Rakers or depth guages?

Paul Toivonen · 14th November 2011, 04:59 AM

So what are your feelings on this subject?

Eric Frei · 14th November 2011, 06:45 AM

I've always called them rakers

Willard Holmen · 14th November 2011, 09:29 AM

Chainsaw raker terminology has carried over many years ago from the transition of the hand powered crosscut or bow saw to the chainsaw.

The old time wood cutter see's a raker in front of the cutting tooth on the crosscut saw, and when introduced to a chainsaw he still see's the "raker" in front of the cutter.

When you understand the anatomy of a sawchain cutter, the top plate with the cutting edge is the raker.
The depth gauge like compared to the old style horse drawn plow controls the cutter or plows depth of cut

Paul Toivonen · 14th November 2011, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HolmenTree

Chainsaw raker terminology has carried over many years ago from the transition of the hand powered crosscut or bow saw to the chainsaw.

The old time wood cutter see's a raker in front of the cutting tooth on the crosscut saw, and when introduced to a chainsaw he still see's the "raker" in front of the cutter.

When you understand the anatomy of a sawchain cutter, the top plate with the cutting edge is the raker.
The depth gauge like compared to the old style horse drawn plow controls the cutter or plows depth of cut

So basically, both terms can be used?
But to call a depth guage a raker is totally incorrect.
Thank you.

Jeff Darby · 14th November 2011, 11:06 AM

I refer to them both as (rakers, depth guages) depending who I'm talking to...and no I did not vote...

Tony Knight · 15th November 2011, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Darby

I refer to them both as (rakers, depth guages) depending who I'm talking to...and no I did not vote...

Depth gauges, I have the same explaination from my dad as HolmenTree posted.

Cheers

Tony

comgreserv · 15th November 2011, 01:47 AM

Not wanting to "set the cat amongst the pigeons" but isnt the depth guage the tool used to check the height of the rakers?

Happy to be corrected and hear others' thoughts.

Tony Knight · 15th November 2011, 02:05 AM

I'll throw another cat in, I've herd them refered to in the timber industry as "guides".

Cheers

Tony

Paul Toivonen · 15th November 2011, 05:27 AM

I thought the guide was the hardened steel tool you use in conjunction with a file to set the cutting depth "runners"?
I might start calling them CDR's ,just to confuse anyone who hasnt read this post.
An interesting subject, there are many different views and not enough poll options.

Willard Holmen · 15th November 2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comgreserv

Not wanting to "set the cat amongst the pigeons" but isnt the depth guage the tool used to check the height of the rakers?

Happy to be corrected and hear others' thoughts.

Well if you're referring to the tool that measures the height of "rakers" then you would be talking about a raker gauge or raker depth gauge for filing raker teeth.
If you're fitting swaged rakers then along with the raker gauge you would need a pin gauge to determine when the raker has been swaged to the desired depth........of course I'm talking about a crosscut saw.

As long as I remember the tool to measure the depth of sawchain depth gauges in most circles were called a "gaugit". Carlton sawchain called theirs a "file O plate". Windsor called theirs "Filemate".
Now a days I believe Oregon just calls it a "depth gauge tool". Stihl called theirs a "filing gauge".

nmurph · 16th November 2011, 01:15 AM

Raker, because it's shorter.

Willard Holmen · 16th November 2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmurph

Raker, because it's shorter.

I like "riders"

Jeff Darby · 16th November 2011, 11:32 AM

I think you should find out what the person calls them, and if their older just tell them their proper name then leave it up to them...If they are younger use modern terminology so were all on the same page...the old blokes are locked in their ways and its pointless headbutting terminolgy with them....common names alway differ depending where or what school you come from. my zacs worth?....how much is a zac worth people...

John Vander · 16th November 2011, 02:32 PM

I guess terminology is a part of culture. I've heard that bumper spikes are sometimes refered to as "dogs".

Eric Frei · 16th November 2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunugi john

I guess terminology is a part of culture. I've heard that bumper spikes are sometimes refered to as "dogs".

And then the Yanks spell DAWGS !?

John Vander · 17th November 2011, 09:16 AM

SawTroll · 18th November 2011, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Darby

I refer to them both as (rakers, depth guages) depending who I'm talking to...and no I did not vote...

Yes, but mostly I call them rakers, as it is fewer letters........

I didn't vote either.

SawTroll · 18th November 2011, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunugi john

I guess terminology is a part of culture. I've heard that bumper spikes are sometimes refered to as "dogs".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

And then the Yanks spell DAWGS !?

Yes, short for "dog teeth" - "spikes" is another word that is used......

nmurph · 18th November 2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

And then the Yanks spell DAWGS !?

Nawl, only Georgia fans can correctly call them Dawgs.

Eric Frei · 18th November 2011, 08:11 PM

Right, you Georgia fans rock!

ScottyAFoster · 20th November 2011, 05:51 PM

I just call them riders

ScottyAFoster · 5th February 2012, 08:30 AM

It is funny the many weird names chain parts can be called

In the PNW the name dawgs means bucking spikes on the saw

Rob Chace · 5th February 2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rednecktreekiller

It is funny the many weird names chain parts can be called

In the PNW the name dawgs means bucking spikes on the saw

interesting... I thought that "dawgs" (this is what i also call them), were made to help hold the saw in a horizontal position, hence they are called felling spikes (dawgs).

Anyone here more up on chainsaw history than me?

Tom Forrest · 20th May 2012, 12:13 AM

Thanks for clearing up some of the termionology. I've heard both rakers and depth guages used interchangeably to describe the same part of a saw chain...that is the depth guage that sits in front of the cutting edge.

View Poll Results: Rakers or depth guages?
Rakers; always were, always will be.	17	50.00%
Depth guages, you know the ones you file down to control the cutting depth?	12	35.29%
I dont run either of them.	1	2.94%
Never heard of em.	0	0%
Rakers on old saws, depth guages on the newer ones.	4	11.76%
Voters: 34. You may not vote on this poll

14th November 2011, 04:59 AM	#1
Paul Toivonen Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: AUS Posts: 134	Rakers or depth guages? So what are your feelings on this subject?

14th November 2011, 06:45 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I've always called them rakers __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

14th November 2011, 09:29 AM	#3
Willard Holmen Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 650	Re: Rakers or depth guages? Chainsaw raker terminology has carried over many years ago from the transition of the hand powered crosscut or bow saw to the chainsaw. The old time wood cutter see's a raker in front of the cutting tooth on the crosscut saw, and when introduced to a chainsaw he still see's the "raker" in front of the cutter. When you understand the anatomy of a sawchain cutter, the top plate with the cutting edge is the raker. The depth gauge like compared to the old style horse drawn plow controls the cutter or plows depth of cut

14th November 2011, 11:06 AM	#5
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,059	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I refer to them both as (rakers, depth guages) depending who I'm talking to...and no I did not vote... __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

15th November 2011, 01:47 AM	#7
comgreserv Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Perth Posts: 50	Re: Rakers or depth guages? Not wanting to "set the cat amongst the pigeons" but isnt the depth guage the tool used to check the height of the rakers? Happy to be corrected and hear others' thoughts.

15th November 2011, 02:05 AM	#8
Tony Knight Mature tree Join Date: May 2011 Location: Victoria, Australia Posts: 310	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I'll throw another cat in, I've herd them refered to in the timber industry as "guides". Cheers Tony

15th November 2011, 05:27 AM	#9
Paul Toivonen Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: AUS Posts: 134	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I thought the guide was the hardened steel tool you use in conjunction with a file to set the cutting depth "runners"? I might start calling them CDR's ,just to confuse anyone who hasnt read this post. An interesting subject, there are many different views and not enough poll options. Last edited by Paul Toivonen; 15th November 2011 at 05:31 AM.

16th November 2011, 01:15 AM	#11
nmurph Sappling Join Date: May 2008 Location: georgia Posts: 48	Re: Rakers or depth guages? Raker, because it's shorter.

16th November 2011, 11:32 AM	#13
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,059	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I think you should find out what the person calls them, and if their older just tell them their proper name then leave it up to them...If they are younger use modern terminology so were all on the same page...the old blokes are locked in their ways and its pointless headbutting terminolgy with them....common names alway differ depending where or what school you come from. my zacs worth?....how much is a zac worth people... __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

16th November 2011, 02:32 PM	#14
John Vander Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oita Prefecture, Japan Posts: 135	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I guess terminology is a part of culture. I've heard that bumper spikes are sometimes refered to as "dogs". __________________ "What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself." Abraham Lincoln

17th November 2011, 09:16 AM	#16
John Vander Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oita Prefecture, Japan Posts: 135	Re: Rakers or depth guages? __________________ "What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself." Abraham Lincoln

18th November 2011, 08:11 PM	#20
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Rakers or depth guages? Right, you Georgia fans rock! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

20th November 2011, 05:51 PM	#21
ScottyAFoster Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 100	Re: Rakers or depth guages? I just call them riders

5th February 2012, 08:30 AM	#22
ScottyAFoster Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 100	Re: Rakers or depth guages? It is funny the many weird names chain parts can be called In the PNW the name dawgs means bucking spikes on the saw

20th May 2012, 12:13 AM	#24
Tom Forrest Sappling Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mt Macedon, Vic Posts: 42	Re: Rakers or depth guages? Thanks for clearing up some of the termionology. I've heard both rakers and depth guages used interchangeably to describe the same part of a saw chain...that is the depth guage that sits in front of the cutting edge.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Specify your stump grinding depth or else	Eric Frei	General Tree Chat	23	7th February 2012 03:44 AM