PM chain and rakers

precaud · Dec 27, 2006

OK, ok, the picco micro "safety" chain isn't well-liked around here. But I have several new loops of it and don't want to chuck them. So here's the question: Is it reasonable to compensate for it's unaggressive profile by lowering the rakers a bit? Any danger in doing so?

bump_r · Dec 27, 2006

Depends...

The guys around here are pretty friggin discriminating - what they tend to demand is typically far and away beyond what most typical homeowner/weekend warrior types would find as acceptable.

That said, "does the chain's cutting characteristics satisfy YOU?" If it does, keep it at recommended spec.

If it's the double-humped tie strap chain, I think you'd have to drop those as well to get much improved bite. That would take considerable effort as compared to just working an hour overtime and buying a better chain.

I, for one, prefer to make something work or at least improve it but I think the general consensus here would be to upgrade the chain and be done with it. I can't say I'd disagree.

Lakeside53 · Dec 27, 2006

Assuming we are talking PM2 (double hump).. Just use them up as is - they are not all that bad...... but if you want to spend the time to "convert them" be sure to only grind on the hump portion, NOT the raker... You need the raker set to the correct depth for the chain to cut smoothly and safely.

The new PMC3 chain is safety rated and cuts almost as good as the PMC version.

precaud · Dec 27, 2006

bump_r said:
The guys around here are pretty friggin discriminating - what they tend to demand is typically far and away beyond what most typical homeowner/weekend warrior types would find as acceptable.

Understood.

That said, "does the chain's cutting characteristics satisfy YOU?" If it does, keep it at recommended spec.

I think we both know... EVERYTHING is satisfying until you experience something better! (the mind wanders to past girlfriends...)

I, for one, prefer to make something work or at least improve it

I'm definitely that type, too. Plus... I have 3 new loops of the stuff so I may as well use it.

I'll try your suggestion of lowering the humps a bit. And may take the rakers down a bit, too, since I cut only softwood (pine, pinon.) Something in the .030-.035 range, maybe?