Installed New Bar/Chain: Wow

[Mass. Wine Guy]

I am now prepared to go on the next moon mission. For the first time, I installed a new bar and chain. It was only a little frustrating, especially learning that, yes, you really do need to keep the bar lifted as you adjust the chain tension.

My only uncertainty is if I got the inner and outer bar plates in the correct spots. In my Jonsered's manual, the illustration appears to show the smaller plate on the outside, which is where I put it. But the lower part of the inner plate has a more distinct curve inward toward the chain. Is this meant to act as a chain catcher and I got the plate positions mixed up?

Thanks.

 

[smokinj]

I have not ever seen one but if the chain is tight and you and turn the chain by hand with the brake off everthing should be correct. Then check to make sure the chain is still tight.

 

[Jags]

Then crank'er up and spin the chain a couple of hundred times, shut it down and check again. If its still tight, you are good to go. Check your chain tension often on a new chain.

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

I adjusted the tension a few times and now it seems stable. Very nice narrow kerf chain from Bailey's.

 

[Cowboy Billy]

Did you replace the rim sprocket or spur drive on the clutch too? I have heard it can make the chain wear out faster if it is badly worn.

Billy

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

I was going to but I examined the sprocket and it did not look excessively worn. Next new chain I'll replace it.

Did you replace the rim sprocket or spur drive on the clutch too? I have heard it can make the chain wear out faster if it is badly worn.

Billy

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Well, previously described new bar and chain got totally pinched in a downed tree that had pressure on both ends. I tried like crazy to free it with wedges, but ultimately I had to remove the bar and leave the chain stuck. I'll put on my other bar and chain and try to free it up.

 

[kevin j]

get some small 6 inch wedges. anytime there is any suspect of the kerf closing as you are bucking, set the wedes at 10 and 2 oclock positions (assuming you are cuting horizontally down). Setting with your hand is enough to hold the kerf open. Once it closes the tree may also have shifted slightly and it takes huge forces to open it up again. wedges are your friend in many situations.

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Thank you, Kevin. I presume that first I cut in a bit, stop the saw, put in the wedges and start up again. I'll try this when I go rescue my stuck chain.

 

[Gooserider]

Minor suggestion - tie a colorful rag or equivalent to the loop of chain before cutting it loose - makes it a lot easier to find, otherwise it's amazing how fast it can get buried in debris, and blend in with everything....

Gooserider

 

[kenskip1]

Sir,I do not mean to be nosy buy I have a question for you. What brand and model of saw are you talking about?Ken

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Jonsered 535