Chain Question

[drf256]

I'm new to milling and I'm using an 066.

I'll be getting a 36" stihl ES bar in 3/8 .050.

I'm milling red oak, 24" wide.

Which chain should I get and how many DL?

 

[czar800]

I use the same bar that you have. I bought a few of these chains and they seem to be fine.
Your bar should be marked how many DL's. My 36" es 3/8 .50 is 114 DL's


http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...6-Ripping-Chain-Loop-30RP-114-Drive-Links.axd

 

[Shawn Curry]

I'd pick a slightly different bar... .063 gauge can carry more oil. Also, a full weight 36" gets heavy quick - the RW bars are physically a couple pounds lighter. The Tsumuras out of canada are a really great deal right now with the exchange rate.

The chain sold for ripping is semi chisel, and the same cutting speed vs sharpening frequency tradeoffs apply. It's also more expensive. So I grind my own from full chisel chain. I like to start with a square ground chain, because the geometry is really close to my round ground 10 degree profile. So I can use it for a few cuts right out of the box, then grind it to my round profile when it needs to be sharpened - plus it's a lot faster to convert compared to a 30 degree round chain.

 

[Moparmyway]

I'm new to milling and I'm using an 066.

I'll be getting a 36" stihl ES bar in 3/8 .050.

I'm milling red oak, 24" wide.

Which chain should I get and how many DL?

Al, I've got a 36" Stihl, .375 and .050 that you can have, 3003 mount

Say the word and I'll drop it off to you

I might even have some chain for it too

 

[junkman]

I milled with a 28 inch bar .050 for a while ,it got pretty hot ,had to run an extra oiler ,like was said .063 helps carry more oil ,.404 carries more yet .

 

[drf256]

Al, I've got a 36" Stihl, .375 and .050 that you can have, 3003 mount

Say the word and I'll drop it off to you

I might even have some chain for it too

Hmmm. I'll text ya.

 

[mdavlee]

I use square filed chisel chain like I normally use. It's smooth and fast. Semi chisel was just so slow I can't stand to use it milling.

 

[Lightning Performance]

Don't stop now with all the good info. I was also going to set up 660 for milling with that 050 36". Was planing on using a extra oilier just to save the bar.
Would that work OK with the 050 chain?

 

[Shawn Curry]

You'll know if oil is an issue if your (sharp) chain is loading up bad. Here's a tip for that:

I found this little gem in "Chainsaw Lumbermaking" by Will Malloff. (Buy this book) Mix some ATF into your bar oil for milling - I like to run about 1/3.

The thinner viscosity seems to stay on the links better for the long round trip through the cut. You won't need a sticky oil here. It won't "sling" off the tip - youll be lucky if it even makes it that far.

 

[drf256]

You'll know if oil is an issue if your (sharp) chain is loading up bad. Here's a tip for that:

I found this little gem in "Chainsaw Lumbermaking" by Will Malloff. (Buy this book) Mix some ATF into your bar oil for milling - I like to run about 1/3.

The thinner viscosity seems to stay on the links better for the long round trip through the cut. You won't need a sticky oil here. It won't "sling" off the tip - youll be lucky if it even makes it that far.

What about using straight Canola here Shawn? Would that be a terrible idea?

I'm looking to mill some sugar maple I let sit for a year for cutting boards. Make a unique gift.

I know I'm probably being ridiculous, but I'd rather have them soaked in Canola oil than bar oil and ATF if they will be used for food.

 

[Shawn Curry]

What about using straight Canola here Shawn? Would that be a terrible idea?

I'm looking to mill some sugar maple I let sit for a year for cutting boards. Make a unique gift.

I know I'm probably being ridiculous, but I'd rather have them soaked in Canola oil than bar oil and ATF if they will be used for food.

I'm not sure you'd want to use canola for the finish either - veg oils will go rancid after a while. I always use food grade mineral oil. But I havent tried using it for bar oil - Im not sure how well it lubricates metal.

It's possible to go too thin with the ATF, and things can get messy then. I've never had any lumber come out feeling 'oily'. Any trace of residual oil left on the surface will probably be removed during surfacing. I wouldn't worry about it one bit. My whole family and many friends have eaten off my cutting boards and never got sick.

 

[Iron.and.bark]

Great work Shawn!

When I do cutting boards season with walnut oil

 

[drf256]

I'm not sure you'd want to use canola for the finish either - veg oils will go rancid after a while. I always use food grade mineral oil. But I havent tried using it for bar oil - Im not sure how well it lubricates metal.

It's possible to go too thin with the ATF, and things can get messy then. I've never had any lumber come out feeling 'oily'. Any trace of residual oil left on the surface will probably be removed during surfacing. I wouldn't worry about it one bit. My whole family and many friends have eaten off my cutting boards and never got sick.

Gorgeous work Shawn.