Best Chainsaw Chain Brand? (10 BRANDS), Stihl vs Oregon, Husqvarna, Carlton, Forester
10 CHAINSAW CHAIN BRANDS: Stihl, Oregon, Husqvarna, Forester, Forester Carbide, Upstart, Carlton, 8TEN, Zentop, and Sungator. Are full-chisel chains faster? Do full chisel chains dull quicker? Are carbide chains better? Let's find out! Most of the chains tested are full-chisel but two are semi-chisel chains. Chains tested for cutting speed, sharpness after using for a full tank of fuel, resistance to dulling after cutting through wood with sand on it. No sponsors on the Project Farm channel. It's all about unbiased testing. Hope you find this video helpful.
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➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Forester: amzn.to/2ITjzKx
Sungator: amzn.to/3pYgNVB
Zentop: amzn.to/35SiBr3
Forester Carbide: amzn.to/3pQ0pWN
Upstart: amzn.to/3uJQ41u
8TEN: amzn.to/2UQxLqg
Oregon: amzn.to/2IOduzx
Husqvarna: amzn.to/398lx4K
Carlton: amzn.to/336lcMg
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This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC
Sorry it’s taken me so long but the new “We’re going to test that” merch is now ready at www.Project-Farm.com and the quality of the shirts is much improved. Looking forward to reading your future video ideas and comments. An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together. Happy Thanksgiving, Todd
Farmabago shirt!
Thank you for everything you do!
T-shirt comparison test coming soon then?
You should try this. Take them to a local saw guy who can sharpen them equally on a machine so they all have a close to similar edges. And re torture test them.
WHICH Chainsaw Sharpener is the Best??
I used to read Consumer Reports. Now I watch Project Farm.
Thanks for watching!
Very true!
Project farm is even free! Haha
...and my garage now full of test winners from glues to chainsaw chains. See yall in the next video!
Consumer Reports has lost all credibility.....and many other fake companies along with them....
Most honest man on youtube. I will always click your stuff first! Glad to see your channel is taking off!
Thank you very much!
Taking off??? With 1.47 million subs I’d say he’s soaring quite high! I agree with the others that he’s the most honest on KZhead. IMO he’s the real deal!
@@budgillett9627 lol I definitely didn't know it was that much growth, last time I looked it was 250k
@@Pickleriiiiiick Its literally below the video
@@budgillett9627 exactly million and a half is ok. Great content is why.
I am proud to work in one of the two STIHL factories where the chains are produced. These are the only two factories in which the chains for STIHL are made. They are both in Switzerland. Thank you for the very good test.
Thank you for making such terrific chains!!
Thank you for making my chains I have used. Does the factory that you work at produce all the models of chains? Or does your produce half and the other factory produce the other half? What chains have you made in your day?
Makes some sense- Andreas Stihl was Swiss.
And here I thought Stihl was german...
@@fritzsundqvist1986 It is German, as for the Swiss and the Austrians they are....German.
I *love* this one!!! You just verified everything I read about Oregon in my research plus what they told me on the phone when asking for help about getting the correct chain. Dave at Oregon said that their saw chains are OEM on a lot of chainsaw brands, and I believed him, but now I know why. I bought a Poulan Pro 20 inch that I haven't used yet, but I bought an Oregon replacement bar and chain for it, too, because way too many reviewers of the chainsaw said the bar and chain was trash. So now I'll put the Oregon set on before I even start it up. I complimented you earlier on your ingenuity, but I forgot to thank you for the money and time you put into these evaluations and reports. You go above and beyond, and that's hard to find these days. Thanks for the honesty and great reviews!!! So glad I subscribed.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing.
The winning companies must be so proud of their products. I tend to see the winning products sold out on Amazon within just a few days of videos being posted here.
Thank you! The winning brands often contact me afterwards thanking me for the unbiased and fair evaluation. Even brands that don't perform near the top often times let me know that they appreciate being included
I always recommend this channel
I found this out when I went to buy the Temo step drill bits!
@@ProjectFarm That makes sense, I imagine it helps them see where they need to improve their product when they don't do so great.
I am certain that your testing is going to be something that a lot of companies will be looking forward to taking part in the future. Hell, personally i'd want to see an official "Project farm tested" seal of approval when i walk into a hardware store!
That sand test was a real eye opener, I had no idea that so little dirt caused so much damage, I agree with you, I'll definitely be more mindful avoiding dirt in the future.
Dirt, and even rotting in the trees will slow your chain down.. moss is even a big chain killer
Wood doesnt dull chain - any dirt & dirt in bark will -quickly
Thanks for the feedback.
Yep. Nothing like installing a brand new chain and touching dirt with the first cut.
Yeah, that was my biggest takeaway, too. A bit of sand causes a serious performance hit beyond my expectation.
My dept uses Stihl 460’s with their carbide chains on all of our ventilation saws. I can certainly attest to their durability and sharpness. Running through comp shingles, nails, etc. at every job is pretty harsh. I remember when we began using carbide years ago vs standard chains. Made life a lot easier for us. I know the cost of carbide is far greater but I began using them at home as well with great results. The carbide holds up very well while cutting oaks and other hard wood. Thanks for the test video. That’s a lot of work!
Thanks for the feedback.
edge integrity and hardness goes a long way... at a scale down , i unvested in titanium blades for me electric razor and the job took 75% of time. and got twice the shaves on a charge. i recommend superior blades for any task. Another great projfrm video
The stihl carbide RD chains cut almost as fast as the semi-chisel steel chains. That forester carbide has a very blunt cutting geometry, I'm not surprised it was that bad.
I built a retaining wall using railroad ties and could unly make two cuts with the Stihl yellow blades before they were completely dull and had to be sharpened. I switched to Stihl carbide and finished the job with two chains. I don't remember how many cuts but it was a lot (~100+), and I damaged the first carbide chain through negligence.
I’m a full time logger and use Oregon personally. But worth mentioning when comparing value for money on the Stihl and Oregon is the fact that Stihl has holes in the riders giving better oil distribution. This will increase the life span of the bar which is just as costly as the chains. My point being is, it’s really difficult saying one brand is better value than the other
Thanks for the feedback.
Does Oregon offer 3 different grades of steel for their chains? I've bought some very crappy Oregon from big box stores and also great ones from small engine shops. Been wondering?
The chains you bought from big box stores had built in safety features which usually slow cut speed down the oregon from the small engine store was probably geared more toward pros and lacked anti kickback features
@@jacktimmerevery brand has different types and designs. Different grinds and angles. Chisel, semi Chisel, round, square, etc. Some are designed to cut faster. Some have anti kick back depth gauges. I'm not sure what all the different names are but I know when I bought my 572 the dealer gave me a standard husqvarna chain and a "x cut" which is supposed to cut fast. Which I don't think it did. It had a huge round hook, which dulls faster, compared to stihls more blunt square tooth. Either way they all cut like shit compared to a professional hand filed chain.
One thing I really like about this channel is the content and quality. You jump right into testing and statistics. No BS music or intros or 6 minutes of you walking around talking while you point a camera at yourself.
Thanks so much!
WORD!
@@ProjectFarm exactly! not all of us have time to see other dudes farm and hear political opinions, just pure facts and farm science! Thank you :D
The most important thing to take from this is that any sharp chain cuts quicker than a blunt chain. Keeping a chain sharp is way more important than which brand you use.
You are right, but the quality of the steel determines how often you need to sharpen the chain.
@@PoulLausen yes if you're a perfect operator cutting perfect wood, but it's irrelevant if you're cutting gritty wood or touch the ground.
Thanks for the feedback.
Also saves on fuel to.
how about Oregon PowerSharp Self Sharpening Chainsaw?
Best channel on KZhead!
Thanks!
I just said this too, very true
I commend you for this time-consuming and costly review, I know you buy all this stuff yourself. You always provide data-driven reviews without the unnecessary commentary found in other product testing site and I like your Joe Friday (Just the facts, M'am) approach. Project Farm is always an interesting watch.
Thank you very much!
I live in a small city apartment and never use a power tool but I still watch every video 😆 Top quality!
Awesome! Thank you!
Same. Truck driver and have no use for this information, but I cant stop watching lmao
Hahahaha same
I feel so sorry for you
That is sad really sad
This test is absolutely incredible: the amount of time you took to use each of those chains for all those cuts must have been exhausting! Thank you so much for putting this video together, and hope you and yours are all safe and healthy!
You are welcome!
Not to mention deafening, and I'm sure his neighbors loved him that evening.
Probably not as many times as I change a chainsaw chain or bar every day. I've been doing this tree job, cutting 100s of stumps and stuff lol
Progress and discoveries require sacrifices and experimentation. Otherwise would still live in medieval times or earlier.
yeah he takes his time and works hard on these no doubt! but watching his videos is not only fun but informational. anyone who watches his videos has saved money im sure. very thankful for this channel and awesome that he takes the time to read these and review what is requested.
Hey man! I love your channel and especially this episode. I do have one suggestion when doing time differences on each test chain. Instead of reading how much slower doing Test B was compared to Test A in only seconds, use the percent difference of each. This way, it might be easier to compare how much each chain is affected after running through a full tank. This can be used for any test really. Percent inefficiency is easier to compare than absolute inefficiency. Thank you!
Great suggestion! Thank you.
Very awesome video. I bought a Husqvarna 460 rancher to deal with some overgrown ficus trees. The ficus had grown into 30 foot trees. After cutting only about 15 trees the Husqvarna chain seemed dull and I just couldn’t cut anymore. Ordered the Oregon chain and wow it made the job easy. Based on this experience and your video I am sold on the Oregon chain.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing.
If you're buying a Xmas present for someone who's been naughty this year, instead of coal, buy them a forester carbide chain.
WOW, one would have to be real bad for that gift!!!🤣🤣🤣
Ha ha nice one 🤣🤘🏻
I was thinking of a different kind of binder, but you do you, man.
Ot glue sand on something you want them to cut.
And a Sthil chainsaw
❄️Best winter windshield washer fluid? ❄️
As a long haul trucker who does a lot of winter driving, I find Prestone de-icer is the best I've used in 22 years
@@TheRoadhammer379 Thank you I was about to try rain x as well.
Great suggestion!
Purple>Orange>Green>Blue
60% alcohol
Great video! Thank you for keeping the volume of the saws low, nice to watch a video without having to adjust volume up and down.
Thank you!
This morning, I stopped at Lowe's and discovered that the power tool sales associate watches your videos and we shared some "Project Farm" test results back and forth. Good to know that sales people at a major stores also value your testing videos as well as us regular folk. I just got my first chainsaw. I got the Echo SC-590. Overkill for a city dweller, but I have a HUGE pile of huge oak pieces in my backyard from a tree that got cut down. Besides, I live in Virginia East coast (hurricanes are known to take down trees, so now I can help a neighbor if that happens again.) Love all your videos.
Thanks!
The amount of cookies cut throughout this video is absolutely crazy and takes real dedication to do something like this for their viewers!
Thanks!
@@ProjectFarm Project Farm never goes halfway. He finishes the project the way it should be done.
This is literally the only channel that I don’t skip the ads.
Thank you VERY much for supporting the channel!
Same here
Support him once with $5 on Patreon, and that’ll likely be more revenue than he’ll ever get from ads. Safe your life and your time. 👍 Great content as always PF.
About the only decent honest KZhead channel out there 👍
@@BrendonHoppy my other favorites are AvE, this old tony, and Wintergatan. To name a few. Those are probs my top 3
I like how you explained about edge geometry and about filing down the depth gauge. These are all things I have learned over time, but they are things which would have helped a lot if I had known them in the beginning.
Thanks for the feedback.
I appreciate all the tests you do, I cut a lot of seasoned hardwood(sometimes called dirty wood), Mesquite, Oak, Hickory, Bois D'Arc and Elm with a Stihl MS 260 Pro. Some of the trees I fell when they are green, cut them up or landowner may want them to just lay for a year then I come back and cut them up. I have to say I've tried all the chains and nothing has stood the test of time in the field on these hardwoods like the Stihl Carbide Chain. Its the only thing I'll buy for my applications. They do cost more, but worth it to me.
My God, the amount of time and effort to test those saws through entire tanks each, plus further testing. No one can accuse you of mailing these videos in..
Thanks for watching!
I get the joke. Democrats rigged it we all know they did. No more politics please
@@user-wc7vn6uz9h Huh? What politics? There's no "joke" to get. "Mailing it in" is a common expression that describes lackluster or lazy effort, something no one accuses PF of doing. Google it.
Next week: We'll be testing shop brooms to see which one can sweep the most sawdust.
lol Good Point!
or shop vacuum
"Were going to add some hot embers to the pile of sawdust to spice things up!"
@@FixItYerself He's already tested shop vacs
@@Headbanger427 figured that
I have always been a Stihl and Oregon chain fan. Thank you for convincing me to not waste time trying other chains. That's why we have you!! I just subscribed!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! Thanks for sharing.
I feel exactly the same way Troy. I have always used oregon, no reason to change.
I just like how the Oregon cuts wood smoothly, sthil ok but can feel it.
Yep, I've never used a chain that wasn't made by Stihl or Oregon.
@@jamesgullo8240 I bought an 8Ten chain recently 4 pack for $25, cheapest Husky/Oregon was like $15 for 1.
I have been running 8ten chains for 1 year 😄 I’m happy with them I always hit a rock before they where out. I cut all of my stumps down to ground levels. I spend 5gal of fuel per week . When I sharpen I can’t really tell the difference of brands 8ten , Oregon, Stihl
I've had good results with the 8ten on my 572xp as well. I can't tell a quality difference 🤷♂️
*Project Farm have you ever crashed a wedding?* Minster: 'To love and to cherish till death due you part?' Bride: 'I do.' Project Farm: _"We're gonna test that"_
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂😂
This is hilarious 😂😂😂
lol Thanks for sharing.
🤣
Watching the cross section on those logs change in fast motion is mesmerizing.
I went back and stared at it several times. Kind of like a kaleidoscope. Especially at 2x speed.
It looked like someone took an MRI of a tree.
yeah, I know .... What were you saying? :)
There is nothing like cutting with a PERFECTLY sharpened chain, love it! I prefer an electric grinder performing not only the same angle everytime, but also shortening the tooth equally on each and every one. That way the chain doesn't get troublesome over time. And if I sharpen like 3 chains at a time and own like 4 or 5, I can always just replace the chain in no time if I hit something and keep on working effortlessly with full control.
I used to buy cheap and cheerful for my chainsaw. Now I’ve bought Oregon for only $11 more - never looked back. Thx for the recommendation, the Oregon is the best chain I’ve ever had. Even after lots of hard wood, the angles are as sharp as ever. Also, the chain you used in your chain sharpener test is exactly the one that matches my chainsaw.
Glad to help!
Use Oregon chains on all my saws, including both the Stihls. Always seemed like the best bang for the buck. Pretty cool seeing it wasn't just all in my head.
Great brand!
Oregon is good - but its softer than Stihl RS - but cheaper
@@ottohonkala6861 Those RS chains are very good.
@@ottohonkala6861 Have you tried Oregon LPX chains? Those with the blueish teeth?
U need to count the overall time lost, fuel and wear. Oregon chain is cheaper but it wear fastest and cut slower than Stihl.
This guy deserves Emmy or some kind of award!
Thanks!
They give Emmy's to anyone. They gave one to a guy that's responsible for nearly 40% of all covid deaths in the world for his "great job" doing daily press conferences or something like that.
I just discovered your channel. Your video formats are brilliant, straight to the point and full of useful information. The effort and time you put into this shows. You’re saving a lot of people time and money. Thank you.
Welcome! You are welcome!
I am shopping for a replacement chain for my Dewalt 16" cordless. When I searched YT for reviews of chains, low and behold, your comparison was the first result and for good reason. Oregon for the win! Now I know which to purchase with confidence. Thanks for the great content on this and all your vids.
Thanks and you are welcome!
A lesson I learned two months ago: Don't loan your chainsaw to your neighbor. I believe he used it as a stump grinder😭
Oops! Thanks for watching!
My rule for borrowing my stihl saw is simple, use the oil I tell you to use, and give me a brand new stihl chain when you're done. It's a $25 dollar chain, but it's a lot cheaper than renting a saw.
Buy two saws. A cheap loaner and your own pride and joy.
@@JasonFrankenstein isn’t that THE rule? Replace consumables when you borrow a tool. And replace with comparable or better parts.
@@d3lsl0w that should be the rule... But if you don't tell people the rules, they will make their own.
I would watch a grass growing shootout on this channel. "Is Kentucky Bluegrass better? Let's find out!"
Goddammit, brilliant idea. Longterm test idea please!
We're gonna test that.....in a few months
Thanks for the suggestion.
Must be a Ham radio man, KC2AWK
IDK about Kentucky grass, but i "heard" Maui grass is wowie.
Very enlightening video, I never realized how fast a chain gets damaged when it contacts dirt. I use Stihl chains on my Stihl saw but I might try Oregon for the lower price option. Thanks for the video!
You are welcome!
Thanks for another excellent video! I'm new to chainsaw ownership, but was already under the impression that the Oregon was the best bang for buck and already have one on mine. I wasn't expecting it to be this good for the $, but your tests reveal ALL! Unfortunately had to cut some big tree roots out of ground and dulled it like a bar of soap, so I'm shopping for another one. Had to see if Project Farm has a test to confirm which brand to get, and of course you do! Ebay has a set of 2 Oregon 16" for only $26, so thanks PF! 😊
You are welcome!
Or sharpen it
Dude, that was a lot of work. I live in the national forest and heat my house primarily with wood. You are to be commended for putting together such an elaborate video with such thorough test. Well done and a pat on the back. I've used the organ brand for a long time because I came to the same conclusion a long time ago.
Couldn't have said it better myself great and thorough test.
I agree, well done video and as a guy that has a lot of saw time I saw this conclusion coming. Oregon makes a great product.
@@rickmanley767 I'll cut to the point, I saw what you did there.
I can just imagine the joy of switching chains 50 times for one cut
Thanks for the feedback.
Not all heroes wear capes. Lol
The magic of cameras I'm sure he does all the tests for the one chain at once the edits it in the order he wants it so instead of changing it every time for every test it saves time and just edits it later atleast that's what I would do but idk pretty convincing if he's not
Thank you for this video. I just bought two of the Oregon chains and I'm happy to see they had done so well. Keep up the great job of producing excellent videos.
Awesome! Thank you, will do.
I've always run Oregon, so I was curious to see how other brands, incl. cheap chinese ones would work out... so, THANKS!
You are welcome!
Recently switched bar and chains on my Stihl saw to Oregon products. Difference of 1 second, at HALF the price. And easily available at multiple sources locally. Yup. I'll keep Oregon cutting while Stihl delivers the power.
We're going to test chainsaws... All of his lawnmowers breathe a collective sigh of relief.
LOL
Best comment here
"We're going to start by cutting up some 4x4's, and then some logs, and finally we'll try cutting up some of these old lawn mowers."
The carbide chain is slow though wood, so we'll take it through old lawnmower decks...
I laughed so loud. I started getting an S&M image going on in my head with engines in the dungeon.
There's no finer product testing channel on YT. Did you get carpal tunnel after all that cutting? LOL A++ Huge Thumbs Up!
Thanks so much!
@@ProjectFarm Dude you missed the joke,,cant thumbs up,,got carpal...lol
@@andrewdillon7837 he replies to thousands of comments so he doesn't really have time to read everything in detail
@@householdhacks yeah thats true but he still reads a TON
@@householdhacks which means he is reading through the comments. More than a lot of channels do
I have heated with firewood all my life, running chainsaws since long before I should have been allowed maybe around age 9 through current 42. Almost every store we shop at stocks only Stihl and Oregon chains, and for good reason. One thing to note, both brands have much better bar oil management and lubrication which helps protect the bar and its components along with the chain itself. They include holes drilled and in Stihl's case, some dimples too. I'd be curious to know the difference in hardness of the metals used and also how many strokes until sharp it would take a file after the testing. Not sure how doable that would be. Maybe a better idea would be to test different bar oil types so that we could chose one for what we're doing. Thanks so much for your tests. They're entertaining and informative.
You are welcome. Thanks for the suggestions.
@@ProjectFarm Viewers love when there's a prompt response from the content creator. It's like meeting a celebrity. Thanks. That's probably an additional reason why the channel is so successful. I'm curious to know if huge channels have to hire people to keep up with the volume of it.
First of all. Great job on the chain test! I really like it. I have only bought Stihl replacement chains but often hear that a skip tooth or semi skip tooth cut just as fast as a normal chain but have 1/2 the amount of teeth to resharpen when dull. I would like to see the cutting difference between all the different Stihl chain types.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Lol wow, the timelapses of the tree cutting reminds me of slices from a medical MRI scan!
Thanks for the feedback.
@@ProjectFarm what a robotic answer
I thought that too!
Exactly my thought!
The carbide is really good when you're cutting next to gravel roads where the trees are caked with dust for most of their life and when you need to cut stumps flush with the ground.
Just a shame they couldn't make it sharper from the factory
Thanks for the feedback.
Carbides take a grinder to sharpen. Extra cost in my opinion.
@ 1)Already have a grinder for when I hit metal/rock 2)Time saved between cuts and during cuts adds up in the long run Now, I as a logger/forester it adds up, but for a homegamer, the extra filing on a regular chain does not add up to the cost of the carbide chain+grinder. On that I agree wholeheartedly.
@ Carbide sawchains not only require a chain grinder, the grinder needs a special carbide grinding wheel.
You always do such a great job in your comparisons. I've watched some of your oil ones too. Thanx for this. Sub'd.
Thank you very much!
Fantastic test, thanks so much Really objective, fast and no nonsense, great work - I’m now a subscriber 👍👌👏
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
I wonder how scared these companies get when they hear, “we’re gonna test that!”
Thanks for the feedback.
@@ProjectFarm - New test idea!!! I was doing some drywall and needed new utility blades. There are quite a few options. I would love to see you devise a test. Thanks!!
@@PayNoTaxes0GetNoVote he already did not to long ago
@@rksg2003 - Thanks! I missed it.
They probably don't watch this stuff or even care
Loved the time lapse where you could see the wood grains change on the full tank test!
Thanks!
You gave me a terrific idea what the glue and sand! I have a long handicap ramp That gets pretty darn slick over time and I wasn't eager to buy the tack strips for floors and take the time to Stick them down individually what you did with the glue in the sand is much quicker and easier!
Thanks for sharing.
There's never a dull moment in this Project Farm channel. I can't thank you enough for the time and money you invest into sharing your knowledge and test results to help us viewers make educated decisions on future purchases and just for our viewing pleasures also. And just so you know, I have had the privilege of going back and rewatching past videos to make some buying choices (most recently a car battery) and I can't thank you enough for the feed back we get from watching.
Thanks so much! Glad I can help!
Do a “which chainsaw sharpener is best” video! I would much appreciate that and you should try the power care chainsaw sharpener set at home depot in that video!
This is a great idea. As i would want to know which sharpener to spend my hard earned money on, that will keep my hard earned money chain going longer.
also the stihl 2 in 1
I would like to see this too and he already has a bunch of dull blads to use in testing.
@@rickw6521, for ease of use, ease of storage, effectiveness, & quality for the price...I have found the Stihl 2in1 sharpener to be the best option..
Please do that video!!!
Who could ever thumbs down this content/channel?? You my friend are dubbed the all time "Outdoor Einstein" Thanks for the great attention to detail!
Thanks 👍
Hi, in my previous life I used to work at a Stihl dealer. It was a great time, but I did learn one thing, and that is to always keep your chains sharp which most of our customers did not do, and once a week, whoever drew the short straw, had to sit and sharpen chains, and adjust the rakers. So, l like your video, but people need to keep them sharp too, and have extras on hand if you're doing lots of work. Great job. Your close ups and explanations are excellent. Best video on this topic.
Thanks so much!
As an arborist, I’d like to say thanks for this video!✌🏼😇
Thank you very much! I plan to test chainsaw sharpeners soon. Any suggestions on sharpeners to review?
@@ProjectFarm Husqvarna SharpForce Chain Sharpener 3/16"
@@ProjectFarm Oregon makes the go-to for saw shops what I've seen. IF I get one it'll be an Oregon.
Stihl makes a chain sharpener that looks like it might be pretty good.
@@ProjectFarm test the 2in1 type and electric harborfreight one.
Dude you made art!, that time-lapse of the cross sectioning of the tree was mesmerizing.
Looks like an MRI
I was seeing Africa appear.
hypnotizing.....
I'd watch a tree cross sectioning KZhead channel for hours!
As always, great video! An idea for a test video - both standard and bio-degrageable bar and chain oils. Thoughts?
Such a freaking helpful video thank you!!!! I love how scientific you do things and really thoroughly go through it all.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Watching the heart of the log in the elapsed footage is soooo cool.
I slipped into appreciation of tree trunk MRI imaging as well! While a practical chain test video, it is also a nature aesthetic reveal and likely of value for biological perspectives! Nice work!
I thought it looked like Australia at one point.
@@kathyarmstrong649 And a Rorschach test!
Glad you enjoyed!
@@kathyarmstrong649 - Exactly! I noticed that too. Good eye!
Anybody else love seeing the time-lapse of the trees being sectioned away? Very interesting to see the patterns, for me anyway heh. Once again another solid testing video!
Thank you very much! I enjoyed the time lapse view a lot too.
Yes.. That was truly a sight
Thats was the Project Farm Rorschach Test.
The only 2 things that surprised me was how slow the carbide chain was and how little a semichisel helped it to cut after cutting for a full tank of gas. It wasn't much different from the full chisel chain for cutting after being dulled from use. Wow that carbide chain was so slow. I knew the Oregon was the best for the cost and that the Stihl was going to be high performing. I thought the husky would have done better and closer to the Stihl in speed, though I haven't had any experience with the husky brand products. Thanks for this test. It confirmed my decision to buy Oregon chains. Great video as always and very helpful. 😎👍
Thank you so much for putting this video together, your research and testing is ALWAYS appreciated. Cheers !
You are welcome!
Great test. I have always been impressed with the Oregon chains. Many years ago I ran a logging job for a major international paper company and bought the Oregon chain by the spool. We tried cheaper but never got the production we did with Oregon. As a home user, some 50 years later, I run Stihl but equip it with Oregon mostly due to the ridiculous price of Stihl chains.
Thank you! Thanks for sharing.
I use cryogenically treated bars, chains and files now. I have a processor with an 84 hp kubota and use .404 harvester chain....the cryo treatment is significant....Windy Ridge in Tamworth does it...
The problem with Oregon chains or other cheaper brands, both the 3/8 and 404 (the bigger, supposedly tougher, professional chains), can break when hitting a big nail or rock. This never happened to me when using a Stihl chain.
@@em4703 if you want to cut rock , buy a grinder for that purpose instead of using a chainsaw. a chainsaw is meant to cut woods and Oregon chains are not that onerous compared to stihl chains and you can get a replacement easily. you should also be aware that there are Chinese brand that equips their chainsaws with Oregon branded bars and chains and they get the job done easily.
@@danteerskine7678 In what videogame reality do you live in where everything is perfect? What kind of disingenuous reply is this? When you slab a 4-5' tree and you hit a hidden nail that your metal detector couldn't find, would you rather have to resharpen your chain because the cutter tips got rocked after cutting through it, or have the cutters and chain links break off the moment it touches said nail putting your saw out of its job for 30-60 minutes unless you have another cheapo chain (that most likely snaps again)? All because you weren't willing to pay a 10% premium for the Stihl chain and better temper? I have no brand affiliation or fanboism, I always just buy the best. For chainsaw chains, nothing beats the Stihl made ones.
It always makes my day to see you have a new video. I enjoy your videos more than myth busters and trust you more than consumer reports. Thanks for your unbiased, fair and well executed videos! They're beyond the scope of what the average home handyman is able to accomplish. Much respect to you!
Thanks so much!
Excellent work - Most interesting in so many ways. Many thanks for all your hard work !
You are welcome!
Great video! As an Australian, with a Husqvarna 372XP, I've typically found STIHL chains to be my best option (over Carlton or Husqvarna, haven't seen a lot of other options locally). Now, a LOT will depend on environment / usage, but - for me - for my typical work, I've found the Stihl hold up the best and ultimately cut more wood per chain making them the best value for money (for me).
Thanks!
What am I doing with my life? It's 4:00 am and I don't need a chainsaw anytime soon yet here I am.
Thanks for watching!
Here I am watching this at 4am 😂
I was taught to sharpen the chain after every tank of fuel, guess that was legit teaching. The extra time for a dull blade adds up!
that's stupid. to put it mildly
Thanks for the feedback.
sharpening even takes longer, i just watch the chips
It depends on how hard the wood is, and if you’ve hit dirt. You can feel when it’s getting too dull. Usually, it’s about every 3 tanks or so for me.
@@billman6364 I do to. But, i was told that waiting for it to dull means you'll have to remove too much metal to get a good edge back. If you hit the teeth each time you have to barely shape it, remove hardly any metal and let the chain and motor cool. I've owned a landscaping/highway maintenance company almost 20 years. My chains last a long time. His test kind of proves my point. One tank added 4 seconds to a cut. By the end of the second tank it would be 6 to 7 seconds. Bring as a person doesn't use a weight to apply pressure, this dullness would increase fatigue. But... A sharp blade makes cutting down a tree easier than a dull blade but experience will bring success either way. ~Bible
Nice video. I think this will help me determine which role of chain I want to by
Really like your videos especially how you do a really good consumer review and don’t take any products from vendors. Keep up the great work! Thanks
Thanks, will do!
Love my oregon chains, and they definitely still hold a good edge after a few sharpenings. Something people should keep in mind as well, if your cutting a lot, you'll be sharpening a lot.
Great point!
After every tank of fuel just stroke the cutters or every other the longer y go the more filing
Can you test full comp, semi skip, and full skip chain and how they impact chain speed and cutting times.
Thanks for the video idea.
I was curious about this very thing .
amazing video! i love how the inner part of the tree is changing amazing to see how tree has developed.
Thanks for the feedback.
Good one! If you do another one you might include a bit on how fast chains stretch, and consequently need adjustment. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion.
Good point.. the Oregon definitely going to need adjusting more that the Stihl or the Husqvarna.. but still.. overall.. for a bought chain the best. Imo. Mostly because they are durable and cheap. And they are nasty if a guy trims the depth gauge too much for when he/she jumps out a chopper fighting fires. Big engine.. mediocre bar.. minus some of the guides=survival at times. Js
when you're cutting through the log it's almost like watching an MRI image of the tree
Thanks for sharing.
Cool observation.
I agree, I found it pretty cool to watch the the log take different shape is it was cut.
More like *epoxy plastination:* journal.plastination.org/archive/jp_vol.22/jp_vol.22_31-39.pdf "The purpose of E12 sheet plastination is to preserve 2-5mm slices of tissue for examination/study by replacing all tissue fluid and a significant amount of fat with a curable resin."
Tomography. Is what that is called. It is like a CAT scan.
can you do a review on best way to file a chainsaw chain (square, semi-chisel, full chisel bullet, etc)
Great test suggestion! Thanks
And/or the electric chain saw sharpeners would also be appreciated PF,great suggestion Tanner as i was going to say something similar and still might,the more people ask for it the better chance PF might do it. 😉
@@startazz Thats the idea We need more people who are asking the same question and this is the way to answer it
I'm happy with my dremel. Makes a big difference in resharpening a dull chain. Cheap and quick too.
@@tannercroteau869 Just added a link to ebay for electric sharpeners and they also seem to do a few decent looking hand held sharpeners as well,oh and i did see Todd/PF say in another comment that he was thinking of doing the sharpener video and wanted some brands,hence why i added the link. 😉 thanks for the quick reply Tanner as it's appreciated.
Huge test !! Love it Thank you
Thank you!
I use your channel same as books for dummies. I love the fact your straight and to the point with your commentary I can follow along easily! Really appreciate your videos .I DO REFERENCE HERE FOR PURCHASES. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK. I HOPE ITS PAYING OFF. WISH WE WERE NEIGHBORS LOL
Thanks!
“Stihl in good shape” I see what you did there! 🖐
Thanks for watching.
Don't think I'll ever buy a chainsaw but of course I'm gonna watch this.
Thank you very much!
Everyone should own some form of chainsaw. Saves a lot of headache if a tree falls in a storm.
@@scytheakse Plus, if you live in Texas and plan a massacre, you're ready at any time.
@@scytheakse not everyone has property to worry about falling trees
Thank you so much for the wonderful presentation/tests. I would like to know if you can use an S55 to replace the Y55 chainsaw chain on my chainsaw. The specs are tge same, but would like to know.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks for your tests and testing standards. Great stuff!
Thanks and you are welcome!
PF: "Mentions chainsaw sharpener" Me: whelp, I guess that's a solid video idea for these dulling blades. Excellent work
Thanks for the feedback.
@@ProjectFarm Test the Oregon 520-120. It's the updated version of the legendary model 511A (which I own and use often). The cheap plastic grinders aren't worth owning, because they aren't precise enough. They wander around.
@@bubbafudpucker397 I went with a full bench-mounted wheel grinder. You can sometimes find the Chineseium ones for about $100.
There not called blades! They are called chains.
@@RomeKG471 blades are cutting tools, chains are agglomerate of blades.
You should test those small bottles of “octane boost” that you see in gas stations and convenience stores
Thanks for the video idea.
Yea but be forewarned they taste like shit. ;)
Thanks for your evaluation of chains. I was a Husqvarna dealer for over eight years. For cost and service my second choice is Oregon chain. My first choice was Windsor chain, but they aren't made anymore. Of course I favor Husqvarna saws. I have an 80 c.c. Husky that is over 45 years old and runs like the day I bought it. But the most important feature of any machine is the "holder". If you want excellent service from your tools then they demand excellent care. Thanks again for the great videos! Shalom/gw
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
@@ProjectFarm Dang! I think I jinxed myself. I knocked my old Husky off the bench today and broke the plastic handle and cast aluminum case! I don't know if I will be able to find parts. Shalom/gw
I’ve never commented on ANYTHING on KZhead before today. I’ve watched several of your videos and loved them all!! Very unbiased tests and I really appreciate it! You’ve helped me a bunch with a heap of decisions!! Thank you very much!!
You are welcome!
That is what REAL testing looks like ! Amazing dedication and thoroughness .Greetings from Germany.
Thank you very much!
Have a word . Taking knots into account ! This is far from accurate . Idiots !
Before I watch my bets on stihl it's the only chain and chainsaw brand I use
Going with Oregon
Great bet!
My ms261 with the tuning kit is faster than my old 036, it's impressive!
That’s my bet too. Gotta admit to holding my breath though. Hope I haven’t been wasting money on Stihl just for a name.
Yeah after watching Oregon did almost just as good and for less cost seems like a pretty good deal.
Awesome and informative video. Honestly speaking I got one of your videos (about knife sharpening) as a recommendation, and I thought it'd be cool to watch it. I'm just a college student with nearly no relation with your vdos, but I just love the way u test em and put ahead all the legit infos. Is definitely helpful for the sciences we apply in daily life. Thumbs up, keep making such videos. U earned one new sub😄✨
Thanks for watching and subscribing! Glad to hear from you!
I just completely disassembled my Jonsered cs2145s turbo and my Stihl ms250c chainsaws, deep cleaned every crevice and replaced worn or damaged parts. Since all the old ones are getting pretty rough, I was getting ready to order two bars and four chains for each saw when I happened across this video. You definitely changed my mind as I was planning on ordering Forester carbide tipped chains. I’m sure glad I found this video first. I cut roughly 20 face cords of wood each year. No wood ordering, as I cut them down and drag them out of the woods myself (solo as all my boys are grown and gone now). I most certainly do not want a slow cutting chain! Thanks much friend! You saved me valuable time. I agree, I’m going with Oregon!
You are welcome! Glad to hear!
I don't own a chain saw, I probably never will. I watched the entire thing.
This guy is like cocaine!
The best chainsaw chain the one that has a good oiler and stays out of dirt
Good Point!
Seriously, the number of chains I've seen that people considered "sharp", theyd struggle to cut through butter.
When you take a saw out you take gas oil and file with you.
@@randyralls9658 My dad always did, and he taught me to.
I was out once with my dad cutting wood, my bar hit the ground for probably 1 second. When my dad used the saw he said "you got it in the dirt, didn't you?" Thanks for the video, always a lot of great information.
You are welcome!
I've only discovered this channel very recently and it's really the best I've seen in product tests, have you tested the lubricant of chainsaws or Chainsaw oil, some people use the Chainsaw brands while I've heard some people just use normal engine oil, gearbox oil, automatic transmission fluid believing it works just as well.
Thanks for watching! Thanks for the video idea.