Sharpening a pole saw blade involves using specific tools to meticulously file each tooth, restoring its cutting edge.
Essential Tools for Sharpening
To effectively sharpen a pole saw blade, you need tools designed for detailed filing of saw teeth. According to the reference, you can sharpen a saw with a small flat, or triangular saw file or sharpening steel. The critical factor is selecting a tool capable of sharpening each individual saw tooth.
Here are the primary tools recommended:
- Small Flat File: Suitable for some tooth profiles, but often less ideal than triangular files for standard saw teeth.
- Triangular Saw File: The most common and often preferred tool for sharpening standard saw teeth, as its shape matches the gullet (the space between teeth) and the angled cutting edge of the tooth.
- Sharpening Steel: While less common for traditional saw teeth compared to files, it is mentioned as a potential tool for sharpening saws. Files typically remove more material to redefine an edge, whereas steels realign a slightly dull edge.
Choosing the right size file is crucial. The file should be appropriate for the size and spacing of your saw blade's teeth to fit correctly into the tooth's gullet and along the cutting edge.
The Sharpening Process: Focusing on Each Tooth
The core principle of sharpening a saw blade, including a pole saw, is addressing each individual saw tooth. You don't sharpen the entire blade in one pass; you work on one tooth at a time, filing it to a sharp point or edge before moving to the next.
Here's a general outline of the process:
- Secure the Blade: The pole saw blade must be held firmly in place, typically in a vise or a specialized saw filing clamp. This prevents movement while you are filing.
- Identify the Tooth Type: Saw teeth are usually filed at an angle. Observe the existing angle of the teeth on your blade.
- Position the File: Place the chosen file (like a triangular saw file) into the gullet between two teeth. The file should rest against the bevel (angled edge) of the tooth you intend to sharpen.
- File Each Tooth: Using smooth, consistent strokes, push the file across the tooth's cutting edge. File on the forward stroke only, lifting the file slightly on the return stroke. Apply even pressure.
- Count the Strokes: Use the same number of strokes on each tooth to ensure uniformity in sharpness and tooth size.
- Maintain the Angle: It is vital to maintain the original filing angle of the tooth for effective cutting. You can use a filing guide if necessary.
- Work Alternating Sides: Saw teeth are often set (bent slightly) in alternating directions. File the teeth angled in one direction along the blade, then reposition the blade or yourself to file the teeth angled in the other direction.
- Remove Burrs: After filing, check for any metal burrs on the back of the teeth and carefully remove them with a light pass of the file or a fine stone.
By carefully filing each individual saw tooth with the appropriate tool, you can restore the cutting efficiency of your pole saw blade, making your pruning tasks much easier and safer.
