Use only low-kickback chain on this saw. This
fast-cutting chain will provide kickback reduction
when properly maintained.
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be
maintained properly. The chain requires sharpen-
ing when the wood chips are small and powdery,
the chain must be forced through the wood dur-
ing cutting, or the chain cuts to one side. During
maintenance of your chain, consider the following:
Improper filing angle of the side plate can
increase the risk of a severe kickback.
Raker (depth gauge) clearance.
• Too low increases the potential for kickback.
• Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
If cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails
and stones, or have been abraded by mud or
sand on the wood, have service dealer sharpen
chain.
NOTE: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or dam-
age when replacing the chain. If signs of wear or
damage are present in the areas indicated, have
the drive sprocket replaced by a RYOBI Service
dealer.
HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
See Figures 36 - 37.
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles
and to the same length, as fast cutting can be
obtained only when all cutters are uniform.
WARNING:
The saw chain is very sharp, always wear pro-
tective gloves when performing maintenance
to the chain to prevent serious personal injury.
Properly tension the chain prior to sharpening.
Refer to Chain Tension section earlier in this
manual. Do all of your filing at the mid-point of
the bar.
Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth.
Do not let the file dip or rock.
Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the
front corner of the tooth.
MAINTENANCE
Lift file away from the steel on each return
stroke.
Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left
hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the
other side and file the right hand cutters in the
opposite direction. Occasionally remove filings
from the file with a wire brush.
Improper chain sharpening increases the poten-
tial of kickback, which can result in serious
personal injury.
Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can
cause serious injury.
NOTICE:
A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause
excessive motor speed during cutting which
may result in severe motor damage.
28 - English
LEFT HAND
CUTTERS
WARNING:
WARNING:
Fig. 36
RIGHT HAND
CUTTERS
Fig. 37