Slight Cut on the plastic part of new chain saw

[Asker123]

Bought this 10 inch chainsaw couple days ago. It cuts fine for a 20V battery operated saw but when I opened it for cleanup found that a knob kind of part got a cut.
How critical is it? I can still return and exchange for another if this is important.
I did cut couple 12 inch logs with it. Does it matter? should I not cut more than 8 inch ( is it general rule of thumb? 2 inch less than the bar length)
The part seems like just a holding knob for the top plastic cover but wanted to take your opinion.
Thanks

 

[PithFreak]

That’s your chain catch for when the chain derails, that stops it from flinging back cutting your thigh. On higher end saws they’re aluminum but typically plastic on homeowner stuff

 

[Asker123]

Thanks
In that case seems like a cut on that part will compromise the long term safety aspect.
I can ask for an exchange and hope that the next one doesn't get damaged from that area but want to confirm if I am doing it correct.
You guys have tons of experience whereas I am a newbie.
It is a complete NO Go to cut bigger size logs ( fallen trees) using smaller saw. In my case I cut a 12 or 14 inch fallen tree with this 10 inch saw. Could that have made this part damaged?

 

[Wood Doctor]

The aluminum ones eventually get chopped in half, but at least they are replaceable.

 

[farmer steve]

The cut could have came from a twig/branch that was thrown by the chain unless your chain was to loose and nicked it. Doesn't look to serious. Maybe ask you dealer what they think.

 

[JustPlainJeff]

You can cut stuff larger than the bar on your saw. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm guessing that somebody told you that you should stick to stuff that's 2" smaller than your bar or something like that? There's no truth to it. People routinely cut stuff that's up to twice the size (or even larger) than the bar on your saw. It just requires you to go to the other side of the tree to finish your cut, and it takes a little longer than cutting through from one side with a single cut.

 

[Bubster]

If that cut was there when you bought the saw,and you yourself haven't had the chain derail,you bought a slightly used saw I would guess.Someone bought it,didn't tension the chain right,made 3 and 1/2 cuts and threw the chain.And returned the saw.

 

[computeruser]

It’s fine. Carry on cutting.

 

[huskihl]

If you noticed it before you had done any cutting, that’s one thing. But returning one for an exchange after the fact doesn’t quite jive. Keep the chain properly tensioned and avoid pinch situations and you’ll be fine

 

[Wood Doctor]

If you noticed it before you had done any cutting, that’s one thing. But returning one for an exchange after the fact doesn’t quite jive. Keep the chain properly tensioned and avoid pinch situations and you’ll be fine

But, chain saw operators do not realize how much a new chain can stretch. I have repaired a whole bunch of chains these days that have been damaged severely by jumping off the bar. It would have been much easier to make a whole new chain. The cutters are OK but most of the drive links are ruined and will not even fit inside the bar groove.

 

[scottr]

But, chain saw operators do not realize how much a new chain can stretch. I have repaired a whole bunch of chains these days that have been damaged severely by jumping off the bar. It would have been much easier to make a whole new chain. The cutters are OK but most of the drive links are ruined and will not even fit inside the bar groove.

Hello Edwin , when I repaired a chain with many peened drive links I used a case hard cement nail , a pocket anvil from the old chain repair kit and a ball peen hammer . I folded up a shop rag to adjust the drive links to the correct height to lay flat on the pocket anvil .
Scott

 

[Dennisthemenace]

It's nothing, keep the chain tensioned correctly and cut away. 12 inch is probably max, not because of bar length but because of the limited power available

 

[Captain Bruce]

Bought this 10 inch chainsaw couple days ago. It cuts fine for a 20V battery operated saw but when I opened it for cleanup found that a knob kind of part got a cut.
How critical is it? I can still return and exchange for another if this is important.
I did cut couple 12 inch logs with it. Does it matter? should I not cut more than 8 inch ( is it general rule of thumb? 2 inch less than the bar length)
The part seems like just a holding knob for the top plastic cover but wanted to take your opinion.
ThanksView attachment 1007045

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View attachment 1007043

You must be one of those guys who brings jokes to the forum. The chain catcher does it jobs. Its cheap plastic, as is the entire saw, and you are so bewildered as to jump on the web? Hoping for options?

I don't care who you are, thats some funny s**t!

 

[Asker123]

Hey Caption Bruce, you seem to be an Arborist Guru so go easy on me. I am a newbie who touched a chainsaw first time in my life and anyone would be curious to know why a part got a cut right after first use.
If you have something as input, feel free to provide that. This Saw is just cheap but I will be in market for a better built battery operated Saw. What bar length should I got for for bucking fallen trees 12, 14 inches diameter? Any fav brands that you recommend? Feel free to chime in...

 

[Wood Doctor]

Hello Edwin , when I repaired a chain with many peened drive links I used a case hard cement nail , a pocket anvil from the old chain repair kit and a ball peen hammer . I folded up a shop rag to adjust the drive links to the correct height to lay flat on the pocket anvil .
Scott

Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes nearly every drive link on the loop is messed up by the jump off. It takes me an hour to save the loop if it's a typical 20" length. On the other hand, I can make a new loop from a reel in 10 minutes. What I have noticed is that many operators do not realize that a new loop can stretch in nothing flat and set up the jump off rapidly.

 

[261cm]

It's nothing, keep the chain tensioned correctly and cut away. 12 inch is probably max, not because of bar length but because of the limited power available

This. Probably got that when they assembled it. It won’t hurt a thing. Run it like you stole it!

 

[PithFreak]

You must be one of those guys who brings jokes to the forum. The chain catcher does it jobs. Its cheap plastic, as is the entire saw, and you are so bewildered as to jump on the web? Hoping for options?

I don't care who you are, thats some funny s**t!

What the hell is wrong with you? Must be a sad life being that angry for no reason. I was warned about people being assholes for no reason on this site and that’s probably why my post count won’t go much higher than it is.

 

[261cm]

What the hell is wrong with you? Must be a sad life being that angry for no reason. I was warned about people being assholes for no reason on this site and that’s probably why my post count won’t go much higher than it is.

The 2 good things is there is an ignore button, and there is a bunch of really good guys on here.

 

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

Don't return used goods unless there is some manufacturer defect.

That's not a defect, especially after you have used the saw. Continue using the saw, it will be fine.

 

[link]

Put a piece of aluminum tube on it, that's what I would do.