Raker Height/rim teeth combo for 371/372xp

[Zippy]

I've always set the raker height on my chains pretty much as per the gauges say - around 25 or 30 thou and use a 7 tooth rim.

I ran a professional arborists MS660 recently and it ate through the wood like a crazed monster. Way out cut my 371xp even in small (18") wood. When I looked at the chain the rakers were more like 60 thou below the cutters.

Just got me wondering - am I missing a trick?

Are all pros running like this or is it more normal to put a bigger rim (8 or 9 tooth) on when the powerhead is oversized for the bar - or both?

What setup would you recommend for a 371xp with 23" bar/chain in mixture of hard and soft woods - pine/conifer/birch/oak/ash/beech etc?

Sorry if this has been done before - just made me wonder.

 

[synness4]

Well depends on what your cutting,I cut soft wood and I run at .30 to .35 a and a sharp chain and I have same setup on my 371 and 372 7 and 8 pin.

 

[blsnelling]

Rakers too low will ruin a chain. It will grab and jump in the cut. It's a good way to beat the bearings and case up on your saw.

 

[watsonr]

On saws at or over 100cc's I run .035-.040 and that 660 is probably at 99cc. But .060 is a bit much, it will grab pretty bad and chatter in the cut. That 371 should pull .030 without problems and I wouldn't go any more than that.

 

[Zippy]

Ok thanks.

Ok - thanks for the advice. 0.030 it is.

I was just wondering if the raker height was mainly about reducing kickback but sounds like its also about reducing stresses on saw/chain and making a smooth operation too.

This 660 was a bit lively in the cut but the chain was very sharp so it wasn't shocking - I guess it'll be more lively if the chain dulls a bit.

 

[blsnelling]

.030 is way too low in my experience. Maybe you're in softer wood and it's different.

 

[Zippy]

.030 is way too low in my experience. Maybe you're in softer wood and it's different.

what do you recommend for mixed cutting - hard and soft woods?

 

[mdavlee]

what do you recommend for mixed cutting - hard and soft woods?

I usually run close to .030" on my chains. I don't have a .030" gauge so I just check them with a .025" gauge and then lower them a swipe or 2 with a flat file. The hook on the cutter or the angle of the top plate if square will make more of a difference on how much bite it takes rather than the rakers. You can add more hook without lowering the rakers and make a chain grabby.