I have often heard that 1 brand new chainsaw blade should be able to do an entire log load providing you are careful not to hit the ground with it. Just had a log load dropped off. Consists of 24 Ash logs, 4 Cherry logs and 2 Locust logs. So what do you guys think....Is the hearsay true...Can 1 brand new blade do an entire log load???
I think it'll be a tough haul if you mean without sharpening. If you mean can one chain survive that long, I'd say yes. Of course that depends on mud/dirt/rocks on the logs as well. I've used up and abused a few chains over the years, but I see no reason it should wear out that quickly devoid of unseen/unknown abuses
Straight from the box, no sharpening at all...If not...how much of the load can it do???50%....60%....80%!!!???
If you mean without sharpening it, i say no. You may be able to cut more, but eventually will find yourself forcing the cut. Unless the logs are completely clean with NO DIRT, maybe yes. Cut the locust last if so! It will dull a chain faster.
it really depends on how dirty the wood is. I seem to sharpen all the time, even if chain is still sharp. Seems to be an automatic with me. It'd be an interesting experiment. Are you going to try Nordic Splitter ?
I’d say no, but am curious to know how you do, I am actually sitting on my deck sharpening a blade as we speak, I try to sharpen every other tank of fuel, unless something dullsnit for me....
Hmmmm.. Having never kept a count of logs bucked before refilling gas/oil, and checking chain, it's hard to say. 30 logs, if clean, I'd say you may get around 33.33333% (10 logs) done before the going gets tough. What length logs, and what length rounds? Obviously, more cuts, quicker it dulls. Will be interesting to see your results.
My thought too. When I've had log loads, the logs are just over 8', and about 20 of those equals 1/3 cord give or take a bit depending on diameter. No problem at all getting through that much w/o sharpening the "blade".
I think you’ll find that if you touch up the chain every time you fill your tank instead of running the saw till it’s too dull to cut you’ll get to the last log much faster.
The first Stihl chain I put on my 550xp came off a roll. Had told the old man that was at the shop I needed a more aggressive chain. Cut me one loop of a square chisel. Used that chain for around two months in a snowy winter. Felling and bucking. Never hit it with a file. Ok, I’m not talking 8 hour days every day but I knocked down and chopped up a lot of trees with it. Clean trees Standing live red oaks to be exact. I certainly remember being extremely impressed with its sharpness and durability. Then I let the tip sink into the snow and find a rock. Never had a chain cut like that since. Usually can tell they need a sharpen after one tree now. That old man retired before I could order more. Think he was just filling in that day for his three sons who took over his business. You’d think it would be easy to get more of those loops but the sons gave me such a hassle I buy them precut “bastard” chains at another Stihl dealer. Same square chisel chain. Logs usually have at least some grit on them. At least. It only takes a touch of dirt to go from sharp to dull. Even standing dead have grit to them. That decay going on under the loosening bark is organic wood turning into organic dirt IMO.
That's a typical log load here as well. Given that my saw would run out of gas somewhere around log 6 (give or take). I typically hit the chain every other tank, I'd say you could likely get around 50% of those cut, but I think you'll find the chain really would benefit from a touch-up at that point. Be sure to post your observations, I'm sure many would be interested.
About 3 tanks of fuel, and 2....maybe three chain touchups (unless you hit something like a rock or dirt or steel). You should get about a cord from that......probably more.
You might get through the whole load but I wouldn't. It does not take a man long to learn that it takes less time and effort to keep things sharp (things that cut) than it is to keep on trying to cut. Who was it that said if he was given an axe and 1 hour to cut down a tree, the first half hour could be spent sharpening the axe and still have plenty of time.
In response to the original question, it depends on several factors: 1. Can you sharpen the chain? 2. Do you have a backup chain? 3. What is the distance to nearest source for sharpening/replacement of seriously rocked chain. If you answered no to 1&2 and the answer to 3 is more than 20 miles, then no, one chain will not get you through. The likelihood of an undesirable event occurring is inversely proportional to the degree of preparedness for that event.
Guessing if you have to ask, I would say no. By no means am I being rude, but when I was first into cutting, I hit the dirt, didn't watch for mud, and overall wasn’t careful. A quick touch up is huge as it avoids the need for a heavy filing. Unless your logs were never skidded, I would say at least one filing. Once you get better at seeing obstacles, cutting locust last, and many other things I still think one touch up would be needed. First buried spike is always fun!!!!! Good luck and enjoy. Make it look tough and slow so the old lady doesn’t bother you!!
