Introduction

A woodworker main objective would be to make circles that are a precise and perfect size in the safest and efficient manner. There are several ways to cut circles in wood. However, each cutting method will depend on the type of tool used.

The following are the various methods of cutting circles in wood.

By use of a Hole Saw

The easiest and simplest method to make small circles measuring up to seven inches in diameter is to use a Hole Saw. A supporting board can be used to avoid a blowout. Other tools include a jerk and a disc sander. These will be used to making a perfect circle.

The procedure involves cutting a piece of the plywood and gluing together the plywood and a cleat so that when the cleat is in the miter hole. Cut a panel on top of the surface and should be vertical to the cleat underneath. Place a runner into the panel. Insert a final nail on one side of the runner towards the end.

Clamp the jerk to the counter of the disc sander positioning the cleat in the slot made on the miter. Dig a small hole in the middle of the surface of the workpiece and position the workpiece on top of the final nail. Shove the runner in front up to the point where the workpiece gets into contact with the rotating sanding disk. Clamp the runner and sand the work board by slowing spinning it in a clockwise direction up to the time the circle is shaped.

Reset the runner and start sanding the edges unto the point where you have a perfect diameter. Avoid unwarranted burns to the ends by spinning the work board steadily and by use of a clean sand disc. You can use the crepe block to clean it from time to time.

By use of a Band Saw

The Band Saw is another tool that you can use to cut circles in a wood. The workpiece is rotated into the saw blade to make a cut. For a quick and neat cut, you can start with a plywood that is the size of the band saw counter and have a miter opening cleat pasted together to the surface.

Fit the cleat into the miter hole and push the jerk into the rotating blade up to the point where the bottom edge is even with the edge of the table. Fix the block on the bottom to prevent a jig. Make a line where the jerk is vertical to the cutting blade and even it with the teeth of the Saw and eventually insert the final nail hinge.

To use the jerk, make a small opening on the lowest part of the workpiece at the middle. The Put it above the final nail fitted in the jig. Drive the jerk forward on the table up to the point where it stops. Clamp it. Spin the workpiece in a clockwise direction into the cross portion so as to prevent the blade from pulling into a long portion. Now cut a circle. Use the side table to support in case of large pieces.

Place the blade on the position close to the table and start cutting. Make sure the cutting edge of the saw teeth positions well with the center line of the hedge point on the jerk. This is so as to achieve a perfect circle. Finally turn the workpiece in such a way that the bumps in the softwood are out of the cutting path of the blade.

Using a Router and Trammel

The idea of a Router and a Trammel is the same as using a thread and a pencil. Here you need to fix a half an inch O.D guide bushing and a twisting bit inside the router and fit the router in the jerk. Measure the radius you would prefer from the cutting end of the bit and fit in a final nail through the jerk arm.

Using a trammel, slot the final nail to the arm to put marks where the circle radius will be. Dig a small hole in the middle of the workpiece. Now slot the trammel hedge into the workpiece. You can use another board under the workpiece. Rotate the workpiece in an anticlockwise direction. You can make several passes to cut the circle if your workpiece is wider.

Using a Table Saw

You can also cut a circle in a wood using a table saw. In this method, you need a sliding jerk. You can create a circle and alter the appearance of a workpiece in the circle.

First, cut the plywood and mount a hardwood runner on the surface that will fit your miter slot. Place the jerk on the right side of the miter slot and start cutting. Draw a line across the jerk vertical to the blade. You can start with a square piece and dig a small hole in the middle.

Put the mark on the radius and spin the workpiece on the jerk so that one side hangs the jerks edge. Using your hand, hold the workpiece or use a toggle clamp and slide the jerk forward so as to trim the edge. Slide the jerk back, spin the workpiece and cut the second edge. Continue forming edges until you come up with a circle

Using a Router Table

This method is most useful when making small and large circles on a rounded table. Here you need a sliding jet and a twisted bit.

To start, cut a plywood a few inches longer than the top of your router table. Fix 2 side cleats and a stopper cleat on the bottom of the board. Insert a hedge final nail into the jerk to face.

To make a circle, place the jerk on top of the router table at the middle of the final nail. Put a clamp and dig a small hole at the middle of the workpiece and put it on the finish nail. Spin the work piece in an anticlockwise direction and cut into a circle.

Conclusion

There are times, you work needs circles without middle holes in them, you can do this by altering the hedge bit in a way that it doesn’t come into contact with the plywood when drilling. Using a sharp blade will give you perfect work. A broader blade will help you navigate through the small circles with close-fitting curves.

A chainsaw is a tool that eases up the work of cutting through trees and wood in general. Just like many other cutting tools, a chainsaw that has been in use for some time becomes dull. If you notice that you are now using too much pressure when trying to cut through wood when using a chainsaw that is when you realize that it’s probably time to sharpen it.

This means that you will be required to be conversant with the ideal tools to use and the appropriate procedure of using them when it comes to sharpening the chainsaw and bringing it back to its rightful working condition. Truth is, dull chain saws are very slow and are easily prone to causing accidents. Not only does sharpening the chainsaw make it cut better, it also helps in extending its lifespan.

Set The File

Setting the file happens to be the first step you need to follow in preparation for sharpening your chainsaw. It is recommended that you secure the bar of your chainsaw to the surface where you will be working from. This will keep the chainsaw firm enough thus there will be no chances of it making any unwanted movements when sharpening it. This will in turn give you an easier task when sharpening it.

In case you do not have a clamp to secure your chainsaw on the surface you will be working from, remove the chain and firmly fix it on your vise. Depending on your work surface, you may opt for securing your chainsaw upside down or in an upright position. Go for whichever way that works best for you. You can also do without the clamp if you can’t get one but ensure that your chainsaw is firm when sharpening it.

Tighten the Chain

Secondly, you will need to find the tension adjusting screw to make the chain tight enough. In most cases, it is normally placed in a perpendicular angle to the chain’s direction. Tighten the chain using a screw driver by making the tension screw tight enough. Ensure that in as much the chain is tight enough, it can still move around the saw easily.

Tightening it ensures that the chain doesn’t unnecessarily move during the process of sharpening it. It is important to note that the tension adjustment screw can be in different positions in different chainsaws and this is where your manual becomes of great use in helping you locate it.

Mark the First Tooth

The third step is taking note of the tooth you intend to sharpen first which you can do with help of a permanent marker pen. This will make it easy for you to remember where you started sharpening your chainsaw from there by preventing you from sharpening the same tooth twice.

You need not to worry about the mark being too visible later on since with time, it will fade away as you continue to use your chainsaw. Different chainsaws have different methods of marking the tooth that will be sharpened first although this can be one difficult task in trying to locate it. However, if you are avoiding putting marks on your chainsaw, you can take note of a unique part of the saw and start sharpening it from there.

Set the File in the Notch

Next, you will need to properly set your file in the notch on the front part of the cutter. There is an angled tooth at the front of the flat surface of the chain link. The tip of the file should be in the notch on the marked tooth so as to have only about 20% of the diameter of the file above the upper part of this marked tooth.

From there, you will need to use a file holder to secure your file at the same position that the cutter had been secured. You are supposed to position the file holder in an angle that is well suited for your chainsaw ensuring that it is in the same line with the chain when filing.

Sharpen the Cutters

When sharpening the cutters, ensure that the file is in such a position that it is level and flat on top of the chain. Now move the file via the cutter lightly enough for you to feel the file grinding against the cutter. Once you are done with filling the cutter, you can now lift the file.

Try not pulling the file backwards via the cutter since it may destroy both the file and the cutter. See to it that you have filed the cutter about three to ten times until you notice that it has acquired a silvery shine and when you can clearly see that it is sharp. For purposes of being consistent on how sharp each cutter is, try to keep a record of the number of times you sharpened the first cutter and from there ensure that you sharpen the rest of the cutters in the same number of times you sharpened the first cutter.

How To Choose  A Chainsaw File

Choosing a file that is ideal for your chainsaw is also another paramount step to follow through. You will be required to choose a file with a matching diameter as that of the teeth of your chainsaw. Chainsaws differ in the sizes of their teeth thus calling for different sizes of files.

Ensure that you do the same to every other tooth rotating the chainsaw so as to bring the next tooth nearer. As you continue to sharpen, keep rotating the chainsaw until it has made a 180 degrees rotation up to where you had started to sharpen it from. Rotating it will help you locate any cutter or tooth you may have left out. From there, you will also need to sharpen the rakers. The rakers ensure that there is consistency in how deep each cut is. Using a depth gauge, check whether the heights of the rakers are at the ideal position. Using a round file, sharpen the rakers and the level them using a flat mill bastard file.

In conclusion, it is important to take note of the fact that sharpening your chainsaw will not only increase its lifespan but it will also make your work easier since you will not require to put so much pressure on it when in use.

A chainsaw is a very essential workshop tool for both the experts as well as the homeowners. When it stops working, there are many projects that may come to a standstill. Repairs would cost you much, especially if its warranty has expired while throwing it away won’t solve your problems. If the only issue you have experienced with it so far is failing to start, you could try some of the guidelines that are provided in this article.

Fundamental mechanics of a chainsaw

If you have a better understanding of the mechanisms of the chainsaw you are trying to start, you will be in a better position to know why it is not starting. There are many models of chainsaws that have been availed in the market today. Each of the models differs in their performance, type, features, etc. However, they have a similar concept, they cannot operate without an engine. In addition, each of these models of chainsaws has blades. These cutting edges have steel alloys that are sharpened and put up within that chain.

There are gear wheels in the interior of the motor. These wheels cause the chain to move along the bar when it is working. There is a piston located around the engine that enables the crankshaft turn gears. This in turn allows the chain to rotate in line with the guide bar.

Having some understanding of the mechanics of a chain saw can help you a great deal since you will know whether to DIY when it stops working or you will have to consult an expert.

1. Starting a chainsaw

Ensure you are doing it right before anything else. If you are not a professional and you have little or no experience whatsoever, you should be very careful because there are great risks involved if it is not handled in the correct way. Follow each of these steps provided below.

• Look for a flat ground and place the chainsaw on it. Ensure the bar cover is already removed before doing this.
• Turn on the Chain Brake. This is done by pushing towards the front on the chain brake. This prevents the chain from spinning on the bar and prevents any harm from occurring.
• Ensure the Smart Start Decompression is engaged. This is a major step. It is very imperative since it provides support during the chainsaw startup.
• Exert some pressure on the fuel pump. This can be done by pressing that button frequently till the fuel becomes visible enough. This way, you will easily startup the chainsaw with less pulls.
• Pull Starter Rope. Ensure the machine is securely where you placed it before starting off. Use the left hand to hold the top handle of the machine firmly and place the right foot on the chainsaw’s rear handle. Turn the cutting attachment away from the ground. This should be done before the starter is pulled. The starter should be pulled quickly but very smoothly.
• Push Throttle Halfway. Ensure the saw is running by pulling the rope after the throttle has been pushed halfway. When the engine becomes active, accelerate it. This will ensure the engine stays alive. If the engine goes off after starting up, it is advisable to move the master lever in order to open up that choke. If the machine is working well, push the throttle button again. This is vital since the master control is reset to its original settings.

2. Troubleshoot the chainsaw

You have followed everything to the letter. However, try as you might, your chainsaw won’t start. The next thing remaining before seeking help from a professional is to troubleshoot it. You will be required to check and resolve a few areas and determine where the problem lies.

• The spark plugs

The plug of a chain saw ignites a spark. One of the first things you should check is if the saw’s plug ignites a spark. The spark prompts combustion. A spark plug is prone to wear and tear. Check whether it has corroded by removing it and testing whether there will be any sparks produced. For negative results, a steel brush would come in handy against corrosion. Clean the plug using it. If you test again and get the same results, you know it is time to replace it.

• The Ignition Coil

If your chain saw doesn’t start, there is a possibility that its ignition coil is defective. This makes it not to send the voltage to the spark plug as the chainsaw runs. If you use its tester and find it to be defective, replace it.

• Recoil Starter

Recoil Starter has many elements. They activate the engine of the chainsaw when the chainsaw is started. You can either replace the rewind springs if they are not working or buy a new recoil starter assembly.

• The chainsaw’s fuel tank

An empty fuel tank won’t allow your chainsaw to start. Check the tank and ascertain whether there is fuel. If you had stored the saw with fuel for a long time without using it and the tank has fuel, drain that fuel and refill the tank with fresh fuel. Use the right fuel for the type of engine that you have.

• A Flooded Engine

A flooded engine may cause problems to the chainsaw therefore preventing it from starting up. If you try to start your chainsaw and all you can smell is fuel, that is an indication that the engine is flooded. You can know when the engine is flooded by checking whether the sparkplug has moisture. Draining the fuel as well as deactivating the choke can solve the problem.

• Clogged Carburetor

Some components of gasoline evaporate when the fuel has stayed for long without being used. Clogging is caused by the thick component that remains after evaporation. Cleaning the carburetor thoroughly can solve this problem. If this doesn’t work, consider replacing the carburetor.

• Dirty Air Filters

When air filters become dirty and clogged, it means less air is let in the chainsaw. Regular hard run could do the trick. In addition, air filter should be regularly removed and cleaned thoroughly.

Other problems include;

• Clogged Spark Arrestor

A spark arrestor can be clogged due too much soot. When this happens, the saw may stall after starting up or fail to run smoothly. Cleaning the spark arrestor can sort this issue. Replace the spark arrestor if cleaning fails to make it work.

• Inspect Clutch Pads

There are instances where the engine comes live but the chain fails to spin. If this happens, there is a possibility that the clutch pads are worn out. This will require some replacements.

Chain saw Maintenance

Like every other workshop tool, a chainsaw needs proper maintenance. Well maintained power tools work efficiently. There are many parts of a chainsaw that are prone to wear and tear. Replace the parts that need some replacements. Cleaning should be effected on other parts that require this service. This will improve the machine’s efficiency and aid in solving some of the problems before they even arise.

You should also note that any workshop tool you come into contact with should be handled with care. These are a set of precautionary measures that come with the machine’s manual. Read and understand them. This will help you avoid injuries that come about due to careless handling.