Best gauge for chainsaw mill

[tolman_paul]

I've got a 36" Alaskan mill heading my way For power I have a husky 181 se, and it has a 30" .050 bar. The bar is fairly worn so I'm figuring a new bar would be a good investment. I'm also thinking of going with a new 36" or 42" bar. So since I don't have any chains for the new bar, that leaves the gauge wide open. I was wondering if a .063" bar/chain setup would be better. My thought is the thicker drive link would have better support in the bar and hence help the chain track straighter.

 

[BobL]

I've got a 36" Alaskan mill heading my way For power I have a husky 181 se, and it has a 30" .050 bar. The bar is fairly worn so I'm figuring a new bar would be a good investment. I'm also thinking of going with a new 36" or 42" bar. So since I don't have any chains for the new bar, that leaves the gauge wide open. I was wondering if a .063" bar/chain setup would be better. My thought is the thicker drive link would have better support in the bar and hence help the chain track straighter.

36 or 42" bars are more 90 than 80 cc territory. What is more important is the average size of logs you intend to mill. 80cc sounds like 24" diam logs to me.

I'd stick with 050 - chain tracking is usually a non- issue if the bar is well maintained.