Quite some while ago I asked for tips on how to properly cut logs with my chainsaw. I really liked the one someone suggested about the up/down hill cutting for going length wise along the grain. And especially the one about trying a new chain to see how it compares with the original one that came with the saw when I bought it. I picked up a new chain last night and why not, for only $12 more there was a special on an 18" bar & chain so my 16 incher got upgraded in the process. Just came in for a sandwich after trying them tips this morning. Things went lickedy split split split and now I can save some chunks for turning instead of only [fireplace] burning next time I get a load of fresh road kill. After 3 hours the chain is still sharp, who knew :))) Thanks a lot folks! Bart.
Your best friend when it comes to selecting chains and bars for your saw is
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There is a wealth of information, a selector where you can tell them what saw you have, all sorts of good stuff. You can spend a few hours looking around on the site and will probably learn a lot -- I did. I'm using a Shindaiwa 488 and up until last weekend, used the chain and bar it came with. I was working on a honey-do, hit a rock, and while I was able to get the chain back into some usable condition, took the opportunity to upgrade. I heard good words from a turning friend about the knowledgeable people who run J and B Equipment in Elkton KY so gave them a call. Whomever you talk to, you need to make sure that they know you are a woodturner because we do a lot more ripping than the tree guys. After some discussion, I ended up with a Power Match bar and a 20LP072G chain. This is a 'pro' chain. It has some anti-kickback features but is not as safe to use as the consumer chains. It is a lot more aggressive. The combination makes my great little saw into an even greater saw. They assured me I'd be happy with the chain and bar and I am.
If you use the site to make a selection, then you cam link to the various dealers around the country to get pricing on whatever you have picked out. Beware -- there are significant price differences among the various dealers.
Forget the big box stores -- all they have is consumer chains and no real information. On the other hand, if you are not sure about your technique, stick with the consumer safety chains.
And in closing... writing this message just cost me money. I looked at their invoice for the first time to get the name of the company right, and discovered that they only charged me for one chain when I ordered and they sent two. I'll call them in the morning.
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