gonna buy a new chain

macstrange · Apr 28, 2015

Read a bunch of posts/threads on chains for milling. I'm currently running a Stihl 075, cannon 60" bar with Stihl, I believe, full comp full chisel chain .063 404 pitch. I mill mostly large eucalyptus and mesquite. After all the reading it seems (outside of milling chain) full comp semi-chisel is preferred although some use skip on larger bars. I'm considering Oregon 27X micro chisel. Any thoughts or suggestions? I wasn't going to go with a milling chain because it seems the only advantage is finish, which doesn't concern me to much. I'm more concerned with speed.

BobL · Apr 30, 2015

macstrange said:
I wasn't going to go with a milling chain because it seems the only advantage is finish, which doesn't concern me to much. I'm more concerned with speed.

If speed is what you are after then the 27X is not the way to go. This is what Bailey's says about 27X

This chain will not cut as fast as chisel chain, but it is much more forgiving if it contacts abrasive materials like dirt and sand.

FWIW I use 3/8 full comp semi chisel.
Theres a bit less chain vibe with milling chain than with regular chain so even though I buy rolls of regular chain I convert these over successive sharpenings to 10º.

MGoodwin · Apr 30, 2015

I can confirm Bob's first statement. I recently built and double ended mill and have two loops of the 27X skip and while it cuts great, it confirms earlier experiences using standard chain in that I find it to be very "grabby". I do find milling profiles preferable in this regard.

macstrange · Apr 30, 2015

Thanks for the feed back. Odd I read the 27x was fast but don't know anything about micro-chisel. I would r e-file to 10 degree for sure, just don't mess around with scoring cutters.