Saving money and chain pitch?

[KB1GCB]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and thanks.

I am a newbie who is semi-retired (computer teacher) and would like to burn and cut more wood. As a homeowner, I purchased the stihl (028 super) 20 years ago to clear our house lot and for the occasional fallen tree. Now that I have more time, I want to get ready for next winter. Ordered tree length oaks (3 cords) and have other trees on my property (mostly oak) to cut. I tell my wife since we are retired, we can save money by burning more wood. Of course, we like the heat and atmosphere of a wood burning stove too!

Since reading hearth.com the last few months (trying to save money &^)

Have purchased or ordered the following--smart-holder, fiskars 28" (like my orange monster maul, but it's getting heavy-turn 65 this summer), reciprocating saw and blades, wire mesh goggles & protective chainsaw gloves (baileys) and monday we are going to the woodstock soapstone factory in nh to pick out a new stove. Oh well, we are going to save money right?

Sorry, for such a long intro. In this forum I read about all the advantages of "hand filing" the chain. Is there a way for me to measure or determine the pitch of my chain that I now have on the bar? After that, I will order some files and file guide--saw some in baileys catalogue and on stihl site. According to this forum "hand filing" will be worth the time to learn.

Thanks again to all of you for such an informative site--I learn so much and I will eventually save money.

John

 

[crazy_dan]

you will save money, but the ROI will be longer with the higher dollar stoves, as you mentioned turning 65 there is the advantage to burning wood that is most people that are getting up in age like to keep it warmer in the house which is more cost effective with wood heat.
as far as the pitch on your chain each style chain is different and most file guides have several different angles marked on them. the biggest thing will be file size IE 5/16, 7/36, 3/8.
If you have a vise on a work bench that will be your best friend when it comes to filing your chain. it doesn't take long to learn or to file the chain.

 

[KB1GCB]

you will save money, but the ROI will be longer with the higher dollar stoves, as you mentioned turning 65 there is the advantage to burning wood that is most people that are getting up in age like to keep it warmer in the house which is more cost effective with wood heat.
as far as the pitch on your chain each style chain is different and most file guides have several different angles marked on them. the biggest thing will be file size IE 5/16, 7/36, 3/8.
If you have a vise on a work bench that will be your best friend when it comes to filing your chain. it doesn’t take long to learn or to file the chain.

Thank you for the advice. Don't have a convenient place to setup the vise--do you have any thoughts on the "stump vise". There is one listed in the bailey's catalogue.

Thanks,
John

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and thanks.

I am a newbie who is semi-retired (computer teacher) and would like to burn and cut more wood. As a homeowner, I purchased the stihl (028 super) 20 years ago to clear our house lot and for the occasional fallen tree. Now that I have more time, I want to get ready for next winter. Ordered tree length oaks (3 cords) and have other trees on my property (mostly oak) to cut. I tell my wife since we are retired, we can save money by burning more wood. Of course, we like the heat and atmosphere of a wood burning stove too!

Since reading hearth.com the last few months (trying to save money &^)

Have purchased or ordered the following--smart-holder, fiskars 28" (like my orange monster maul, but it's getting heavy-turn 65 this summer), reciprocating saw and blades, wire mesh goggles & protective chainsaw gloves (baileys) and monday we are going to the woodstock soapstone factory in nh to pick out a new stove. Oh well, we are going to save money right?

Sorry, for such a long intro. In this forum I read about all the advantages of "hand filing" the chain. Is there a way for me to measure or determine the pitch of my chain that I now have on the bar? After that, I will order some files and file guide--saw some in baileys catalogue and on stihl site. According to this forum "hand filing" will be worth the time to learn.

Thanks again to all of you for such an informative site--I learn so much and I will eventually save money.

John

New chains have little hash marks on them that indicate the proper filing angle. If I didn't hand file I would bother cutting firewood. With your old chain, just eyeball 35 degrees.

 

[gorsuchmill]

Regarding chain size, take a look at the bar. If it's stock from Stihl there's a good chance it's imprinted there. That said, if the saw is 20 years old and you're looking to put a lot of use on it, why not pick up a bar and chain combo? I think Bailey's has them for a $30 or so.

 

[Wet1]

Is there a way for me to measure or determine the pitch of my chain that I now have on the bar? After that, I will order some files and file guide--saw some in baileys catalogue and on stihl site. According to this forum "hand filing" will be worth the time to learn.

John

Welcome John!

You can measure the pitch of a chain by measuring the lenght of each link. Measure them from rivet to rivet. Your 028 will have either .325" or .375" (3/8") chain on it. My guess is you probably have .375" pitch, .050" gauge chain on your saw. The gauge is typically stamped on the bar, but the pitch usually is not. If you have .375" chain, you'll want to pick up a 7/32" file for it.

Good luck!

 

[KB1GCB]

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to answer my questions and the welcome!

I learn so much here--a great education!

John

 

[Gooserider]

If all else fails, your local saw shop should be able to ID the chain for you no problem - I'd bring it in on the saw so they can look at the bar and sprocket if they need to...

I noticed in your intro that you say you'll be dropping some trees - but in your list of purchases, I didn't see mention of a hard hat, hearing protection, or chainsaw chaps - I know you want to save money, but it is worth spending it on PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) as the money spent on safety gear is much less than the cost of a visit to the Emergency Room...

Gooserider

 

[KB1GCB]

I noticed in your intro that you say you’ll be dropping some trees - but in your list of purchases, I didn’t see mention of a hard hat, hearing protection, or chainsaw chaps - I know you want to save money, but it is worth spending it on PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) as the money spent on safety gear is much less than the cost of a visit to the Emergency Room…

Gooserider

Thanks for the reminder! Failed to mention that I always wear chainsaw chaps and ear protection. I am a musician, (flute) for many years--need my hearing! I don't have a hard hat, but I will get one.

John

 

[Gooserider]

Glad to hear you wear the gear... One suggestion that I've found is worth while in terms of minimizing hassles, is that rather than trying to get seperate peices and make them work together, it is a lot better to get one of the combination logging hats w/ a combined hard hat, face screen and ear-muffs in one unit - I've done it both ways and the combo is a LOT easier to work with.

Gooserider

 

[Henz]

have you ever dropped trees before and how big are these trees? will you need Wedges??

 

[KB1GCB]

have you ever dropped trees before and how big are these trees? will you need Wedges??

Yes, I cleared my house lot about 20 years ago. Also, drop a few oak trees every year on or near my propery. I am not very good at dropping trees and only do the ones that are away (far away) from the house. A few were large (large for me--approx. 40" around), but most are much smaller. I ordered 3 cords of tree length logs--should arrive next month. I feel much more comfortable with the trees already on the ground. This is more of a hobby for me and I know my limitations! 8^)

Especially like to get outside in the clean air and work with my saw, atv, maul & axe. I like to see my wood racks grow in size. Gives me exercise and a feeling of accomplishment. But, I know my limitations and try not to take on more than I can handle alone.

John