Thread: What chain to Use

Originally Posted by bigdb1

Hello
i have just got a Stihl 090AV in good order, also picked up a 42' bar for it, i have an Alaskan mill to go with it, what chain do you guys recomend i use with it,

Any of the brand names will be OK.

I have some Stihl skip tooth is this good for milling? and is it good for normal cutting too? i also have a 60" bar,

Yes and Yes.

Thanks Bob
I am new to the millimg game, i read some of your comments on other threads and it sonds as if you are right into it, and you like your Stihl's too,

Originally Posted by bigdb1

Thanks Bob
I am new to the millimg game, i read some of your comments on other threads and it sonds as if you are right into it, and you like your Stihl's too,

I'm pretty new to it as well (5 years this year) but have fiddled with chainsaws since the 1960s.

Yes I like my Stihls too.

Do you think standed chain would cut quicker than skip tooth for normal cross cutting ( on the 090)?
Al so does any one know where i can get a helper handle to go on the end of a 60 inch bar, (not a helper handle with a sprocket on it) just one that bolts on to the end of the bar?

Originally Posted by bigdb1

Do you think standed chain would cut quicker than skip tooth for normal cross cutting ( on the 090)?.

Cutting speed depends on.
- speed of the chain - and that's chain and sprocket size, and RPM dependent
- power of the saw - obvious
- depth of the raker - smaller logs can handle a much lower raker.
- number of cutters in the cut
- width of the log cut.
- type of log

With the 090 cutting small logs (ie <~600 mm the fastest cutting speed will be 8 tooth drive sprocket 404 chain running a 9 degree raker angle.
I reckon you have to be cutting 48" wide plus to even start to notice the difference between skip and non skip chain. The only thing that skip chain does for me is go blunt quicker - of course it is also faster to sharpen. All in all I reckon it comes out about the same. With skip, if you lose a cutter chain vibe is greater than with non-skip.

Al so does any one know where i can get a helper handle to go on the end of a 60 inch bar, (not a helper handle with a sprocket on it) just one that bolts on to the end of the bar?

The first thing I would ask is why even bother with a helper handle? It's much safer if a helper keeps their hands well away from the bar nose and the mill is set up with longer mill rails which the helper can grab one in each hand to help move a mill if required. Personally I don't like operating with anyone else near the mill - it means I have to worry about where they are doing e etc whereas I really just want to focus on what I am doing. If logs rails are used for every cut the CSM can be placed on the log rails without the saw running. The the helper can get out of the way, saw can be started and milling can take place using one operator. At the end of the cut the running saw can cool down while still on the log rails and then turned off then a helper can help move the CSM off the log rails. If a helper is need to push the mill to get it to cut then the log/chain set up is not right and the power head is being flogged for no good reason.

Originally Posted by BobL

The first thing I would ask is why even bother with a helper handle? It's much safer if a helper keeps their hands well away from the bar nose and the mill is set up with longer mill rails which the helper can grab one in each hand to help move a mill if required. Personally I don't like operating with anyone else near the mill - it means I have to worry about where they are doing e etc whereas I really just want to focus on what I am doing.

The above are also my thoughts.

But I would add. You do need a helper to make CS milling easier, her name is 'Gravity' .Take care to position the log off the ground at a height that is comfortable & doesn't strain your back, also slope the log at a downward angle & let gravity help pull the saw. Instead of being focussed on pushing the saw through this allows you to concentrate more on steadying the feed rate, holding the CSM level & achieving a cleaner cut

cheers,
Dean.

Thanks Bob and Dean

i think i will just use the skip tooth on the 090, i would only be cutting logs 700+mm with it as i normaly have the 42 inch bar on it, for small stuff i use my stihl 066 with 25 inch bar

as for the helper handle i will not be useing it when milling, i only want it for my collection,

Originally Posted by bigdb1

. . . . as for the helper handle i will not be useing it when milling, i only want it for my collection,

Fair enough

Bailey's in the USA have helper handles.
See here.

thanks Bob

i will check them out