Chain critiques wanted

I have had rocked chains where i had to remove 1/8 of an inch from the top plate to fix them ,a grinder is the way to go for this ,you will burn up a couple files fixing the chain by hand maybe ,but it can be fixed with a file also if thats all you have .,seems like a waste to remove 1/3 of the cutter sometimes ,but if the corner is rocked ,that is the only way to fix it

 

No way would I hand file a badly rocked chain. Like he said you will ruin some files and take forever to do so. Way easier to grind it out. But on a cheap chain I would just buy a new one. Most places charge at least $5 to grind some charge $7-10 to grind a chain that may cost $12. Some shops can't grind well or dont touch the rakers so its still not great. No wonder many homeowners just buy new chains.

 

The point on a full chisel cutter is of utmost importance. If it's damaged or missing, the tooth may still try to grab and rip, but it will not sever the fibers properly. Top plate angle can be anywhere from 15 degrees to 35 degrees and still be effective. More hook under the cutting edge = better self feeding but shorter edge life, and less hook = more pressure required but more durable.

Lotsa hook on this one and high rakers to keep feeding at a manageable level. Low rakers are not your friend in most instances. Proper sharp and un damaged cutters will give you good, smooth service..

 

I already "knew" this but now I know this. Nice picture. Certainly puts " a little" damage into perspective. Thanks.

 

These guys are also some of the top chain filers we have here on the site as well. Dont feel so bad.

They are giving good advice. These guys can make a factory chain cut twice as fast as it did new out of the box !!

 

More pics of the same link. Its in front of the double left hand cutters, where the chain is spliced. Easy to find again.





Definitely missing that bee stinger point in Hedgerow pic.

 

Yep just rocked. Take it back till you get a sharp point.

 

I've been trying to avoid this because I'm a tight a$$, thinking-the damage isn't that bad, I will wait till it files out over time. Poor performance has changed my mind. Thanks for the replies.

 

Agreed.

I wish I were that good. If I can keep a chain cutting like new, I'm doing ok.

 

Yea that thing is rocked pretty good. File all that off

 

Matt, you just let the trees see that tooth and they fall down all by themselfs

John

 

If its one cutter leave it but if many are like that fix it

 

Well Yeah. Wouldn't you?

 

I am not very good at etch a sketch ,but this cutter has to be taken back to about here to work again,may take 6-10 swipes with a sharp file to get there ,do not force the file ,let the file do the work ,if you force it it will chatter and dull the file quicker .

 

Careful kid ,you can put an eye out with that .........

 

When you got slow saws like me, you need to compensate with extra sharp chains...

 

Howdy John!!
You been stayin warm up der? I guess Grantsburg didn't have the saw races a T-Dawg's this year?

 

Hi Matt, yeah pretty quiet up here this winter, I been hiding in the house keeping warm.probly see you in Iowa next month.

John

 

Don't you guys listen to everything Hedgerow says, he ain't got no slow saws.

John

 

Slow....
Fast....

It's all about "perspective" John...