Tree felling disc saw with replaceable arcuate teeth

Abstract

The disc saw blade has a plurality of arcuate teeth detachably mounted in complementary-shaped arcuate sockets provided in a rim portion around the circumference thereof. Each tooth has a portion butting against a stop, such as a transverse tail stop surface defined by an inward projection of the socket. The configuration provides a small throw entry gap to reduce the likelihood of sticks being thrown. The teeth preferably are detachably mounted by virtue of a tight fit within the sockets, with no use of fasteners to absorb cutting forces. Keying elements such as a male portion of generally rectangular cross-section extending from the socket into a corresponding female portion in the tooth preferably are used to ensure proper alignment of each tooth relative to the plane of the disc saw blade. Preferably, the teeth and sockets are parts of concentric circles, the diameter of the teeth preferably being slightly larger than the diameter of the sockets, thereby producing a press fit. An axial pin may be installed in each tooth through a clearance space within the blade, such that the pin contacts the blade when its tooth rotates slightly away from its installed position, to prevent further rotation away from its installed position. An adapter preferably is used to assist in installation of the teeth, the adapter having a body which is rotatable by a driving tool and having pins or the like extending laterally therefrom to engage the tooth such that the tooth rotates with rotation of the adapter. Preferably, the adapter has an arcuate element secured along one side of its body to ride against a surface of the socket as the tooth is installed, thereby maintaining the tooth in proper engagement with the socket throughout its installation.