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  1. #1
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    Default Chain saw Chain Quality

    I have been trying to improve my knowledge of chain saws as some of you will have noticed from some of my recent posts under different threads.

    The replies have been really helpful and I feel I am a little bit more knowledgeable then before when working and maintaining my Dolmar PS 401 16'' 39 cc Chain Saw.

    Now, what I would like to know, if there is a difference in quality in chains of an identical type. eg A chain from Bunnings and a chain from a Chain saw specialist dealer.

    A $30 chain against a $49 chain. Are we comparing apples with apples or an apple with and orange and if so is the Bunnings $29 chain really a lemon.

    If there is a different quality, like there are in other cutting tools, like circular saw blades, what is the best place to get that advice and what would be your recommendations.

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  3. #2
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    Cheap chains tend to have the following; softer steel links and thinner chrome plating on the cutters so they wear and go blunt faster which means you have to sharpen them more often and file more cutter to resharpen it. You might think that if cheap chains cost half the price but last only half as long, all you really lose is cutting time but what it also means in practice is you spend more time cutting with a blunt chain. Blunt tools are dangerous as one has to apply more force than necessary which can lead to accidents. With something as dangerous as a chainsaw I would follow the manufacturers recommendation or uses a quality substitute like Oregon chain.

  4. #3
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    Thanks Bobl. That is what I was thinking but I did not know for sure, although I expected as much.

    ps Would i be right in thinking, the lower the power of the saw, the more important a quality. sharpchain is, although I know it is important for all saws.

  5. #4
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    Default

    Blunt chains use more horsepower, run hotter which means more wear on the bar so in the long run they are more exoensive than buying a good quality chain.

    Good quality chains well i am no expert on brand names but i buy mine from the Stihl dealer and trust he sells good quality.

    Am very interested to hear opinions on brands though.. Also take into account the tooth profile - chisel, semi chisel etc - as some cut faster but dont last as long in harder wood, whereas others dont cut as quick but hold their edge longer in realy hard wood.

    Cutting old railway sleepers nothing stays sharp or lasts long.

    cheers
    regards

    David


    "Tell him he's dreamin."
    "How's the serenity" (from "The Castle")

  6. #5
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    i'm pretty happy with sthill chain and i can get it for $520.00 per hundred foot. i've used oregon and thats just as good. the carlton brand is cheaper but doesn't seem to hold it's edge as long as the others.

  7. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    You might think that if cheap chains cost half the price but last only half as long, all you really lose is cutting time but what it also means in practice is you spend more time cutting with a blunt chain.
    And you also lose more time to re-sharpening. One or more spare chains and bars, with both the main and the spares sharpened earlier, can reduce lost time in the field.

    Joe
    Of course truth is stranger than fiction.
    Fiction has to make sense. - Mark Twain

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by STAR View Post
    Thanks Bobl. That is what I was thinking but I did not know for sure, although I expected as much.

    ps Would i be right in thinking, the lower the power of the saw, the more important a quality. sharpchain is, although I know it is important for all saws.
    Yep - also the lower the power the smaller the chain should be. Some manufacturers seem to fit large chains on small saws because they will stand up to greater abuse but a 40 cc or smaller saw should be running nothing bigger than 0.05 groove bar with a 3/8" link chain.

  9. #8
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    OK, Bobl has stated I should use the manufacturers recommendations or a quality oregon Chain.

    Because we have no Dolmar dealer on the Gold Coast, it looks like its going to be an Oregon chain. However I suspect Oregon may have several grades, am I right, and if so, do I have to take the word of a salesman if I have got the right quality.

    Is there a website or company you could recommend. I have no confidence in the chain saw dealers on the Gold Coast and because of my inexperience I may as well have WOOD DUCK printed on my forehead.

  10. #9
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    I know this will sound like a cop out but for a small saw such as your even the very worst oregon chain will be fine - all their chain is reasonable.

    I don't like recommending specific chains because you need to know things like the bar groove width, chain pitch, bar length, and even your experience (should you be considering a low kickback chain?). If you go to a reputable dealer they should work all this out for you.

  11. #10
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    Smile Carlton chain

    I have been using Carlton chain for quite some time now and have found it holds its edge very well , I am very impressed with it , I have also used Stihl and Oregon chain for many years , but it is way more expensive and no better than Carlton , price wise Carlton is quite a bit cheaper , price is also a lousy way to destinguish product quality . I can get a 100' roll of Carlton chain for around $410 compared to Stihl $550 or a roll of Oregon off of the local bloke for around $700 , not sure what sort of drugs he was on . I have been getting my Carlton chain from Laurie in NSW , he is a wood cutter and uses what he sells. Here's is his email address [email protected]

  12. #11
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    I second the Carlton chain recommendation. I happened to pick up a length by accident when it was supplied instead of the Oregon I ordered and I'm not unhappy about that at all. So far, it seems to take a better edge than the oregon, while still cutting for as long or longer. So far I've only used it crosscutting on the shindaiwa 757, but I'm tempted to make up the next new slabber chain from the same stuff assuming I can get the spare drive links or, even better, that Carlton make a 5-skip in the appropriate gauge.
    Cheers,
    Craig

  13. #12
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    carlton, GB, Origan and stihl chains are all good chains.

    for your saw i would recomend a semi chisel 3/8"low profile chain. it will stay sharp longer and be safer for you to use.

    www.carlweiss.com.au
    Mobile Sawmilling & Logging Service
    8" & 10" Lucas Mills, bobcat, 4wd tractor, 12 ton dozer, stihl saws.

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Exador View Post
    I second the Carlton chain recommendation. I happened to pick up a length by accident when it was supplied instead of the Oregon I ordered and I'm not unhappy about that at all. So far, it seems to take a better edge than the oregon, while still cutting for as long or longer. So far I've only used it crosscutting on the shindaiwa 757, but I'm tempted to make up the next new slabber chain from the same stuff assuming I can get the spare drive links or, even better, that Carlton make a 5-skip in the appropriate gauge.
    I haven't tried and Carlton but somewhere I read that Carlton chain was a bit harder than both Oregon and Stihl - what's your view on this Craig?

  15. #14
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    I've used one stihl chain, it cost a packet, but it seemed to last a fair while. other than that I've only had oregon and haven't had any problems.

    Carlton have some nice prices for stuff but I haven't got a dealer close so haven't tried it yet
    I love my Lucas!! ...just ask me!
    Allan.

  16. #15
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    stihl chains the only one to use oregon just ok carlton wouldnt recommend to worse enemy probably good for making sinkers

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