Carving bars come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours. This is an Echo carving bar made by Sugihara.
ARE YOU NEW TO CHAINSAW CARVING??? Why not get some info under your belt by watching and following this playlist [click here]. This has been designed for new folk to this area of chainsaw use.
R7 tips 7mm radius
The smallest nosed bars are known as R7 tips [the tip radius of these is 7mm]. They are for the most delicate detail work and only run the smallest of chains Stihl 3670-71PM3 or Panther PMC 1/4 .043. Only use these on small low powered saws for detailing work only. You can break the tips on these easily if you try and overwork them.
Dime tips 9-10mm radius
Next size up is the Dime tips – these typically have a radius of 9mm and only run 1/4 .050 chain. This really only gives you x2 options with the Oregon 25F full feature chain [continuous cutters for a more planing style action or Stihl 3661-13RMS which has smaller cutters to give a more frictionless action on the nose.
Quarter tips 12-13mm radius
Then there are the Quarter tip bars. These are radius 12.5mm and you can run either 3/8 lo pro .050 OR 1/4 .050. The tip is large enough for the longer 3/8 lo pro chain to travel around but some carvers like the finer action and feel of 1/4 .050 chain. Our selector will pull in the correct 3/8 lo pro chains for you but for the 1/4 chain options you’ll have to go to the custom chain selector here and put in your drive link count https://www.chainsawbars.co.uk/custom-chain-loop/
Toonie tips 18-22mm radius
Finally you then have the Toonie tips – these are much larger at 20mm radius and are only currently available in 18″ lengths on a Light Type Sugihara [Cannon are on their way May 2020]. These give longer reach and may be run with either 3/8 lo pro or .325 .050. Same as for the Q tip bars the selector will pull in the correct .325 .050 chain but if you want a 3/8 .050 lo pro you’ll have to buy off the custom chain selector https://www.chainsawbars.co.uk/custom-chain-loop/
Further info…
Chainsaw carving and the proper use of carving equipment is an art in itself. If you are venturing into carving for the first time go online and do some research. A good place to start click here.
Click here for a somewhat basic video made a few years ago – the range has increased since then.
Simon O Rourke has also made some cracking videos and carvings and has to rank as one of the best (with awards to prove) – a couple of his videos can be found here and also a review on the Sugihara 18″ Toonie tip here.
And to finish off here’s a recent video by Nick Speakman using a 16″[40cm] Sugihara Quarter Tip Tough Carver. You can find Nick’s work and website clicking here.