I have a Stihl 20" saw and am able to sharpen it pretty well with my chain guide to aide me in the angle.When I go to use it I cut into a log and it starts to cut downward and to the right...almost in a circle.Are the teeth too sharp on one side and if so why am I able to do this? I am left handed and may favour one side more than the other.How can I determine which side is the culpret.

Rick Pitts, March 2008

The time to have your chain professionally ground is when you find that as you cut through the timber the cut curves right or left. This is usually because the filing angles on your right and left cutters are uneven, making your saw cut with a bias. The most usual cause is when you accidentally hit some abrasive material with one side of the saw.

colin, March 2008

I also forgot. If your chain is the wrong gauge it will do the same thing. You need to find out if the gauge of the chain and the gauge of the bar match.

David, March 2008

Well first look at the teeth on the chain. Is one side longer than the other? If so this can do it. Yes you are correct if one side is sharper it can do it. The biggest thing is your bar worn. Take your chain off and with the under side of the bar facing up feel the grove. Does it go from the groove to flat and then have a lip? Look across the bar and see if one side of the groove is higher than the other. If it is take it to your local repair shop and ask them to "true" your bar up. If the teeth of your chain are longer one side than the other ask them to Sharpen your chain on the machine to make the teeth all the same length.

David, March 2008