A saw chain is a necessary component for a chainsaw to function properly, typically made of steel links connected with rivets. Chainsaws are used for cutting wood, with different types of saw chain configurations developed over the years. Maintenance is important to ensure safety and efficiency. The choice of chain depends on the type of wood and size of logs or trees involved.
Also known as a saw chain, a saw chain is a component necessary for a chainsaw to function properly. The component is typically a series of steel links connected with the use of rivets. The steel teeth are textured into the design just outside the chain ring, helping to ease the cutting action and also helping the chain stay securely in place on the chainsaw.
Considered one of the most powerful types of saws, chainsaws are most commonly used for cutting wood. Smaller versions are available for home use and are ideal for trimming tree limbs or even sawing the trunks of larger bushes. Larger chainsaws are used in professional logging and other forms of wood harvesting. Both the smaller home models and the larger industrial models use a saw chain mechanism to deliver clean, concise cuts.
The typical saw chain is designed for high-speed rotation to help deliver a precise cut. The basic operation involves mounting the chain on the so-called guide bar. Once firmly positioned, the device is started and the saw chain begins to rotate around the guide. The high speed combined with the sharp teeth of the chain allow you to incrementally cut through a wooden surface without applying a great deal of pressure.
Different types of saw chain configurations have been developed over the years. One option is the chain scratcher, a design that involves a set of teeth that essentially rub or scratch across a wooden surface, gradually cutting through that surface. Another design, known as a chipper chain, includes features that help regulate the depth of cut, an improvement that helps minimize the number of teeth needed to handle the task, and allows for additional clearance for the safe projection of sawdust and chips away from the cutting area. With most designs today, fail-safe components are installed to minimize the risk of injury to the operator and anyone within range of the saw.
Saw chain maintenance is important to ensure that the cut is within reasonable standards. Periodically, a chain needs to be removed from the saw and sharpened after a number of uses. Depending on the design, some type of cleaning and lubrication of the teeth, rivets and links is required to keep the chain in condition. Failure to do so can place additional stress on the chain, increasing the chances that a link or rivet will snap, causing injury to the operator.
From simple chainsaws designed for home use to industrial size saws used in milling and cutting operations, the choice of chain usually depends on the type of wood involved and the size of the logs or trees involved. Professional loggers can easily determine which type of chainsaw is most appropriate for a given task or if some other cutting tool would be the best option. Even in a residential setting, a landscaping business may require the use of more than one type of saw chain.
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