Are Rapco chains worth it?

[cedar paul]

I cut between 20-25 full cords of red and white oak per year and it gets dirt on it from laying on the ground so dulling chains is an issue. I use a Husqvarna 350 with a 18" bar and with a sharp chisel I can hog through the logs but I can't cut too long before I need to sharpen. I bought an Oregon benchtop sharpener a couple of years ago but haven't learned the secret to sharp blades. I spoke to a gal at Rapco today and she said I would get around 25 times the life with their blades before sharpening was needed. I am seriously considering getting one to try and with a couple of them I could cut all my wood and still have a sharp blade ready to go. Anyone with experience with these please give me some feedback. Thanks

 

[lovemytoys]

whats the price on these blades?

 

[cedar paul]

She quoted me $144

 

[lovemytoys]

WOW it better be

 

[Scooby074]

Interesting product. Looks like they take standard chain and braze carbide onto it.
If you get the life they claim then i guess it would be worth it. Id just be a little worried about chipping the carbide on a rock or something. At least with a steel chain,if you wreck it your not out too much.

Do they offer a sharpening or repair service? If so how much? Do they do blade exchange like some of the carbide bandsaw suppliers do? You wouldnt be able to sharpen carbide without a diamond file and the carbide tips can be thrown. Just somethings to think about.

Keep us informed. Id like to know how i works if you get one. I HATE sharpening chains.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Carbide SHOULD last at least 10 times that of steel. I wonder what happens if you hit the dirt with it. I have some dead post oaks that have a really hard core. It's h*ll on standard chain.

What appeals to me is, you don't have to stop and change out chains when cutting the dead wood.

You will need diamond or CBN(Cubic Boron Nitride) wheels to cut the teeth with any efficiency. These aren't cheap but last a long time.

 

[smitty9266]

I have used their chains years ago when I worked for a tree service. They cut extremely slowwwwww. Never use chisel chain in dirty wood applications, always use chipper chain or a modified corner rounded corner chain. It will sharpen much faster when dulled and will stay sharp longer in dirty wood. Also look at Baileys logging supply or some place like that for professional chain with fewer guard links.

One last thing pick your logs up off the ground , cut from the side making a shallow kerf with the top of the bar around to the bottom of the log then up with the top of the bar until just before the kerf closes or until you are past the dirty wood, then switch to the top down. When you cut from the side then bottom up you are not carrying the dirt thru such a long cut.

Jeff