I run 72 lgx chains on all my saws. For about the past 12 months or so I keep getting 1-2 teeth per loop that cant be filed. I think someone at the factory dropped a bunch of carbide teeth in the normal chain basket :D. This has been going on with multiple loops. I use about 10 chains a month between the mill, logging, and personal firewood. The file wont even touch these teeth, and goof up the file if you try. Anyone else experience this?
If can't be filed, then they can't get dull... ?? or not true?
They will dull, but not as fast as the other teeth. Honestly haven't paid much attention to how sharp they remain compared to the others. Ive been knocking them back with an angle grinder to keep them even.
QuoteIve been knocking them back with an angle grinder to keep them even.
Hard to imagine that that (Tom) would be at all necessary. But is your chain.. ;)
Funny you posted this because I was going to post that I have an Oregon chain I got with a 24" bar for my 044 Stihl and it has one tooth that must be just what you describe. I am a retired machinist and have filed on many types and hardnesses of steel through the years and that one tooth must Rockwell 62+.
Carlton (owned by Oregon ) had the random hard tooth issue a few years back. Sometimes quality control goes out the window.
On the subject of using an angle grinder to bring back teeth, it's all good as I do the same with a rocked out chain on the jobsite if my spare saw won't finish my treework I'm doing.
Just take a light touch on and off as you grind, then finish with the round file.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21589/20140327_110549.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21589/20140327_110718.jpg)
Howdy,
They sharpen the teeth before assembly. That's probably why it's random. The hardness is usually just on the sharpened surface. It's more like being annealed. You should be able to grind it away using small pecks with a grinder as to not overheat the tooth.
Regards
Gregg
I've run into that several times in the last year. LG chain. A couple of cutters I finally got through the hard spots but ruined a file for my trouble. A couple of times I just used vise grips and broke off the offending tooth.
Did you have these hard teeth before ever sharpening it on a grinder? I hand-sharpen, but have had a couple of teeth that got air-hardened when I took a rocked chain to someone with a grinder. Years ago I also had some Total chains (made by Carlton, I believe) that had some hard cutters right out of the box - so it does happen from time to time.
QuoteDid you have these hard teeth before ever sharpening it on a grinder?
I hand sharpen as well. These teeth are hard right out of the box. I don't try to file them with an angle grinder :D. Just every three or so hand sharpenings I knock the offending teeth back with a grinder so they are not longer than the others. Snapping them off with a pair of pliers isn't a bad idea. Hope they get it together soon or Im going to switch chains. Its a waste of time.