Investing in a chainsaw is a significant resolve that you can use in a myriad of activities such as bucking, pruning, and tree felling. A chainsaw is a powerful tool that is durable with minimal maintenance compared to other equipment and tools. Chainsaws come in a combination of different sizes and types, with every model of a chainsaw developed using different designs and standards. Essentially, getting the right style for your chainsaw requires you to understand the different sizes and their applications. When you are replacing a chainsaw chain, you are required to have all the appropriate information matching the correct chain to a chain saw. Choosing the correct saw chain is vital for the effective use of a saw chain, and remember, bigger is not always better.
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Chainsaw Chain Types
- Full Chisel Cutter – The full chisel cutters are ideal for cutting hardwood trees faster due to their square-shaped edges. You can use the full chisel cutter in situations where you do not require level surfaces; they leave a rough surface where they cut due to their shape. Although they cut faster compared to other cutter types, first of all, they tend to become dull rather quickly, especially when used to cut softwoods. Secondly, they pose a greater risk of kickback. The high-speed operation can make it difficult to control should there be a kickback.
- Semi Chisel Cutter – Semi-chisel cutters feature round radius edges. They are essential for cutting softwood because they operate at a slow speed. The round grid edges are easy to file and stay sharper for longer than the full chisel cutter. Semi chisel chainsaw cutters are great for cutting softwoods and can be used in rough sawing surfaces, making them desirable for use on the various types of wood and trees in the environment. Kickback is less likely with a semi-chisel because of its slow speed of operation.
- Low Profile Cutter – The low-profile cutters have round edges similar to the semi-chisel, ideal for cutting various types of softwood trees. The chain features elements explicitly designed for safety. Low profile cutters are a popular choice for most home users, and you will find them regularly on the commercially available options. The chain has distinctive elements between the teeth that prevent kickback from occurring.
Saw chains can also be categorized by other measurements as
- Chain arrangement
- Type of cutting teeth
- Chain configuration
- Pitch
- Gauge
The quality of its service and maintenance is required for the resourceful operations of any chainsaw. The most critical requirement is the timely lubrication of the main moving parts. The friction causes gradual wearing out of the chainsaw chain, which slides along the tire during sawing. Chainsaws have grooves that are design features that help to keep the chain lubricated. It is customary to use chain oil designed for the lubrication of chainsaw chains to increase the effectiveness and life of the chainsaw. However, the use of the wrong type of oil damages the parts in motion and can potentially affect the running of the chain saw. Based on the type of chainsaw you use, there are different types of oil that you can use. Gasoline chainsaws and Electric saws require the correct oil usage to function correctly.
Do not forget to check the amount of oil after refueling the chainsaw. Typically, the oil pump allows the delivery of the lubricant to the tire along which the saw chain slides. Chainsaw oil is produced for lubrication and prevents overheating of the circuit and tire. The saw chain oil in its composition has adhesive properties to which the grease attaches to the chain. There are important factors to consider while choosing the right chainsaw oil type:
- Check Manufacturer’s requirements – Chainsaw manufacturers have the in-house oils that they highly recommend. These types of oils are most compatible with your type of saw. If they do not manufacture their chain oil, purchase quality generic oil available commercially.
- The temperature – the area you live in is subject to temperature variations. You ought to choose the right type of oil that suits the climate. Choosing the right oil for your climate is essential because the viscosity of some oils vary according to temperature.
- Quality Oil – purchasing quality oil is vital for a chainsaw. Regular oils available at low costs may easily damage the saw reducing its effective performance. Good quality oil increases the durability of the chainsaw.
Types Of Chain Oil For Your Chainsaw
Manufacturers Oil
Large scale manufacturers invest in research and development of the best oil types compositions and additives for the chainsaws. Mostly, custom made oil is made to ensure that the best result is obtained after exhaustive research on both the chainsaw and the oil. Therefore, the amount spent on repairs and maintenance is reduced, ensuring increased efficiency of your chainsaw.
Motor Oil
Motor oil is cheaper and is often recommended due to its availability. Motor oil does not offer the same lubrication properties and results in damage to the oil systems. Apart from this, it does not prevent clogging caused by gum and sap substances.
Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils are environmentally friendly. If you wish to use your saw for pruning away a few branches, vegetable oils are a great option. Most industrial lubricating oil is petroleum-based that may affect the trees and damage them. Using vegetable bio-oil to replace petroleum-based chain oil is essential from an environmental perspective.
Generic Bar And Chain Oils
While these types of oils may not measure up the Manufacturer produced bar and chain oils; they provide an alternative option to suit all generic brands of chainsaws. Generic oils are developed for use by different bands, and if you use multiple saws of various brands, this may be a cost-effective option that will perform decently across all brands.
Chainsaw chain oils are important for:
- Reduce friction between the bar and the chain
- Prolongs the saw chain’s life
- Prevents clogging
- Protects the environment
- Ensures Personal safety
- Prevents dust from lodging into the chainsaw
- Reduces the cost of maintenance of the chainsaw
How To Sharpen A Chainsaw Chain
Properly maintaining and sharpening your chainsaw is vital for effective usage of the chainsaw. When the chain is dull, you increase the amount of effort needed to cut through the wood. You increase the probability of getting injured at the same time and damage to the chainsaw. The chain itself needs to be sharpened for work efficiency. Sharpening instructions are often provided in-depth in the operating manual and are relatively an easy task. Nevertheless, the recommended filling and depth are essential to ensure proper angling of the cutters and cutting depth for optimal cutting efficiency.
If your saw is dull and may need sharpening there are factors to look for:
- When you are making a vertical cut into the wood, the saw chain will make fine sawdust instead of the coarse strands.
- The chainsaw chain will not pull itself into the cutting wood. Therefore, you will be forced to force the cut by applying pressure to the unit.
- The chainsaw often rattles and bounces off the wood while cutting, hence getting a precise position is difficult
Whenever you are sharpening a chain, you should ensure you have personal protective equipment. Gloves should be worn when a chain is being sharpened to protect your hands from the sharpened cutters. A helmet with a face screen in the form of safety goggles and ear protection is often convenient to protect you against the inevitable injuries from small particles, such as wood chips. With proper protective gear and a ready saw, you are ready to embark on your tree cutting experience.
The chain saw should be in an open area, a surface level close to the work area. Cuts in the wood should be made near the middle of the saw. The safest position is when you hold the chainsaw with a solid grip of both hands, ensuring the fingers and thumbs encircle the handle for better control.
- Keep Chain Tight While Sharpening – A slack chain causes sagging, which can be dangerous and will only make it difficult to sharpen it. You should use the available tools to tighten the chainsaw blade so that there is no visible sagging.
- Clamp The Chainsaw – It will help if you make sure your chainsaw blade is clamped well enough not to move when sharpening the blade. A standard clamp may be a good fit for a worktable due to its efficiency. You may need to fix the sharpener if you are using an industrial sharpener than runs under electricity.
- Equal Number Of Strokes – When you make an equal number of swipes in the tooth’s direction, you ensure the blade evens out. You may need close observation to see well enough how much you need to cut the teeth to even out.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct chain can be quite elusive if you have no grasp of what to look for. You should consider your experience with chainsaws and, more importantly, your intended usage. Proper lubrication is vital for a moving cutting tool such as a chainsaw. Following maintenance guidelines will ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the chainsaw over a long time. For maximum safety, you should ensure your saw does not have any mechanical problems before use. Chain saws are essential tools-when functioning properly.
