What causes sparks?

[Ed in Maine]

I saw this mentioned in another thread but didn't want to take it too off topic. My buddy's MS290 seems to spark a lot more than my 361 when we are cutting dead hard stuff, but he runs his blades hard before sharpening. Should he crank up his oiler? Are sparks just something you deal with?

 

[bump_r]

Sounds like he's dinked up a drive tang or two. Pull his chain (literally, in this case) and inspect his tacngs - do they have shiney spots where it lools like mushroomed spots have been worn back to normal witch? Check his spur gear for wear, too. Bar rails need dressed? I suppose it could be low oiling, but I'd check for messed up hard parts first.

 

[ShoerFast]

Steel on steel your going to get some sparks, if the chain tilts or slightly derails, the pressure and metal contact will rub-off and ignite a spark.

More and better oil would help, but running the correct chain tension and the ware in of the chain - bar makes a difference also.

Some could rib that it gets worst on overcast days and dawn and dusk!

 

[Ed in Maine]

I did notice him with the chain way too slacked, possibly bending tangs on re-entry into the bar/sprocket. He bought the whole unit new about 4 years ago and I know that he has never taken the chain off. Probably time to flip the bar......you think? He's a little lazy at times, but if I mention that he'll have to buy a new b&c soon if he doesn't take care of it, it'll get his attention. Will inspect the chain. We were cutting in the dark with flood lights on, like you said Fast, likely a more sparky condition....

 

[bump_r]

I did notice him with the chain way too slacked, possibly bending tangs on re-entry into the bar/sprocket. He bought the whole unit new about 4 years ago and I know that he has never taken the chain off. Probably time to flip the bar......you think? He's a little lazy at times, but if I mention that he'll have to buy a new b&c soon if he doesn't take care of it, it'll get his attention. Will inspect the chain. We were cutting in the dark with flood lights on, like you said Fast, likely a more sparky condition....

Take it easy when filing the rail 'shrooms down - those dudes are S-H-A-R-P! I knocked the top 1/4 inch off the top of my pinky finger knuckle nearly off by overstroking the file. The angled "forward-while-slightly-to-the right" sweep put my finger in a baaaaad place. Split second and OOOWWW!! %%^((*@$%^&#()%^*&#@&^-it!" skin and cartilages laid open no nerves or tendons cut, thank God!

Anyway, just ask him - If you can't afford to maintain, how you gonna afford to replace?

Have Talon translate...

 

[Ed in Maine]

If you can't afford to maintain, how you gonna afford to replace?

Nice, will mention that one to him!

 

[Canyon Angler]

sparks can come from lots of things. basically you can get a spark any time you shave off a tiny sliver or chip of metal that will burn. the energy that you give it in the act of shaving off the tiny sliver is often enough to heat it hot enough to ignite. think of the sparks you get when you grind a piece of steel.

if your chain is steel, you'll get sparks if you get the chain into sand. or glass. or rocks that are harder than steel. if you're cutting "clean" wood and you're getting sparks, chances are you're hitting sand or small rocks that got embedded in the wood.

 

[Ed in Maine]

Good point on the sand. We were bucking up tops that had been down for several years. Heading back over this evening to do some more. Nothing beats cutting wood over the holidays!

 

[bump_r]

Nice, will mention that one to him!

Goes hand in hand with the premise of "if you don't have the money (or time) to do it right, how do you think you can do it twice?"

 

[SRT-Tech]

SPARKS! they come from things like the 1/4" thick steel angle iron i cut into today. It was imbedded in a 3' diameter firewood round. Real horrorshow of sparks, lost about 16 cutters. :hmm3grin2orange: old chain though, no biggie. WEAR YOUR P.P.E. it will save you face from flying cutters!