Abstract: A cutting chain bench grinder includes a self-centering vise that centers the cutting chain on an axis of rotation of the vise base. By centering the cutting chain to intersect the vise base axis of rotation, consistent top plate lengths and hook angles can be ground into left and right-hand cutters on a cutting chain. The vise base may also be adjusted horizontally in and out from the grinder base to align the vise base axis of rotation with the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel. The vise base may also be adjusted vertically relative to the vise base to vertically compensate for grinding wheel wear and to control grinding depth. A light tension spring may be used to bias the grinding head in both grinding and dressing positions. A down angle positioner may also be provided that rotates the cutting chain in the vise around a longitudinal centerline of the cutting chain.

Abstract: A lightweight guide bar formed from a heavy material, e.g., steel, and having a center section, e.g., a cavity of reduced material and fitted with a lighter weight insert, e.g., aluminum plate. The center section includes a flange to which the aluminum plate is adhered and a spacer lip defines the desired thickness of the adhesive. Adhesive is applied to the desired thickness under the lip and the aluminum plate is abutted against the lip and into contact with the adhesive for adhering of the plate to the flange. In a preferred embodiment, the flange is a continuous web down the center of the center section and insert plates are adhered to each side of the web. Also, preferably the inserts are oval and symmetrical and are selectively mechanically secured to the flanges by rivets.

Abstract: A lightweight guide bar formed from a heavy material, e.g., steel, and having a center section, e.g., a cavity of reduced material and fitted with a lighter weight insert, e.g., aluminum plate. The center section includes a flange to which the aluminum plate is adhered and a spacer lip defines the desired thickness of the adhesive. Adhesive is applied to the desired thickness under the lip and the aluminum plate is abutted against the lip and into contact with the adhesive for adhering of the plate to the flange. In a preferred embodiment, the flange is a continuous web down the center of the center section and insert plates are adhered to each side of the web. Also, preferably the inserts are oval and symmetrical and are selectively mechanically secured to the flanges by rivets.

Abstract: A chain saw guide bar including a chain tightening mechanism. A shaft or rack slidable within the bar body includes a head portion slidable rearwardly against a bar mounting stud. The head portion resides between opposed edges formed in the bar body and the head portion includes fingers that straddle the mounting stud. Rearward sliding of the shaft or rack against the stud produces a lateral force urging spreading of the fingers to produce wedging of the fingers between the opposed edges and the stud. Such wedging of the fingers produces resistance to return sliding of the shaft and retains the tightened condition of the chain.

Abstract: A chain saw guide bar has self-contained mechanism to force movement of the guide bar away from a drive sprocket to tension the saw chain. The mechanism includes a bearing surface that engages a mounting stud on the chain saw housing and a rotatable portion which upon rotation causes axial displacement of the bearing surface in contact with the stud.

Abstract: A depth gauge leading the cutting edge in a cutter device has a body portion disposed in a substantially upright plane. The depth gauge includes a top plate portion cantilevered laterally over the body. A juncture section joins the depth gauge plate portion to the body of the cutter and is deformed intermediate its front and rear ends to strengthen the depth gauge against breakage.

Abstract: A chain tensioner for a chain saw has a cam member in positive engagement with a flange of a plate attached to the guide bar. Rotation of the cam member forces the guide bar away from a drive sprocket of the chain saw to tension the chain. The cam member is clamped in position to maintain the guide bar in the adjusted position. Flats on the cam member in abutment with the flange resist rotation of the cam member when in the adjusted and clamped position. A slot is provided in the cam member to facilitate rotating the cam to force the guide bar away from the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A cutter for an endless cutter device having a body portion disposed in a substantially upright plane, a cutter portion on a rearward region of the body and a depth gauge portion on a forward region of the body. The depth gauge has a downwardly sloping planar upper surface with a multi-angular configuration. A rear edge of the depth gauge has a central portion which is highest and farthest to the rear, with side portions extending forwardly and downwardly therefrom in diverging directions. A free outer edge intermediate the rear edge and forward edge of the depth gauge is the maximum width portion of the depth gauge. Converging edges progress forwardly from the maximum width portion to the front edge of the depth gauge. The heel of the body portion is clipped to permit limited rearward rocking of the cutter.

Abstract: A cutter for an endless cutter device having a body portion disposed in a substantially upright plane, a cutter portion on a rearward region of the body and a depth gauge portion on a forward region of the body. The depth gauge has a downwardly sloping planar upper surface with a multi-angular configuration. A rear edge of the depth gauge has a central portion which is highest and farther to the rear, with side portions extending forwardly and downwardly therefrom in diverging directions. A free outer edge intermediate the rear edge and forward edge of the depth gauge is the maximum width portion of the depth gauge. Converging edges progress forwardly from the maximum width portion to the front edge of the depth gauge. The heel of the body portion is clipped to permit limited rearward rocking of the cutter.

Abstract: A cutting link having a cutter portion and a depth gauge. And a guide edge extending between the depth gauge peak and cutter portion for guiding a file to sharpen the cutting edge of the cutter portion. In the process of sharpening the cutting edge, the cutter portion is abraded away along a line that furthers the guide edge and thereby continues the guiding of the file to properly file the cutting edge.

Abstract: A brush cutting blade having a curved slitter type/non-raker type primary cutting tooth and a preceding appendage forming a combination depth gauge and small stem slitter. The primary tooth terminates over the blade body with the cutting edge provided by that curved portion of the tooth between its most lateral point and the point of termination over the blade body. The cutting edge is curved but outwardly directed in a slitter configuration throughout its length. The lateral point of the cutting edge determines the kerf width to prevent binding. The slitter cutting edge of the appendage is hook shaped to cut small willowy-type stems and the appendage has an upper inclined guide edge that guides the larger rigid-type stems into the primary cutting tooth. The uppermost point of this guide edge of the appendage provides a depth gauge for the primary cutting tooth.

Abstract: A gulletless saw chain having a cutting link with a cutter portion that is configured to be top sharpenable. A depth gauge portion is positioned in close proximity to the cutting edge corner of the cutter portion. The depth gauge is laterally offset to position the outer most edge of the depth gauge at the corner of the cutting edge to thereby control side penetration as well as depth penetration of the cutting edge. A drive link preceding the cutting link includes a guide portion with an inclined leading edge that corresponds with the leading edge of the depth gauge. A shallow V shaped opening is formed between the depth gauge and drive link guide portion to assist the cutting link in tracking in the kerf.

Abstract: A cutter for an endless cutter device having a body portion disposed in a substantially upright plane, a cutter portion on a rearward region of the body and a depth gauge portion on a forward region of the body. The depth gauge has a downwardly sloping planar upper surface with a multi-angular configuration. A rear edge of the depth gauge has a central portion which is highest and farther to the rear, with side portions extending forwardly and downwardly therefrom in diverging directions. A free outer edge intermediate the rear edge and forward edge of the depth gauge is the maximum width portion of the depth gauge. Converging edges progress forwardly from the maximum width portion to the front edge of the depth gauge. The heel of the body portion is clipped to permit limited rearward rocking of the cutter.