Chainsaw rip chain contrast

Model 91VXL

This is a low profile chain for household chainsaws. The height of the cutting tooth is reduced. As a result, the chain grips less wood. This reduces the cutting speed, but puts less stress on the chainsaw. Sawing wood is smoother and softer, reducing vibration and bouncing.

chainsaw, chain

Model LGX

It is used on powerful chainsaws with a combustion chamber volume of 50 to 80 cubic meters. see Cutting links have a rectangular profile of the chisel type (seven). Cutting depth stop wedge-shaped. The chain provides a high cutting speed. Withstands heavy loads during operation.

BPX model

By design, this model can be called classic, or conventional. Most of these chains have a thickness of 1.5 mm and a pitch of 0.325, different lengths and number of links.

Oregon Chain Overview

Today, there are about 100 different models of Oregon chains on the free market. The most common ones are with a pitch of 0.325, 0.375, a thickness of 1.3 and 1.5, with a different number of teeth depending on the length. These are the chains that are required on the most common household chainsaw models.

There are also rare chains. For example rip saw chains. They differ in a different sharpening angle (5-15 degrees instead of 25-35).

Model DPX / DX

Differs in the shape of the cutter. semi-diesel. Designed for cutting problem wood. dense, dry, knotty and dirty. The shape of the tooth somewhat reduces the cutting speed, but makes the chain more unpretentious in work and sharpening. Easy to file with a file. Even without strict observance of sharpening angles, it completely restores the ability to cut.

Design features

All chains from this manufacturer can be easily distinguished from others by the oregon inscription on each chain link. They also differ in technological and design features.

  • Cutting links are shiny, chrome plated.
  • Specially applied control notches are clearly visible on them, which help to control the exact angle of sharpening.
  • Notches on all links are designed so that they evenly distribute oil throughout the chain exactly where it is needed during operation.
  • All corners and surfaces of Oregon chains in contact with wood are designed to reduce vibration and kickback during operation.

There are two main types of cutting teeth used on Oregon chains:

  • Chipper (CHIPPER, translated as “chopping into chips”). Seen in profile, it has the shape of a sickle. Rounded top.
  • Chisel (CHISEL, translated as “chisel” or “cutter”). Shaped as number 7. Flat top.

On different models of chains, options are possible, for example, a semi-chisel tooth (semi-chisel), or microchiesel.

Oregon Residential Chains

In addition to a wide selection of conventional (classic) saw chains, Oregon today offers several types of newer and more sophisticated models.

What is Ripping Chain? Granberg Ripping Chain Review

Model SpeedCut (95TXL)

The SpeedCut mark means the chain is making a narrow cut. Guide segments that slide along the chain groove are standard, 1.3 mm. But the links themselves are narrower. And as a cutting element, there is a micro-chisel, that is, a tooth of the usual chisel shape (seven), but of a smaller width. A thin cut reduces the load on the chainsaw and increases the cutting speed. The chain transfers oil well along its entire length due to the cleverly shaped notches on the links.

As a result, it is well lubricated, which compensates for the thinner section in terms of service life. Recommended for use on chainsaws with a combustion chamber volume of up to 55 cc. cm.

Is the sequence of the cutting links important??

In the usual case, when the saw is manufactured at the factory, it is customary to put two driving links on one cutting link, thus, 50% of the total cutting teeth is obtained. Then the performance of the equipment remains at the level, and the quality of the cut is not lame, but in order to reduce the cost of the chain, the cutting links can not set every step, but after one or even two steps, which will bring the total number of cutting links to 37.5%. The chainsaw will become cheaper, but the cutting quality will deteriorate greatly, so it is better not to pay attention to such devices.

Low profile and high profile chains

What do you need to know about chain height? It determines how deep the saw will cut. Based on this parameter, the saw can be either low or high-profile, respectively, in the first case, the chips will be removed thinner, but the work will be somewhat slower, while in the second case, the depth and productivity will be greater. For a low profile tool, a parameter of 0.635 mm is used, and for a high profile tool, 0.762 mm. If we consider specifically devices for household use, then they are always low-profile, while professional equipment can be produced in two versions. At the same time, in order to stabilize the vibration that inevitably occurs during operation, manufacturers balance the profile height with the number of steps. For a small step, make a high profile, and vice versa. Failure to comply with this rule will lead to the fact that it will be impossible to work with the chainsaw for a long time, although the wood will be cut very quickly. This balance must be observed if there is an intention to sharpen at home, in all other situations, it remains only to choose a saw for the home or for professional cutting.

What to look for when choosing a saw chain ?

The key characteristics of a saw chain are its pitch, shank or drive link thickness, depth of cut and profile size, and chain length. The direction of the cut should also be taken into account. It is from these parameters that you need to build on when you buy a chain instead of a worn out one, or when you need to purchase a chain for some special needs. In order not to be mistaken, you can look at the device’s passport, where the manufacturer indicates the main parameters of the saw. If we are talking about the initial purchase of a tool, then these parameters themselves should correspond to the purposes of using the chainsaw.

Carbide chains

Such chains are much more expensive, and they have a special purpose. working with frozen wood or with contaminated material. In all other situations, the money will be wasted, since for simple wood there is no sense in carbide brazing.

The main types of links

If we consider the most common types of links, then these are chisel links, which can most often be found on professional equipment, and chipper links, which are supplied to simple chainsaws. The first option in the section is a bit like the number 7, and this design allows you to work with the saw as quickly as possible, since the link digs into the material evenly. The cutting is more accurate, but it is extremely difficult to sharpen such links at home, since the slightest deviation from the permissible angle negates all the advantages of this design. In the case of a chipper, there is no need to maintain strict angles, and such a link is also less afraid of contamination, although there is a higher load on the tool. For home operation, the second option is more suitable, especially if there are no skills in sharpening the saw. As for the material, chrome-nickel steel is mainly used, although, if necessary, if it is necessary to work with a particularly strong material, carbide brazing can be put on the teeth, as evidenced by the markings on them.

Chain pitch

This parameter is a value in millimeters, although it is customary to write inches in the documentation. It is calculated by dividing by 2 the distance between the three rivets. It is from this characteristic that it is customary to divide the canvases into several main groups:

  • 0.25 ” (6.35 mm) pitch is used in minimum wattage units that are only suitable for summer cottages. It will not be possible to cut oversized logs with such a step. Chains for chainsaws with such a pitch are not very common.
  • The next two groups, which use a pitch of 0.325 and 0.375 inches (8.25 and 9.3 mm, respectively), are the most common of all, since approximately 70% of all chainsaws that are produced in the world are in these groups. Accordingly, they can be used for most of the existing household tasks. But there is one little trick! Since it is quite easy to confuse the numbers 0.325 and 0.375, chains with a pitch of 0.375 are marked 3/8, that is, 3/8 inches.
  • The latter group in 0.404 and 0.75 inch (10.26 and 19.05 mm) increments is used for the toughest applications. In this case, we are talking about a logging tool rather than a saw for domestic use. That is, chains with such a step can only be found on professional chainsaws.

There is a direct relationship between the step size and the performance of the tool, but it must also be borne in mind that a large step requires a more powerful motor. The cutting quality of devices with a large pitch is still inferior to devices from the first three categories, since the teeth are located there more densely. For a power of 2.5 liters, a step of 0.325 mm is suitable, and on a more productive chainsaw it is better to put a saw blade and a 3/8 mm chain, as this will help to reveal the potential of the saw to the fullest.

Drive link thickness

In this case, a division into several main categories is also used in accordance with this parameter. These are thicknesses such as 1.1; 1.3; 1.5; 1.6; 2 mm (0.043 ”, 0.050 ”, 0.058 ”, 0.063 ”, 0.080 ”). This characteristic, measured in inches, affects how smoothly the blade will move when the saw is running.

  • Chains with a pitch of 1.1 mm are used on low-power household chainsaws, as well as on chainsaws designed for curly cutting (carving).
  • Chains with a pitch of 1.3 mm are more common. For example, the famous chainsaw. Stihl MS 180 is equipped with chains with just such a pitch. Anyway, this is the most popular step.
  • The pitch of 1.5 and 1.6 mm have chains that are intended for professional and “semi-professional” (farm “chainsaws).
  • 2 mm. This step is found exclusively on chains installed on very productive and powerful chainsaws of the professional segment.

Chainsaw chains. How to choose? How does it work? Video.

The difference between professional lumberjacks and novices in this business is that the first ones understand exactly how to determine the quality of a chainsaw. It makes little sense to take into account the power of the device alone, since the configuration of the cutting element is of decisive importance. In the case of a chainsaw, this element is a chain, which consists of cutting, driving and connecting links. The cutting link includes a depth stop and the cutting part itself, the operation of which is somewhat similar to a plane, that is, the thickness of the chips depends on how far the upper edge is extended. The driving link takes over the function of rotating the chain along the groove and distributing the lubricant, and the connecting links are designed to connect the rest of the chain elements together. Their design always takes place at a strict angle, the same applies to the subsequent sharpening, since the slightest change in the angle in one direction or another will lead to the fact that the chainsaw will not work.

The first time such tools began to be used back in 1920, but then the teeth were flat and straight, which could not but affect the final result of cutting, and it was quite difficult to work with such a saw. A definite breakthrough in this area happened in 1947, when a fundamentally new type of chain teeth was introduced. the L-shaped shape made it possible to cut the material much faster, in addition, the process of sharpening the teeth was simplified, so it is not surprising that the invention of Joseph Cox, who proposed this idea, became a sales leader in a short time. If we consider our days, then almost the same version of the chainsaw has come down to us, which is based on a chain system with a sickle-shaped cutting profile, for which the type of wood does not play a significant role.

Carbide chains

Pobedit is a very hard alloy, superior in strength to glass. Therefore, household glass cutters, various cutting locksmith and turning tools are made from pobedit, and it is also applied to the saw chains of chainsaws. Pobedit is soldered onto the cutting links, where it acts as a strong cutting edge. But despite its hardness, this alloy is brittle.

The service life of Pobedit brazed chains significantly exceeds the service life of standard cutting elements. Tungsten carbide chains are used for sawing frozen and hard wood, and for emergency rescue operations when you need to quickly cut reinforced concrete or regular concrete.

The disadvantages of carbide chains include their high cost, which is several times higher than the price of conventional cutting elements.

Chains for chainsaws with victorious soldering are very rarely used in amateur practice, since they are designed for semi-professional and professional tools with good power and high torque.

The sequence of the links

The sequence of links is varied. There are the following main types of sequences:

  • Standard. All links are cutting, and connected by leading (this is the standard).
  • With a half-pass. Cutting links alternately alternate with one connecting link, then with two.
  • With a pass. In this case, the cutting links are separated from each other by two connecting.

To ensure a good cut, standard types of link sequences are used. The fewer cutting links, the lower the performance of the chain, and also the more likely it will wear out.

Chain size

This parameter always depends on the size of the tire fitted to the machine. If you accidentally buy a chain that is smaller than your bar, you will not be able to put it on. If this element is larger than the size of the tire, you will not be able to tighten it. Both options prevent the use of inappropriate chain sizes. They are usually indicated in inches and have the following meanings: 10 “, 12”, 13 “, 14”, 15 “, 16”, 18 “and above.

The chain length is determined by the number of links. Links are connecting links that fit into the groove of the tire, not cutting teeth. When buying, you can specify to the seller either the length of the part in inches, or the number of links included in its composition. Some manufacturers, instead of the length, indicate exactly the number of links in the saw unit. As a rule, this number does not depend in any way on the thickness of the tail, the step and the height of the profile. For example, a low-profile chain with a drive link thickness of 1.3 mm can consist of 72 links, 56 links or any other number of links.

Chain length

The length of the device depends on the tool itself. For each tool, the chain length can be found directly in the instruction manual. This indicator largely depends on the length of the tire, as well as the power of the tool and the size of the sprockets.

The length affects such a parameter as the number of links. In turn, the number of links depends on their pitch. When choosing a chain for a chainsaw, you should know the length and pitch of the links. The longer the structure, the correspondingly more power the chainsaw should have.

Rip and cross saw chains the difference

The main difference is the angle of attack of the cutting links.

Rip chains are sharpened at a sharper angle (5-15 degrees) than cross-cut chains. They are sharpened at an angle of 25. 35 degrees.

The chain is the key element of any chainsaw. The quality and speed of work when sawing wood depends on the type of cutting tool installed on the unit. For novice users of chainsaws, choosing a saw chain seems to be a difficult process, since you need to know what types of this part are, its characteristics, etc. This article will cover the main factors to consider in order to choose a good chainsaw chain.

Drive link thickness (tail)

This parameter is the second most important when choosing a saw blade. You should be aware that on different brands of chainsaws, the tire will differ in width. Drive links are also designed only for a certain type of tire.

Leading links are of the following sizes.

  • 0.043 “or 1.1 mm. This is the smallest leading link. It is usually installed in miniature chains, which are designed for “weak”, household units that are not designed for heavy loads.
  • 0.05 “or 1.3 mm. Although the difference with the previous example is not significant, the cutting element is designed for more perceptible loads. Chains with a link of 1.3 mm are most common among owners of household and semi-professional chainsaws, they are lightweight and quite reliable.
  • 0.058 “or 1.5 mm. This type of saw is no less popular than the previous one, but it is already used not only in semi-professional tools, but also in professional class machines.
  • 0.063 “or 1.6 mm. Chains with such a thick ponytail are more durable and are only used on professional tools.
  • 0.08 “or 2mm. This size is the final among the types of leading links. The chain is designed for long-term operation and heavy loads. It is not difficult to guess that the element is used only on highly professional chainsaws with high power.

As a result, the thicker the driving link, the stronger and better the chain, and the more loads it can withstand. But, when choosing a cutting element, it is necessary to check the instructions for the device, which indicates what size the tire is allowed to be installed on it.

Link type

By type, the links are divided into three types:

  • Chipper, in the shape of a sickle, and also characterized by increased performance parameters. This type of links is easy to sharpen, but its main disadvantage is the deterioration of the cutting parameters.
  • Chisel, which has a working tooth in the shape of the number “seven”, and they are used mainly in chains, the pitch of which is 0.404 inches or 0.325 inches. They are highly sensitive to dirt and also have the disadvantage of being more difficult to sharpen.
  • Carbide tipped.

0.325 inch pitch

This is the minimum step value, but the most common nonetheless. Saw blades with this step are usually installed on amateur and semi-professional machines with low power. in the range of 3-3.5 hp. This is enough to easily cut branches, cut thin trees, and carry out minor construction work. 0.325 inch chain runs smoothly without vibration, tearing wood, overloading the engine or fatiguing the operator.