Boon
Addicted to ArboristSite
I've been reading about progressive raker angles & suppose it is one of those things you don't quiet get until it is put into practice, so got me a Tool Master digital angle finder from Hare & Forbes coming next week and will go about setting raker angles.
Have read the threads on hook and still don't quiet get what is going on. What I mean is on the grinder the angle may be set at 50 degrees but using a file then resets the hook angle according to the size file used.
Next year I have some stringy bark, blue gum & turpentine to mill up all have been down for some time - no doubt will be hard as & am hoping to get the most from my chains. I will be using Stihl semi chisel, rapid micro 3/8 full comp & top plate angle of 15 degrees, Bobl mentions a zero degree top plant angle can go negative & hook angle is adequate so long as the mill self feeds. I have been using 15 degrees as I don't always cut hardwood and feel that angle still gives bite into most woods.
Reading the threads there was discussion what individually works for the user and there is a varied amount of hardness in the woods. My gut feeling is softer woods can tolerate angles that are set for hard woods but not the other way around.
Until now I have been trying to replicate angle of new chain from the box as it cuts the best when first used but my chains are starting to wear down and the cutting life on a clean log is noticeably decreasing.
Finding the angle that cruises through the hard woods still seems a mystery, the last threads I can find on hook were posted in 2011. Since that time has anyone come up with system for hook like Bobl's progressive raker angles that works?? mtngun has done some interesting experiments but the wood was soft.
Have read the threads on hook and still don't quiet get what is going on. What I mean is on the grinder the angle may be set at 50 degrees but using a file then resets the hook angle according to the size file used.
Next year I have some stringy bark, blue gum & turpentine to mill up all have been down for some time - no doubt will be hard as & am hoping to get the most from my chains. I will be using Stihl semi chisel, rapid micro 3/8 full comp & top plate angle of 15 degrees, Bobl mentions a zero degree top plant angle can go negative & hook angle is adequate so long as the mill self feeds. I have been using 15 degrees as I don't always cut hardwood and feel that angle still gives bite into most woods.
Reading the threads there was discussion what individually works for the user and there is a varied amount of hardness in the woods. My gut feeling is softer woods can tolerate angles that are set for hard woods but not the other way around.
Until now I have been trying to replicate angle of new chain from the box as it cuts the best when first used but my chains are starting to wear down and the cutting life on a clean log is noticeably decreasing.
Finding the angle that cruises through the hard woods still seems a mystery, the last threads I can find on hook were posted in 2011. Since that time has anyone come up with system for hook like Bobl's progressive raker angles that works?? mtngun has done some interesting experiments but the wood was soft.