I have never used these discs, anyone who has used this or similar one can explain please how good they are and for what exactly? Thanks
These look a lot like ones that I have used called “Lancelot” - from King Arthur:
You use them (carefully I might add - as they can grab and buck) mounted on a small angle grinder for roughing work in power carving - outdoor sculptures etc. They are a bit less fearsome in this regard than power carving with a chainsaw.
Is that OK to cut trees (small trees) with them? At least partially? I like to be able to use every tool for more different purposes in case…
I never used one for that purpose. The depth of cut would seem to be really limited - so maybe it could be use to cut small thin branches - not trees.
I meant small trees with 2"-3" diameter. Something like branches. I would need to do that once in three years maybe. Thanks for the information.
StumpyNubs on youtube just recently had a serious accident with one of these chainsaw discs. I suggest watching his video and thinking carefully about how you use one of these safely.
In his case, it “bucked” and the disc removed a few chunks of flesh from one of his hands in milliseconds.
Yeeeach, I just watched that part of the video where he explained what happened. I didn’t even realize an angle grinder could bite you that way.
Sure it was with the chainsaw disc, but if it happened with that, it could theoretically happen with a grinding disc or with one of those slotted diamond cutting discs.
I wonder if a type 1 guard, maybe rotated to cover closer to the hand, would help.
I think I’ve used one of these chainsaw discs… once. On the other hand, I’ve used grinding, cutting and flappy wheels A LOT.
From what I could tell, I think he may have made two or three mistakes at once with how he was using the tool. Personally, I think I would want the guard rotated to the same side as the side handle and rotate myself or the work to accommodate that.
I also wonder if maybe a larger, “rat-tail” grinder might give you a better chance at retaining control of the tool if it “bucks”.
I suspect a grinder with “buck” detection would not have been able to stop the disc in time to prevent injury.
For that kind of work, I would strongly recommend a good manual pruning saw. Cheaper, safer, nearly as fast, no need for extension cords or batteries, works fine in the coldest weather. I like Silky saws. Most of them fold so they are easy to carry and store.
Alternatively, some people use reciprocating saws. There are recip blades made specifically for pruning. They seem to range up to 12", so they can handle pretty big trees (though that doesn’t mean YOU can.)
In a pinch I would consider using a cordless jigsaw. I wouldn’t mess with a circular saw.
Either way, if you don’t now how to do it correctly, you need to learn how, so you don’t pinch or break the blade, have trees or limbs fall on your head, etc.
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I don’t know why these chainsaw blades would be better than a carving wheel (which would be solid, have no moving parts, etc.) Also, what keeps the chain taut?
I saw the stumpy nubs video too, I don’t think it was only user error, although he could’ve done some things better. There is a follow up video and a lot of discussion, and the consensus seems to be that this is not a good blade to use with a grinder. For sure, you don’t have a lot of experience with a grinder, this would not be a good place to start. Even if you do, some of the experienced folks there are saying they’ve never use it. A small chainsaw doesn’t cost much. You can get an electric one even. I’ve use the recip saw with a special blade for small branches and it works fine.
I absolutely love my electric Makita chainsaw. I’d love to test drive a dewalt or Milwaukee but I seriously doubt they’re as good considering that Makita co-developed it with Dolmar who invented the chainsaw.
The electric Makita is not perfect but it beats the hell out of every other electric or gas chainsaw I’ve used.
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Mine is a Stihl and works fine for dealing with a small property. Doesn’t tire you out and no fumes or gas to deal with. I didn’t know Makita made them. Good to know. My main platform is Makita, so I have a bias toward their tools in general. Makita should make a cordless, but probably not feasible right now.
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Makita has multiple cordless chainsaws. Both 18v x2 and regular 18v.
Mine is corded however and I like it that way. I’ve actually used it to cut down trees as big as 28" in diameter though it got used the most removing “tree bushes” from our back yard. I think the largest one was maybe 40ft tall and about 15" in diameter at the base.
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That’s one of those things I should just probably forget about, so I can just be satisfied with what I’ve got. But something to look into if I ever need another one. And, wow, 28 inches!
I put a Forester 9" brush blade on a 60V Dewalt string trimmer and it easily cuts the brush that my chainsaw gets snagged on. It feels slightly safer being at the end of a 6 foot pole. As long as it stays sharp, it cuts very easily, but if you hit anything hard like a rock or dirt, it won’t stay sharp very long.
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The chainsaw-type disc seems like a useful solution/eater of wood when the user has respect for the amount of wood to be removed. — This is only occasionally for thin,thin branches and otherwise light gouging to wood. If one doesn’t wear thick gloves, full (flap down face shield) chaps, and chest chaps, then regrettably, you’re askin for it.
I was just bit by one of these blades. I am experienced with one. They are dangerous as you can imagine and after plenty of near misses it bucked and put a four inch laceration to the bone across my inner knee. Not where or when i was expecting as always seems to be the case. If you use one go in fully suited samari style cause they bite hard and fast as any good tool should.
like said above with the advent of the power carving discs for grinders I’d never consider something as grabby/segmented as this. Even if it’s meant to have replacement chain - I’d use something else. I think it’s Arbortech that makes some.
Used one like this (think grater on a plate balance for your grinder) and it’s very nice to use.
That Stumpy video and the general consensus about that wheel have made me vow to never use one at all. I have a small Electric chainsaw and Recip with pruning blade for my yard work now.