3/8"/.325- where's the cut-off?

[msjanket]

When using saws of around 49-52 cc, is it preferred to use one of these sizes over the other? I am contemplating the purchase of a saw in this displacement range. thanks

Mike

 

[blis]

When using saws of around 49-52 cc, is it preferred to use one of these sizes over the other? I am contemplating the purchase of a saw in this displacement range. thanks

Mike

IMO .325" is best choice for saws in 50cc class... Nothing to be gained by using 3/8"

 

[sawinredneck]

When using saws of around 49-52 cc, is it preferred to use one of these sizes over the other? I am contemplating the purchase of a saw in this displacement range. thanks

Mike

The only saw in that class that seems to like 3/8's chain in stock form is the Dolmar 5100s, the others will pull it with modifications, but not happily in stock form.

 

[Stihl 041S]

what is or is there a kerf size for each pitch and gauge of chain?

 

[SawTroll]

When using saws of around 49-52 cc, is it preferred to use one of these sizes over the other? I am contemplating the purchase of a saw in this displacement range. thanks

Mike

Normally, that is .325 territory. I wouldn't advise you to use 3/8" on a 50cc saw, unless you know exactly why you want it.

It is pretty impossible to establish a firm boarderline that makes sense, since it all depends on the application, but normally it is somewhere between 49 and 62cc........

 

[Stihl Crazy]

Here is a list of 0-52cc saws that I have used for logging and the setup that they liked best;

Stihl 260- 3/8
Husky 242,246,346-.325
Redmax 5000-.325
Dolmar 5100- 3/8

The 5100 is the only one that feels held back with a .325 chain.

 

[timberwolf]

260 I tried both ways, in the end 3/8 was a bit faster cutting and easier to sharpen. I would not think I would want 325 on anything over 50cc.

 

[SawTroll]

Here is a list of 0-52cc saws that I have used for logging and the setup that they liked best;

Stihl 260- 3/8
Husky 242,246,346-.325
Redmax 5000-.325
Dolmar 5100- 3/8

The 5100 is the only one that feels held back with a .325 chain.

260 I tried both ways, in the end 3/8 was a bit faster cutting and easier to sharpen. I would not think I would want 325 on anything over 50cc.

Hmmmmm, have any of you tried .325x8 vs. 3/8x7, I believe it could be an option, at least on the PS5100??

Glens did that on an 036 (61.5cc) a few years ago, and found the .325x8 to be fastest in his wood, when all chains were new Stihl RS.

That is course just one small piece in the puzzle........:biggrinbounce2:

 

[Cut4fun]

I run 3/8 and .325 on my Partner 5000's and 500 49cc. The 3/8 with a 16" bar is by far the best cutting without any problems on my saws. The .325 is just so slow, but this wasnt Stihl RS .325 either.
On my Poulan 305 49cc I ran Stihl RS .325 with a 8T and 3/8 FC 7T and couldnt tell any difference in the two.
If you run .325 get the Stihl RS chain. IMO its the only .325 worth a hoot.

 

[nisse]

Have anyone tried a NK chain with .325 8T?

I run NK on a 346xp and considered using the same on a 262xp but with
an 8T rim.

Couldn't find any info about it, so I went with 3/8 instead. Still curious about the 8T .325.

/Nisse

 

[Stihl Crazy]

Hmmmmm, have any of you tried .325x8 vs. 3/8x7, I believe it could be an option, at least on the PS5100??

On the 260 .325 8 tooth is faster than 7 tooth but slower than 3/8.
On 242/246 .325 7 tooth is best. 8 tooth limbs okay but drops off in the butt.
On 346 I run .325 8
Dolmar is slower with any .325 setup

I have rims from 7 tooth to 10 in 3/8 and 7-9 in .325 and have tried every combination on all saws. For me the ones listed above work best for cutting up to 24 inch logs. You have to file differently for 7 or 8 tooth to get best performance.

 

[Stihl Crazy]

Have anyone tried a NK chain with .325 8T?

/Nisse

I ran NK chains from Oregon and the one from Bailey's for a while. They would be okay for homeowner use but neither bar or chain held up to pro use. That setup was pretty good for racing in the stock 0-50 class.

 

[SawTroll]

On the 260 .325 8 tooth is faster than 7 tooth but slower than 3/8.
On 242/246 .325 7 tooth is best. 8 tooth limbs okay but drops off in the butt.
On 346 I run .325 8
Dolmar is slower with any .325 setup

I have rims from 7 tooth to 10 in 3/8 and 7-9 in .325 and have tried every combination on all saws. For me the ones listed above work best for cutting up to 24 inch logs.

I actually thought that you would come up with some detailed info, and you did.....:rockn: :rockn:

Just one last question, what type of wood do you cut - I believe it is mostly hardwood, but I don't remember for sure.....

 

[cuttinscott]

Troll. Why would you want the extra maintenance of the smaller .325" tooth if a saw can handle the larger 3/8" tooth??
Also we used to install 3/8" on most 50-54 cc saws from Dolmar
Scott

 

[Trigger-Time]

I'm sold on Stihl .050 3/8 Picco. On a MS260 I run a 8T Picco, 026 7T Picco

 

[SawTroll]

Troll. Why would you want the extra maintenance of the smaller .325" tooth if a saw can handle the larger 3/8" tooth??
Also we used to install 3/8" on most 50-54 cc saws from Dolmar
Scott

I don't, unless I "have to".

I wouldn't even think of putting a .325 on my MS361, even though it may be faster for some applications (well, I once thought of trying .325x9 for limbing, but scrapped the idea).

....but the 3/8" also is totally out of the question on the 353, unless I have it modded at some point, .325x7 (NK) seems like the best option on that one.

I am mostly cutting slow grown birch.

 

[oldsaw]

Although old tech, I run 3/8 on my Homie 150 and it pulls it without a hitch. 43ccs. Never have tried .325 on it, don't really have a reason to do so since it would be a bigger PITA by violating my "all 3/8s rule" I came up with a few years back. One file, all chains. No real reason for it other than that...and I really don't like .325 chain. I have it on the Poulan I never use. Between not starting and .325 chain, I've got 2 good reasons never to use it again.

Mark

 

[SawTroll]

Never have tried .325 on it, don't really have a reason to do so since it would be a bigger PITA by violating my "all 3/8s rule" I came up with a few years back. One file, all chains. No real reason for it other than that... ...

I think that such rules are involved quite often when people go with the 3/8" on smaller saws.......:greenchainsaw:

3/8"x7 are quite a bit larger than .325x7, and "robs" a good bit of torque, in comparison.....

 

[04ultra]

My MS-180 runs .404 and it dont complain...................



..

 

[Stihl Crazy]

Here is a 260 with picco chain. It was the slowest of the chains I tried. The chip clearance is very poor with bar buried.