5
Carlton
®
Maintenance and Safety Manual
Kerf
Kerf
is the overall width
of the cut that the saw
chain makes in the wood.
Kerf is measured from the
outsides of the left hand
and right hand cutters.
Cutter styles
Tooth size, shape and leading edge determine the efficiency and
durability of saw chain and provide a history lesson in saw chain
design. Most of the saw’s power is consumed by cutting the
cross grains of the wood.
The first
modern
cutter design is called
Chipper chain
. It has a thick top plate
and side plate as well as a large radius to
the leading edge. This saw chain is very
durable but requires a lot of power.
Semi-Chisel
chain
is essentially a
streamlined chipper design. It features
a tapered top plate, a relieved side plate
and a smaller radius to the leading edge.
This greatly increases cutting efficiency
without sacrificing much durability.
Chisel chain
is designed for all-out
cutting performance by making the
leading edge a pointed square corner.
Chisel chain’s squared cutter also cuts
faster by severing all of the wood fibers
in the kerf in one pass. The actual leading
edge of the point does most of the
cutting and is easily damaged in abrasive
conditions. As a result, chisel chain is
best suited for clean, standing timber.
Carlton
®
Technical Tip
For optimal cutting, match the saw chain to the cutting conditions.
Chipper chain is the most durable for abrasive conditions.
Chisel chain is popular, but the leading edge point is more
easily damaged, making it a poor choice for abrasive conditions.
Semi-Chisel chain is the best compromise of speed and durability.
Kerf
Left hand cutter
Overhead view of saw chain
Right hand cutter
Chipper
Semi-Chisel
Chisel
Leading
edge
Leading
edge
Leading
edge
Saw Chain Components
