Chain Guage

[Boon]

After hearing the complaints of my 660 while milling am now looking at upgrading to a 880 but want to run a 3/8 chain as I have several and would also think the smaller width will save cutting time.

Any advice, would like to make as few mistakes as possible with my purchases

Thanks

 

[betterbuilt]

I have a 880 and have ran both. They seem to be really close in kerf. Seems like BobL had a picture of the differences in kerf. The one thing I will say is the 404 seemed to say sharper longer. Either way I'm sure you'll be happy with the new saw. Cheers

 

[hamish]

You are referring to pitch, not gauge (.050/.058/.063 etc...)

Kerf is marginably the same between .325 and .404, the only real noticeable difference is when you go to picco or lowpro.

You can mate up for 660 or your pending 880 to run any chain you want.

 

[BobL]

I haven't done a lot of 404 milling but I didn't notice any real saving in time between the 404 and 3/8.
The difference in kerf size is about 10% but I could not measure a 10% difference in cutting speed probably because there are just too many variables involved.
The difference between 3/8 regular and LP is only 15% but the difference in cutting time is definitely measurable and often significantly more than 15%.
On some logs the 404 seemed faster simply because there are less cutters to touch up in between cuts.

The "KERF SIZES" thread is here
http://www.arboristsite.com/milling-saw-mills/137465.htm
The "best measurements" are in pos t#10 of that thread
Sorry the pics are not working.

I haven't noticed the 404 staying sharper longer in Aussie hardwood probably again because there are too many variables involved in what/how I cut.
How quickly cutters go blunt seems to be top plate cutting angle (cutter hook) sensitive.
Higher angle stay sharp longer but then the saw won't self feed as easily and vice versa.

 

[betterbuilt]

Now that I think about it. I was running regular semi chisel chain not filed to milling chain specs.

 

[Boon]

any one else having problems? am trying to view links provided by members in replies/posts. I either get a blank page or a small dot ...on a blank page.

and thanks to all for the replies it is very helpful, both from personal experience and data.