Final answer:
The depth gauge, or raker, on a chainsaw is responsible for controlling the depth of cut made by the saw's cutting teeth. It is crucial for efficient and safe chainsaw operation, and maintaining the correct height of the depth gauge is important.
Step-by-step explanation:
The job of the depth gauge (also known as a raker) is crucial in the functioning of a chainsaw. The depth gauge is a small metal protrusion located in front of each cutting tooth on the chainsaw chain. It determines the thickness of the wood chip that the cutting tooth removes. If the depth gauge is set too high, the cutting tooth takes too small of a bite, leading to an inefficient cutting process. Conversely, if the depth gauge is set too low, the cutting tooth bites too deeply into the wood, which can cause the chainsaw to kick back or get stuck, posing a safety risk to the user.
Proper maintenance of the depth gauge is essential for the safe and efficient operation of a chainsaw. It's typically done by using a flat file and a special depth gauge tool to ensure the correct height is maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications.