Milwaukee M18 hatchet chain way to aggressive!

[Willy c]

The chain is far too aggressive for such a small bit of kit that’s intended for pruning ect iv been trying to find a chain and sprocket that works with it but The chain and sprocket on the m18 hatchet is unique to the brand   So I can’t find any ways around it so I can run a smaller gauge chain, wondering if anyone else has had the problem and solved it? 

[Steve Bullman]

@Rob D any solutions?

[green heart]

After a year's use with mine, I'd say you'll find that you get used to it, within a week or two.

But do avoid/be extremely careful when cutting with the top-side of the bar... it does have really lethal kick back. 

Always use cut resistant gloves AND sleeves. 

No 'one handing ' ever !

 

The set-up on the equivalent 40v Makita pruning saw however, is much nicer to use. Tho the 18v Makita version is a bit underwhelming for professional use IMO.

The Sthil AGT40 was OK, too.

 

 

[kram]

Assuming its all new, first option is a light sharpen but leave the rakers, it will reduce the chip thickness, therefore be less agressive. I've seen a few chains that come a bit agressive/rakers too low out of the box.

One issue with these small pruning saws is they have a slow chain speed, that lets it dig in more on small branches. I think its for some safety reason rather than any technical limitation of it being a small saw.

 

Standard chain looks to be 3/8" 1.1 gauge. Stihl do a full chisel version which should cut a lot smoother, due to being sharper.

 

While 1/4" has smaller teeth, more teeth in contact with wood eats more power. Can be smoother.

Theres the .325, Oregons Speedcut nano, which Makita use on the UC029, my opinion its not much different to the narrow 3/8lp chains.