Ripples in the cut. 96 inch bar

[Weka Wood]

Hi there, Have been chainsaw milling for a while but never been satisfactorily explained what causes the deep surface ripples in the cut. Sometimes it comes and goes/ I know you dont get it with a new chain.
Also I am looking for a double -ended 96 inch bar. I believe Canon make them but the prices are crazy here in New Zealand.

 

[carvinmark]

Hi and welcome to AS.
I find that stopping and restarting can do this, also a dull chain or a chain with too much angle on the cutter. Rakers too short too, Just my 2 cents

 

[infomet]

Sloppy groove??

 

[aggiewoodbutchr]

A 96" double end bar is most likely going to be a custom job and will be expensive no matter who makes it. The longest stock size I have found to be advertised is 84" but I know Cannon had made them as long as 12'.

GB advertises that they make custom bars. I bet they will be cheaper than cannon too.

http://www.gbbar.com.au/extra_long_bars.htm


Good luck.

 

[woodshop]

Hi and welcome to AS.
I find that stopping and restarting can do this, also a dull chain or a chain with too much angle on the cutter. Rakers too short too, Just my 2 cents

All of the above, plus as infomet says, sloppy where the chain can flop around. Also, keeping the chain tight on the bar makes for a smoother cut. When I use standard round ground chisle chain, it cuts faster than ripping chain, but way far rougher cut.

 

[BlueRider]

twisted bar

A bent or twisted bar will also also produce a rough cut. A bar can look straight when on the saw and still cut fine and still have a twist in it that won't show up till you pull it off and throw it on a flat surface. DAMHIKT

 

[Weka Wood]

Thanks for replies.

Thanks. As you can see, there are many theories. I have had ripples after having the groove machine-hammered to the right thickness so I think it could be the "rakers" - we call them drags - too low. I have an 84 inch bar I mill with, no problems . The worst offender is my 36 inch hardnose - time for the bin.
I contacted GB bars in Australia about making me a 96 inch bar but no reply yet.
Hell I miss milling - spend all my time making furniture these days. Check out my website www.wekawood.com
Love this abborsite !!

 

[BobL]

My theory, backed up with limited observations, about this is that it is worst when the bar is not parallel to the mill in the forward/back dimension. This forces the cutters to rub more on one side or other of the kerf - can slow you down a fair bit as well.

What surprises me is how in some hardwoods the grooves seem to fade - sometimes completely away - as the wood dries.

 

[aggiewoodbutchr]

Thanks. As you can see, there are many theories. I have had ripples after having the groove machine-hammered to the right thickness so I think it could be the "rakers" - we call them drags - too low. I have an 84 inch bar I mill with, no problems . The worst offender is my 36 inch hardnose - time for the bin.
I contacted GB bars in Australia about making me a 96 inch bar but no reply yet.
Hell I miss milling - spend all my time making furniture these days. Check out my website www.wekawood.com
Love this abborsite !!

Nice work! I'm just the opposite. Between work and milling, I can't seem to get much furniture built.