Chainsaw not cutting straight

[John T]

My chainsaw is not cutting straight. It cuts off on an angel so I don't get straight end cuts. I sharpen my chain often by hand ( however I do forget at times ) would this be one of the problems not sharp all the time. Also should the bar be dressed all the time and flipped over. It is a fairly new chain but the bar is older. I take the chain in to get sharpened by machine the odd time. Should I do this more often.
Any advise would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks

[Donsexton]

I will give you my “Two cents my ten cents for free” If you have a new chain and your bar is straight then YOU ARE FAVORING one side or the other. I think you know already that uneven sharpening will make the bar follow the sharp side. Lets say your bar is perfect your chain is perfect and it still pulls then its you. This is just me Ole Don here I know I cant cut straight without a line to follow my saw will hook my golf swing will slice. Make yourself a line to follow I bet it will help you.

[DBarker]

Here is what i have found over the years. If you hand sharpen you might be getting one side shorter than the other. or if you do a lot of shape carving, your bar may be getting worn or widend in the runner for your chain, in which case you can get it narrowed with a bar pull or roller.

[TreeWizard]

When the chain gets loose it tends to cut to one side. Also, I believe in dressing the bar every time I take the chain off and have it sharpened using a machine. In my case that's after I cut about 10 face cords of firewood, I dress the chain as needed with a file several times during those 10 face cords.

[Donsexton]

I like to say my slanted cuts are my artistic interpreation.

[John T]

Thank You for the input everyone.I think I will get the chain sharpened by a machine,dress my bar and take up the slack in the chain a bit when I put it back on and see how that works and then I will know if its me or not Thanks again