Let's talk race chain

[Armbru84]

 

[Armbru84]

Turned out pretty good. Lot more consistent than my old Method of doing a few at a time.

 

[chipper1]

Turned out pretty good. Lot more consistent than my old Method of doing a few at a time.

View attachment 187150 View attachment 187151

That's awesome.

 

[Billy Currie]

When stoning a chain, are you just hitting the rivets and straps, or are you going a little higher taking a little off the side of the cutter tooth as well?

I've never seen this done before.

 

[Wolverine]

When stoning a chain, are you just hitting the rivets and straps, or are you going a little higher taking a little off the side of the cutter tooth as well?

I've never seen this done before.

Stoning is sideplate of cutter only.

 

[Billy Currie]

Thank you! I didn't realize the teeth were so different that they would need that.

 

[Willard]

Stoning is sideplate of cutter only.
View attachment 190224

Zoom in on that cutter real close and you'll see the gap between the rails and the heel of the cutter. That's how the Oregon AntiVibe works, the one barb arrow between the rivets is the trademark.
I never liked this chain for race chain, I only use the old style chain with the even heel and toe.
No bounce when filing and it's solid foundation offers better penetration into the wood starting the chip.
Here's a pic of the differences.
Top 2 cutters are old school.

 

[Willard]

When this chain is at full rpm the gap under the heel gets wider when the loop tightens up.
Same happens when you add extra tension on the chain when filing the chain on the saw.
The chain looks like it may be slack in the pic but still shows gap.

 

[Deets066]

When this chain is at full rpm the gap under the heel gets wider when the loop tightens up.
Same happens when you add extra tension on the chain when filing the chain on the saw.
The chain looks like it may be slack in the pic but still shows gap.
View attachment 190250

Looks wore to me, being that it’s been run a bit and still a lot of cutter. With a full cutter it pivots back when in the cut and all of the force is on the back rivet. I’d lay money that a new one sits flat.

 

[Deets066]

Same gap with this chain that had a lot of run time with a full cutter

 

[Time's Standing Stihl]

View attachment 190262

Same gap with this chain that had a lot of run time with a full cutter

You run that chain in Iowa??

 

[Deets066]

You run that chain in Iowa??

Yup, 346

 

[Willard]

Looks wore to me, being that it’s been run a bit and still a lot of cutter. With a full cutter it pivots back when in the cut and all of the force is on the back rivet. I’d lay money that a new one sits flat.

Well Deets I'll lay money down that a new chain won't lay flat to the rails.
Here's a brand loop of 72LGX on my 066 work saw.
If you're going to spend up to 40 hours building a race chain, do it right.

 

[RI Chevy]

Maybe run it first? Make a few cuts, stretch it out, then reasess?

 

[concretegrazer]

Maybe run it first? Make a few cuts, stretch it out, then reasess?

Won't change that. But it's not the end of the world as some make it out to be.

 

[Deets066]

Won't change that. But it's not the end of the world as some make it out to be.

I’ve had to correct that issue before when mixing different chassis and cutters

 

[CR888]

Pretty confident Willard is right (he's been looking at chain for decades) but these fine details are not realised by many, the cutters look similar until you closely examine them and look at the gap between the rivets and base of cutters. The front rivet has more metal between rivet and base compared to the rear (this just my unedumacaded opinion). And this translates to a change in behavior of the cutter while cutting. Many could stare of the old and the new (comfort/vibe-ban) & not realise a difference....but its there. Not sure who invented it, Stihl may have purchased the rights to use it off Oregon or something. I too like the older more 'flat' design.

 

[Willard]

It's all in the details.
Here's 2 pics of the most sought after race chain . The Stihl 46RST High Tooth.
Take a look at the bottom of the cutters under the rivets.
No consumer anti vibration rated profile on this chain.

 

[Wolverine]

It's all in the details.
Here's 2 pics of the most sought after race chain . The Stihl 46RST High Tooth.
Take a look at the bottom of the cutters under the rivets.
No consumer anti vibration rated profile on this chain.
View attachment 190361 View attachment 190362

Hey Willard, thanks for the share of info. You will not see my loops at a local race event (will only get run at a gtg). I'm just a firewood hack having fun with a file. I can't really afford to seek out old, getting rare models of the bestest chain. I have to work with what I have. I do appreciate your wisdom. If I'd ever get serious, betcha azz I'd heed your advice.

 

[Willard]

No problem Wolverine, thanks for the kind words!

To clarify I call it AntiVibe to easier explain both Oregon's "Vib Ban" and Stihl's "Comfort".
The feature can reduce chain vibration and chatter by as much as 25% which helps reduce carpal tunnel syndrome in the operator's hands.
Even increases chain speed with up to half of the chain contacting the bar rails when not in the wood or to a lesser extent the empty cutters on the opposite side of the bar when buried in a log. Makes less wear and tear.

But the cons is: the anti vibe feature effects the "traction of the chain" in the cutter's porpoiseing attack mode while making chips.

Reason why you won't find it on .404 chain which is reserved for heavy duty use with long bars and high horsepower powerheads. Stihl 46RST timbersports and harvester chain included.