKJ