Ripping cuts on carving

[GreenGui]

Quick question; I have the opportunity to carve 2 x 2m high mushrooms in a large red cedar stump. Would you experienced guys typically change over your blocking out saw to a ripping chain when carving down the stems? I don't have a ripping chain so I'm hoping you are going to say "No"

[dervishcarving]

I havent ever bothered with a ripping chain. Have considered it for logn planking-cuts but for what you are describing, i dont see any need for it. All it would do is speed up the long end-grain cuts

[GreenGui]

Many thanks

[Gnome]

Higher chance of kickback with the ripping chain, mine come with instructions for strictly milling only.

 

Have had a go free hand planking but feel more comfortable with the mill. It's just another faff having to switch back to a standard chain as well on some projects which would probably take longer than going steady with a standard chain.

 

But the main issue for your project would be higher risk of kickback especially with the work positions you will probably find yourself in. IME.

[billpierce]

my experience of the oregon ripping chain was that it was a waste of time. it achieved a smoother cut but didn;t seem faster. i wouldn;t bother with it

[wisewood]

my experience of the oregon ripping chain was that it was a waste of time. it achieved a smoother cut but didn;t seem faster. i wouldn;t bother with it

 

I don't think it's meant to be any quicker, it's purely to get a better finish on milled boards. Using standard chain for milling will leave a rippling/wash board effect on your planks which means more work planing/sanding to get a smooth surface.

[GreenGui]

Higher chance of kickback with the ripping chain, mine come with instructions for strictly milling only.

 

Have had a go free hand planking but feel more comfortable with the mill. It's just another faff having to switch back to a standard chain as well on some projects which would probably take longer than going steady with a standard chain.

 

But the main issue for your project would be higher risk of kickback especially with the work positions you will probably find yourself in. IME.

 

Makes a lot of sense. I forgot about the increased kickback tbh. I will be using the saw at shoulder height or on step ladders so yes would be an issue. Thanks

[simonorourke]

I just use semi chisel chain on all my saws. It's way better for ripping cuts.