I'm curious to see how many chains people go through before changing the bar. I usually touch up my chain every other tank of gas and flip the bar after I go through 2 gallons of gas. I've never actually worn out a bar so what do you guys think?
How Many Chains On One Bar?
- Thread starter Chimney Smoke
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil. -
Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
- Status
It's sometimes difficult to track. If I have a long cutting session, I'll have four chains for my main saw with me so I can swap them when one gets dull.
Another factor is the method of chain sharpening. Those who use an electric grinder tend to remove more material than hand filing.
Another factor is the method of chain sharpening. Those who use an electric grinder tend to remove more material than hand filing.
I cut 5-10 cord per year for 8 years on the same bar. The saw is now 11 years old and still has the OEM bar.
"How Many Chains On One Bar?"
Just make sure it is one at a time.
Just make sure it is one at a time.
I've never worn a bar out either. Sure, the paint wears off and they look icky but I still use them. If the rails are getting metal flash or sharp things sticking up I'll run a flat file over the bar to knock them off and maitain a flat, smooth, riding surface for the links. I flip the bar with every chain swap and don't grease the sprocket like some folks seem to do.
I've also never worn out I bar... but I'm not really sure what happens when you wear out a bar (besides getting it bent)? Only been using this saw for about 5-6 years, maybe 3-5 cords per year depending on the year. I've never worn out a chain either. I had two of the RMC3 green chains that came with the saw for a few years and was hoping to wear one out so I could step up to a more aggressive chain. I hated spending money when I already had 2 chains that worked. But cutting some dense stuff like black locust (some was already kind of dry) that was bigger than my already too long 20" bar was getting frustrating. Finally 2 years ago I got the RSC chain and that's been great, night and day difference. Seems to stay sharp too, I'll often go two whole days of cutting before sharpening, maybe 10 tanks of gas? and even then its usually still throwing out good chips, I just sharpen it for the heck of it. I feed it gas and the saw, bar, and chain just keep on going.
- Status
