Lubricating your sawing machine is essential for keeping it running smoothly and safely. Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear on parts, prevents overheating, and helps extend the life of your saw. Here is a quick summary of how to lubricate the key parts of a sawing machine:
| Part | Type of Lubricant | Frequency |
| Blades | Light oil or wax-based lubricant | Every 8 hours of use |
| Guide bars | Bar and chain oil | Every tank of fuel |
| Gears | Gear oil | Check monthly, change yearly |
| Bearings | Light machine oil | 2-4 drops when lubricating blades |
| Rails | Dry lubricant spray | Every 40 hours of use |
Below are more details on properly lubricating each part of your sawing machine.
Table of Contents
Lubricating the Blades
The saw blades are one of the most important parts to keep lubricated. Friction from the wood you are cutting can quickly lead to overheating and warp your blades if they are not lubricated regularly.
You’ll want to lubricate your saw blades every 8 hours of use. Light oils or wax-based lubricants work best for coating the blades. The lubricant helps the blades glide through wood smoothly and prevents material from sticking.
Follow these steps to properly lubricate your saw blades:
- Unplug the saw and disable the power source before servicing.
- Remove the blade from the machine. Clean off any existing grease, oil, dirt or debris with a rag.
- Apply a thin coat of light oil or wax-based lubricant along the sides and tops of the blade’s teeth. Avoid getting lubricant on the bottom side of the blade that makes contact with the wood.
- Allow the lubricant to soak in for 5-10 minutes. Then wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean rag. You want a thin coat – not large globs.
- Reinstall the lubricated blade onto your sawing machine. Make sure it is secured properly before turning your saw back on.
Lubricating every 8 hours of use will keep your blades gliding smoothly during cuts and prevent costly damage.
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Oiling the Guide Bars
If your sawing machine uses a chainsaw bar and chain, keeping the guide bar oiled is critical for smooth operation and preventing wear. The guide bar is what supports and guides the chain as it rotates around the bar.
You’ll want to use a high quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws. Regular motor oil is too thin and will not properly lubricate the chain and bar. The oil prevents friction, cools the components, and prevents rust/corrosion.
The general rule of thumb is to refill your guide bar oil tank every time you refill your fuel tank. For heavy use, check the oil level before each use. Follow these steps to properly lubricate the guide bar:
- Check the bar oil level through the see-through oil tank. Refill with bar oil when it drops below 1/4 full.
- Run the chainsaw for a minute or two to allow the oil to fully distribute along the bar and chain.
- The underside of the bar should show a thin line of oil when operating properly. If not, you may need to adjust the oil flow rate.
- Monitor the oil level in the tank during use. Refill as needed to maintain proper lubrication.
- Inspect the condition of the bar rails. Oil helps keep them smooth. Replace if worn or damaged.
Keeping fresh bar oil in the tank and properly adjusting oil flow prevents dry starts and keeps your guide bars and chains operating smoothly.
Lubricating Gears
Check and change the gear oil regularly to maximize the life of your saw gears. Gear oil lubricates the transmission and gear box, protecting them from wear.
Here are tips for proper gear lubrication:
- Use gear/transmission oil – General purpose oils are too thin to properly lubricate gears. Purchase a high quality SAE 80-90 gear oil.
- Check monthly – Check the oil level monthly to ensure proper fill. Add oil if low. Look for leaks.
- Change yearly – Drain and change the gear oil once a year, or after 500 hours of use. This clears out metal debris and dirty oil.
- Fill to the level – When refilling, pour slowly and allow bubbles to clear. Fill only to the check level – do not overfill.
- Run for 5 minutes – After filling, run the saw for 5 minutes to circulate the fresh oil into the gears.
By using the proper oil and regularly changing it, your sawing machine gears will stay protected and help the saw operate optimally for years.
Lubricating Bearings
The bearings in your sawing machine also need light lubrication to prevent overheating and wear. Bearings allow parts like arbors, shafts, rollers and other moving pieces to operate smoothly.
Here are tips for lubricating bearings:
- Use a lightweight machine oil, not a heavy grease. Grease will attract dust and debris.
- Apply just 2-4 drops of oil into bearing housings while lubricating the blades.
- The oil will be drawn into the ball bearings through capillary action, providing a thin protective film inside.
- Avoid over-lubricating which can cause the bearings to overheat. More is not better.
- If bearings are sealed, no lubrication is needed. But check seals for wear and leaks.
With proper light oiling at each blade lubrication, the bearings on your saw will stay protected and operating at peak performance. Over-greased bearings lead to overheating and premature failure.
Applying Dry Lubricant to Rails
The lubrication point people often overlook is the guide rails on the sawing machine. Keeping the rails well lubricated is key for smooth feeding of material through the saw.
Use a dry lubricant like graphite spray or silicone spray to lubricate the rails. Dry lubricants won’t attract dust and debris like wet oils. Here’s how to apply it:
- Clean any debris, oil or grease off the rails with a rag.
- Apply the graphite or silicone spray in a light coat across the entire length of the rail.
- Let the dry lubricant set for 5-10 minutes.
- Buff off any excess spray with a clean cloth. You want a very light coat.
- Test feed motion along the rails. They should move smoothly and silently.
Reapply dry lubricant every 40 hours of use for optimal lubrication. Keeping the rails well lubricated prevents jams, reduces friction, and allows smooth feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oil should be used to lubricate saw blades?
Light oils or wax-based lubricants work best for coating saw blades. They provide good lubricity and prevent material from sticking to the blades.
How often do I need to lubricate the saw blades?
Lubricate saw blades every 8 hours of use for optimal performance. More frequent lubrication may be needed for intensive use.
What happens if I don’t lubricate my saw’s guide bar and chain?
Running a bar and chain without proper lubrication will lead to excess friction, overheating, and rapid wear. It can ruin the bar and chain quickly.
Can I use regular motor oil to lubricate the guide bar?
No, regular motor oils are too thin for proper bar and chain lubrication. Only use high quality bar and chain oil designed for chainsaws.
What oil weight should I use in my sawing machine’s gear box?
Use SAE 80-90 grade gear oil in sawing machine gear boxes. Do not use regular motor oils.
How often should I change out the gear oil?
Change the gear oil once yearly or after 500 hours of sawing machine use to clear out debris and keep the gears well lubricated.
Conclusion: Keep Your Sawing Machine Running Smoothly
Proper lubrication at key friction points is essential for keeping your sawing machine running smoothly and safely. Follow the lubrication tips outlined above for blades, guide bars, gears, bearings, and rails to get the best performance and life from your equipment. Taking the time to regularly lubricate components will save you from costly repairs down the road. Your machine will reward you with smoother cuts and years of reliable service.
Now get out there, lubricate that saw, and start cutting! Just don’t forget to lubricate your hardworking sawing machine again before it cuts through your memory.
