Chris...I think I see why you are not getting the full use out of your chains. Looks like they are Oregon EXL chains and it appears you are using a 7/32 file/grind stone to the bitter end. As a result your gullet isn't giving a proper hook! If you were to drop down to a 13/64 or even a 3/16 file/stone when the cutter is half worn you will maintain the proper hook in your gullet. If you look at how guys file racing chains they have almost no tooth left and actually take out a little off the top plate on the back end to cut down resistance. That way it provides less drag and they can take the rakers down a little more than normal. I watch John Reilly file his racing chains and they are wicked fast and almost no top plate left to the tooth. So I think it depends on a lot of variables but I know I have been filing almost to the witness marks for over 50 years (I'm part Scotch and very frugal) and notice no difference in cutting performance because I keep my rakers filed using a gauge and keep the hook in my gullet even before Buckin' Billy Ray made it popular on TH-cam.
Chris I get so much enjoyment out of your channel. I’m in Australia and spend my days off from my main job, cutting Iron Bark for firewood. Ironbark is a very hard wood and as such I use tungsten tip chains. I’m not sure about chords, but in the last 12 months would’ve cut around 500-600 tonnes. Chains certainly make a huge difference.
the third one is about where i change chains the nubs are for stumps!! great vid! GNI !! when i was young and broke i'd run them down till they started breaking off!
Thank you Chris, as someone who heats with wood, and runs either cheap or vintage saws, the information of “safe useful chain life is important i tend to sharpen almost to the reference line before hanging up a chain, then grab it for dirty wood or stumping, how ever I am a little aggressive on filing my rakers from the start!
Chris thanks to you and Kenny doing the video on Dremel sharpening I bought the Milwaukee M12 rotary tool to try it myself. I already have many M12 tools so I didn’t want one more battery system and the Milwaukee is compatible with Dremel accessories.
Thanks for the video! Great tip on the twisted chain dilemma, way back when, I swear I spent about an hour trying to get a new chain untwisted lol. And I also know a guy who just throws out a chain once it gets dull, a local dealer always had a deal on chains (buy 2 get one free) and he only cut an occasional tree so maybe it was worth it to him, tried telling him a sharpening kit was only like 20 bucks but he's a know it all I guess.
This is not the video you said would be on today. This has been becoming the pattern not to do what is said in previous video.
Thank you so much! I feel like I just went to school and learned some great lessons. Many things I didn't know, until now.
Chris...I think I see why you are not getting the full use out of your chains. Looks like they are Oregon EXL chains and it appears you are using a 7/32 file/grind stone to the bitter end. As a result your gullet isn't giving a proper hook! If you were to drop down to a 13/64 or even a 3/16 file/stone when the cutter is half worn you will maintain the proper hook in your gullet. If you look at how guys file racing chains they have almost no tooth left and actually take out a little off the top plate on the back end to cut down resistance. That way it provides less drag and they can take the rakers down a little more than normal. I watch John Reilly file his racing chains and they are wicked fast and almost no top plate left to the tooth. So I think it depends on a lot of variables but I know I have been filing almost to the witness marks for over 50 years (I'm part Scotch and very frugal) and notice no difference in cutting performance because I keep my rakers filed using a gauge and keep the hook in my gullet even before Buckin' Billy Ray made it popular on TH-cam.
Good timely video Chris. I was just dealing with this subject. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Chris I really enjoy these type of videos. Always learn and enjoy the close ups for seeing details!
Chris I get so much enjoyment out of your channel. I’m in Australia and spend my days off from my main job, cutting Iron Bark for firewood. Ironbark is a very hard wood and as such I use tungsten tip chains. I’m not sure about chords, but in the last 12 months would’ve cut around 500-600 tonnes. Chains certainly make a huge difference.
More great stuff! Thanks for your hard work on the channel, Chris!
I give my wore out chains to a blacksmith buddy of mine. He makes Damascus steel out of them and turns them into knives.
I always figured that because I am no expert then about half worn then I'm better off with a new one.
Thanks for sharing Chris. I change mine at a # 3. Have a wonderful day
Great video on changing your chains!! Ive learned a lot from your channel. Thanks. Have a Safe Day
Very handy! I didn’t realize I was being ridiculous 😂
the third one is about where i change chains the nubs are for stumps!! great vid! GNI !! when i was young and broke i'd run them down till they started breaking off!
Thank you Chris, as someone who heats with wood, and runs either cheap or vintage saws, the information of “safe useful chain life is important i tend to sharpen almost to the reference line before hanging up a chain, then grab it for dirty wood or stumping, how ever I am a little aggressive on filing my rakers from the start!
Chris thanks to you and Kenny doing the video on Dremel sharpening I bought the Milwaukee M12 rotary tool to try it myself. I already have many M12 tools so I didn’t want one more battery system and the Milwaukee is compatible with Dremel accessories.
Thanks for the video! Great tip on the twisted chain dilemma, way back when, I swear I spent about an hour trying to get a new chain untwisted lol. And I also know a guy who just throws out a chain once it gets dull, a local dealer always had a deal on chains (buy 2 get one free) and he only cut an occasional tree so maybe it was worth it to him, tried telling him a sharpening kit was only like 20 bucks but he's a know it all I guess.
Hi Chris, I appreciate all your knowledge you’ve shared, I sure have learned a lot from you!! I watch all your videos, big fan from Ohio😁🔥
Appreciate the detailed explanation on tooth chains.
I love the smell of sawchips and a 2 stroke in the morning.
thanks chris informative as ever ken from kent england