Improved chain saws, components for chain saws, methods of making chain saws and components, and methods of using chain saws and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, a chain saw comprises a saw bar and a plurality of links, wherein a first link has a hook that engages a recess of a second link, thereby coupling the first link and the second link and allowing them to articulate without decoupling. The saw bar may have a rail, and the links may have grooves such that the links straddle and ride over the rail. The rail may have a projection and the grooves of the links may have notches accommodating the projection such that the projection prevents dislocation of the links. The links may have conical or pyramidal cutting teeth. The chain may be bidirectional. Robotic and automated operation of saws and other instruments are also disclosed.

Embodiments herein provide apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with a saw chain link having one or more oversized rivet holes. A rivet may be disposed in the oversized rivet hole and provide a clearance between the rivet and the edge of the oversized rivet hole that is about 0.010 inches or more. The clearance may permit the saw chain to move between two or more stable positions. The saw chain link may be a drive link, such as a cutter drive link or a bumper drive link. In some embodiments, the saw chain link may be a bi-directional saw chain link. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Embodiments herein provide apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with a saw chain link having one or more oversized rivet holes. A rivet may be disposed in the oversized rivet hole and provide a clearance between the rivet and the edge of the oversized rivet hole that is about 0.010 inches or more. The clearance may permit the saw chain to move between two or more stable positions. The saw chain link may be a drive link, such as a cutter drive link or a bumper drive link. In some embodiments, the saw chain link may be a bi-directional saw chain link. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

The present invention relates to a novel cutting apparatus capable of effectively cutting a material via movement in at least two different directions. In certain embodiments, the cutting apparatus comprises cutting elements with at least two cutting surfaces. Such cutting elements are capable of effectively penetrating a material when moved with an applied force in the direction that at least one cutting surface is oriented. Such cutting elements may be configured for use with a variety of cutting apparatus, including but not limited to chainsaws.