How To Choose A Chain For An Electric Saw
How to choose the best chainsaw chain
How to choose the best chainsaw chain: professional recommendations. How to know when it is time to change the chain, as well as distinguish the original from the Chinese counterfeit.
Chain models for cross and rip sawing
The main range of saw chains with a 25-35 ° point angle is designed for standard cross-cutting of wood. Models for longitudinal sawing on the domestic market are present in a minimum quantity.
If necessary, the problem of shortage is simply solved by changing the sharpening angle of standard chains to 5-15 °. The tire in this version is operated without changing the design.
All information provided is valid for Chinese chainsaws and their accessories. Most of the Chinese chainsaw range are more or less successful copies of the leading European developers, so all the standards are almost identical.
Saw chain pitch characteristics
The selected chain must be suitable for the length of the guide bar and its design. One of the main parameters for the selection of a chain is its pitch, which is traditionally measured in inches.
Smooth and safe 3/8 ″ (9.53 mm) or 0.325 ″ (8.25 mm) chains are used in the cutting sets of the household group chainsaws.
Analogues with an increased pitch of type 0.404 ″ are intended for a complete set of powerful and efficient professional-grade chainsaws, therefore they are practically not used in household chainsaws.
Self-installation of a headset with an increased pitch must be consistent with the type and traction characteristics of the power unit.
Properties of wear-resistant chains for general and special purposes
The types of chains for household and professional grade designed for working with wood differ in the quality of the material, the duration of the resource and the cost. Designed for work on concrete, the diamond chain, unique in terms of wear resistance, belongs to the category of special rescue equipment.
Wear-resistant carbide chain is one option. The overhaul life of such a product is an order of magnitude higher, but for sharpening it you need special equipment that allows you to sharpen the cutting links at different angles, respectively, for standard transverse and longitudinal sawing.
The carbide chain is designed for productive sawing of hardwoods and lightweight building blocks. It should be borne in mind that when working on aerated concrete or foam concrete, the resource of the saw headset, even the most prestigious brand, is reduced by 2-3 times.
Pro tips for the use and maintenance of saw chains
A significant part of the operated headsets do not fully develop the assigned resource.
The main reasons for forced wear are:
- Low efficiency of the lubrication system;
- High wear of the drive sprocket;
- Excessive tension on the saw chain;
- The use of substandard and surrogate chain oils.
Experts advise to operate a set of several chains, changing them as needed. In this case, you can take advantage of the more productive mechanized sharpening.
Worn and damaged chains should be discarded promptly. Even in the presence of an emergency stop brake and a safety device, the operation of worn-out parts is characterized by an increased risk of injury.
Sawing depth and chain height
These parameters should be known to owners of professional models who sharpen chains by hand at home. The depth of cut is adjusted by decreasing the stop height of each cutting link.
Low profile and high profile chain settings are 0.025 and 0.03 inches, respectively. Knowledge of the profile types is essential for the correct selection of the height of the restraints.
Criterias of choice
The quality of budget and branded chains differs significantly. Many owners of cheap household chainsaws prefer to operate their equipment with more advanced sawing headsets from the leading brands Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon. An unofficial rating recorded an increase in consumer demand for similar products under the Hammer and PowerSharp brands.
The standard length of the bar for a household saw is 2-2.5 HP. Is 40-45 cm. The size of high-performance analogs of a professional class reaches 70 cm.
The higher price level of branded bars and chains is compensated by the high quality of complex sawing operations, increased resource, stability of performance throughout the entire period of service specified by the manufacturer.
Electric chain saw design
The tool discussed in this article consists of the following elements:
- Electrical engine.
- Metal chain.
- Guide bar.
- Oil reservoir.
- Oil pump.
- Power cable from the 220 V network.
- Ergonomic plastic housing.
- Power and lock buttons.
- Tire retainer.
- Chain tension adjuster.
- Overheating fuse.
- Safety shield.
- Lever.
How to choose an electric chain saw
When choosing an electric saw, it is necessary to build on the technical characteristics. There are a large number of models of the presented power tool, but each of them is designed for different purposes and different amounts of work.
In addition to individual indicators, a manufacturer of high-quality electric chain saws is of great importance in choosing an electric saw.
The choice in favor of a well-known and time-tested manufacturer, despite the often higher price, guarantees high quality and reliability tool.
The most famous foreign firms producing high quality electric tools are:
- Bosch.
- Stihl.
- Foresta.
- Partner.
- Sparky.
Cheaper, but no less reliable analogs of foreign electric chain saws are domestic models from such manufacturers as: Zenith, Interskol and others. The electric saw is not the tool to save on.
By purchasing cheap counterparts from dubious manufacturers, you can get poor quality, heavy, noisy or an inadequate power tool.
Engine power indicators
The choice of a chain saw for this indicator should be carried out based on the conditions of use of the device. For sawing off old branches in the garden, it will be quite enough to choose electric saws with minimum power indicators.
In the case of regular and long-term use of the tool, say for sawing thick trees, it is worth focusing on more powerful units. In the first case, it will be quite enough to choose an electric saw with a working power in the range of 1.5–2 kW.
The power of the tool, which will be used often and will do a large amount of work, should be in the range from 2.5 to 4 kW. In the case of using the device in country houses or in summer cottages, experts advise buying a lower power tool or additionally purchasing a voltage stabilizer in the power grid.
The fact is that the voltage in the electrical network in suburban settlements is extremely unstable and the tool often simply does not have enough incoming voltage for normal operation.
To minimize the shortage of voltage, the electric motor operates current boost function. This places additional stress on the engine, which reduces its overall running time.
How to choose a good electric chain saw: the nuances of choice
The saw is indispensable in a country house. Since the manual version of this tool requires considerable effort from its owner, the introduction of automatic chain saws was received with enthusiasm.
The source of energy for work can be gasoline or electricity, with the latter option being more popular among non-professionals. Therefore, the question of how to choose the right chain saw is of great importance. But first, you need to figure out what technical elements an electric saw consists of and what the principle of its operation is based on.
Electric Saw Chain Brake
A very essential function capable of protecting the worker. The thing is that when cutting hard woods or other materials, during the contact of the rotating chain with the material, a sharp throwing the tool up, towards the person who is cutting.
The presence of the chain stop function, which is made in the form of a plastic shield and located near the tool handle, allows an involuntary hand movement at the time of the saw rebound.
This movement will move the face shield forward and will instantly stop the chain. The chain stops instantly, so the possibility of injury to a person is completely excluded.
Overheat protection. This function is a relay that regulates the temperature of the device. When the maximum load is reached, the relay automatically switches off the engine, thereby preventing its overheating or ignition.
Engine heating can occur for various reasons, but the most common situations are chain seizure during operation or when the oil level in the tool reaches a critical level.
The principle of the electric saw
The saw works as follows. After connecting the tool to a 220 V electrical network and pressing the power button, the electric motor is starting.
The running motor drives the gearbox, which makes the tire rotate on which the metal chain is fixed.
Actually, with the help of a rapidly rotating chain, the saw is carried out. The oil pump installed in the electric saw, ensures oil ingress on chain cutting elements.
This process lubricates the chain. This improves the efficiency of the electric saw and increases its service life.
How to sharpen a chain saw with your own hands?
Many craftsmen sharpen an electric saw chain at the first signs of wear on its cutting teeth. However, it is not possible to use a specific tool for this procedure. To work, you need to stock up on a whole set of special equipment. To do this, you need:
- Flat file. It is needed to adjust the depth gauge;
- Round file that has a mowing line of a landmark;
- Caliber;
- Rim. This will help you when determining the angle.
When using a round file, make sure that it protrudes no more than 1/5 of its length above the chain teeth. The first sharpened tooth of the chain must be marked with a marker so as not to go on the second circle.
Do-it-yourself sharpening of the electric saw chain should be performed with accurate and rhythmic movements and only in one direction. After making a few sharpenings, proceed to processing the limiter. Over time, it wears out and loses its shape. When working, apply the gauge with the end side to the edge of the stopper. If the stop is too far beyond the gauge, then it will have to be trimmed with a flat file. In this case, the gauge should be located strictly perpendicular to the saw bar.
It is impossible to visually determine the result of sharpening the chain. You can only find out if you did everything right when sawing wood.
To install a chain on an electric saw, you need to proceed in this order:
- First, you need to move the protective shield, while lowering the brake lever;
- Then use a screwdriver to turn the tensioner and unscrew the nut. This will release the tension on the old chain;
- Remove the cover and separate the bar and chain from the sprocket;
- Then remove the old chain and replace it with a new sawing element;
- Then place the bar on the saw and adjust the chain tension with the screw. Try to tighten the new chain smoothly without jerking.
- Lower the brake lever and unscrew the nut;
- Dismantle the cover and move the tire back a little;
- Remove the old chain and fit a new saw blade. In this case, the new chain is mounted first on the dismantled sprocket, and then along the entire length of the bar;
- After that, the sprocket must be installed in place and the nut tightened.
At the end, it remains to turn the tension wheel in the direction shown by the arrow on the body, and tighten the thumbscrew to the end.
How to properly put a chain on an electric saw. A detailed algorithm
Having chosen a saw element for your tool, you probably wondered how to put a chain on an electric saw with your own hands. In fact, there is nothing complicated in this procedure. All that is required of you is to carefully study the specified algorithm and observe it while working.
Electric saw chains: how to pick up, sharpen and install back
The bar and chain are the working duo of the electric saw, responsible for the efficiency and accuracy of sawing wood. The modern market is literally overflowing with all kinds of tire and chain models that are suitable for one purpose or another. How do you choose the right parts from the entire range presented? We will answer this and other questions together.
How to choose the right chain for an electric saw. We understand the details
In terms of its importance, the chain is often put by experts on a par with the electric saw motor. Therefore, if you want to choose a suitable sawing element, you should approach it with special responsibility. To choose a chain for an electric saw, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Saw compatibility. In other words, you should choose a part that was released by the manufacturer of the tool itself. In this case, the risk of making a mistake and purchasing an unsuitable saw element is reduced to zero;
- Determine Your Chain Purpose. If you are looking for a high performance sawing element, choose a 3/8 inch part. If the electric saw is used only for solving simple household tasks, then the purchase of a saw element with a chain pitch of 0.325 inches will be optimal;
- Sharpening angle. This parameter is important for further repair, maintenance and restoration of the saw element. Efficient chains have a 30 ° sharpening angle. These sawing elements can handle high loads more easily. However, for complex wood processing. If it is frozen or damp. You should stop on a chain with a sharpening angle of 10 °;
- Saw bar length. Must match the length of the saw bar. Even if the chain stretches and sags over time, the problem can be solved by removing a few links.
In addition to these parameters, the cutting method and the material that can be processed should be considered. Be sure to keep in mind that for the purpose of ripping, a chain with a small sharpening angle will be optimal. The performance of such a chain will be slightly less, but its service life will significantly increase.
Features of the choice of a bus for an electric saw
When buying a tire, the first thing to look for is the material it is made of. If it is strong and reliable enough, then the part will serve for a long time and properly. In addition to the material, when choosing a tire, you need to study its such parameters:
- Shank. This can be used to determine if the tire matches your saw model. It’s all about the location of the saw tensioners and the holes for supplying oil to the chain. Most of the well-known brands produce branded shanks for their electric saw models. In this case, shanks from different companies can replace each other;
- Groove width. In today’s market, you can choose tires, the groove width of which is 1.1 and 1.3 mm for household electric saws of low power, as well as 1.5 and 1.6 mm for more powerful models of electric saws;
- The length of the electric saw bar. This parameter is one of the most important when choosing a part. To determine the length of the saw bar, you will need to measure the distance between the tip of the bar and the toothed stop. Most often it is 12-20 inches. It all depends on the model of the saw. The longer the tire you choose, the larger the tree you can cut.
A correctly selected and compatible bar, chain and electric saw will allow you to work efficiently and calmly without wasting money and time.
Electric saw chains: how to pick up, sharpen and install back
The bar and chain are the working duo of the electric saw, responsible for the efficiency and accuracy of sawing wood. The modern market is literally overflowing with all kinds of tire and chain models that are suitable for one purpose or another. How do you choose the right parts from the entire range presented? We will answer this and other questions together.
How to sharpen a chain saw with your own hands?
Many craftsmen sharpen an electric saw chain at the first signs of wear on its cutting teeth. However, it is not possible to use a specific tool for this procedure. To work, you need to stock up on a whole set of special equipment. To do this, you need:
- Flat file. It is needed to adjust the depth gauge;
- Round file that has a mowing line of a landmark;
- Caliber;
- Rim. This will help you when determining the angle.
When using a round file, make sure that it protrudes no more than 1/5 of its length above the chain teeth. The first sharpened tooth of the chain must be marked with a marker so as not to go on the second circle.
Do-it-yourself sharpening of the electric saw chain should be performed with accurate and rhythmic movements and only in one direction. After making a few sharpenings, proceed to processing the limiter. Over time, it wears out and loses its shape. When working, apply the gauge with the end side to the edge of the stopper. If the stop is too far beyond the gauge, then it will have to be trimmed with a flat file. In this case, the gauge should be located strictly perpendicular to the saw bar.
It is impossible to visually determine the result of sharpening the chain. You can only find out if you did everything right when sawing wood.
How to properly put a chain on an electric saw. A detailed algorithm
Having chosen a saw element for your tool, you probably wondered how to put a chain on an electric saw with your own hands. In fact, there is nothing complicated in this procedure. All that is required of you is to carefully study the specified algorithm and observe it while working.
Features of the choice of a bus for an electric saw
When buying a tire, the first thing to look for is the material it is made of. If it is strong and reliable enough, then the part will serve for a long time and properly. In addition to the material, when choosing a tire, you need to study its such parameters:
- Shank. This can be used to determine if the tire matches your saw model. It’s all about the location of the saw tensioners and the holes for supplying oil to the chain. Most of the well-known brands produce branded shanks for their electric saw models. In this case, shanks from different companies can replace each other;
- Groove width. In today’s market, you can choose tires, the groove width of which is 1.1 and 1.3 mm for household electric saws of low power, as well as 1.5 and 1.6 mm for more powerful models of electric saws;
- The length of the electric saw bar. This parameter is one of the most important when choosing a part. To determine the length of the saw bar, you will need to measure the distance between the tip of the bar and the toothed stop. Most often it is 12-20 inches. It all depends on the model of the saw. The longer the tire you choose, the larger the tree you can cut.
A correctly selected and compatible bar, chain and electric saw will allow you to work efficiently and calmly without wasting money and time.
How to choose the right chain for an electric saw. We understand the details
In terms of its importance, the chain is often put by experts on a par with the electric saw motor. Therefore, if you want to choose a suitable sawing element, you should approach it with special responsibility. To choose a chain for an electric saw, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Saw compatibility. In other words, you should choose a part that was released by the manufacturer of the tool itself. In this case, the risk of making a mistake and purchasing an unsuitable saw element is reduced to zero;
- Determine Your Chain Purpose. If you are looking for a high performance sawing element, choose a 3/8 inch part. If the electric saw is used only for solving simple household tasks, then the purchase of a saw element with a chain pitch of 0.325 inches will be optimal;
- Sharpening angle. This parameter is important for further repair, maintenance and restoration of the saw element. Efficient chains have a 30 ° sharpening angle. These sawing elements can handle high loads more easily. However, for complex wood processing. If it is frozen or damp. You should stop on a chain with a sharpening angle of 10 °;
- Saw bar length. Must match the length of the saw bar. Even if the chain stretches and sags over time, the problem can be solved by removing a few links.
In addition to these parameters, the cutting method and the material that can be processed should be considered. Be sure to keep in mind that for the purpose of ripping, a chain with a small sharpening angle will be optimal. The performance of such a chain will be slightly less, but its service life will significantly increase.
To install a chain on an electric saw, you need to proceed in this order:
- First, you need to move the protective shield, while lowering the brake lever;
- Then use a screwdriver to turn the tensioner and unscrew the nut. This will release the tension on the old chain;
- Remove the cover and separate the bar and chain from the sprocket;
- Then remove the old chain and replace it with a new sawing element;
- Then place the bar on the saw and adjust the chain tension with the screw. Try to tighten the new chain smoothly without jerking.
- Lower the brake lever and unscrew the nut;
- Dismantle the cover and move the tire back a little;
- Remove the old chain and fit a new saw blade. In this case, the new chain is mounted first on the dismantled sprocket, and then along the entire length of the bar;
- After that, the sprocket must be installed in place and the nut tightened.
At the end, it remains to turn the tension wheel in the direction shown by the arrow on the body, and tighten the thumbscrew to the end.