Cutting speed: slow and steady or full send?

B

beebuzz

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Nov 17, 2025
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Really interested in how everyone figures out the right feed rate. Do you rely on the sound it makes, the color of the chips, the shape of the tool, or is it just a matter of experience? What's your go-to method for choosing the ideal cutting speed for different materials?
 
No pushing. A properly sharpened chain will feed quite fast. If you get the rakers too low, you will actually have to pickup on the saw to keep speed up.
Nothing like a a sharp chain and big chips. Makes it a pleasure.
 
STIHLTECH said:
No pushing. A properly sharpened chain will feed quite fast. If you get the rakers too low, you will actually have to pickup on the saw to keep speed up.
Nothing like a a sharp chain and big chips. Makes it a pleasure.
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Yep, this. A correctly sharpened chain will train you how a saw is supposed to cut and how it needs to be fed into the wood. In seeking out that feeling, you'll slowly learn how to properly sharpen to achieve it. It's a process that takes experience to compliment all the videos and advice.... if you care. Some will attempt putting a square peg in a round hole for a life time. I always say, if sawing isn't fun, your chain isn't properly sharpened.
 
That’s such a great insight. It really captures the idea that sharpening is not just about upkeep, it’s also about learning how to feel what proper cutting is like. I appreciate your point that a sharp chain can transform the whole experience into something enjoyable rather than a challenge.
 
Alan said:
That’s such a great insight. It really captures the idea that sharpening is not just about upkeep, it’s also about learning how to feel what proper cutting is like. I appreciate your point that a sharp chain can transform the whole experience into something enjoyable rather than a challenge.
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Absolutely! It took me the better part of a decade to get it right. I learned to file and grind in a few days, and I could always bring my chains back to “sharpness”, but over time I was able to achieve getting a chain to cut fast, effortless, and enjoyable. I screwed up a lot of chains and got way too aggressive with depth gauges, and everything in between. And I sure feel sorry for what I’ve put a few chainsaws through as I learned. I’ve always got plenty to still learn and people to learn from.
 
Internet Pretender said:
Absolutely! It took me the better part of a decade to get it right. I learned to file and grind in a few days, and I could always bring my chains back to “sharpness”, but over time I was able to achieve getting a chain to cut fast, effortless, and enjoyable. I screwed up a lot of chains and got way too aggressive with depth gauges, and everything in between. And I sure feel sorry for what I’ve put a few chainsaws through as I learned. I’ve always got plenty to still learn and people to learn from.
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What a great way to look at it. It’s clear you’ve put in the effort to truly master this and it’s inspiring to hear how much your journey has been shaped by trial and error.
 
Haha that still puts you at the top of the leaderboard in my book!
 

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