Introduction:
Are you ready to tackle hardwood-cutting projects with efficiency and precision? Choosing the best chainsaw chain for hardwood can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top chainsaw chains for hardwood on the market. Whether you’re a professional arborist or a DIY enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top Hardwood Chain Picks:
Best Overall: Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
Budget Option: 8TEN Chainsaw Chain
Premium Option: Stihl 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain
Best for Professional Arborists: OREGON 72LGX072G Chainsaw ChainBest for DIY Enthusiasts: Archer Chainsaw Chain
Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
The Oregon S62 AdvanceCut is our top chain choice for hardwood cutting. With its advanced technologies, it offers exceptional cutting performance and stays sharp for longer. This chain is known for its precision and clean cuts, making it a favorite among professionals.
Some of the features include a chrome outer layer and hardened rivets for added durability. It also has a semi-chisel finish to allow for smoother cuts and longer run times, an added benefit when cutting through hardwood.
Pros:
- Exceptional cutting performance.
- Built-in Lubri-Tec oil system for added longevity.
- Low kickback and vibration design for smoother cuts.
Cons:
- Comes at a higher price.
8TEN Chainsaw Chain
For those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the 8TEN Chainsaw Chain is a reliable choice. It performs well in hardwood cutting and maintains a sharp edge, ensuring a smooth cutting experience.
This chain is compatible with many saw types and brands. With its semi-chisel design, it can tackle the toughest jobs while being user-friendly. Perfect for the novice or experienced chainsaw operator.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Maintains a sharp edge.
- Reliable performance.
Cons:
- May see a lack of cutting power with heavy-duty tasks.
Stihl 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain
When only the best will do, the Stihl 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain stands out. It’s designed for the most demanding hardwood-cutting tasks, offering superb durability and exceptional performance.
What sets STIHL chains apart is the built-in Oilomatic drive link slots. This allows for even distribution of bar oil, reducing wear and increasing the life of the chain. This chisel chain design and lack of kickback reduction technology make this chain a workhorse for getting through hardwood fast.
This chain should be used for professional use only.
Pros:
- Includes an Oilomatic lubrication system.
- Comes pre-stretched from the factory.
- Cuts fast.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Advanced chainsaw skills are required.
OREGON 72LGX072G Chainsaw Chain
Professional arborists need a chain that can withstand rigorous use. The OREGON 72LGX072G Chainsaw Chain meets these demands, providing durability and precision for hardwood cutting.
Several features make this chain a stand-out choice for cutting hardwood. The proprietary steel blend used in construction makes this chain one of the strongest on the market. It also comes out of the box with an “X” grind-enhanced grind geometry that improves the out-of-box sharpness and cutting capabilities.
Pros:
- Designed for professionals.
- Excels in cold weather applications.
- Handles rigorous use.
Cons:
- Increased risk of kickback.
- Pricier than budget options.
Archer Chainsaw Chain
For DIY enthusiasts, the Archer Chainsaw Chain is an excellent choice. It’s easy to install and offers reliable performance for hardwood projects. This is our DIY choice because this chain excels when used on a mill to saw slabs and boards.
This chain is also a great choice when cutting through dirty or frozen hardwood. Its ripping design is meant to cut through all types of hardwood, especially when the conditions are not ideal. The round cutter design will stay sharper longer, giving you longer operating times.
Pros:
- Ideal for DIY projects like milling and slabbing.
- Easy to install.
- Stays sharper and longer.
Cons:
- It will take longer to get through hardwood.
Hardwood Chainsaw Chain Buyer’s Guide
To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand the key factors to consider when choosing a chainsaw chain for hardwood. This buyer’s guide takes you through what you need to consider while picking out a chain for cutting hardwood.
Choosing the Right Size Chain (3 numbers you want to look at)
Before you make any decisions on what chain is best for you, making sure you get a chain that fits your saw is the most important step. Without a proper fitting chain, there is no way to start cutting.
There are three main factors to look for to ensure you are getting a chain that fits your saw and bar size. The correct dimensions are often listed directly on the bar, closest to the saw.
Pitch
Pitch is the measurement between drive links, stated in inches. It’s important to have a bar, chain, and sprocket that have the same pitch measurement. That will allow the chain to rotate around the bar smoothly.
Mismatching pitch size will cause damage to the sprocket and prevent oil from properly getting to the chain. This will increase wear and tear, causing you to replace your gear more frequently.
As you step up in saw and bar size, the pitch will increase as well. Larger pitch chains are more durable and meant to be used in heavier cutting applications.
Length
Length is measured in inches and tells you what size bar the chain will fit on. Length can also be referenced as the amount of drive links on a chain. Each length in inches relates to a set number of drive links, depending on the manufacturer and chain type.
It will be very easy to tell if you have the wrong length when you put the chain on for the first time. Cutting with a chainsaw can only be accomplished with the right length chain.
Saws have length recommendations and it’s a good idea to stay within them. A bar/chain combo is compatible with many different-sized saws as long as the pitch and gauge match. That doesn’t mean you should do it though.
Smaller saws don’t have enough power to move a big chain with the amount of force required to make big cuts. Big saws with a small chain are harder to control and have too much power for what is needed to cut. Length is an important factor in getting the right tool for the job.
Gauge
The gauge determines how thick the chain is. It comes in measurements of inches and is commonly between 0.043” to 0.063”. You must have the correct gauge for your bar when cutting hardwood.
If the gauge is too small, the chain will fit loosely in the bar and is more likely to pop off. When the gauge is too large, it may not fit in the bar entirely or cause unnecessary wear and tear from the added friction.
The smaller size gauges are more common with the larger gauge sizes reserved for large professional saws.
Cutter Design
The blades on a chainsaw chain come in many different shapes and sizes with each one having a specific purpose. These four designs are most common for cutting hardwood.
Full Chisel
A full chisel chain is one of the best options to use for hardwood because of its cutting ability. The teeth on a full chisel chain are squared-off. This allows the chain to dig and grab more material with every rotation.
The squared edges require more frequent sharpening since its edge is exposed to more wood. With a more aggressive cut, there are downsides to using this type of chain.
They are more prone to kickbacks, one of the leading causes of injury when it comes to using a chainsaw. They are also not as good when being used in dirty or frozen wood because the blade will dull quickly.
Semi-Chisel
The semi-chisel chain is the perfect middle ground when it comes to picking a chain for cutting hardwood. The corners are slightly more rounded, which gives it better versatility when it comes to the types of wood you can cut with it.
This chain will cut a bit slower than a full chisel chain because it is not as aggressive of a cut from each tooth. This chain shines when cutting dirty or frozen wood. You won’t have to sharpen as frequently as the full chisel chain.
A less aggressive cut also means there is less of a chance of kickback occurring, which makes this chain a good option for non-professional chainsaw operators.
Chipper
A chipper chainsaw chain is even rounder than a semi-chisel and continues with the added benefits and negatives of the semi-chisel.
The rounded corners make it even better when cutting dirty or frozen wood but takes it longer to cut through straight hardwood. It also provides a safer cut with a smaller chance of kickback.
Low-Profile
If you are a beginner chainsaw user, the low-profile chain is the best choice for you. Safety is the number one priority when it comes to operating a chainsaw and low-profile chains have added features to prevent injury.
They will cut through hardwood but you will notice a lack of performance from these chains. Durability and cutting power take a backseat to the added safety features.
These chains will require more frequent sharpening and cut through hardwood slower than the other options on this list.
Tooth Layout
Standard
The standard tooth layout is the most common tooth configuration in homeowner saws below the 24” bar length mark. Of the three listed here, it has the most teeth.
Having more teeth allows for a smoother cut. A bunch of micro cuts take place instead of fewer bigger cuts. Less powerful saws have a harder time driving each tooth into the wood far, so this is the best option for any small to medium-sized saw.
Full Skip
The full skip chain skips a tooth every other spot, leaving a larger distance between each tooth. At the same chain length, a full skip chain would have half the teeth a standard chain would have.
Having fewer teeth allows for deeper cuts of each tooth, which requires a more powerful saw. The deeper cuts allow the chain to get through hardwood faster but with less precision.
This is a great option if you are cutting/clearing a bunch of hardwood and you are not worried about making the cleanest cut.
Semi Skip
The semi-skip chain is an in-between of the standard and full skip chains. Every other gap is filled with a tooth, giving the operator the best of both worlds.
It has added cutting power to get through hardwood but also gives you the added advantage of making a smooth cut. A medium to large size saw is preferred to ensure you are able to drive fewer teeth into the wood.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best chainsaw chain for hardwood is vital to achieving precise cuts and ensuring your safety. Our top picks cater to various needs, from professionals to DIY enthusiasts, and provide excellent performance in hardwood cutting.
Whichever chainsaw chain you choose, always prioritize safety and proper maintenance. Now, armed with this guide, you can confidently select the perfect chainsaw chain for your hardwood cutting needs.
Our Product Selection Process:
We ensured each chain provided the durability and cutting power required for hardwood projects. Furthermore, we considered user feedback and reviews to ensure top-notch quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a chainsaw chain for hardwood and other types?
The preferred chainsaw chain for hardwood is a semi or full chisel-type chain. This allows for deeper cuts and will move more wood chips faster. If you are cutting clean hardwood go with a full chisel chain for faster cuts. If you are cutting dirty or frozen wood, go with a semi-chisel for less frequent sharpening.
How often should I sharpen or replace my chainsaw chain when cutting hardwood?
Sharpen your blade when the wood chips start to look more like sawdust. You will need to sharpen more frequently when cutting hardwood compared to softwood. It’s a good idea to check the sharpness of your chain with every tank of gas.
Can I use the same chainsaw chain for both hardwood and softwood?
Yes, there will be a performance difference but you can use the same chain for both. There is no reason to buy a separate chain for both if you are doing jobs around the house. If you plan on cutting a lot of hardwood, getting a proper chain can save you a lot of time.
Are all the chainsaw chains listed suitable for all chainsaw brands?
No, it’s important to check compatibility with the pitch, gauge, and length of the chain. There are many compatible chains for different brand saws. All the necessary information will be listed in the product description.
What safety precautions should I take when using a chainsaw for hardwood cutting?
Kickbacks are the biggest concern when it comes to cutting hardwood. The best way to prevent your body from getting cut is to have a good pair of chaps. They are designed to stop the chain instantly on contact. Protective gloves can also prevent cuts during a kickback.
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