more of less cutters for pine&fir

[kodiakfisher]

I have 357xp and just noticed the difference in the number of cutters between my windsor 50 chain and the Oregon/Husky chain. I had a new box of Stihl RS and counted the cutters and the number of cutters was different.

So what do you guys think? I suppose some of this would depend on what my depth guage setting is. Right now they are all as they came from the factory. The Windsor and Husky Oregon chains have had 2 or 3 quick tickles to get them sharp with no change to depth setting.


Kodiakfisher

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

From what I'm reading in your post it sounds to me like you're looking at a full comp chain and a full or semi skip chain. You're in Oregon, and your skip chain is typically more common out here due to our typically longer bars. I use full skip on all of my saws and bars. That's my preferrence. There's a thread in the Used Equipment forum about skip chain. Depending on which saw/bar you're running, skip chain would be fine, but the full comp may be better.

"kodiakfisher"? Are you from Kodiak? Do I know you? I just got transferred down from the Rock last summer. I can't wait to get back. I hear they had good rain this year, and the silvers actually ran on time!

Jeff

 

[SawTroll]

Kodiakfisher,
which bar length and drive link count is involved?
What are the numbers of cutters on the different chains?

Most likely; Jeff are right.......
I think that another recent tread concluded that a full skip has about 66% and a semi skip about 80% of the cutters, compared to a full comp chain.

 

[kodiakfisher]

I knew someone could call me out on the number of cutters....the number of drive links is 72 and based on what you have told me the Windsor is full skip, the RS Stihl is semi skip and the stock chain is full comp.

That RS is pretty sharp right out of the box and as long as I don't touch it with a file it will stay that way. I'm still learning on how to file my own. Already messed up one chain (stock one) so this has become my learning chain still cuts better than some of my chains that where dull and I didn't know how to sharpen them.

FishHuntCutwood,
The Silvers haven't started to "run" the are schooling in tidal areas...actually the first pilot/small run of them went up the rivers this weekend. My dad caught a nice one in the 15-16lb range at the mouth of the Buskin early last week. I go back every other year and only one year was their a significant drop in water level to significantly change the run timming. You probably know my dad. His name is Bear and he has been the drummer at the Mecca for years, he is know as the Island drummer I think he has five full drum sets now.

Thanks for the information,

Doug E

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I could be wrong, but I don't think RS comes in semi-skip. It's full comp (RS) or full skip (RSF).

And as far as silvers, I think you might be talking about '01 when it was so dry that year. It was October 3rd of that year that the skies opened up and the fish ran. A friend of mine just got back from there last week, and he was catching silvers in the rivers, so he may have been out at Roslyn or the American.

Jeff

 

[TimberPig]

http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/types.html

Actually according to their wesbite, it does come in semi-skip or "half skip" as they call it. Although I'm sure its just as popular as other semi-skip chains and sells so well that no one knows they sell it .

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I see the half skip on the RSLK which I didn't know of, but the RS only comes in full skip. Splitting hairs I know, but just for clarification.

Thanks for posting that link Timberpig.

Jeff

 

[kodiakfisher]

New info the saw shop gave me a 5/32 file for my 3/8 chain! NO wonder I couldn't get it sharp! I now have a 7/32 file and now my chain is really sharp almost as good as factory and another sharpening all will be perfect.

FishHuntCutwood,

You are right! You already knew that My Stihl chain is RS full comp, The two Windsor chains are 50APLX skip tooth. Now I have two full comp chains, one Oregon/Husqvarna and one Stihl, and two Windsor skip tooth for hardwoods, I guess I could file the depth guage down on the skip tooth and throw some nice chips.

I am going to assume that full comp will be faster in soft wood, Yes?

Kodiakfisher

 

[rbtree]

[QUOTE

I am going to assume that full comp will be faster in soft wood, Yes?

Kodiakfisher[/QUOTE]

Easterners cut more hard woods than us out westerners, and typically run full comp on shorter bars.

According to the racers here, full comp is usually the fastest, regardless of the wood, at least until you get into long bars. I also used to run all full skip, but now run semi and full comp as well. They are smoother and faster.

Don't take your depth gauges down over .035. Better to let a properly filed chain do its job correctly, and it will. Any more and the chain will be very grabby, and offer more potential for kickback.

 

[TimberPig]

No problem on the link.

And you are correct, I wasn't paying enough attention when I posted the link to notice it was the RSLHK (Klassic cutter, not the standard Super cutter) that was available in semi skip. I'm sure it still isn't a popular chain and tough to find on most dealer's shelves.

 

[SawTroll]

....... I now have a 7/32 file and now my chain is really sharp almost as good as factory and another sharpening all will be perfect.........Kodiakfisher

7/32" will be fine for the Oregon and probably the Windsor.

Correct file for Stihl RS is 13/64", and be extra carefull the first time you file that one..

 

[CNYCountry]

7/32" will be fine for the Oregon and probably the Windsor.

Correct file for Stihl RS is 13/64", and be extra carefull the first time you file that one..

I've used 7/32" files on my Stihl RS chain, against what it says on the package. The dealer recommended it and the chains cut great, until you get right down to the end of the cutter you don't get into the tie straps at all. Seems to make a bigger hole for chip clearance and it files smoother for some reason.

Nothing wrong with 7/32" on Stihl chains.

 

[SawTroll]

...Nothing wrong with 7/32" on Stihl chains.

OK, I haven't tried it so I will not contest what you are saying.
I have just done as Stihl recommends.... :angel:

 

[TimberPig]

Most guys I know, including my local saw shop, and myself use 7/32" on Stihl chain and it works fine. I've heard that people who have compared it say that 13/64" does give a very slightly faster cutting chain, but I can't say for sure since I haven't tried it myself.

 

[SawTroll]

......I've heard that people who have compared it say that 13/64" does give a very slightly faster cutting chain,....

That may be, but my logic tells me it should be the other way around..... :alien:
Anyway, I doubt that anyone will feel the difference when cutting.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I seemed to notice a difference when sharpening with the 13/64 over the 7/32. The 13/64" seemed to fit the 3/8" chain better. When cutting, not really. I didn't really notice a difference. Sharpen it well, and be consitent tooth to tooth, and it cut fine with either file.

Jeff