Lopsided cutters on new chain

[Paul in the woods]

I'm a fairly new to using chainsaws although I have done a simple course before buying a saw. On the course I was taught it was important for cutters to be the same length and the chain to be even when sharpening, which seems common sense.

 

I've just purchased a new chain and I was surprised to notice the teeth are visibly uneven, one one side they are longer and narrower than the other side.

 

The chain is a direct replacement so it's an Oregon 91VXL and the teeth on one side are over 0.5 mm longer and 0.2 mm narrower than the other side.

 

My question is, is this a normal tolerance? For a chain with an RRP of £25 that claims "Advanced grind geometry • Improved out-of-box grind" it seems a bit sloppy. On the other hand I'm used to working with tolerances down to 0.01 mm so I might be bit fussy.

[tomcorke]

you got a picture of it?

 

what make and model is it?

[Paul in the woods]

I can't get a good photo up today. The chain is an Oregon 91VXL-53.

[peatff]

If it's new the teeth should be identical, where did you buy it ?

[Paul in the woods]

I bought it from a shop via Amazon, I'd rather not say the shop's name until I've raised the issue with them directly. What worries me a little is that although it has the box the details are hand written on it. The chain does have Oregon stamped on it but I have read comments about fake chains.

[Stubby]

Its not normal . Take it back .

[Big Beech]

.5 & .2 of mm ain't much different really is it. Go and cut some wood and put your calipers away.

[NFG]

Hmm,

 

I can see both sides of the argument, 0.2mm isnt much, 0.5 is a bit more - but I think the cutters really should be identical.

 

You say 'The chain is a direct replacement so it's an Oregon 91VXL'

 

If its a genuine Oregon chain, Id be surprised that there is such a difference. As for hand writing on the box, Ive recieved plenty of chains in boxes marked as so from a variety of trusted suppliers.

 

So I think Amazon state that they wont supply fake items - if that thes right expression. So if you still have doubts I would contact the supplier for clarification & advice.

 

N

[Joe Newton]

Won't matter once you hit that first nail...

[Paul in the woods]

You say 'The chain is a direct replacement so it's an Oregon 91VXL'

 

Yes, I have a little Echo CS-352ES, the chain it came with is an Oregon and I worked out it must be a VXL. So I ordered a direct replacement.

 

I know when you start talking about 0.2 mm it sounds petty but the chain is only a slim one and the width of the cutters from one side to the other varies by about 15%. This didn't seem right, hence the question.

 

I know I could just use it but if Oregon chains aren't out by this much something isn't right so I'll contact the seller.

 

Can someone recommend a good place to buy chains, it's a 53 drive link chain so slightly harder to find than the more common 52s.