An electric saw has a number of advantages over a gasoline saw. This means less noise, lighter weight, and ease of use. But the owner of such a unit must remember that the cutting chain requires special care. During operation, it is subjected to constant friction, resulting in heating. To protect and extend the service life, the use of lubricants is required. In this case, the oil for the electric saw should be of the proper quality.
Why do you need to lubricate the chain of an electric saw?
Lubricating your chain saw helps reduce friction. When parts of the tool come into contact with each other, they do not experience unnecessary heating. The friction force is equalized. A means for lubricating the chain of an electric saw prevents failure of both the chain itself and the bar.
Sometimes when working with an electric saw, there is a need for extra effort during cutting. This indicates that low-quality lubricant was used, or the quantity was not enough. Then you need to immediately check the oil level in the tank. You can also lubricate the saw chain itself to complete the job.
If you use the proper quality chain saw oil and apply it on time, it will be easier to work with the electric saw. This also contributes to the safety of the instrument. Lubrication of the unit prevents breakdowns and failure.
Electric saw chain lubrication system: operating principle
Modern models of electric saws are most often equipped with special systems that automatically supply oil to the cutting tool. Old versions of such units required manual lubrication. For this purpose, you need to use oil that has certain technical characteristics and viscosity index.
Oil is poured into a special tank, from which after a certain time it is pushed out by an oil pump. The feed mechanism must provide enough lubrication to the saw's chain to prevent increased friction, which causes overheating.
When the engine speed increases, the oil pump starts working. The gear is driven on the main shaft. The pressure in the system increases. The oil begins to move towards the tire until it comes into contact with the saw housing. There is a groove there. It is towards this that the channel supplying oil is directed. This longitudinal groove is necessary so that lubricant can be supplied to the tire regardless of the voltage level of the mechanism. The position of the tire during operation does not matter; lubricant, thanks to the presence of a groove, will flow to it constantly and evenly. The links of the chain itself have a hole or their own groove, from where the lubricant is distributed along its entire length. If the motor increases the speed of rotation, then the pumping of lubricant material also occurs faster. Therefore, you only need to fill the electric saw with lubricant when the engine is turned off.
The role of oil in the operation of a chainsaw
In order to understand the role lubricants play, it is necessary to have a general idea of how the device operates. Although in a store, when purchasing, they usually say a few words about what it is and how it works, and which neck to pour what into, it would be useful to update simple information on this issue.
Engine oil
Without exception, all chainsaws, like their fellow lawn mowers and cultivators, are equipped with two-stroke engines. With small sizes they develop high power density. Due to the completion of the working cycle in two strokes, the speed of such engines also exceeds that of automobile engines. On the other hand, there is a heavy load on components and parts, air cooling, which also requires a safety margin in the design. The wear of elements can be reduced only by using high-quality lubricants.
A feature of two-stroke engines is the absence of an oil pan and a pump that would deliver liquid lubricant to all rubbing and interacting parts. The advantage of this scheme is its design simplicity, fewer units in the engine. On the other hand, the question arises of how to deliver lubricant to critical places, of which the most demanding are the cylinder and piston.
Chain oil
A chain for a chainsaw is no less important than the engine. For full and long-term operation, it also requires lubrication. Without it, the metal will very quickly begin to overheat, and then cease to perform its functions altogether. In addition, the oil supplied to the chain facilitates its movement when pulled through solid wood. By reducing resistance, you can achieve not only long chain life, but also reduce the load on the engine and reduce fuel consumption. At the same time, chain oil has fundamentally different characteristics from that which is mixed with gasoline.
Consequences of lack or excess lubrication on the chain
For normal operation of an electric saw, certain requirements must be met. First of all, this relates to the process of chain lubrication, more precisely, to the amount of oil that is required to ensure the protection of the mechanism parts. If there is not enough supply, the following problems may arise:
- The tire will fail.
- The circuit begins to overheat.
- The cutting teeth become dull quickly.
- The sprocket wears out quickly.
- The chain jams and may even break.
- Cutting requires more time and effort.
Many modern models have an automated lubrication system that regulates its supply. But in the event of a malfunction, oil may begin to flow out in excess and drain from the chain mechanism. This will lead to serious overspending. The cost of high-quality lubricant for electric saws is high. Therefore, its uneconomical use will cause additional financial costs.
Types of oils for lubricating electric saws
There are special brands of such materials for lubricating the chain of an electric saw. There are many options available in the retail chain. They all have different composition. Their base can be synthetic, mineral and semi-synthetic. There are also chain remedies based on plant materials. Each variety has its own characteristics. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the material.
The most effective are synthetic varieties. They can be used even at very low temperatures - frosts below -40 ° C, ensuring normal operation of the tool. But a serious disadvantage of such materials is their high cost. Consumers cannot always afford to buy them. Therefore, they prefer other options.
The price of mineral oils is two or more times lower than synthetic oils. But their quality characteristics are also noticeably lower. At low temperatures, even at -25 ° C, they cannot reach their destination in the motor, and the parts begin to undergo friction, and as a result, the mechanism quickly fails. Therefore, if it is necessary to work in cold weather, they are useless and other types of lubricants should be used.
The middle option between mineral and synthetic oils is semi-synthetic. Such materials are commercially available for electric and gasoline saws. If you need to purchase chain lubricant for an electric saw, it is better to choose the brands and grades of materials that are indicated in the instructions for the unit. Usually these are the types that have the most desirable characteristics for a given model.
What is it for?
Many owners of electric saws ask a reasonable question: why does this tool need oil? The answer is simple - this product is used as a chain lubricant to neutralize the impressive friction force between individual parts. Due to the presence of oil, important elements of the device do not suffer from excess heat when they come into contact with each other.
Sometimes there are cases in which additional effort has to be made for cutting. This fact indicates an insufficient amount of lubricant or its dubious quality. In such a situation, experts advise looking at the oil level in the unit’s tank as quickly as possible. You can immediately additionally lubricate the chain to complete the work already started.
When using good oil and applied in a timely manner, the saw will work not only more efficiently and easily, but also longer. Equipment deprived of such maintenance is subject to very serious breakdowns. It's unlikely to last long.
There are several options for oil designed for processing electric chain saws on the modern market. These compositions may have a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic base. It should be borne in mind that the latter contain both synthetic and mineral components. Another category of modern chain oils for electric saws from different companies are products based on raw materials of plant origin. Of course, each group of oils has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If we consider the properties of all oils from the point of view of stability and the ability to act effectively in rather difficult conditions, then, of course, synthetic products come first. They are capable of ensuring the operation of electric saws even in very cold weather (up to -40 degrees). However, these types of oils also have one important drawback that must be taken into account - they are expensive. That is why many consumers refuse to purchase them in favor of more affordable options.
As for popular mineral oils, they are several times cheaper than synthetic options. However, their operational characteristics are much inferior to those of the above-mentioned compositions.
The lion's share of mineral oils at a temperature of -25 degrees simply stops flowing to the area where destructive friction of the saw parts occurs, that is, it ceases to perform its main function. This oil should not be used during the cold winter period - in the cold it will be ineffective or even completely useless.
Semi-synthetic oils are a cross between synthetic and mineral products. These types of oils are produced for both electric and gasoline devices.
Today, choosing a lubricant for a saw chain is not difficult. Such products are produced by many well-known brands. The main thing is to choose the appropriate composition, knowing about the optimal performance characteristics.
Can I use regular motor oil?
Many novice craftsmen wonder whether regular motor oil is suitable for lubricating an electric saw chain. It is almost always available in any workshop, but not every user has a special lubricant.
It is permissible to use transmission and motor compositions, but it is undesirable to use mineral ones. Although there are some models for which it is suitable. The technical documentation of the unit provides such information. If it is not there, then it is unacceptable to lubricate the saw chain mechanism with motor oil, so as not to spoil it.
Regular vegetable oil is also not suitable for this purpose. It does not have sufficient viscosity, so the lubricating effect will not last long and the tool will not be protected during operation. It is not recommended to use mining, since it is of low quality and will not be able to provide the necessary protection.
Practical recommendations
It’s hard to believe that a user who has allowed himself to purchase a power saw, for example, from Stihl or Makita, will use grinding or other exotic options, widely presented on thematic resources, to lubricate the chain. Just like pouring sunflower or corn oil into an oil tank, boil graphite lubricant with diesel fuel.
Less knowledgeable users should not rely solely on the definition of “oil” when choosing a lubricant for a saw chain. Although there are those who like to present industrial, transformer and other brands of oils with specific properties as universal lubricants.
Practical experience in operating chain saws with an electric drive shows that oils of the M8 and M10 brands, tested for decades, have quite decent lubricating, consumable and, ultimately, economic indicators. To lubricate the chain of an electric saw, you can use all brands of oils that, according to their inherent characteristics, are designed specifically for lubricating rubbing surfaces.
With experience comes an understanding of what viscosity of oil to use for work in the cold season or summer; cut soft and wet wood or dry and hard wood.
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Choosing the right saw lubricant
If the technical documentation does not contain special instructions and recommendations, then products from reliable companies should be used. Such materials are of high quality and meet the requirements. Manufacturers usually recommend brands of lubricants that match the brands of the tool itself; they are the most suitable. However, their cost is also high, this will also have to be taken into account. Choosing the right lubricant for an electric saw is the key to obtaining the required work result and preserving the device.
An example of an inexpensive and high-quality product is the Champion brand. It is suitable for working in various temperature conditions. On sale you can find packages of 3 and 10 liters. It is easy and convenient to use. Another well-known brand is the Husqvarna brand. This oil is very effective. Its cost is also moderate.
Forest plus and Bio Plus also produce material for lubricating electric chain saws. The latter is also distinguished by the fact that when it gets into the soil it decomposes quickly. Under suitable conditions, the shelf life of these materials is 3 years. However, they can be used at air temperatures not lower than -15 °C.
Sunth Plus brand oil is suitable for use in fairly severe frosts, down to -25 °C. It is made on a synthetic base. It tolerates even high loads during equipment operation. This brand is one of the best.
You should not trust handicraft products, the price of which is very low. Not only are they ineffective, but they can even cause serious damage to the instrument. This also applies to waste products. It contaminates the saw chain and mechanism.
The process of lubricating the chain of an electric saw
In addition to making the right choice, it is also important to know how to fill the electric saw with oil. Modern models have special reservoirs for lubricants. Filling them with oil is easy. Then, within a few seconds, you need to start the unit so that it runs idle. The purpose of this action is to distribute the lubricant along the entire length of the chain and lubricate it evenly. After this you can start working.
However, older models of electric chain saws do not have a system for lubricating the chain. But they also need lubrication. It will have to be accomplished in a different way. The chain just needs to be dipped into a container with a lubricant. Or use a special syringe or brush, with which you can lubricate the parts of the device. The most convenient way to do this is to use an aerosol package, which allows you to apply the lubricant carefully and evenly. During operation, you will have to lubricate repeatedly.
Proper handling and care of equipment can extend its useful life. The use of lubricants helps to work with an electric saw for a long time and effectively, protecting the mechanism from premature wear of parts. Operation of the unit will proceed uninterruptedly and no repair costs will be required.
Disadvantages of lubricant substitutes
A household or professional electric chain saw, when filling the lubrication system with a cheap surrogate, may require replacing the standard unit long before its designated resource is exhausted. According to verified data, the use of substandard oil reduces the service life of the sawing mechanism by an average of 35-40%.
- Used automobile oil contains microparticles of metal, combustion products and acid-base compounds, which negatively affect the wear and corrosion resistance of the metal of the saw mechanism.
- It is also not recommended to fill an electric saw with a chain set with automobile and tractor motor oils. Such refueling can cause a decrease in performance and even breakdown of the oil pump drive of the lubrication system.
Only in the absence of other options, for a one-time job, you can fill the system with autosol or dismasol diluted to a standard density.
