Useful for pruning or cutting trees and shrubs, the chainsaw is the lumberjack's main tool. The chainsaw includes various components, notably a guide bar and a chain, whose main function is to ensure the cutting of the wood being worked on.
The chainsaw chain is made up of three types of links.
- The drive links, the number of which determines the chain's length. To find out their number, simply count the small metal triangles located underneath the chain. For information, the chain pitch corresponds to the distance between two drive links.
- The cutter corresponds to the sharpened tooth of the chain.
- Placed in front of the cutter, the depth gauge determines the depth of the latter when it cuts through the wood.
The chains used vary depending on the density of the wood being worked on.
- The round cutter profile is suitable for softwoods such as birch or fir. Indeed, it is characterized by a gentle attack. This chainsaw chain wears out quickly when used on hardwood.
- The semi-round cutter profile is suitable for all types of wood. It can be mounted on a medium-power chainsaw.
- The semi-chisel cutter profile is versatile. Thus, it can be used on all wood species. This type of chain is suitable for medium or high-power chainsaws.
- The square cutter profile, commonly called "chisel," is specifically dedicated to powerful chainsaws. This chain is recommended for cutting hardwood.
The length of the guide bar depends on the type of chainsaw used and the tasks to be performed.
- A 20 to 35 cm guide bar is suitable for a pruner.
- A guide bar length of 35 to 45 cm is intended for a versatile chainsaw used for felling small-diameter trees, cutting branches, or logging firewood.
- Guide bars longer than 45 cm are suited for intensive tasks. They are intended for felling chainsaws. While guide bars of 45 to 55 cm are suitable for cutting small to medium-diameter trees, models over 55 cm are recommended for large trunks.
The choice of chain thus depends on the chainsaw used and the wood to be worked. To refine their selection, the user must consider the chain pitch, the cutter profile, and the guide bar length.
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