5100S arrived with .325" b/c

[precaud]

It was advertised as having an 18", .375 / .050 bar and chain, but came with a .325" . Is it worth going thru the hassle of shipping it back and getting the 3/8”? Does it make that much difference? Either way I’m going to have to order a couple spare chains and files to fit. Just wondering what the saw gurus here think.

From what I’ve read here, the .325 may cut faster but may not be as rugged. Is that a fair summary?

 

[musch]

You'll get better performance out of it.

I'd leave it.

My 50cc saws have all had .325, and I don't think you'll break a chain.

 

[Lakeside53]

Depends what you are cutting... but it's not worth shipping back... Just sell the B&C if you want to to convert. Personally, I like .325 (Stihl chisel) on that class of saw.

 

[musch]

Whenever Lake agrees with me, I feel like I just might actually have somewhat of a clue. :jester:

 

[Diesel JD]

50 ccs could be either which one. I have to agree with Andy, don't ship it back. I think .325 is going to be plenty rugged, I have cut some big trees in my day with .325 chain.

 

[precaud]

OK, thanks for the input. The chain they sent with it looks like Oregon 33SL - yuk. I'm thinking their 20BP would be a better choice, yes? I have some other stuff to order from baileys anyway.

 

[begleytree]

I run 3/8 on mine for a reason that may not apply to you, and thats the saw goes out on a crew, all my saws run 3/8, so I only stock one size chain and file not counting the lo pro stuff of course. for me its simple economics. I'm told it will cut faster wearing a 325, but haven't tried it so I dont know.
-Ralph

 

[Four Paws]

It was advertised as having an 18", .375 / .050 bar and chain, but came with a .325" . Is it worth going thru the hassle of shipping it back and getting the 3/8”? Does it make that much difference? Either way I’m going to have to order a couple spare chains and files to fit. Just wondering what the saw gurus here think.

From what I’ve read here, the .325 may cut faster but may not be as rugged. Is that a fair summary?

That's what you get for buying it online! LOL

Mine came as advertised with 3/8 x .050" and the saw has more than enough poop to pull all 18" through the softwoods out west. If a 9 pin .325 sprocket was available, I might give it a shot.

Josh

 

[timistall]

Keep the .325 and buy a loop of RS chain. My modded 5100 will smoke a 440 in small wood with the RS chain.

 

[begleytree]

Keep the .325 and buy a loop of RS chain. My modded 5100 will smoke a 440 in small wood with the RS chain.

carefull saying that. I said the same thing about my 372 and got yelled at. still true, in smaller wood.
-Ralph

 

[B_Turner]

Just keep it. And if you end up getting 3/8 as well, you can have an opinion on which is better just like everyone else including me.

.325 works fine, but I like to stick to 3/8 for all my saws cause I can run square ground. My 5100 with square ground 3/8 holds it's own pretty well.

 

[Pablo26]

Keep the .325 and buy a loop of RS chain. My modded 5100 will smoke a 440 in small wood with the RS chain.

Sounds like that stock chain will suck, but just get some Stihl RS and I think you will do fine.

 

[B_Turner]

? I have some other stuff to order from baileys anyway.

Who doesn't? That place has got alot of my money over the past 10 yrs.

 

[precaud]

Well unfortunately they have very little in 18" .325/.050 loops in stock right now.

 

[Engineeringnerd]

I'd say Keep the .325 narrow kerf and get either Oregon 95VP or WoodsmanPro 20NK. You can get either from Bailey's for a good price. I've come to like the 20NK better then the 95VP because it doesn't have the bumper links and seems to cut a little faster.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Nothing I can add except if a saw will pull 3/8's chain I run it.

 

[Rydaddy]

3/8

I am with B turner on the reasons for 3/8. I find it easier to keep track of the chains, and I am also in the process of learning how to grind and just keep the MAXX set-up for 3/8

 

[SawTroll]

.... If a 9 pin .325 sprocket was available, I might give it a shot.

Josh

It is, if you can find a clutch with a larger spline...........:yoyo:



Personally, I wouldn't bother, as I believe that saw will perform its best with either .325x8 or 3/8"x7, maybe .325x7 in large and hard wood........

If the saw came with .325x7, get an 8-pin and try it - sprocket rims are cheap.

Stihl RS or Oregon LP is what I would want in .325 for clean wood - Stihl RM or Oregon BP in dirty wood.
The Stihl alternatives would be preferable......

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Rydaddy,

According to instructions for Oregon and MAXX the .325 and .375 chains use the same grind wheel, so you shouldn't have a problem with the set-ups on your MAXX.

 

[precaud]

If the saw came with .325x7, get an 8-pin and try it - sprocket rims are cheap.

The 8-pin isn't on the condensed parts list that came with the saw but I'll look into it.

Stihl RS or Oregon LP is what I would want in .325 for clean wood - Stihl RM or Oregon BP in dirty wood.
The Stihl alternatives would be preferable......

Yes, I prefer the Stihl chain too but the local dealer gets $30 for an 18" loop of either... OUCH!