The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Chainsaws => Topic started by: J Beyer on July 05, 2002, 08:19:04 AM

Title: different chains for soft/hardwood?
Post by: J Beyer on July 05, 2002, 08:19:04 AM
In a previous post a person mentioned that they use a different style/cut on the chain teeth for soft/hardwood.  Is there a difference in plate angle that makes it work differently in soft/hardwood?  I know that when making ripping chain it makes a difference.

"The other Jeff B"
Title: Re: different chains for soft/hardwood?
Post by: Bro. Noble on July 05, 2002, 10:21:09 AM
Jeff,

I've never heard of different chains for hard and soft wood.

You can file your drags lower with softwoods allowing you to cut faster.

Your elevator story on another thread reminded me of my cousin Jim.

We were on a crowded elevator on our way to visit our grandmother in the hospital.  Jim leaned over to me and whispered (loud enough so that the most hearing impared could have heard)  "Dr. are you sure your sober enough to operate?"  I was glad when the elevator doors finally opened.

Noble
Title: Re: different chains for soft/hardwood?
Post by: J Beyer on July 05, 2002, 12:19:03 PM
That could have been what I was thinking of.  If I remember correctly, isn't the softwood depth about .005 more than hardwood?

JB
Title: Re: different chains for soft/hardwood?
Post by: Bro. Noble on July 05, 2002, 02:29:37 PM
Jeff,

Thats probably right,  Just a little difference in height makes a lot of difference sawing.  The gage we use is called a file-o-plate if i remember correctly.  It is made to check cutteredge angle, tooth length as well as other things.  The only thing I ever use it for is to file drags.  It has two little holes (A&B) you stick the drag through one of the holes and file off whatever sticks through.  Use A for hardwoods and B for softwoods.  Since the plate sets at an angle between the base of one tooth and the cutting edge of the tooth that you are fileing the drag,  the drag is filed for that individual tooth.  That way each tooth on the chain takes off the same thickness of wood.  Makes it cut smoother and straighter.

Didn't think I could make an entire post without being silly did you?  Well, I guess this shows just how right you were!

Noble
Title: Re: different chains for soft/hardwood?
Post by: Kevin on July 05, 2002, 06:50:42 PM
A 10o side plate hook will help when cutting hardwood.
Title: Re: different chains for soft/hardwood?
Post by: woodman on July 05, 2002, 10:50:28 PM
  I file the drages way down for pine  the blade grabes and cuts very fast . But i just trim at the mill i do not cut down trees just mill them.