SecondSonWoodworks's video: How to Sharpen a Chainsaw How to Un-Flood a Chainsaw Basic STIHL Chainsaw Maintenance

On this episode of episode of Second Son Woodworks I will be showing you how to do basic Maintenance on my STIHL MS271 Farm Boss Chainsaw with a 20" Bar. I begin this episode by taking off the Shroud Cover, the guide bar and chain, and air filter. I then use an old tooth brush, a paper towel, and my air compressor to clean off sawdust and residue build up. Off camera, I wash the air filter with hot water and soap. I use my air compressor to dry it off. After that, I use the end of STIHL filing gauge tool to clean the grooves and oil inlet holes on the guide bar. You will notice that I take the spark plug out of the engine when the shroud cover is off. If the engine was flooded, I would drain the excess engine fuel from the engine compartment by way of the spark plug hole. I would also dry the spark plug off. When an engine is flooded, this fuel is preventing the spark plug from sparking and igniting the engine. Once the entire saw was cleaned up, I clamped the chain saw to my bench and began sharpening each blade or tooth on the chain. I marked the first blade/tooth with a sharpie so that I after rotating around the entire chain, I knew where I started in order to stop. PLEASE NOTE: When I first released this video, the version included me sharpening the blade with a file in the wrong direction. This can be detrimental to your blade and I AM SORRY that I did this on camera. This was a mistake and I have since removed this footage from the video. Make sure you pull the file in the right direction on the blade so that you sharpen the blade and not make it dull or chip it. I used a basic chain file with a file holder that met the specifications of the chain I have on this 20" inch bar. Mark sure you match the size of the file to that of the blades on your chain. The box that the chain came in will have the specifications for the tooth shapes. Here are a few proper sharpening tips and tricks from the STIHL Chainsaw Manual: -Select sharpening tools in accordance with chain pitch. -Clamp guide bar if necessary. -Block saw chain - push the hand guard forward. -To advance the saw chain, pull hand guard toward the handlebar: The chain brake is disengaged. -Sharpen Frequently, removing little material - two or three stokes of the file are usually sufficient for simple resharpening. -Guide the file: horizontally (at a right angle to the side surface of the guide bar) in accordance with the specified angle - according to the markings on the file holder - rest the file holder on the tooth head and the depth gauge. -File only from the inside outward. - The file only sharpens on the forward stroke - lift the file on the backstroke. - Do not file tie straps and drive links. -Rotate the file a little periodically in order to avoid uneven wear. -To remove file burr, use a piece of hardwood. -Check the angle with file gauge. Lastly, I fill the saw with fresh chain oil and STIHL High Performance MOTOMIX; I then start up the engine. Some of the tools and supplies used in this video: Stihl Motomix Fuel: https://amzn.to/3b1Hcto Chainsaw Sharpening Kit: https://amzn.to/3b1iz01 Stihl Bar and Chain Lubricant: https://amzn.to/2xibqK4 Trapped at home cause of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Me too. Head over to my channel and check out my other DIY/Woodworking videos to fill the void of time! Get inspired to do some ( ) in your shop and or around the home. That's what I am doing. This is the time to get home decor and shop projects completed. Stay healthy and happy building! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below! Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon so you stay notified when I post new videos. Add me on Instagram and Facebook: @secondsonwoodworks