50cc saws + 20" bars

[IchWarriorMkII]

Whats the standard for these saws with the chains? Are they normally pulling skip or full comp with 20" bars?

I ran 18" NK .325 full comp okay, but I stepped to a 20" .325 full kerf full comp. It runs it fairly well, Im debating on checking some skip out... I think partially because Im not a big fan of filing

 

[BC_Logger]

you dont run skip on bars that size full house is what you want . skip is for 24 or larger

 

[Four Paws]

Semi-skip might be a good choice. Seems the norm in the PNW is long bars, skip chain, big spikes and wrap handles...but a small saw is 70cc and runs a 28". I like how smooth full-comp runs, so I size my bars and saws accordingly. I also don't cut for a living - just to heat my house and have fun running my saws. On my two 50cc saws I run a 15" .325 bar on my Shindaiwa 500, and 18" 3/8 bar on my 5100S Dolmar - both with Carlton full comp chain. I pack the 500 around with me camping - bar is sized perfectly - love the setup for general use. The 5100S will be getting fit with a 16" bar when I use up the two 18" chains I have for it. I only use it for limbing/limb wood when cutting firewood, and my wife likes to use it. That said, a shorter bar will suit my needs, and allow her to handle the saw a little better.

I guess I like shorter bars, bigger sprockets, faster chain speed and that smooooooth full comp.

 

[Lakeside53]

A 50cc saw and 20 inch runs great with full skip - sure a lot better than full comp.. Full comp is a load even in softwoods unless you're just using the 20 inches for reach.

 

[redprospector]

I run a 20" bar on my 350 Husky. 3/8" full comp, sq chisel. The only reason I don't run skip is I run the same type chain on all my saws except my 338, and if I could figure out a way to change it over I would. The little 350 just catches the brunt of my chain decision, It doesn't get run much though.

Andy

 

[Brushwacker]

I've run skip 3/8 20 inch on an o32 and liked it very well. It felt to me to cut faster and more powerful in the cut.

 

[sawinredneck]

OK, is this on the 346? If so, NO NO NO NO!!!!!! In CO, the 353 migh be fine with a 20" in soft wood. In hardwood, forget it!!! You will want/need, more power. Trust me!!

 

[Stumper]

I've run 3/8ths both full skip and standard with no problems. (and .325 standard complement). It all works. Buried bar cuts in hardwood are a bit of strain but sharp chains and good technique will yield surprising performance in the 50cc class.

 

[SawTroll]

I run a 20" bar on my 350 Husky. 3/8" full comp, sq chisel. The only reason I don't run skip is I run the same type chain on all my saws except my 338, and if I could figure out a way to change it over I would. The little 350 just catches the brunt of my chain decision, It doesn't get run much though.

Andy

I believe you are handicapping that 350 quite severely with that set-up, no wonder you don't use it much.......

 

[SawTroll]

A 50cc saw and 20 inch runs great with full skip - sure a lot better than full comp.. Full comp is a load even in softwoods unless you're just using the 20 inches for reach.

OK, is this on the 346? If so, NO NO NO NO!!!!!! In CO, the 353 migh be fine with a 20" in soft wood. In hardwood, forget it!!! You will want/need, more power. Trust me!!

I believe you both are right! :biggrinbounce2:

But, then again, it depends on user expectations, if it "works" or not.......

 

[Poley4]

My 488 came with a 20" bar when new. I put on a Stihl 23RS chain and liked it cut like a champ. I have since changed bars and now wears a 16" bar with 20NK chain, and I can't tell a whole heck of a lot of difference in power or cutting speed and I cut 95% hardwoods with it.

 

[ChuckinOhio]

I've stuck with the 18" on my 350 just because it seems to balance real well and it chews plenty fast with sharp chain.
I've run my 359 with a 20" and it does real well, hence no change on the 50cc saw. Both saws are running full comp carlton by the way.
I think that you might be happier running a 20" on a bit more saw, as the 350 with the 18" gets all it wants if you bury the bar with a heavy hand. Then again with a little technique and some skip, it very well may pull well enough.

Chuck

 

[DGG]

I've stuck with the 18" on my 350 just because it seems to balance real well and it chews plenty fast with sharp chain.
I've run my 359 with a 20" and it does real well, hence no change on the 50cc saw. Both saws are running full comp carlton by the way.
I think that you might be happier running a 20" on a bit more saw, as the 350 with the 18" gets all it wants if you bury the bar with a heavy hand. Then again with a little technique and some skip, it very well may pull well enough.

Chuck

I thought the 359 was a 60cc (just a tad under). 20", .325 chain should work fine on a 50cc if it is keep nice a sharp, IMHO. An 18" is probably a better alternative though.

 

[ChuckinOhio]

I thought the 359 was a 60cc (just a tad under). 20", .325 chain should work fine on a 50cc if it is keep nice a sharp, IMHO. An 18" is probably a better alternative though.

Correct, I run a 20" and 24" on the 359, and stay with an 18" on the 350. Seems to suit both well that way.

My 350 runs .325 on the 18" and seems to lack nothing bucking firewood.


Chuck