Butterfly Chain

[don]

Has anyone ever heard of butterly chain used up near Mount Saint Helen right after the eruption?

It was designed (by US Govt) to cut trees with pumice (volcanic ash) on the bark.

Suppose to have a different designed tooth than normal in deminsions and materials?

 

[Rotax Robert]

I may be wrong on this but it was because they threw away the chains after 1 use. Carbide was also tried but failed miserabley.

Volcanic ash was not on the bark, but inbedded in the bark. And for the record the date of the eruption was May 18 1980

 

[don]

Don't know but

Getting a loop sent to me to see how it cuts.

 

[treeguy347]

Are carbide chains worth the money over regular ones? How is sharpening them?

 

[treeclimber165]

carbide chains- good for firemen cutting through shingle roofs, they suck for cutting wood compared to standard chain.
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7297&highlight=carbide
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3468&highlight=carbide

 

[Mike Acres]

It sound like you are describing KOLVE saw chain. It did not work as the designers had hoped.

 

[don]

Kolve chain?

Yes Kolve is on the loop I was sent.

Have not tried it yet.

What was it suppose to do?

 

[Mike Acres]

The little wings broke off. It would be better to leave it unused and preserve it as new.

 

[Freakingstang]

The little wings broke off. It would be better to leave it unused and preserve it as new.

I met a guy that built his log home with the stuff. he used it to fell the trees, mill the boards, channel the logs, etc. He swore by the stuff and wished it was still made.....

He showed me some that were used to their fullest life and the wings were still intact. I got an almost new loop for me to try on my mill. The finish this chain leaves on wood that is milled is unbelieveable compared to conventional ripping chain. It was also a fast cutting crosscut chain from the little bit I got to run (demo) it.

 

[Stihl 041S]

Now we really need pictures.

 

[40YearHomelite]

Now we really need pictures.

Indeed! Also, where to buy and how to sharpen!

 

[phillipmc]

Using carbide chain to cut logs is about like trying to use a chainsaw file to cut cardboard, it will do it but will work you and your saw to death.

 

[16:1mix]

It sound like you are describing KOLVE saw chain. It did not work as the designers had hoped.

Interesting topic.

 

[Grande Dog]

Rapco chain was also used on that project. The same thing happened to their chain as some of the others that were tried. The bigger issue is the frame of the chain couldn't hold up to the slurry that the ash and bar oil created. If you think your chains stretched in a hurry, these were the ultimate adverse effects on the frame of the chain.

 

[The Lorax]

What about the Stihl Rapid Duro chain? That is supposed to be cobalt and tungsten, the 2006 Stihl catalogue had it on the 460 rescue saw, I have never seen it in the flesh.

 

[Burvol]

My Dad told me about those days, carrying 10+ chains to work.....He said it was a #####.

 

[Freakingstang]

Now we really need pictures.

just got home and hitting the bed for a well needed good nights sleep. Will post up some pics tomorrow, although there are some in other threads

 

[Freakingstang]

Took me a while, but here is a pic:

 

[Meadow Beaver]

Kolve Chain

What is the pitch & gauge on that chain? Do they still make it?

 

[Lakeside53]

It hasn't been made for a long time... I've seen it in 404 and 3/8 063.