A chainsaw chain has a huge impact on the quality and speed of a professionals work, which is why it’s important to choose one carefully. There are many options available on the market such as semi-chisel, full chisel, skip tooth chains, and ripping chains.
It’s not easy for arborists to make their choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most suitable for the individual’s everyday work. At Rotatech, we supply a wide range of chainsaw chains and chainsaw chain reels and are often asked about the differences between them. Here’s a brief look at these options:
Ripping Chain – What You Need to Know
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. This speciality chain is used for milling, meaning it can only be used for specific projects where smoother wood surfaces are required. Here are some of the advantages of this particular type of chain:
- Smoother Finish – As this chain doesn’t cut along the pores and mills with the grain, the finish is smoother and cleaner in comparison to alternatives available on the market.
- Semi Chisel – Its semi chisel structure ensures the chain remains sharper for a longer period of time, which has a positive impact on productivity.
- Resistant to Damage – The chain design makes it more resistant to damage, even when you hit debris in the wood. This helps professionals save money as the chain doesn’t need to replace as often.
Ripping chains have some disadvantages which can make it unsuitable for certain jobs. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision. Ripping chains are slower as the finer cut and surface takes more time than regular cutting. This chain might not be a good option for you if speed is a major concern.
Standard Chainsaw Chain – What You Need to Know
A standard chain comes in full-chisel and semi-chisel varieties and each has its pros and cons. These chains are designed for steeper cutting angles ranging from 25°-35°, so if you have to cut at a harsher angle, a ripping chain might not be the best option. Here are some of the advantages:
- Versatile – These chains are more versatile than ripping chains because they can be used in a number of different applications. The steeper angle allows arborists to cut wood in different situations without changing the chain.
- Faster – Standard chains are faster so if you’re looking to complete the job quickly and aren’t too concerned about the finish of the surface, this option is ideal for you. It cuts along the veins and through natural fibres instead of cutting with the grain.
Standard chains are more prone to wear and need to be replaced more often. They also provide a rougher finish, meaning you have to spend more time sanding and smoothing if the quality of the finish is a concern.
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