Depth gage height effect on cutting speed

[Frank Rizzo]

STIHL recommends .025 depth gage height ... I’m monk-y-ing around with a bit more than that on a STIHL RS chain and am finding that after the tooth is about 1/2 size of new the .025 recommended height doesn’t seem to perform as well as say .030 ... anyone want to chime in ? Primarily bucking red oak; ash and sugar maple ... thanks !!!

 

[HarleyT]

Futzing with the depth gauges talk is meaningless, if we are using improperly sharp chains.

 

[Huskybill]

I ran the raker depths a tad on the deeper side. But as said above the tooth needs to be razor sharp. With the gullet opened up so the larger chip has a place to escape.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Futzing with the depth gauges talk is meaningless, if we are using improperly sharp chains.

Chains are sharp - Like razer-sharp ! Loops made new off the roll for testing so that results are uniform ... seems like you need to remove a fuzz off the rakers from factory grind to get to the .025 ... it’s seems to me that as the tooth is ground/filed back to say 1/2 original length the .025 setting is no longer valid ... maybe much ado about nothing !

 

[hedge hog]

I run .32 on all my saws
Cutting hedge mostly
441,261,026


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HarleyT]

pics!!!

 

[hedge hog]

I run .32 on all my saws
Cutting hedge mostly
441,261,026


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Huskybill]

Speed cutting at the fair cutting pine my rakers are .040” to .050”. Careful on the two bored holes she will pull the bar in faster than you can hold it back. I had to remove the spikes.

 

[hedge hog]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Frank Rizzo]

I run .32 on all my saws
Cutting hedge mostly
441,261,026


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hedge meaning Osage - orange ?

 

[pioneerguy600]

This is why the depth gauges are set on a progressive rate rather tan a set distance for best performance.

 

[hedge hog]

Yes osage
I use a gauge for 404 chain


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Frank Rizzo]

This is why the depth gauges are set on a progressive rate rather tan a set distance for best performance.

Makes sense ... not aware of a progressive depth gage tool ??? ... I just have the STIHL tool , a robot grinder and a 2 in 1 filing guide for quick touch-up in field ... thanks

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Yes osage
I use a gauge for 404 chain


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I only use 3/8 lo pro for 241c and 261c ... on other saws up to 660/395 I run 3/8 RS ... never messed with .404 chain yet

 

[Marley5]

I have to believe specie of wood plays a roll in optimal depth.

.025 would be my Choice for hard woods like oak, locust, hedge and hickory.

Pine ?......you could file the rakers flush.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

I have to believe specie of wood plays a roll in optimal depth.

.025 would be my Choice for hard woods like oak, locust, hedge and hickory.

Pine ?......you could file the rakers flush.

Yah ... .025 works great with a new chain ... when you have a chain that’s been ground back 1/2 way or more it seems like .025 doesn’t pass-muster at least imho

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Yes osage
I use a gauge for 404 chain


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That’s some Great-burning wood ... about as common as hens teeth in my neck o the woods unfortunately

 

[2dogs]

I run mostly Stihl chain along with Bailey's house brand. Despite what the Stihl instructions say I have found the depth gauges to be much deeper than stated. Most seem to be around .035. My favorite tool is a Husqvarna plate that has SOFT and HARD depths. I use the SOFT setting.

 

[heimannm]

Make a search on "progressive depth gauge" and you should find a lot of discussion. Basically means that as the tooth gets shorter the rakers are filed lower.

I have an .045" depth gauge I use on the gear drive saws with larger pitch (1/2", 9/16", 5/8") chains. Still may have to give them an extra swipe or two or three to get them to really dig in.

Mark

 

[Frank Rizzo]

Make a search on "progressive depth gauge" and you should find a lot of discussion. Basically means that as the tooth gets shorter the rakers are filed lower.

I have an .045" depth gauge I use on the gear drive saws with larger pitch (1/2", 9/16", 5/8") chains. Still may have to give them an extra swipe or two or three to get them to really dig in.

Mark

Will do ... thanks for the tip !