Kerf Width.

**Ravvin71** · 25th October 2008, 03:33 PM

Hi all.
I had a read through a Stihl dealer’s chain and bar spec book and noticed something odd. While it showed dimensions for things like cutter and tie strap length and drive link thickness, there were no listings for the width of the kerf these chains cut. I used a micrometer to measure the chain off my .404 chain and found that the width across the rivets was 6.15mm. I realised that the cutters were offset to give clearance and think it would work out to be about 8.55mm kerf. Until I get my saw back I can’t cut anything to confirm this, but I was wondering if anyone has done any comparisons on chain types, profiles and gauges in regard to the actual width of cut they make? Or if anyone knows of a place I can get this info other than buying different brands and styles of chain and making a cut to measure it.

**BobL** · 25th October 2008, 11:05 PM

You also need to take into account how worn your chain is and how worn your chain drivers and bar groove are etc. As the chain cutters are filed down the kerf gets narrower but as the chain drivers and bar groove wears this makes the kerf bigger - sometimes they cancel themselves out

I get about 9.5 mm with 404 chain.
the best way is to make some cuts and measure these.

New 3/8 is around 7 mm new.

Low profile chain is around 5 mm new. I'm oregon 91VZ on my small mill - it works great.

**joe greiner** · 25th October 2008, 11:18 PM

Specifications and actually measuring the chain will only provide the minimum kerf that can theoretically be achieved. Add to that the wobble of the chain in the bar. And add to that your imprecision in controlling the cut. Both of those additions can vary over time, as well. And lastly, different species will behave differently.

Bottom line: Make some test cuts, or allow for variations. How precise a value do you need? Dressed timber dimensions are less than nominal for all these reasons, and drying shrinkage to boot. And provide a market for jointers, thickness planers, and sanders.

Beat me to it, BobL. Just added my tuppence.

Joe

**BobL** · 25th October 2008, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by joe greiner

Beat me to it, BobL. Just added my tuppence.

Joe

Worth every cent Joe!

**DennisDaMenace** · 30th October 2008, 06:10 PM

Now, I have been wondering the same thing. Logosol talks about this "Pico" chain, probably made by Stihl, and claims that it has a very narrow kerf. I have been thinking of using a chainsaw mill on some Paulownia logs but the waste is going to be a problem. A bandsaw would be better but they have their problems also, especially if they aren't perfectly sharp and you need to put each piece through a thicknesser to get a flat board.
What do the experts think?
Dennis.

**weisyboy** · 30th October 2008, 07:35 PM

pico it stihls low profile 3/8 chain. it has a kerf of about 5mm.

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