Which ripping chain do I need?

[Robert R]

Ok, this is a follow up to my splitter question.  I figure a couple or 3 chains will be cheaper than a splitter so I'll go that route.  Especially for when I want to split big'uns on site.  I have a Stihl 390 with a 24 inch bar and a Stihl 021 with a 16 bar (that I am sure is to small for the job).  I know I could just call Bailey's and order one but I really like to get all my saw stuff from my local guy--he has serviced my saw a couple times for free as a result of loyal patronage.  Any ideas on which chain I need.  When I talked him, I don't think he really understood what I was asking so I'd like to be able to just "could you order me an abc chain". 

By the way, I tried that block on a block this morning trick--real slick.

[Kevin]

Full skip, 0 to 15o top plate angle makes for a better finish but if that's not a concern you can go to a 35o top plate angle.
You can buy commercial chain for this purpose, Stihl, Oregon.

[rebocardo]

The stuff Bailey's sells is low profile, 10 degrees (left and right). About $14 for a 24 inch loop.

[sawguy21]

The Oregon chain maintenance manual which is available on their site shows how to file ripping chain.

[Dan_Shade]

if you are trying to split short stuff, cut from the bark side towards the pith instead of end to end, it will go much faster, but will produce long strands

[greenefforts]

I found a good explanation of sawchain for ripping at:
www.chainsawsforsawmills.com
My local store found that Oregon had minimum 25' rolls of just what i needed, but i have a bigger saw and use it in a portable sawmill much of the time. But if you read the site you should have a better idea of what to consider and what to avoid.

One caution that i got from Husqvarna, is that using ripping chain requires more caution than crosscut chain. They recommended only using rip chain if you had the saw bolted down. I can't confirm because i haven't tried any freehand ripping, only bolted to my sliding fixture.

What say you pros?
Do only dumb engineers get these warnings about kickback potential?

[Dan_Shade]

rip chain has more chances for kickback than a regular chain because of the angles it is ground.

kickback is caused when the top half of the tip hits something.

[rebocardo]

> I can't confirm because i haven't tried any freehand ripping, only bolted to my sliding fixture.

The only kickback I have gotten that stood a good chance of hurting me was free hand ripping a large oak log with ripping chain. I do use ripping chain to split firewood, with the grain, but, I take care not to bury the tip. The problem is keeping your cut straight and not cocked to the side when doing the ripping with a long bar.