Even with a standard chisel chain which will cut or rip circles around a rip chain and the cut is smoother than say a circular saw. I have gone through a fair amount of chain trying to find the “perfect” ripping chain and what I’ve learned among a ton of other things is this: It works the hell out of my 880 and 660. “Store bought” ripping chain is no better in performance than stock chain filed to 10 degrees.
Ripping chain is a special chain designed for cutting parallel to the wood grain. The chain pictured above is Oregon #72RD. This chain may not look much different than conventional saw chain, but close inspection will reveal the cutter teeth are ground with a blunter top-plate filing angle. Milling conditions can vary widely, so plan on doing some experimentation to fine-tune your ripping chain for maximum performance.
Ripping efficiency of the chain can further improved by turning every second cutter pair into scoring cutters. The most important modification needed to turn a regular chain into a ripping chain is changing the sharpening angle of the cutters. With a bit more time and effort, you can still improve the basic ripping chain by turning every second cutter pair into scoring cutters.
how to sharpen chainsaw ripping chain Related Question:
Can you sharpen a ripping chain?
All Granberg ripping chain should be sharpened to 10 degrees on both the scoring and clearing cutters. If you are using a bench mounted chain sharpener, use 0 degree tilt and 60 degree top plate cutting angle and the same disc size as you would for your regular chain of the same gauge.
What degree do I need to sharpen a ripping chain?
Sharpening Angle Of Ripping Chain When sharpening this chain, the top-plate filing angle should be 10°- 15°. The file should also be tilted down about 10°.
What makes a chainsaw chain a ripping chain?
A ripping chain is a semi chisel option that’s used on shallow-angle cutters with around 10° cutting angle. It cuts along the wood grain rather than cutting across the pores or veins, which is different from other options available in the market.
What is the difference in a ripping chain?
While most chainsaw chain is designed to cut across the grain of the wood you’re cutting, ripping chain is specially modified to cut along the grain. One of the main differences between ripping chain and crosscut chain is the angle that the teeth are sharpened at.
Does a ripping chain cut faster?
Does A Ripping Chain Cut Faster? As a rule of thumb Ripping chains will cut faster than a crosscut chain and in some cases a lot faster. However, there are many factors and variables that affect cutting speed. Timber type, cut width, chainsaw bar length, and chain length.
Can you cross cut with a ripping chain?
Re: Crosscutting with ripping chain? Yup Results will vary depending on the style ripping chain you have, fewer top plates or less top plate area is going to slow your cut a lot. My 066 cuts like an 046 on steroids when crosscutting with a full comp ripping chain and leaves a smoother surface.
What angle should I sharpen my Stihl chainsaw chain?
STIHL saw chains are generally filed to an angle of 30° – parallel to the service mark for the filing angle. Hold the file so that one quarter of its diameter projects above the top plate.
What is a ripping chain for?
Ripping chain is chainsaw chain designed specifically for cutting with the grain. Ripping chain is always micro chisel or semi chisel chain which features a re configured cutting angle of 10 degrees.
What is a chisel chain?
The full chisel chain has square-cornered teeth, splitting wood fibers easily in the cut for fast, efficient cutting in clean softwood. Chisel chains have a high kick-back risk due to missing safety chain elements and are more sensitive against dirt.
Can you mill old logs?
It is generally best to mill a log as soon as possible after cutting it. Sealing the end grain is the right thing to do but just as important is where the log lies.