15
- The cutting edge is obviously damaged;
- The saw pulls to the left or right in the wood. The
reason for this behaviour is uneven sharpening of the
saw chain, or damage to one side only.
Sharpen the saw chain frequently, but remove only a
little material each time.
Two or three strokes with a file are usually sufficient for
routine resharpening.
When the saw chain has been resharpened several times,
have it sharpened in a MAKITA specialist repair shop.
Sharpening criteria:
- All cutters must be of equal length (dimension a).
Cutters of differing length prevent the chain from
running smoothly, and may cause the chain to break.
- Do not sharpen the chain once a minimum cutter length
of 3 mm has been reached. A new chain must then be
fitted.
- The chip thickness is determined by the distance
between the depth gauge (round nose) and the cutting
edge. The best cutting results are obtained with a
distance of 0.5 mm between cutting edge and depth
gauge. (Fig. 32)
WARNING:
• An excessive distance increases the risk of kick-back.
- The sharpening angle of 30° distance must be the
same on all cutters. Differences in angle cause the
chain to run roughly and unevenly, accelerate wear,
and lead to chain breaks. (Fig. 33)
- The side plate angle of the cutter of 80° is determined
by the depth of penetration of the round file. If the
specified file is used properly, the correct side plate
angle is produced automatically.
File and file guiding
- Use a special round file (optional accessory) for saw
chains, with a diameter of 4.5 mm, to sharpen the
chain. Normal round files are not suitable. (Fig. 34)
- The file should only engage the material on the forward
stroke. Lift the file off the material on the return stroke.
- Sharpen the shortest cutter first. The length of this
cutter is then the gauge dimension for all other cutters
on the saw chain.
- Guide the file as shown in the figure.
- The file can be guided more easily if a file holder
(optional accessory) is employed. The file holder has
markings for the correct sharpening angle of 30° (align
the markings parallel to the saw chain) and limits the
depth of penetration (to 4/5 of the file diameter).
(Fig. 35)
- After sharpening the chain, check the height of the
depth gauge using the chain gauge tool (optional
accessory). (Fig. 36)
- Remove any projecting material, however small, with a
special flat file (optional accessory).
- Round off the front of the depth gauge again.
Cleaning the guide bar and lubricating the
return sprocket
CAUTION:
• Always wear safety gloves for this task. Burrs present a
risk of injury. (Fig. 37)
Check the running surfaces of the bar regularly for
damage. Clean using a suitable tool, and remove burrs if
necessary.
If the chain saw receives frequent use, lubricate the return
sprocket bearing at least once a week. Before adding new
fresh grease, carefully clean the 2 mm hole on the tip of
the guide bar, then force a small quantity of multi-purpose
grease (optional accessory) into the hole.
Cleaning the oil guide (Fig. 38)
- Clean the oil guide groove and the oil feed hole in the
bar at regular intervals.
New saw chains
Use two or three saw chains alternately, so that the saw
chain, sprocket and running surfaces of the bar wear
evenly.
Turn the bar over when changing the chain so that the bar
groove wears evenly.
CAUTION:
• Only use chains and bars which are approved for this
model of saw (refer to “SPECIFICATIONS”). (Fig. 39)
Before fitting a new saw chain, check the condition of the
sprocket.
CAUTION:
• A worn sprocket will damage a new saw chain. Have
the sprocket replaced in this case.
Always fit a new locking ring when replacing the sprocket.
Maintaining the chain and run-down
brakes
The braking systems are very important safety features.
Like any other component of the chain saw, they are
subject to a certain degree of wear. They must be
inspected regularly by a MAKITA specialist repair shop.
This measure is for your own safety.
Storing tool
Biologically degradable saw chain oil can only be kept for
a limited period.
Beyond two years after manufacture, biological oils begin
to acquire an adhesive quality, and cause damage to the
oil pump and components in the lubricating system.
- Before taking the chain saw out of service for a longer
period, empty the oil tank and fill it with a small quantity
of engine oil (SAE 30).
- Run the chain saw briefly to flush all residue of the
biological oil out of the tank, lubricating system and
saw mechanism.
When the chain saw is taken out of service, small
quantities of chain oil will leak from it for some time
afterwards. This is normal, and is not a sign of a fault.
Store the chain saw on a suitable surface.
Before returning the chain saw to service, fill up with fresh
BIOTOP saw chain oil.
To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs,
any other maintenance or adjustment should be
performed by Makita Authorized Service Centers, always
using Makita replacement parts.
