Skip Chain

[Does’ Leap]

Anyone use a skip or semi-skip chain? How do you like them vs. a full compliment/standard chain? Advantages / disadvantages? It seems that I was inadvertently sold a skip chain (the last in my inventory) and thought I would give it a try. Is a different sprocket required for these chains? I run a Husky 372 with a 20″ bar.

Thanks.

George

[Jim Ostergard]

George,
I use a skip chain a good bit especially on my longer bars. I like it in the yard saw as there are fewer teeth to sharpen when I hit rocks as one is prone to do in the yard. I was told long ago that it cleared chips faster and maybe it does. I think John Plowden uses them also.

[john plowden]

great on the landing – and faster filing – they really dont cut when dull – best on bigger saws – you may want to put a bigger sprocket on – Scott Golden may want to chime in here –

[Robert MoonShadow]

I use a semi-skip on my old Husky 64 cutting firewood…but I’m usually cutting rounds in the woods & am pretty clumsy, so I hafta sharpen a lot & it saves time :rolleyes:…cuts the red fir quick, too.

[Does’ Leap]

REPORT BACK:

I have had that skip chain on one of my saws for a month now.  If I grade a full comp, chisel tooth, single raker chain at an “A” (my standard chain), I give this skip chain a solid “B” or maybe even a “B+” for cutting performance.  I tend to keep my rakers pretty tight and I found it would jump a bit if plunging into hardwood.  Other than that, it cut well.  If I were bucking a lot of logs or blocking fuel wood on the landing in muddy conditions this would be my go-to chain b/c of the easy sharpening.  I would be interested to test its performance with a bigger sprocket.

George

[Hopewell Farm]

George,

If I remember correctly from the GOL classes this winter, I believe changing to the larger sprocket would be necessary to truly maximize the effectiveness of a  semi-skip.  I think you will find that with the increase in chain speed you will find less “jumpyness”  when sawing.

John

[dfhollinger]

Are you using round-tooth or chisel-bit teeth?  I prefer the chisel-bit myself.

[Does’ Leap]

Are you using round-tooth or chisel-bit teeth?  I prefer the chisel-bit myself.

 

Chisel tooth.

[Michel Boulay]

I use a 21LP chisel tooth. Oregon 20-series chisel LPX saw chain. Good chain and has a witness mark, help with sharpening. I use a gage or file guide that fits on the chain, then you insert the file in and on rolers all you have to do is go back and fort, the gage has the pitch and angle, neat gage makes it easy to file your chain. No name on it and is made in Sweden, its black and 2×2 inches. My Small engines repair guy that sold it to me. Do any of you know of such gage, or file guide? Will google and try and find some info.

Mike

[Author]

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