Some Chain Help....

[jeffinmalvern]

Ok, I have two saws. Super EZ automatic with 16" bar and a 550 with a 24" bar.

I'd like to put new pro chain on both, but I don't know how to determine what to order. I'd like chain without the anti kick rakers, but that I can still sharpen with round files.

Also, how do I determine # of drive links (as oposed to non drive links?), pitch of the chain, and so on>

Thanks.....

[RBW]

Jeff:


The chain you will want to run partialy depends on how clean your wood is. For clean wood, ie, wood that has not been dragged around or has dirt embeded in the bark you will probably be happiest with a chisel chain as it cuts the fastest. It should also be mentioned that it also dulls the fastest if you use it in dirty wood.

The chisel chain has a 90* angle where the top plate meets the side plate of the chain, with a sharp point where the corners come together.



If your cutting dirty wood you will want to use Chipper chain. Chipper has a rounded profile where the corners meet and is probably the most common chain you have run into.


Both of these types can be sharpened with a round file either on the bench or in the field.



As far as counting the drive links, pretend your sexing an animal and look underneath!


The drivers are the links with the little tabs that go in the groove of the bar. Simply mark one and count them out untill you get back to where you started.


I have had good luck with the Oregon LGX, but some people prefer the Stihl chain (dont know the ##) and if my local Stihl dealer werent such dorks I may run this also.


And I believe both of those saws run 3/8" (.375) chains from the factory.


The SEZ with a sharp chipper chain will surprise you and will hang with the 550 in wood up to 8-10".


.

[jeffinmalvern]

Thanks Eric, 1 more question before I order some chain...
I've been looking at the Oregon chain on Baileys, and there are several that are the same except for the gauge. .58 .63 and so on. How do I determine what gauge chain to buy?
Also, I am trying to get pro quality chain. Is the LGX in that catagory? (Thinking in terms of longevity here)

Also, is chipper or chisel easier to file by hand?

[RBW]

The guage of chain youll need depends on the bar youll mate it with. An .050 bar (the most common nowadays) requires .050 chain and so on.


As far as sharpening goes, theres no difference between the two. You may want to pick up a File-N-Joint or a grinder if your tired of going to the shop for your sharpenings.


Both the Oregon LG and LGX chains are a pro quality chain with no safety features. LP is also pro chain, but it is a chipper chain.

[woodburner44]

I, too, like the Oregon 72LG. Cuts aggressively and is easy to maintain.

[kentuckyhillbilly]

I just bought a couple loops of the LG for my Super XL-12 and I really like it