chainsaw chains

[yugo]

Has anyone experimented with different chain saw sharpening techniques?
We run oversized engines with small bars. We have changed from 28 to 32 degrees angle, but didn't see much difference. Has any one increased the depth of the cutting tooth, from the recommended 0.030 up to 0.050 and/or 0.060 depth? Best wear eye protection and keep your knees out of the way of the big chips! We're using an Oregon 33SL chain. Any comments would be appreciated.
Yugo
PS The wife wants to know when this wood stove is going to start saving us some money - 3 chain saws, 1 chipper, 1 splitter, and 1 small cat crawler just to heat the house. Dee

 

[PineRidge]

Dee what are you using to dress your chains with?

 

[JimR]

The wider the angle the more stress the chain puts on the bar. The teeth will try to pull outward more to the edge. If the motor is capable on cutting a mean chip go for the larger tooth cuts. I use a chisel chain (square tooth) on my Husky and that is the fastest cutting chain in my opinion.

 

[rswyan]

I've used chisel chain on my Sthil 031 ever since I got it about 15 or 20 years ago. Like Jim says, it is the fastest chain out there. Be careful, be safe.

 

[johnk]

Her's a pic of a beauty I picked up.
Here's a great site for all kinds of info on saw chains etc..

http://www.forestryforum.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?board=chainsaws;action=display;num=1098934181

 

[johnk]

One more. I think the saw was made in 1957.

 

[johnk]

Another good link to chain saw chains.

http://www.chainsawsforsawmills.com/sawchains.htm

 

[v8dave]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( One more. I think the saw was made in 1957.)</font>

Oh boy. A chain saw sitting on a rug in the house. Are you single? If not you have the most understanding wife on this net.

I don't even take a chain saw into my shop without preparing a spot to sit it on. Cardboard to absorb the chain oil that seems to get everywhere even if you wipe the saw off.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

I just found out about that chisel chain stuff a couple weeks ago!!! When I requested a new chain for the 031AV I was asked which I wanted, the half or full chisel. I took one of each to compare. Was really surprised at how easy the full just 'falls' through the wood. (oak!) Then tried the 1/2 chisel and it cut great, too, but it was actually harder on the saw. Well, at least on the clutch. Seemed like it's far easier to stall the clutch with the 1/2 than the full. So, after nipping a fence wire embedded in that ol' tree, I took the full in for a resharpen and picked up another full chisel chain. Wish I'd've known about this years ago.
And as for that wood burner calling for an investment in toy er ..tools, it's explained in my house how there's a large outlay in carpet and furniture and wall paint at first, but you get to use for a long time....We just picked up one of the outside wood furnaces a few months ago. THis is going to be the first REAL cold night with it keeping us warm. My wife feels it's paying itself off already insofar as us not having a $350/month pro pain bill, as well as being able to have the thermostats up to a comfortable level.

 

[pifan]

my wife still wants to know when ours is going too also after the stove ductwork water coil tempering tank chainsaw splitter 3/4 ton 4by 4 wood shed gas oil saw chains lost cell phone

 

[DKinWA]

Skip tooth chisel is really common around here (W. Washington) for cutting D. Fir, Red Alder, Spruce, Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar. I run it on my 440 with 32" bar and it flys through anything I throw at it. The only thing I don't like is the vibration from the skip tooth. I've been thinking about trying a full comp, but I don't know how well it will clear the wood.

I'd stay away from dirty wood with full chisel since it seems to dull faster than a micro chisel.

 

[Youare]

Every type of tree or wood will cut differently with the same chain. Changing the angle will make the biggest difference between hardwood and softwood. Changing the height of the rakers will determine the depth of the cut and the amount of material removed per tooth.

One caution about making a more aggressive chain is they have a greater tendency to pull the saw or grab the wood. Hold on tight and plant your feet well because the chain is going to grab the wood and only start cutting after you have applied more force to hold it back than it is pulling you forward.

This also means the chain is more prone to kick back should the tip of the bar contact something. I would use the 32 degree angle for cutting in softwoods and the 28 degree angle when cutting hardwoods.

The more aggressive the chain the more you have to work to hold it and the quicker you get tired. If you sharpen your chain after every tank of fuel and before that if you hit the ground or a rock you will have a very fast cut. The shorter the bar length the more power you have to cut with, long bars take more power to pull all that chain around.

Becareful.

Randy

 

[kensfarm]

Hey.. my dad has a couple of really old chainsaws like that.. they chug along(slow rpm).

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I got tired of wringing life outa my tired old chains on my Stihl. When I went to the saw shop the little girl behind the counter suggested chisel chain. She said she hates those sissy chains... I took one to try... YIKES!! I told her to warn folks a little more when dummys like me buy that stuff. I bought two more. Those things can sure find daylight on the other side of a trunk in a hurry!

 

[Egon]

The " sissy " chains are designed to prevent kickback and lawsuits. For some of us not fully experienced in the use of a chainsaw they may be the best.

Egon

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I agree with you. Interestingly, while I am not a rank amateur, I am no pro either, and I actually find that I am safer with the "unsafe" chain. It definately requires respectful use; and in return does a great job. I am less prone to get tired and can get in and out much more quickly...

 

[Egon]

I also prefer the unsafe chain. Because of the better cutting one seems to end up with fewer problems.

Egon

 

[Deerlope]

johnk; would that saw on the carpet be a Maul? Looks like it could be a 2 man.

 

[Deerlope]

Youare: Are you a pro wood cutter? The reason I ask is that I have never been satisfied with that 30 degree angle for hard wood. I did a lot of google searchs and never seen the 28deg. mentioned. I did go to a 10deg hook angle and it seems to get the chip out quicker.
Finally bought a carbide chain, 100 bucks for an 18" 3/8 pitch for the MS440 magnum. Nothing quite like it for cut dirty logs.

 

[frank_f15]

somtimes it is not about the cost saving, just think of the ambience of the wood stove. nothing like it on a cold snowy night. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif