Log Home Store

Chainsaw Carving

Chainsaw carving  is steadily increasing in popularity for both wood carving and ice carving. 
We get calls from all over North America, Great Britain, and Europe asking for carving bars, 1/4 pitch spur sprockets,  and 1/4 pitch chain. On this page you'll find items from Chainsaw Carving Books and Videos explaining how to chain saw carve, to the special 1/4 pitch Dime tip carving bars, so grab that cuppa, sit back, and read on. . . you're gonna find some really cool stuff here.

For additional Power Carving tools click HERE!

Carving books & Videos

Chain Saw Carving
   Chainsaw Carving Packages
   Carving Bars
        Universal Mount Bars
        UM for Stihl Bars
        GB Bars
        Cannon Bars
        Carving Bar compatibility list HERE
  1/4 Pitch Spur Sprockets
        1/4 pitch sprocket compatibility list HERE

Chain for carving bars-1/4, 325, 3/8lp

Chain saws for Log Building

Safety Gear

A Note about chain types..."Safety" and "Pro" Chain.
Current US law states all saws under 3.8 cu. in. (That's the dividing line between the big professional saws and non professional saws in the eyes of ANSI and is part of the ANSI regulations: ANSI B175.1),  must be sold with a special "low kickback" (Safety) chain and either a special narrow profile bar (also lower kickback hazard) or a chain brake. Many saws in this size range come with all three items.

Saw chain is identified as Pro or Safety for this discussion...
Safety chain has features designed to reduce saw kickback such as a guard link that is located between the cutters on the chain that reduces the chance and severity of kickback. Safety style chain cuts marginally slower (you won't notice it), and many claim it cuts smoother. 
Some say the addition of safety "guard style" raker (sometimes called double raker style), forces the chain to travel "flatter" along the bar groove, thus the chain links won't wear so unevenly in the area of the rear rivet...believe me, this is only of relevance to a select few)
Pro type chain is available for these saws, however, it's our understanding that it can only be sold as an "add-on" item and not to replace the original chain supplied by the manufacturer (thus we can sell it, however we'd be smart not to install it). Pro type chain is faster (particularly in a chisel style chain...but we digress), not quite as smooth and more prone to kickback. Thus Pro is for the experienced saw user. 
Our replacement chains for 325, 3/8lp, and 3/8 are usually sold in the semi-chisel pro version.

Unless you have lots of experience using a chainsaw and some of that is chainsaw carving, we recommend you opt for the Safety style of chain. If we don't offer you a choice then the package comes with safety chain. If we do offer a choice, then you'll find a "drop down" box where you're asked to pick either Pro or Safety.

Chainsaw Carver's Special

Chainsaw Carving Saws

For detail work, a light weight saw is generally preferred. We offer the popular:

Makita 5012b electric

as well as a top of the line gas powered "Arborist Quality" saws by Husqvarna.

334T
336 
338XPT

For additional Chainsaws, Chain, Files head over to HERE!

Electric Chainsaws for carving

Makita's 5012b runs at a blistering 5500 feet per minute, (fpm)...this is up to 3x faster than the average electric chainsaw.
Comes standard with a 3/8" low profile (lp) .050 sprocket, bar and chain. 
Additionally, we provide a 1/4 pitch sprocket,  a 12" dime size tip carving bar, and a 1/4 pitch chain (Safety version). 
This is an excellent Carver's package for those wanting to work indoor or preferring electric to gas powered.

NOTE: Makita 5012b electric saws don't have a metal guide plate between the bar and the the body of the saw (which is plastic). Thus it's important to keep the oiler holes in the bar clean of debris so that sufficient oil is lubricating the chain. Additionally, don't overtighten the chain as you'll increase the friction between bar and chain...and finally, do loosen the bar nut a bit prior to adjusting chain tension to keep from wearing the side of the saw prematurely.

Note: Opinions vary on what type oil to use in the chain bar oiler. General consensus is to use a light weight oil. Some of the suggestions from the Carving Post are mineral oil, hydraulic oil, turbine oil, or a 10wt. winter oil. One of the more popular seems to be thinning regular bar oil with Kerosene. (1 cup kerosene to 1 gallon bar oil). Others suggest "Slick 50", "Power Punch", or a synthetic such as "AmsOil".
Note: This saw does not have an anti-vibration system. For long term use, try wrapping a piece of pipe insulation (the foam type), on the upper handle and cover it with duct tape or some such). 
Note: This saw has a chain speed up to 3 times what many electrics run at. You need to wear all your safety gear with this (or any), saw. Don't get lulled into thinking "it's just an electric". And Remember, chaps don't have the same 'jamming' ability to stop the saw chain with an electric saw.

Recommended electrical extension cord wire size: 
25 ft./14 AWG 
50 ft./12 AWG

• Electric Chainsaw with the bar, chain and sprocket that are factory supplied...plus
• 12" carving bar with your choice of dime or quarter size tip
• 12" 1/4 pitch carving chain
• 1/4 pitch sprocket

• 12" carving bar
• 1/4 pitch sprocket
• 1/4 pitch chain.

Gas Chainsaws for carving

Husqvarna now makes 3 great Arborist/Carving saws. 

334T is the smallest of the line with the body used in the discontinued 335xpt. Motor has been slightly downgraded to 2.2 cu. in. to place this in the Farmer/Rancher class of quality. (Considered a 1/2 step below the professional class). Good all purpose saw.
336 is the newest (and strangest looking) with a rear handle design on an Arborist type saw. Carvers who try it like the wide set handles for their unsurpassed balance and maneuverability. Same motor as the 334T.
338xpt is the upgraded version of the discontinued 335xpt. Using smart start technology and closed port cylinder for better power curve/performance.

Built to the demanding requirements of the professional arborist, these saws are perfectly balanced, with a snag-free design to make it the ideal saw for the tree care professional. 
Log builders and Chain saw carvers have found the saws to be equally as applicable to their uses. Rear grip is textured for a stronger grip and features a built-in rope ring, a thumb grip, and a little extra support in the throttle for your trigger finger. (description would be slightly different for the 336).
 
14,000 rpm maximum no-load 
7.5lbs-3.4kg weight w/o bar and chain
Comes standard with a 3/8" .050 sprocket, bar and chain. 334T and 338xpt provided with factory 14" bar, 336 comes with 16" bar.

We'll also provide a 1/4" pitch sprocket, 12" dime tip carvers bar and 1/4 pitch chain.. 

Here's some more information on the 334T, 336 and the 338xpt.

Choose between the:

334T
336
338xp

Carving Bars

Chain saw carving bars are popular with wood and ice carvers as well as log builders for performing "plunge" cuts and detail work with minimal kickback. Saying that, most carving chain is provided without the special "guard link" found on most consumer chain. The safety guard link makes saw chain safer, (not safe, safer). Unfortunately, it also gets in the way of proper chain saw carving, thus chain without the guard link is most often used. 

Quarter sized tips, (50 pence size for you Brits), for 3/8" lo pro, .325, and 1/4" pitch chain. 
Dime sized tips, (20 pence size), available for 1/4" pitch chain only. 
(Not all the saws listed below can be converted to 1/4 pitch). 
To find out whether your saw has a 1/4 pitch Spur Sprocket available click HERE.

Note: When ordering chain or bars, please include make and model of saw. (not necessary if you're an experienced chain saw carver and know what you're ordering is correct). If possible, let us know the pitch and gauge of the chain. 
Look HERE for information on determining pitch and gauge of saw chain. 
You'll also need a chain to fit as the carving bars take a different length chain than a standard bar of the same length. 

Note: When you receive a carving bar from us you'll find that we have applied some "slick 50", or similar lubricant at the bar tip to provide adequate lubrication until the saw "oiler" has dispensed sufficient oil into the bar groove to lubricate the entire bar length. This is particularly important on manual oilers such as the Makita 5012b

Note: Carving Bars are designed to accommodate several different bar mount styles. Occasionally, you may need to file out the bar stud groove to allow the bar to slide into place and tighten up properly. This filing can be easily done with a good flat file or round file as the circumstances dictate.

Note: Again, Look here for information on determining pitch and gauge of saw chain.

Click on photo to enlarge

The only carving bar that we're aware of that also offers a sprocket tip option. 
Note: A 1/4 pitch sprocket tip is about the size of a 50 cent piece (available in 12-14-16-18" lengths, while the 3/8lp is about like a silver dollar. The 3/8lp is only available in the 12" length.

Tip Size:
Dime size tip works only for 1/4 pitch...Stihl brand 1/4 pitch chain doesn't work (we don't carry the Stihl brand 1/4 pitch chain.
Quarter size tip works for 1/4, .325, or 3/8lp (lo pro) chain

Chain:
Pitch (1/4, .325, 3/8lp)
(Gauge is always 050)
Safety=double raker=less kickback
Pro=single raker=traditional style
(when in doubt pick safety chain)

Make and model of your saw in case we notice any discrepancy between what you ordered and what you intend to use it on. 

Length of chain is for those that know the length of chain they prefer.

For more information on, or to order additional chain or files, click HERE.

Remember: If you order a Dime tip you can only use 1/4 pitch chain (there are a select few who swear they can use a 3/8lp on a dime tip successfully).

For more information, or to order additional chain or files, click HERE.

12" - $76.00
12" - $88.00-sprocket tip
14" - $82.00
14" - $94.00-sprocket tip
16" - $88.00
16" - $100.00-sprocket tip
18" - $94.00
18" - $106.00-sprocket tip

Tip Size:
Dime size tip works only for 1/4 pitch...Stihl brand 1/4 pitch chain doesn't work (we don't carry the Stihl brand 1/4 pitch chain.
Quarter size tip works for 1/4, .325, or 3/8lp (lo pro) chain

Chain:
Pitch (1/4, .325, 3/8lp)
(Gauge is always 050)
Safety=double raker=less kickback
Pro=single raker=traditional style
(when in doubt pick safety chain)

Make and model of your saw in case we notice any discrepancy between what you ordered and what you intend to use it on. 

Length of chain is for those that know the length of chain they prefer.

For more information on, or to order additional chain or files, click HERE.

12" - $88.00
14" - $92.00
16" - $96.00
18" - $100.00

Remember: If you order a Dime tip you can only use 1/4 pitch chain (there are a select few who swear they can use a 3/8lp on a dime tip successfully).

Tip Size:
Dime size tip works only for 1/4 pitch...some few say they run a 3/8lp...most disagree.

NOTE: We've been told Stihl brand 1/4 pitch chain doesn't work...we don't carry the Stihl brand 1/4 pitch chain.
Quarter size tip works for 1/4, .325, or 3/8lp (lo pro) chain

Chain:
Pitch (1/4, .325, 3/8lp)
(Gauge is always 050)
Safety=double raker=less kickback...perhaps smoother, slightly slower cut...not safe, just safer...
Pro=single raker=traditional style
(when in doubt pick safety/double raker chain)

Make and model of your saw in case we notice any discrepancy between what you ordered and what you intend to use it on. 

Length of chain is for those who know the length of chain they prefer.

For more information on, or to order additional chain or files, click HERE.

 8" - $53.25
12" - $66.00
14" - $76.00
16" - $86.00
18" - $96.00
20"- $106.00

Remember: If you order a Dime tip you can only use 1/4 pitch chain (Saying that: There are a select few who swear they can use a 3/8lp on a dime tip successfully).

CA0020-carving-bar-stihl
American made.
Fits the Large Stihl styles...e.g. 024, 026, and larger. (MS250 uses a standard carving bar shown above).

You can pick from:
 
Bar Length

Optional Chain

Model of saw is in case we notice any discrepancy between what you ordered and what you intend to use it on. 

Custom length chain option is for a carver who prefers their chain to be a slightly different length than those shown here. 

Stihl - large bar mount (Oregon number D025)...these bars are available with a "quarter size" tip only. You can use 1/4, 325, or 3/8lp chain on these bars...it depends on the sprocket on you chainsaw.

12" $88.00
14" $92.00
16" $96.00
18" $100.00

Note: 3/8 lo pro (lp), and 3/8 are not the same. You can use 3/8 lo pro on a carving bar. You can't use regular 3/8. 

A Note on 1/4 pitch chain:
1/4 pitch chain is  for use on saws using "dime tip" and "quarter tip" carving bars, some specialty carving bars having a sprocket tip, and on some small saws that may come factory direct with 1/4 pitch chain. 1/4 pitch chain may be one of several chain brands. If you have a preference, please advise, and we'll try to match what you're looking for. 

Actual chain type may vary from  picture. 

Oregon brand of 1/4 pitch chain showing the guard links(safety)

325 without guard link(pro)

3/8 lo pro without guard link(pro)

3/8 regular. Not available for carving bars. Shown for comparison only.

Chain is available in a Safety guard (double raker) and the Original (single raker).
Rakers are the item directly in front of the cutting edge of the tooth and they control the amount of cut a tooth can take. A safety raker (also called double bumper in some areas) reduces the chance of kickback compared to the Original style (sometimes called Pro style as it's a bit faster cutting).

Note: A bar is actually longer than it's stated size...the stated length is roughly the cutting area of the bar (from saw to tip of bar), not including the part of the bar that's hidden behind the clutch cover plate.

1/4 Pitch Sprockets

We have 1/4 pitch spur sprockets, as well as a 1/4 pitch sprocket for the Makita 5012b electric and the Stihl electrics

SPUR SPROCKETS are made of high grade steel which is specially heat treated for extra long life and wear. Precision manufacturing results in true pitch and roundness. Sprocket teeth mate exactly with the drive links to minimize chain wear and chatter and assure that the chain flows smoothly onto the bar. 

For longer sprocket life, it is recommended that you use new chains with a new sprocket. (and touch up or replace your existing 1/4 pitch bar). 

Note: Some saws need a special clutch removal tool to change out the sprocket. We have attempted to note this when appropriate. (We'll add to the list as we find out about other cases). Additionally, the sprocket that is currently on your saw, occasionally has an inner bearing that is an integral part of the sprocket and you may find you need a sprocket bearing. 

Find out whether your saw has a 1/4 pitch Spur Sprocket available HERE, then choose the sprocket series from the list below.