Gum build up on chain whilst milling.

[JasonMS660]

Hi Chaps,
I'm getting a lot of gum build up (sap) on my chain whist milling. It dosn't appear to effect the cutting peed etc however have you guys got any ideas how to remove this stuff off the chain. So far I have been running a through cross cuts afterwards which does remove some but is here a better way. Thanks

 

[BobL]

Hi Chaps,
I'm getting a lot of gum build up (sap) on my chain whist milling. It dosn't appear to effect the cutting peed etc however have you guys got any ideas how to remove this stuff off the chain. So far I have been running a through cross cuts afterwards which does remove some but is here a better way. Thanks

This used to happen often with my 076 and a little less with the 880 and it used to annoy me because I like to fully sharpen and set the rakers on clean chains. I tried soaking in all kinds of stuff the most successful being oven cleaner and stale coffee and I even made a dedicated chain cleaner. I since I found out the easiest way to clean a chain is to leave the saw in the mill, open up the aux oiler and run the saw out of the wood for 30 seconds or so, so that the chain gets liberally coated in oil, let it sit for a couple of hours and it then just hose it off with a hose. Sometimes the gunk sticks harder than this so I soak the chain in diesel and leave it and it usually comes off.

 

[JasonMS660]

This used to happen often with my 076 and a little less with the 880 and it used to annoy me because I like to fully sharpen and set the rakers on clean chains. I tried soaking in all kinds of stuff the most successful being oven cleaner and stale coffee and I even made a dedicated chain cleaner. I since I found out the easiest way to clean a chain is to leave the saw in the mill, open up the aux oiler and run the saw out of the wood for 30 seconds or so, so that the chain gets liberally coated in oil, let it sit for a couple of hours and it then just hose it off with a hose. Sometimes the gunk sticks harder than this so I soak the chain in diesel and leave it and it usually comes off.

Thanks for the tip Bob, I will give it ago next weekend!

 

[john taliaferro]

I have been useing a degresser from Quick way called shazm mixed 1 to 10 in hot water , not afraid to mill pine pitch anymore the nasty chains are new looking in 10 min . Your local tool sharpener has stuff to clean saw blades ,i got some orange spray that works great to but expensive . Don't forget to re oil when clean and dry .

 

[JasonMS660]

I have been useing a degresser from Quick way called shazm mixed 1 to 10 in hot water , not afraid to mill pine pitch anymore the nasty chains are new looking in 10 min . Your local tool sharpener has stuff to clean saw blades ,i got some orange spray that works great to but expensive . Don't forget to re oil when clean and dry .

Thanks John, I will try anything I can't stand the gum build up! I wonder if truck wash would work?

 

[CR888]

I use a spray liquid made by chainsaw manufacturer SOLO called 'universal riegner'. Its all written in German but I think it translates universal cleaner. A few sprays on b/c wait a few minutes and wipe off or rinse off. I also use it on hedge trimmer blades to remove sap/gum. It just dissolves the gum and it ALL comes off. It really wakes up the nostrils so I think its active ingredient is costic soda. I think a few of the name brand chainsaw makers have similar products. You may also be able to use dishwasher powder (costic also). Magic stuff!

 

[JasonMS660]

I use a spray liquid made by chainsaw manufacturer SOLO called 'universal riegner'. Its all written in German but I think it translates universal cleaner. A few sprays on b/c wait a few minutes and wipe off or rinse off. I also use it on hedge trimmer blades to remove sap/gum. It just dissolves the gum and it ALL comes off. It really wakes up the nostrils so I think its active ingredient is costic soda. I think a few of the name brand chainsaw makers have similar products. You may also be able to use dishwasher powder (costic also). Magic stuff!

Thanks CR888,
I noticed your in Victoria, where did you buy the Universal Riegner from. I've got a 36" bar and chains on the way and want to get this sorted before I really start getting serious about milling.
Thanks for your advice!

 

[BobL]

I use a spray liquid made by chainsaw manufacturer SOLO called 'universal riegner'. Its all written in German but I think it translates universal cleaner. A few sprays on b/c wait a few minutes and wipe off or rinse off. I also use it on hedge trimmer blades to remove sap/gum. It just dissolves the gum and it ALL comes off. It really wakes up the nostrils so I think its active ingredient is costic soda. I think a few of the name brand chainsaw makers have similar products. You may also be able to use dishwasher powder (costic also). Magic stuff!

Yep it's caustic soda. If you are the cautious type you might want to remove the chain from the saw when using caustic because if the caustic is allowed to sit on bare metal of the saw casing it may pit the metal. It's not a problem if it washed off right away but if you walk away and forget about it as one of my friends did he ended up with a pin hole through his oil tank.

 

[JasonMS660]

Yep it's caustic soda. If you are the cautious type you might want to remove the chain from the saw when using caustic because if the caustic is allowed to sit on bare metal of the saw casing it may pit the metal. It's not a problem if it washed off right away but if you walk away and forget about it as one of my friends did he ended up with a pin hole through his oil tank.

Yeah very good point, I have a a bottle of caustic soda, I might try diluting some in water and making a chain wash. Leave it in there for 20 mins and wash it and oil it. Worth a try?

 

[CR888]

Thanks CR888,
I noticed your in Victoria, where did you buy the Universal Riegner from. I've got a 36" bar and chains on the way and want to get this sorted before I really start getting serious about milling.
Thanks for your advice!

I get it from the solo importer in Dandenong called Outdoor Power Products. Ask for Ian in spares. They don't really do retail but give them a try and if you want a few bottles they might be quite cheap ($7 per 500ml spray bottle) I think. Each bottle goes a long way but I recommend you get a few bottles as this is exactly what you need. Ian will post it and its very easy. You WILL love this stuff its the best.

 

[CR888]

Yep it's caustic soda. If you are the cautious type you might want to remove the chain from the saw when using caustic because if the caustic is allowed to sit on bare metal of the saw casing it may pit the metal. It's not a problem if it washed off right away but if you walk away and forget about it as one of my friends did he ended up with a pin hole through his oil tank.

Yeah hi Bob, I don't think its in such a strong concentration (but boy its strong on the nose) directions say to wipe or wash off after only a few minutes to soak. I wear a breathing mask when I use it and do it in the garage sink so hands can be promptly washed ect. Love your mills Bob! They are the best mate.

 

[CR888]

Yeah very good point, I have a a bottle of caustic soda, I might try diluting some in water and making a chain wash. Leave it in there for 20 mins and wash it and oil it. Worth a try?

As soon as water dilutes caustic it takes all the punch out of it. Put it in a spray bottle trigger pump style and be very careful with it. Its pretty nasty stuff I touch it briefly with my hands but rinse with water straight away. I#would recommend#eye protection.:msp_wink:

 

[BobL]

Yeah hi Bob, I don't think its in such a strong concentration (but boy its strong on the nose) directions say to wipe or wash off after only a few minutes to soak. I wear a breathing mask when I use it and do it in the garage sink so hands can be promptly washed ect. Love your mills Bob! They are the best mate.

Cheers CR888!

 

[scor440]

WD 40, Goof Off, Lacquer Thinner soak and a acid brush to remove gum reuse is possible ,Propane Torch,carb cleaner, starting fluid etc?

 

[Boon]

I'm definitely no expert but have found the same problem and soaked mine in kerosine, the gum does not come off immediately but seems to dry out and flake off. I also wash my chains after sharpening in Kerosine, helps to remove any unwanted metal that gets caught in a oily chain and the build up. Eventually evaporates.

 

[discounthunter]

ive got several bars that had a lot of paint come off ,so i just sanded the rest off and periodicaly put some wax on them. havent really had any buildup at all.

 

[steve easy]

I mix kerosene in with the oil and drip it onto bar nose.

 

[Greenland South]

I've tried all manner of concoctions on my woodworking blades. The most effective and certainly one of the cheapest is regular windex. I tried it on the chains after seeing this thread, it works just as well.