Thread: Full Chisel vs. Semi Chisel

What's the difference between full chisel, semi chisel and round chisel? I know it refers to the shape of the cutter, but what does it do for the cutting itself? Is there a best cutter shape? If so: why bother with the other cutter shapes?

I know this must be basic chainsaw knowlege to some of you guys, but I haven't been able to figure it out just yet. And locally not too many people know squat about chainsaws...

There is a very distinct difference in the types of cutters on sawchains.

semi chisel is a mix between chisel and chipper chains, the corner is slightly rounded, like chipper chains, but the side plate is flat like chisel chain. good for dirty conditions, very good stay sharp capablility. most common besides round chisel.

in full chisel theres two types, round and square filed chisel chain. round chisel is sharpened with a round file or any regular grinder, while square chisel is more efficient and fast cutting chain because it is sharpened with either a special chisel grinder, or a special file. this cutter type has a square corner that allows the top plate to completely sever the wood fibers in one pass. making a faster chain than chipper or semi chisel. best used in clean wood, will work well with clean wood, but in dirty wood it will become dull faster than chipper or semi chisel chain will. still very good for fast working speed and high productivity.


theres also chipper tooth chain, which has a completely round side plate, designed for working in very dirty and abrasive conditions. best stay sharp capability of all cutter styles.

each chain type has advantages and disadvantages, you just need to use the right chain for the job. and keep it sharp.

What about a skip tooth chain? What is the advantage?

it takes less time to file and the less teath make it easier to pull on longer bars

On cutter sequence, there is regular, semi skip and full skip. (1, 2, or 3 blank sidestrap locations between cutters.)

Chipper isn't encountered much on hand held saws these days, except if you are an old saw buff. It came from the low speed high torque days of chainsaws. It takes more HP to do the same amount of cutting.

When you said round chisel, I assumed you were referring to chipper, if you were not then the above about chipper does not apply.