Chainsaw Ripping Chain vs Square Ground Chain

[@RhumRunner41]

“An important part of working in the woods is to do things without dying.” Those are words to live by.

[@williamfgreene6855]

Amen

[@Darth_Boons]

😂

[@saltrock9642]

Best quote and comment about a quote I’ve seen in a while. Wilson is awesome.

[@doriglenn1358]

Words to live by indeed!

[@robbevington1754]

😅

[@bob_frazier]

Those are amazingly nice cuts. Anyone who's tried quartering a big log knows it's not nearly as easy as you just made it look.

[@Drewdrewdrewdr]

Amen

[@evquietcornerct3210]

Amen twice !

[@lostpony4885]

Gorgeous cuts.

[@lelenbates3367]

I just cut posts to final length with my old West German 024 AVS with a 16" bar and cut all the posts proud before making the final cuts to get my eye in and I made horizontal pencil guide lines. I even stuck a magnetic bubble level on the bar because the ground was uneven. These square quartering cuts are most impressive. Know you limitations and give yourself every advantage.

[@johnfunk5169]

@@lelenbates3367😮

[@iAM2AM]

This is literally the most boring interesting man I have ever seen in my life. I absolutely love this content.

[@nicko4071]

Have you watched Larry Haun’s videos? You’ll love them

[@Dustin_the_wind]

Boring? What do you consider not boring? I find flamboyant phoniness hyping up unrealistic, unhelpful, hyperbole of content and gross overuse copy pasta memes, boring. This guy is real. I like that. What you meant to say was, this guy is real, and you like that.

[@iAM2AM]

@Dustin_the_wind I'm trying to figure out what you stand to gain by asking me this question. Exactly what do you want? For me to explain my opinion? Why would anyone explain an opinion? It's an opinion. It's already not valid. Opinions rarely are. I typed exactly what I meant to type. Thanks for offering an alternative, but no. That's not what I meant. I meant what I typed. Thank you... I guess? 😒

[@davearmock1466]

Hey Dustin, I don’t understand his use of boring either… but I’m not going guess what he meant. As an old logger,I admire the skill and appreciate the humor of this logger. He’s the real deal.

[@papageo5]

I understand your comment. Boring can be any number of things. Like someone explaining math In detail , but it’s related to a subject you are interested in. Like math related to reloading bullets is pretty awesome. That’s my take. Someone else’s take could come from a different example or a completely different subject.

[@ronshep]

I'm 75, live in a town, and have never used and will never use a chainsaw but I love your videos! I don't know why the first one popped up in my feed but I'm glad they continue to!

[@williepelzer384]

That's VERY GOOD free hand ripping,its harder than most people think!

[@SakoRichards]

Been cutting for over 20 years now and I’d give that a 10/10, well done.

[@mykolapliashechnykov8701]

Tried to do this to a 15" apricot tree log and failed miserably. The only saving grace is that my stove doesn't really care whether I fail or succeed.

[@KarlBunker]

Interesting comparison, and some really impressive chainsawing there. Pretty good job of not dying, too.

[@loghog4392]

Very impressed with your ripping. I had to rip some 8, 9, and 10 foot diameter 16 foot long logs back in the 80's that the yarder couldn't handle (not enough deflection.) Used an 090 with 84" bar. Great bar and great chains. Embarrassing cuts when they finally came apart. Some were mis-matched by 4". Everybody was happy except me. Well... I didn't die. That was kinda pleasing.

[@evanhughes3027]

Yeah, I'm a Carpenter and every time I use a chainsaw I remind myself it's a really dangerous tool in my hands and take it easy with that horror machine. This dude is a ninja, and you are a foot soldier. I am Casey's greasy hair.

[@clayoreilly4553]

That is one big honkin' tree! And you, sir, are a very skilled logger/woodsman. Thanks for the video.

[@voodoo7008]

I’m chipping away at a 100’ oak felled by the power company with a 20” saw. I’ve learned a lot watching your videos.

[@skater4life31683]

Thank you for changing your chains so many times for science! It was a lot of extra work and we all love to see the results! Lovely noodles you made there!

[@saltrock9642]

Geez I love this guy. Wilson filleted that log like it was a tuna.

[@johnezell9808]

Now I want to see you load all that on your pickup! Really a good demo on chains, thanks. Cya john

[@davidmallette2009]

Back in the 70's and 80's I fell for several LP logging shows in Northern California. Also made a lot of redwood slabs. Oregon made a specific chain for ripping. It has been awhile, but I remember it being a regular round ground filed nearly at 90 degrees and then the next tooth was like half the width. Almost like a giant raker. Worked well. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your videos...

[@ShinyAnvil]

“One man show” lumbering scenarios must always be the most calculated, least risk taking and most safety oriented activities in the woods. Exceptional job here.

[@bobralph5072]

Nice freehand log ripping. Long time woodworker here, fine cabnetry. I started making benches and tables and chairs from long firewood rounds and crotches , ripping thick slabs. no measuring, no sanding. I love it..

[@jdhtyler]

6.17 yep "not dying" is the way to go; in my case I was cutting copper and brass under 20 meter of water. The only difference was finishing the cut before the air ran out. Even if you factored in that you could hold your breath for an extra 1+ minute or there was a bit of extra air in cylinder for your "stabilizing jacket" The only dodgy time was when a 6 foot 6 inch boiler pipe fell on me due to an over excited dive buddy. That was back around 1984, how time flies. Your video narration is one of the best on YT Funny and Informative. Thanks you make my day

[@isaacwarne7758]

So, I cut wood for 10 years professionally here on the east coast in Canada and everyone here uses the round tooth for everyday cutting and everyone considers the square cut chain as the ripping chain. You have to special order the square, where the round is available everywhere. Its interesting to see differences between geological areas. I enjoyed your presentation. Thanks for sharing that.

[@w8stral]

How on earth do you guys get your undercut in with round chain? It is near impossible with round. someone gave me some telling me it was "easier to sharpen"... Threw all my round chain out. Can't cut sideways with it-=> junk.

[@keithklassen5320]

I worked a few years as a Canadian arborist; I never even heard of square ground chain in that time. Round worked great. I wonder if it's something to do with the prevalence of softwood here vs perhaps a larger amount of harder woods in the US.

[@w8stral]

@@keithklassen5320 I think you have never held a chainsaw. There is not a single logger of softwoods who uses round chain in the west. Undercuts are MUCH harder to make with round chain. Accidentally got round chain by mistake---> Its garbage. No one should ever use it unless Joe homeowner who is ditchwitching with his chainsaw.

[@amosbackstrom5366]

​@w8stral Hardwood vs. soft makes a big difference

[@w8stral]

@@amosbackstrom5366 Has NOTHING to do with hardness of the wood, its called KLUTZ ditchwitchers shoving their bars into the ground cleaning up downed trees who enjoy rounded chain verses chisel verses those who do nothing but cut notches all day or who have to delimb hundreds/thousands of branches all day who REALLY enjoy ability to cut on the side of a cut due to being tired and yet still having to cut another hundred pinching branches. Chisel cuts slightly faster, but rounded cuts better in dirt.

[@bgarr99]

I'm a recent first-time ripper on a large oak tree for my mill so this video was very helpful.

[@RayApodaca-DacaTimberworks]

I rip alot of logs for making woodturning blanks. I used to use skip for "noodling" until I figured out that skip makes a much longer noodle and bogs and plugs a saw way faster than full comp. They make hyper skip ripping chains where there's only a cutter like every 4 links, this works for milling where you are cutting into endgrain and only making dust anyways. Great channel brother!

[@ericconner9971]

New to the channel. I really appreciate the info. Timely and no superfluous bs. And I appreciate the humor

[@aaroncobb9930]

The matter-of-fact delivery is so funny for some reason.

[@bobbypatton4903]

Nice shot on the fir, looks like it's neighbors are still very healthy!

[@davidedwards3734]

Really liked the comparison of the chains!! Would like to see more. Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@patdriver5696]

I wish that you had another person there to help you. This work can be quite dangerous. A buddy partner is what they tought us, for safety. Bless you young man, with complete safety.

[@craigbailey916]

Someone is on the camera

[@VitaKet]

@@craigbailey916 No there isnt... he made a joke to the camera. The camera never moves while in-shot.

[@jackdad7411]

He was telling us to move over. Good dry humor

[@andysmith8544]

Haha, sorry Wilson, I think this one is a little out of my wheelhouse! Your cuts were beautiful, gotta respect your skills! That wood is awesome!

[@rickytickbuku]

Just a thought, your side cover could be holding you back with chip flow when noodling. I noodle a lot for loading big rounds of firewood that don't want to split, and the 462 I have is a conglomeration of parts from saws that I have repaired. The current iteration has an aftermarket cover that flows really well, and Stihl has another factory option from what you have that usually comes on the R model. There's a noticeable difference on how the saw doesn't bog down with a wad of noodles packed into the side cover. Food for thought.

[@williepelzer384]

I work in a saw mill late 70 s till 93 we could cut 60" logs that were perfectly round, 66" if oblong, you know not round. Spotted owel shut us down. my house has 4" by 12" floor joists 24' long free of Hart centers,no knot's., straight grain.still getting pitch bubbles 40 years later.😊

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

Pnw?

[@williepelzer384]

@@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186 what is pnw?

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

​@@williepelzer384pacific northwest

[@RickPittman-n9r]

Where can I get a ripping chain

[@brianadams1907]

pnw could mean Pacific North West ?

[@doonthepan1290]

enjoyed very much , thank you. your humour is a blessing. - from Scottish borderland.

[@als1023]

Great video I love the comparison. Here on the west coast in Canada, we often file a rip chain, when a normal skip tooth is halfway worn. I have never used a store bought rip chain.Interested to try one now. You may find, working in the butt wood, you get a lot stickier saw chips, that tend to clog in the sprocket more. This is a result of more pitch, and the fibers in the butt are a lot tougher, and less straight, because they hold the tree, twisting in the wind.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I had no idea there were ripping chains. He certainly is skilled. I wouldn't come near to making square cuts and straight cuts like that.

[@doriglenn1358]

I would most definitely like to see a comparison cut of square, round, and rip chain cuts 👍

[@stevejanek8072]

Your content is second to none! Please, more on ripping & ripping chains. Thanku for what you do 🤣

[@FamilyMods]

WFL - The Chuck Norris of the woods.

[@danmaciosekmaciosek6166]

I myself also enjoy going in the woods and not dying! Great videos you put out.

[@boooshes]

My experience in ripping - I do quite a lot as a wood turner - is that the 10 degree grind ripping chain is slightly better all around, both for hand rip noodling and milling. For hand cuts, you can improve the cut quality by a few seconds with a chalk line and cutting more using the long bar at a lower angle through as much of the cut as possible (especially at the beginning)- this forces a straight cut using the bar as a guide. Nice video. Nice log. Thanks.

[@pauladams3789]

My wife said you remind her of Buster Scruggs. 😂

[@markdudley3831]

We all know how Buster ended up , don't we !

[@BustedKnuclesGarage]

dang now i see it 😂😂😂

[@pauladams3789]

I think it’s maybe how they word things. Both make me laugh for sure.

[@jacobfurnish7450]

SAME! He looks and sounds just like him!

[@jackdad7411]

I love Buster also, smooth talker and full of wisdom

[@dgoodman1484]

You likely already know this but for those that may not, a highlift jack, works pretty well for rolling big logs. Also, if you have a big high value tree and plenty of free time, working the outside of the log down to size (cutting off the sapwood) will likely give better results for us mortals than trying to freehand through the center. Course that’s going to depend somewhat on how much larger the log is in relationship to your mill. 👍🏼

[@Woodneye-mc5jt]

In my youth, I bought a Sperber portable chainsaw mill. It came with ripping chains. They were round tooth and if I remember correctly, the grinding angle was only 10 degrees. I was cutting African hardwoods though. Those chains produced an incredibly smooth cut, though the cut was assisted by the machine not being hand held. I'm in awe of your hand held ripping skills.

[@kenbrown2808]

I had the good fortune when I was ripping Cedar logs for a terraces, I could lift them on blocks, but yeah, those noodles can clog things up double quick. I forget how many wheelbarrows of noodles I made.

[@refritobandito]

I’m constantly trying to not die in the woods. So far so good…great video; enjoyed the measurements at the beginning for sure

[@kazparzyxzpenualt8111]

It never gets as old as we do! Thanks for this insightful evaluation!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

retired logger here. nice work. now I'm itching' to get in the woods

[@kinbake]

I use those long "shreds" (when cutting parallel to the grain) as fire-starters for the stove, almost more flammable than gasoline.

[@pauladams3789]

A true woodsman. Good stuff !

[@benbiagioni9906]

Smartass. This is by far the best channel for this content IN THE WORLD! Thanks dude.

[@brianwood7480]

I was wondering where noodling came from, but you told me a minute later. You popped up into my tube feed, and I'm glad you did. A really good all-round tutorial on chainsaw work that's rarely covered. I like your nonsense language and your valuable #1 tip, "it's all about getting out of the woods alive". Liked & subscribed. Now let the LT-10 take it from here. Cheers 🍻 Brother.

[@paulamoore1221]

I have operated a chainsaw for decades but have no idea how you are able to quarter that huge log so beautifully.

[@BoonesMountain]

Agreed, the most important thought when doing anything - Don’t die.

[@robertpowell2735]

I’m glad you did a video on ripping with a chainsaw. The ripping chain sounds like it would be best on an Alaska chainsaw mill. You are really good with that chainsaw. Great job great video. 👍👍

[@daveturnbull7221]

Never knew there were different types of chain for different types of cut but when you think about the different types of hand saw blades it makes sense.

[@allenhuling598]

Fun comparison, thanks! Yep, the older I get the more firewood rounds get the 'noodling' treatment....one of those laws of nature I guess!! For what it's worth, I'm running 3/8 round, chisel chain....full comp.

[@veterantechus]

Interesting comparison! The ripping chain excels in milling, while the square ground chain is unbeatable for fast, smooth cuts in heavy-duty tasks! 🌲💪

[@Zebracat5]

I agree the Ripping Chain is much smoother. Exellent job,and with a 462 just like mine. Enjoyed watching the Wedgemanship as well. Exellent Philosophy to live by. Try not to die while Working in the Woods.

[@hanktjemsland9238]

We just acquired a couple of 34 and 30 inch Doug Fir saw logs and was thinks of cutting some cants to get them on a mill. Thanks

[@kennethmurage3625]

Last time I was here when we brought down this tree.. Today I am here too. Our motto is WORK, FINISH YOUR WORK and NEVER SAY DIE !! 😎 👉 Kenya 🇰🇪

[@Notforyou201]

A lot of work but worth it when its for dear old dad. My kind of man right there. He said his dad wanted this tree and here he is making it happen. My heart goes out to your back. I know it was dead after all that chainsaw milling 😂

[@Wheelloader__]

Cool video Wilson. I’ve split logs with a chainsaw before. Then I found a better way. Put one end of the log against a log pile. Then find a crack on the other end. with a wheel loader put a fork in that crack and push. Usually not as pretty as what you just did. But much easier.

[@JS-oy6nn]

Full complement chain makes smaller chips than full skip. The 462 also has a very tight clutch cover even in the “R” model, unlike the 1122 and 1128 R models. He’s purty dam good with a saw that’s for sure.

[@johncollado1151]

My Dad and I used ripping chains on our Alaskan saw mill when we started our log home. We thought it was better too.

[@craigslitzer4857]

"Yeah I know you can get it sharper than a factory edge by hand with a file" ... Lol. You've never seen me try to sharpen a chain. Factory edge is excellent!

[@SirensC3]

Hey that was pretty good. I always use a chalk line cause otherwise it looks like a drunk sailor tried to cut it. 🥴

[@nareth24]

I discovered your channel just last week and have already viewed 12-15 of your video. I live in suburbia but just love learning about how you are living among the land and taking care of the forest. Your video about wild fire and need to have wild fire to happen naturally to renew and refresh the land and forest was eye opening. Looking forward to seeing more videos. Will you do one on creating a permanent pound or similar bodies of water on your land?

[@billhacks]

I think this is a great comparison because if the square chain is what is used normally, that is what what will be there to use. Comparing new or unfamiliar things to what's familiar is fair.

[@calebdoner]

All your videos are incredibly helpful and informative.

[@KrisWolpert]

While using an Alaskan Saw Mill, which keeps the chain fairly close to perpendicular to the tree axis, ripping chains not only make a smoother cut but they also vibrate the saw less. It makes the job a little less miserable.

[@finniganshomestead2956]

That puts a whole new meaning to quarter sawing

[@swamp-yankee]

No, that’s the same meaning

[@flamingmoe1805]

We used to rip west coast cedar on Vancouver Island that were 12 to 15 feet by 20 feet long. Cedar splits so nicely that once you made the top cut with a 5 foot bar we could split the log with oversize wedges made from foot wide hemlock

[@billsmith7255]

Your work is truly fascinating. Thank you.

[@randiegadberry5448]

I’m in the process of ripping some 44” diameter red fir and spruce. I completed one tree and on the second tree, it split completely through and knocked me to the ground and pinned my leg under it. Luckily I was able to call my neighbor and he came over and got the log off of me. Two small fractures on the top of my fibula and that was in June. I only have fifteen large logs left.

[@timmyfields6159]

I think you just showed me a good way to save money on animal bedding and nesting box filler.

[@philosborn1840]

You can also tell a good lumberjack, when they get away from the tree when it starts to fall 👍🏻

[@deanlewis1650]

Great sawmanship. It is an art to rip logs like that✊

[@dcvariousvids8082]

I think one of the advantages of a ripping chain, is that if you’re going to then plane then surface and or put a finer surface finish on. There’s less less work and potentially less finishing materials needed, to get to the point of being a required or saleable product. Plus if there’s a smoother surface to begin with, you’re going to reduce the quantity of waste wood when finishing.

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

Great job with the freehand ripping. You made it look a lot easier than it can be. I can tell that you have run a chainsaw a time or two.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

In my limit experience the Granberg ripping chains are the smoothest and quickest for long rips. They have a unique construction with a modified top plate on some teeth .

[@pettere8429]

I have some vauge memory of my dad getting a special ripping bar for his portable chainsaw mill.

[@stihlnz]

That's a beautiful stand of trees you have there. Great you like square ground ..it cuts well for me.

[@neilyoung2833]

Big tree mate, nice shot, good job. Like watching you work, and expl....explai.....explaining your approach 😂, love the humour

[@3Sphere]

That's a really great way to divide up a large log for quarter sawing but if you want more plain sawn lumber, you should know (probably already do! :) that there is a way to saw really big logs intact on the Wood-Mizer. You peel 'em like an orange! You simply shave as much as the blade will take without getting stuck, then turn a little and shave, turn and shave. (Hydraulic log turning helps a lot...) Once around gets little more than the bark and a little sap wood. Then you keep shaving around until you get some big, nice flat sides. Usually there's a lot of sapwood and it then becomes firewood. I didn't see much sapwood on your log... You may have to do a little chainsaw work if there are knobs sticking out or if there's a lot of taper. (Don't cut the mill!!!) But eventually you get down to some nice flat sides and a great big cant of heartwood and then you just go and you can cut it any ol' which way you like! (or how the log tells you to cut itself!) Also, as you're getting down to that manageable cant, you cut off some pretty big but odd shaped chunks that you can mill separately later or burn as the spirit moves ya. Cheers!

[@lestersegelhorst2776]

I can tell you are a skilled woodsman, you fell that fir right into the pocket.

[@glennphillips8537]

I would enjoy seeing more videos about chainsaw milling.

[@CaveFreediving]

I'm looking forward to see those logs milled. I wanna see some really wide boards!

[@leeanderson5955]

Good looking stump there. Looks like you know how to fall.

[@LionEagleOx]

The difference is a bit bigger with hardwood. Doing the same thing as you on a red oak about that size. The square wants to grab sometimes from being more aggressive. Rip is smoother, but there is also a little more forgiveness with kickback, when your bar cannot go all the way through.

[@TiredOldMann]

So True . Very important to do things without dying .

[@jaredf5828]

I would like to see more testing of the ripping chains. I would also like to see the quarter sawing of that log. Thanks!

[@mustang2433]

You might want to look at West Coast saws clutch cover. They are bigger so that way they can get rid of the noodles easier.

[@PaulGriffin-ox1gp]

I've found to pull back away from the block with the power head because of the noodles/strands. I pull back about 5-7 inches. Give it a try.

[@Lad733]

Man thats a lot of work. I have been messing around with an alaskan saw mill on redwood logs about 36" diameter im glad I dont have to quarter them like you did on that log. Id like to see how the lumber turns out. I like to use round chain because its easier to touch up with a hand file, but square grind cuts the best, I use granberg ripping chain while milling.

[@perrys5954]

Great video, informative and I appreciated the added humor thoughout :) I recently bought a ripping chain (I'm a relative newbie to all chainsaw use) and though I haven't had the occasion to use it yet I'm looking forward to my own comparisons. Thanks for sharing and YES I'd personally like to see more (if you haven't already posted more). Cheers!

[@finniganshomestead2956]

You better quit jumbling up yer words like that or before you know it, you'll be president

[@purdyboi8078]

I know, right?? The frik'n tRump-tard is getting harder & harder to understand every day

[@richardvernick4280]

Thank you . Great video of the tree work. Sharp moves. 👍👀 Take care.

[@andrewupson2987]

I do some chainsaw milling. Not professionally, just with some nice trees on my own place. Ripping chains mostly give a better surface finish vs regular ground chains. They should cut about as fast. Any difference in cutting speed is probably less than the difference between factory sharp and "you" sharp.

[@renanjacob6791]

Here in brazil we do a lot of rough wood with chainsaw, the trick is sharp the teeth at 0 degree, than cut with the tip of the saber, always up to down and foward. And slow the trotle for lubrication of the chain. We use in ours hardwood, soft wood don't grow to that size here

[@johng3960]

I've used ripping chain in my AK mill with good results but just a few years experience at it and unsure if I'm with the correct set up. Seems I am. I'm pretty happy with the results. I focus on White Oaks felled from urban settings. I'm using a cheap HF electric grinder now which works well. Would like to see your take on the details of the chains and sharpening.

[@dennisclapp7527]

This is a lot late but a comparison on results via firewood rounds would, I think, very interesting.

[@smaggies]

Very proad of all your work and man power and describe many details that I believe in, Big Thanks I have some time viewing many pine trees dead after those beatls entered and have work around with those downed trees and other mainting force land.

[@jeremiahthomas2669]

So much knowledge, and experience. Thankyou for your videos

[@naturewatcher7596]

So, it's doable with any chain, just need to practice a lot to get a good results (I'm sure my first cuts will be crooked no matter what chain I use).

[@TimberTrainer]

Try Hyper Skip chain with a square file. It cuts great with a lot less teeth to sharpen.

[@ChimeraActual]

I am impressed. Especially if you are really going to lumber that tree solo on that little Wood Mizer. Great technical explanation, with entertainment. You remind me of the protagonist of a certain Cohen Bros short, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. You sound a bit like him, and you do unexpected things surprisingly well. Subed.