Chainsaw Chain For Ripping Logs

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While the chainsaw is important when it comes to ripping logs, but having the right chainsaw chain for ripping logs can make a lot of difference. Having the right chain can make some chainsaws that you wouldn’t even consider for ripping logs, and make it possible, if not a little slow.

So it’s important to have the best chain you can for ripping logs. The one thing to remember with ripping chains, is that once you put them on a chainsaw. That’s all you can really do with that chainsaw from now on. While for most chainsaw owners, this won’t be a problem, since we generally own more then one chainsaw. But it’s something to remember.

What Is A Ripping Chain?

A ripping chain is a specialist chain that was designed to cut parallel to the wood grain. They look very similar to a standard chain, but it has a slight difference which makes all the difference. The biggest difference is that the cutting teeth are ground with a blunter top-plate filing angle. What this helps do is give the wood a smoother finish.

Which Is The Best Chain To Rip With?

This is an impossible question to answer, there are so many chains on the market which makes it difficult. So the next best question is which brand is best for ripping chains? This is something I believe I can answer, since there is only one company that comes to mind.

Which Company Makes The Best Ripping Chains

The company that comes to mind is Oregon, which is for good reason. Oregon are responsible for the best chains and bars on the market, and there self sharpening electric chainsaw is also decent. But for me it’s there chains and especially there ripping chains that are the stand outs.

While most of there chains are extremely high quality, it’s always there ripping chains that really stand out for me. They have a quality about them that others can’t compete with in my opinion. Not even Stihl chains for ripping logs come close for me, which is high praise considering how good there chains are.

Where To Buy Ripping Chains From

While there are a lot of places you can buy chainsaw chains from, personally I really like online. Since it gives you a wider variety and thousands of reviews from people who are using there chain. So online is where I like to buy my chains, and recommend using amazon.

Can You Rip Logs Without A Ripping Chain?

This is a question I see a lot, and I can understand why. With what I mentioned above about once you add a ripping chain, it makes that chainsaw only good for ripping. Until you change the chain, which I can understand why some people wouldn’t like the idea of this.

This isn’t as complicated as some people like to think it is, the simply answer is yes you can rip logs with a normal chain. It just won’t leave a smooth finish, and you’ll need to use a planer to smooth it down. So it comes down to if you want to do the extra work and plane it. Or get a ripping chain that will take the extra work out of it for you.

I will say that a ripping chain does make milling slower, so this is also something to consider. I know a lot of people out there do tend to think of milling logs as a miserable, and slow job. So why make it slower with a ripping chain?

This is a personal question you’ll need to ask yourself, which do you prefer, something that is easier in the long run but slower. Or something that is initially quicker, but takes more time smoothing the wood, and making sure it’s even. Neither choice is wrong, and comes down to personal preference. So if you don’t mind using a stock chain, and putting in some extra work that’s fine. If you want a ripping chain, then below you’ll find some of the best on the market.

My Thoughts On Ripping Chains

I personally really like ripping chains which I know a lot of people aren’t massive fans of. I find they take a lot of the work out of milling wood, which is exactly what they’re designed to do. I get you can rip logs without using a ripping chain, but the extra work you need to put in to get it smooth really makes it frustrating.

When you think about the price of a ripping chain I find it hard to not use them. They’re fairly cheap and easy to get a hold of, and it’s a lot easier then planning the wood done.

I can understand if you don’t like ripping chains, there speed is an issue. So if you want to get it done quicker and have the ability to rip logs without a ripping chain. Then by all means I recommend doing it without it, it’s just not for me personally.

How About Ripping Chainsaws?

This is something that I get asked a fair bit, and that is what are the best ripping chainsaws. This a hot topic in the chainsaw community, with all the Stihl and Husqvarna fan boys coming out of the wood works. Which I can understand, since they’re responsible for some of the best chainsaws on the market.

But is there an actual best? This is something that is hard to get a proper perspective on. Everyone has what they’re looking for when it comes to a chainsaw, so what I consider to be the best, may not suit your needs. This is why it’s difficult to find out what the actual best are.

I have reviews on what I consider to be the best ripping chainsaws, with what I like may actually surprise you. While they’re not what most would consider the standard for ripping chainsaws, they’ve all surprised me in a variety of ways, that made me like them.