[danmc_82]

I have a McCulloch 14" chainsaw which uses a low profile chain. Im wanting to use a more aggresive chain but ive been told it wont fit on my bar. Can I buy separate bars that would fit so I could use a chain which would cut better?

[dakara]

Originally Posted by danmc_82

I have a McCulloch 14" chainsaw which uses a low profile chain. Im wanting to use a more aggresive chain but ive been told it wont fit on my bar. Can I buy separate bars that would fit so I could use a chain which would cut better?

Sorry that I can't tell you anything specific regarding your saw, as I have a Stihl, but en principe, the bars and chains on most saws can be changed.
Best thing to do, is enquire at a dealer who knows what he/she is talking about.

The below site, not much good to you, since it is in the USA, does list the alternatives available, so might be of interest.

http://www.jackssmallengines.com/cha...facturer_id=15

[Bill Hicks]

Originally Posted by danmc_82

I have a McCulloch 14" chainsaw which uses a low profile chain. Im wanting to use a more aggresive chain but ive been told it wont fit on my bar. Can I buy separate bars that would fit so I could use a chain which would cut better?

I would like to help you, But I fear that you will come after me wearing a hockey mask!

[johntheexpat]

Expert advice is probably required. A more aggressive chain may well need more power than the Mac can provide, which means that you could well run into wear and tear problems quite quickly.
Why do you need a more aggressive chain? You may be able to achieve your goal by sharpening your chain more frequently. (I sharpen mine at least once every 2 hrs of work, ie at least twice a day if I've got a lot to do.)

[danmc_82]

Originally Posted by johntheexpat

Why do you need a more aggressive chain? You may be able to achieve your goal by sharpening your chain more frequently. (I sharpen mine at least once every 2 hrs of work, ie at least twice a day if I've got a lot to do.)

Its more down to the speed in which the logs are cut. I dont sharpen mine so thats probably a good start. I just knew you could get faster cutting chains so I thought why not.

[johntheexpat]

Originally Posted by danmc_82

Its more down to the speed in which the logs are cut. I dont sharpen mine so thats probably a good start. I just knew you could get faster cutting chains so I thought why not.

I would recommend sharpening your chain. A blunt chain makes the job slow and tedious, thus a bit more dangerous than it should be.
A sharp chain that cuts through logs like a (very) hot knife through butter is really satisfying to use. And therefore safer, because you aren't getting annoyed with it.

[danmc_82]

Is there a particular sharpening tool that can be recommended?

[danmc_82]

Originally Posted by Bill Hicks

I would like to help you, But I fear that you will come after me wearing a hockey mask!

More so now that your not going to help me

[johntheexpat]

Link 1

Link2

If you go to expertvillage.com they have a couple of videos on how to sharpen chains
1: video/27519_chainsaw-sharpen-chain.htm
(I think this one is wrong!)

2: video/80695_sharpen-garden-tools-manual.htm
But this one is better

I think the first video is wrong because he appears to sharpen the chain from the 'outside' - in.
With the round file, only push in one direction (away from you) from the back of the tooth forward, until the point actually pricks you when you touch it. Do every other tooth, and then turn the chainsaw round so you can do the opposite teeth easily and while 'pushing out'.
If you buy a new chain and file, then place the file onto the new chain and you will get a feel for the perfect angle and pitch etc for filing and be able to judge just how sharp the pin-prick from the point should be.

I have to say, its not really a skill that can be perfected or easily picked up on-line, if you can find a good chainsaw supplier, they may be willing to demonstrate the techniques.

[dakara]

Diff'rent Strokes for Diff'rent Folks.

I always sharpen the saw from the front end of the tooth, thus avoiding the "burr" on its outer edge, the same way as I sharpen a knife.
One thing that is important, is to wear a heavy glove if you want to hold the chain and prevent it from moving, as the teeth get very sharp, and can all too easily take a slice out of your hand.
Even if doing a lot of work, I don't usually sharpen the teeth more than once a day. Maybe I should do it more frequently, but I prefer to take it back and hold the bar in a vice while doing so.
As to whether to sharpen from the front or the back, I guess that the best method is the one that works for "YOU"

[danmc_82]

Originally Posted by dakara

Diff'rent Strokes for Diff'rent Folks.

I always sharpen the saw from the front end of the tooth, thus avoiding the "burr" on its outer edge, the same way as I sharpen a knife.
One thing that is important, is to wear a heavy glove if you want to hold the chain and prevent it from moving, as the teeth get very sharp, and can all too easily take a slice out of your hand.
Even if doing a lot of work, I don't usually sharpen the teeth more than once a day. Maybe I should do it more frequently, but I prefer to take it back and hold the bar in a vice while doing so.
As to whether to sharpen from the front or the back, I guess that the best method is the one that works for "YOU"

How long does it take you to sharpen your chain? Do you just use a file?

[dakara]

Originally Posted by danmc_82

How long does it take you to sharpen your chain? Do you just use a file?

I usually take anything between 30 and 60 minutes, not hurrying at all, but if it is just a touch-up you can do it quicker.
You have to make sure that you get the correct size file, and that it has a comfortable handle, no good working with a bare file, and have the tang digging into your palm. Personally, I don't like holding the bar with one hand, and sharpening with the other, but if you are out in the woods you really have no choice.
Getting a guide is a good idea, and makes it more likely that you get a consistent angle on the teeth, but if you use a vice to hold the bar, this helps a lot anyway.
The local hardware store will sharpen the chain for around 5 Euros, but they sometimes take off too much, which means that they can sell you a new chain all the sooner.

JohntheExpat is quite correct. A dull chain is dangerous, and puts a strain on your motor, and your back. A sharp chain is safer, and better all round.

Hope that you find this helpful.