A carbide chainsaw chain, also known as a tungsten carbide chain, is a type of chain that is designed for use in chainsaws. It is made from a combination of steel and tungsten carbide, which is a very hard and durable material.
The tungsten carbide cutters on this type of chain are specially designed to stay sharp longer and cut through tougher materials like hardwoods, frozen wood, and even metal. They can also be used in extreme conditions such as high heat or cold, and are ideal for cutting dirty or contaminated wood.
The carbide chainsaw chain is more expensive than the traditional steel chain and is usually used by professional arborists, loggers, or tree surgeons. It’s also useful for cutting abrasive materials such as nails, metal, and plastic, and can help to reduce downtime caused by dull chains.
It is important to note that, Carbide chainsaw chain requires special sharpening equipment, and it’s not recommended for the average home user. Also, these chains are heavier and more aggressive than regular chains, and it’s important to match the chain’s size to the bar and the chainsaw’s power, as well as to pay attention to the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
How to Sharpen a Carbide Chainsaw Chain?
Sharpening a carbide chainsaw chain is a bit more complicated than sharpening a regular steel chain, as it requires special equipment and techniques. Here is an overview of the process:
- Gather the necessary equipment: You will need a special file guide, a round file, and a flat file to sharpen the carbide cutters.
- Secure the chainsaw chain: Secure the chainsaw chain in the file guide, making sure that the cutters are positioned correctly.
- Use the round file: Use the round file to sharpen the top edge of the carbide cutters. Hold the file at the correct angle and make sure to keep the file moving in a forward motion.
- Use the flat file: Use the flat file to sharpen the bottom edge of the carbide cutters. Hold the file at the correct angle and make sure to keep the file moving in a forward motion.
- Check the sharpness: After sharpening, check the sharpness of the cutters by running your finger along the edge. Repeat the sharpening process if necessary.
- Lubricate the chain: Once the chain is sharp, lubricate it with oil and make sure that the chain is tensioned properly.
It’s important to note that sharpening a carbide chainsaw chain requires special skills and equipment, and it is not recommended for the average home user. It’s best to have it done by a professional or to take a chainsaw sharpening course to learn the proper techniques. Additionally, it’s important to always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific chain and to follow all safety precautions when handling a chainsaw.
Using a carbide chainsaw chain on the ground can be an extremely dangerous activity, as the chainsaw is traveling at much faster speeds. It is important to be aware of that. If you’re walking along the trail behind your chainsaw. And someone is suddenly caught in it. That person is going to get hurt. Because the chainsaw isn’t designed to handle someone running at it at high speeds. It was just designed to run at slow speeds.
Which is when it will most likely injure someone. There are some exceptions to this rule. Such as using it on flat ground that isn’t brush-lined. But most people still prefer to only use this on brush-lined grounds.
How good is a carbide chainsaw chain?
A carbide chainsaw chain is considered to be a high-performance option for cutting various materials, such as hardwoods, frozen wood, metal, nails, and even plastic. It’s made from a combination of steel and tungsten carbide, which is a very hard and durable material. The carbide cutters on this type of chain are designed to stay sharp longer, reduce downtime caused by dull chains, and cut through tougher materials than traditional steel chains.
A carbide chainsaw chain is ideal for professional arborists, loggers, or tree surgeons who need a chain that can cut through abrasive materials and withstand extreme conditions such as high heat or cold. They are also useful for cutting dirty or contaminated wood, where a regular chain would dull quickly.
However, the carbide chainsaw chain is more expensive than the traditional steel chain and requires special sharpening equipment. It is also heavier and more aggressive than regular chains, so it’s important to match the chain’s size to the bar and the chainsaw’s power, as well as to pay attention to the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, it’s not recommended for the average home user.
In summary, the carbide chainsaw chain is a high-performance option that can provide longer cutting life, and durability, and can cut through tougher materials than traditional steel chains, but it comes at a higher cost and requires special skills and equipment to sharpen it.
Allowing the user to lose some teeth in their cutting. With carbide, there is no chance of breaking or damaging a tooth when it is cut. The tooth is simply not damaged. If you were to try and use a regular chainsaw on a wood post that was made out of cedar. You would probably get hurt.
One of the best features of a carbide chainsaw chain sharpener is the fact. That it is designed to carbide right through steel. The reason for this is that it allows the chain to bond with the steel without any problems, and the chain will last much longer than traditional chainsaws. Traditional chainsaws tend to rust over time and start to look worn, and this is not good for the environment. Having a carbide chainsaw chain around for many years is definitely going to help the environment.
Where to buy carbide chainsaw chains?
Carbide chainsaw chains can be purchased from a variety of places, including:
- Chainsaw specialty stores: Many chainsaw specialty stores carry carbide chainsaw chains and often have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right chain for your saw.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell chainsaw chains, including major retailers such as Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, and Northern Tool.
- Manufacturer’s websites: Many chainsaw manufacturers also sell their own brand of carbide chainsaw chains on their websites.
- Professional Arborist supply stores: Professional arborist supply stores carry a variety of chainsaw chains, including carbide chains, they also can provide expert advice on the best chain for your specific needs.
When buying a carbide chainsaw chain, it’s important to make sure that you are getting the right chain for your saw and that it is compatible with your chainsaw’s bar. It’s also important to check the chain’s size, pitch, and gauge to ensure that it will work with your saw. Additionally, please be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all safety precautions when using a chainsaw.
The last benefit of the carbide chainsaw chain is the fact that it does not require a gas igniter. Some people think that gas litters are needed to operate these chainsaws. While this may be true, they are not really necessary at all. These carbide chainsaws operate on propane, which is a much cleaner gas that is completely odorless and has absolutely no impact on the environment. Using a gas igniter can add a great deal to the cost of operating your chainsaws, and is not worth it at all. There are many other options out there, and this is just one of them.