tri link spotted at wally world

[Philbert]

. . came up with 0.5-0.6mm (.019-.023") with some going down to 0.8mm (.031") . . . For arguments sake I'd estimate the rakers to have an offset of about 1mm/.039" and it worked very nice like this - until it snapped.

They looked pretty aggressive, as well has having the sharp corners which could dig in. Wonder if this could have helped to expose a weak spot in the chain by 'shock loading' the links?

Philbert

 

[Wilhelm]

When I bought my PS-7900 she came with a used Oregon loop with a raker off set as low as 1.5mm/.059" - measured the same way I checked the TriLink.
That was an extremely aggressive loop, made chips as thick as coins.
I wore that loop completely out without it ever breaking!

The guy I bought my PS-7900 from was used to his 395 (I think), said the Dolly was too slow for him so he intetionally lowered the rakers what made the saw bog down.
As it turned out she was tuned too rich, turned about 10k WOT no load.

I don't think that little bit of raker surface no matter how pointy/sharp edged it is will actually make any significant difference in resistance wear considering in comparison how huge the chains teeth/cutters are.
But I admit, I could be wrong.

It will take a while till I wear down another TriLink loop considering I am almost done with NEXT YEARS firewood requirements - but it will be interesting to observe whether it will behave and wear similarly.
If any of the other TriLink loops also break, than it is a pattern and as such a matter of how these chains are made and not a matter of misuse - that is how I see it.

 

[Wilhelm]

TriLink loops, factory new out of the box performance.

Chisel:

Semi Chisel:

I'm curious what it will take to make them cut properly.
I am uncertain whether to cut the shark fins off completely or just grind them a bit lower - we'll see.

Initial stretch is extreme, no way to go through a whole tank of fuel with a brand new loop without having to adjust chain tension!

Self feeding is almost non existing, these loops are asking to be forced through the log.
Noodling performance IS non existing, the cutters do not bite while cutting with the grain.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Any more to say about this chain? Local store just started to carry it. And a tractor supply store just got built in town.

 

[Wilhelm]

On a larger saw they are good work chains with a few tweaks.

Compared to brand name chains they aren't the fastest ones, but they seem to be less affected by sand/dirt embedded in a logs bark (I buck skidded firewood logs).

The ones I have don't do well bore cutting, nor do they like being buried in a log, they also tend to chatter a lot when they hit knots (in my case oak).

I am about to wear out a semi chisel loop, it's almost down to triangle shaped teeth, still cutting well.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

So on second chain? One out of 2 broke so far? Going to try one just to see I guess.

 

[Wilhelm]

So on second chain? One out of 2 broke so far? Going to try one just to see I guess.

I did keep the first loop very aggressive.
Go a few posts back, I've posted comments and pictures.

Generally, for their price they're good.

I don't like them not getting a razor sharp edge like high quality chains do.
I do like them being quite oblivious to impact with dirt, that makes it less troublesome bucking skidded mud embedded firewood logs - the loops I have cut through dry mud and keep on going.

I say give them a try!
I didn't know what to expect from them and still purchased a lot of five loops, three chisel, two semi chisel.
I personally like the chisel tooth better.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Got a semi chisel and a 20” bar to try. Definitely noticed the chain has a very shallow gullet and not the most consistent sharpening. But we’ll see how it does. Have a feeling the chain is going to stretch pretty fast.

 

[Wilhelm]

Got a semi chisel and a 20” bar to try. Definitely noticed the chain has a very shallow gullet and not the most consistent sharpening. But we’ll see how it does. Have a feeling the chain is going to stretch pretty fast.

Mine cut crappy factory new out of the box, not worth even using them the way they are!
I suggest You file or grind the new loop to Your liking and reset the rakers/depth gauges.
I'd go on a mildly more aggressive side on the rakers, although it depends on the saw Your gonna utilize.

Stretch is almost extreme on my loops, have to adjust every tank of fuel the latest - on a new loop much sooner.

The chisel loop that snapped on me was getting close to maxing out the saws tensioner.
Haven't paid attention how much my currently in use semi chisel loop stretched so far.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

These are being tested for friend who works at the local dealer. Thoughts of replacing Oregon with them. They are wanting my feedback, ones going on ms461 and another on my 064

 

[Philbert]

These are being tested for friend who works at the local dealer. Thoughts of replacing Oregon with them. They are wanting my feedback . . .

Maybe check out the Archer chains too, if he is looking at a '3rd party supplier'?

http://opeforum.com/threads/archer-chain.3860/

Philbert

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Well kinda more of the owner wanting to change and management not wanting to get rid of Oregon. Easy sell vs trying to talk someone into it. I think it’s going to increase the stihl saw chain sales for them or the person will go elsewhere to find Oregon if he wants it, local Walmart and TSC already have these chains.

 

[Wilhelm]

These are being tested for friend who works at the local dealer. Thoughts of replacing Oregon with them. They are wanting my feedback, ones going on ms461 and another on my 064

I think TriLink chains would be a good homeowner chain, although professional usage is also in the cards.
Oddly enough I have yet to catch my TriLink loop(s) to cut sideways as they get dull - they just don't do that for whatever reason.

Go more aggressive on the rakers, both Your saws have the grunt to pull a more aggressive loop.

The only issue I see is that the average Joe expects a new chain to cut very good, Oregon loops do, TriLink not so much.

Maybe check out the Archer chains too, if he is looking at a '3rd party supplier'?

http://opeforum.com/threads/archer-chain.3860/

Philbert

The one Archer loop I have is cutting very good so far.
But like the TriLink it doesn't like to bore cut, nor be buried.

The Archer is more impressive factory ground than the TriLink I have.

Keep in mind that a different batch and/or a product placed on a different market may yield different results!

 

[Dolmar Junkie]

Well kinda more of the owner wanting to change and management not wanting to get rid of Oregon. Easy sell vs trying to talk someone into it. I think it’s going to increase the stihl saw chain sales for them or the person will go elsewhere to find Oregon if he wants it, local Walmart and TSC already have these chains.

In addition to Oregon's products, I think would be the safest bet as far as maintaining customer satisfaction and repeat sales. Multiple price points and quality levels is a no brainer, if they did away with Oregon, would probably loose any pro/serious cutters, but the addition of lower cost line will draw in the frugal 2tree per decade homeowner crowd.
Testing of new line is critical because even the f2tpdh guy is going to get peeved if it ain't worth a crap, not to mention the initial investment for product line would be disappointing to be forced to eat if not up to your high standards.

 

[Dolmar Junkie]

+

Maybe check out the Archer chains too, if he is looking at a '3rd party supplier'?

http://opeforum.com/threads/archer-chain.3860/

Philbert

+1 on being open minded about Archer!
Saw I received on trade had Archer bar and chain, and both were pretty decent quality. Considered buying bulk Archer chain to give appropriate torture testing...

 

[Philbert]

. . . the person will go elsewhere to find Oregon if he wants it, local Walmart and TSC already have these chains.

Your profile says that you are here in Minnesota? For consumer chains, Menard's has the lowest pricing on Oregon pre-made loops, plus 11% to 15% off when on sale. Like other chain (pardon the pun) stores, they have a limited selection of pitch / gauge / loop sizes, compared to a full service dealer, who can make loops off of a roll. And the hardware and big box stores usually don't carry 'Pro' chain (skip sequence, non-low-kickback, etc.), or much in .063 gauge.

A full service dealer can also help sort through the chain sizes and options, which can be overwhelming to a casual user just looking to replace a loop.

The Archer is more impressive factory ground than the TriLink I have.

This is an important factor with the marketing people: Out-Of-the-Box ('OOB') performance - it is being promoted by several of the brands. Not so much to me, because the factory edge disappears with the first file touch. The chain should perform well when new, however, for most of it's life it will be sharpened by the user, and that is the cutting performance that really matters.

Philbert

 

[jakethesnake]

Trouble is lots of folks don’t sharpen at all. They chuck em in the trash and buy a new one

 

[Dolmar Junkie]

This is an important factor with the marketing people: Out-Of-the-Box ('OOB') performance - it is being promoted by several of the brands. Not so much to me, because the factory edge disappears with the first file touch. The chain should perform well when new, however, for most of it's life it will be sharpened by the user, and that is the cutting performance that really matters.

Philbert

I agree 169% lifespan performance is the most critical factor for me when choosing a chain manufacturer. I do like for a chain to be a great performer out of the box/off the roll, I definitely don't want to touch up every new chain that doesn't require something specific. Which is why its hard not to appreciate things like a new loop of RS. Works great now and even better next time if you have the skills to make it mo betta. I never felt like I had been marketed to by the manufacturer, never even realized that that was a selling point, I just like it to work, all the time, everytime... Matt

 

[dahmer]

Rural King dumped all their Oregon and now carry TriLink. Tried some last year and concur with others, new stretch is horrible, sharpens easily but doesn’t hold an edge. Just bought an Archer b&c for my 6100. Find out how that goes.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Your profile says that you are here in Minnesota? For consumer chains, Menard's has the lowest pricing on Oregon pre-made loops, plus 11% to 15% off when on sale. Like other chain (pardon the pun) stores, they have a limited selection of pitch / gauge / loop sizes, compared to a full service dealer, who can make loops off of a roll. And the hardware and big box stores usually don't carry 'Pro' chain (skip sequence, non-low-kickback, etc.), or much in .063 gauge.

A full service dealer can also help sort through the chain sizes and options, which can be overwhelming to a casual user just looking to replace a loop.



This is an important factor with the marketing people: Out-Of-the-Box ('OOB') performance - it is being promoted by several of the brands. Not so much to me, because the factory edge disappears with the first file touch. The chain should perform well when new, however, for most of it's life it will be sharpened by the user, and that is the cutting performance that really matters.

Philbert

Yes live in north mn and menards isn’t far away but I try to not buy yard equipment from Home Depot or menards ect. No true dealers for saws left in area nobody has rolls of chain all premade loops only even at the “dealer” loosely use of term. Saws are very small part of the whole now adays along with younger people looking for part time pay check and could care less about any of it. Thought about trying to start an actual saw shop but dolmar and solo only two mainstream saws not in the area much. I think it would be hard to sell them especially since dolmars all going to makita labeling.