Mercury Equipment Cutter Info.

Whats the best cutter?

The answer to this really depends on you. Factors like the saw you run, the work you do, how you sharpen you chain, and so on, all play a
part in determining which cutter is best. The following highlights characteristics of each type:

Round Chain - This chain is the easiest to sharpen. An average user can do it with a round file and have good results. It also has the
best stay sharp ability of the three cutter teeth. Its cutting edge is more durable that those on either square tooth chain. This can be
explained by the fact that the edge on a round cutter tooth is larger and better supported.
Square Tooth Round Ground - This chain cuts 10-15% faster than round chain on most saws. Since it takes less power for a sharp
square cutter tooth to sever wood fiber, square tooth chain almost always improves a saw's cutting performance. This chain can also be
sharpened with a round file, so it is fairly easy to maintain for an average user. While it outperforms round cutters when it is sharp, its stay
sharp ability is not as good.

The stay-sharp advantage of round chain is mostly seen when working in dirty or light-abrasive conditions. A chain's stay sharp ability
should not be confused with a chain becoming dull due to "rocking." Hitting a rock or other hard material will dull any cutter tooth -- round
or square.

You will notice that harvester chain always has round cutter teeth. This type of tooth works best in this application because a round cutter
tooth offers the best stay sharp ability. It is also the easiest chain for most operators to hand sharpen. Since harvesters are powered by a
large diesel engine, a chain's cutting efficiency is not as big of a factor in cutting performance as it is with hand-held chain saws.

Square Tooth Square Ground - This chain cuts 20-25% better than round chain. A square ground chisel cutter tooth is the most efficient
of the three. It offers the best cutting performance of all the cutter teeth when it is sharp. This chain can be sharpened with a special file,
but most pro users sharpen it with a special square grinder. It is not a chain that is easy to maintain for an average user. Its stay sharp
ability is also the least of the three styles of cutter teeth.

Understanding Cutter Types