3120 questions

[jczv]

Just picked up a decent looking 3120 for a reasonable price. I wasn't able to do much due diligence yet so don't know exactly how it runs. I think it's a 94 (serial number starts with a 4 and the serial number plate has a black background) model so if I'm reading the owners manual right it's limited at 12.5.

A few questions:
- It definately needs a new air filter. It looks like bailey's only has the foam ones - what is recommended for milling purposes foam or felt (I'm mainly milling dead dried oak but a bunch of it was killed by oak wilt so there's a lot of fine dust from the outer few inches).
- I'm assuming it's setup with a 404 sprocket. I'm not bright enough to figure out if it's really 404 or 3/8 and haven't heard back from the guy I bought it from. All my milling bars and chain is 3/8. Will I screw anything up by running 3/8 chain if the sprocket is 404 just to try it out?
- Is the Oregon Powermate Rim and Drum System available from Bailey's a good product. It looks like I can pick two sprockets with it (I'd probable get a 7 and 8 pin 3/8). http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=ORF+37969X&catID=

thanks

 

[mtngun]

Will I screw anything up by running 3/8 chain if the sprocket is 404 just to try it out?

Yep, it'll peen the drive links.

Is the Oregon Powermate Rim and Drum System available from Bailey's a good product ?

Yep

Does the saw currently have a spur sprocket, or a rim and drum ? If it is a rim and drum, then you only need a 3/8" rim, $5. If it has a spur sprocket, a rim and drum is the way to go.

Congratulations on the new saw. Should make a good milling powerhead once you have it sorted out.

 

[BobL]

Yep, it'll peen the drive links.

Not just that, if the 3/8 manages to jump a drive tooth it will almost definitely break the chain

 

[betterbuilt]

- Is the Oregon Powermate Rim and Drum System available from Bailey's a good product. It looks like I can pick two sprockets with it (I'd probable get a 7 and 8 pin 3/8). http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=ORF+37969X&catID=

thanks

I've been waiting for someone to address what drive sprocket I should use for milling. I'm currently running a 3/8-8 But I just realized that I could go to a 3/8-7. Would anyone recommend one over the other. Thanks

 

[mtngun]

I've been waiting for someone to address what drive sprocket I should use for milling. I'm currently running a 3/8-8 But I just realized that I could go to a 3/8-7. Would anyone recommend one over the other. Thanks

Depends on the powerhead and the log and the bar.

I run a 7 on my 066BB, and wish they made a 6 ! ! ! No way it would pull an 8 efficiently at my elevation.

But, if my 084 project ever gets done, I expect it to pull an 8 pin 3/8 or 9 pin .325.

I think BobL runs either an 8 or a 7 on his 880, just depending on the wood.

 

[betterbuilt]

Thanks I just ordered a few 7's just to try. I run a 066 with a 48 inch Mill. I'm usually cutting hard woods like maple and Oak. I've been wondering for a while if the sprocket had something to do with the torque and power. Thanks for the quick answer.

 

[mtngun]

Thanks I just ordered a few 7's just to try. I run a 066 with a 48 inch Mill. I'm usually cutting hard woods like maple and Oak.

I'm pretty sure your 066 will prefer the 7 pin for milling with a long bar.

 

[jczv]

thanks for the help everyone - I'll just tap my foot until I get the new sprocket.

Any opinions on which air filter?

 

[betterbuilt]

Thanks for the help.

I did some looking for a filter for a 3120 and all I see is a molded foam filter.

 

[huskyhank]

The 11,500 limit saws are better/stronger than the newest ones which are limited lower. Does yours have a primer bulb or a choke?

In any event, run plenty of oil - I use 32:1 or 40:1. There is no screw adjustment so you have to be sure of not running too lean and about all you can do is add oil to be sure.

There's a thread over in "Chainsaws" about 3120 filters, not a complete or definite answer but a discussion. I use the stock filter on my 3120s and think they do OK. I'm thinking of adding the foam over the top of the paper as filtration is not super great. I think stock filtration is fine for regular cutting but not perfect for fine milling dust. You don't want fine milling dust (a sharp chain gives more chips than dust) but you'll get some no matter. Obviously, its better to keep out all the dust you can.

Jacks Small Engine has filters. If you buy a foam filter you need to order the cage or frame and the foam - two parts.

I use a 7 tooth 3/8 sprocket for anything over about 20". If you're cutting softwood or small hardwood only you might be fine with an 8. I do like the 8 in smaller wood since it cuts a little faster. Running a 7 makes it easy to control the cutting action - the saw just grunts through most anything. The 8 gets touchy to feeding when the wood gets big or tough.

As others have said, running 3/8 chain on a .404 sprocket will ruin the chain and the sprocket. Breaking the chain is very bad if it also breaks other parts of your saw.

3120s use several plastic pieces that insert into the chain cover and crankcase to guide the chain. Make sure they are still good. If not replace them. They are there to control the chain which whips around a lot more than you'd ever think.