A few observations and some pictures.
First, as always, it is always nice to finally meet some AS folks in person. We know, just from our time online, that we’re a strange lot. Meeting in person confirms this.
Second, everybody who runs the Dolmar 7900 comes away pleased with it. But we knew this already. If Dolmar could ever get their act together…
Third, the Homelite 330 and 540, despite a marked difference in displacement, weigh about the same. The 330 feels about as solid as a saw can feel, though.
Fourth, this was the inaugural run of the 154DN. The Husqvarna 154, a 1984 50cc-class saw that runs right about with the Dolmar 5100s in stock form, now runs strong as can be. I think that everybody who ran it came away impressed. This is going to be my go-to firewood saw from here on out.
Lastly, the 076 running 3/8" skip, an 8t sprocket, and a 42" bar had to be leaned on to really load the saw and get it to smooth out in the cut when buried in silver maple. I guess the rakers need to come down even more on that chain, or that a 9t sprocket is in order...
OK, here are the pictures!
This is where we were working:
Early in the day, Bowtech set to work with the Homelite 540:
Undaunted by the size of the timber, I set to work with the Echo CS3400. It was not a quick process.
Mr. Smith’s monument, though interesting in design, was not made of a stone that lends itself to use as a burial marker…especially in an urban area with acid rain, road salt, and other stuff like that. Note the irritating little self-seeded tree/shrub/thing growing behind his stone. It is a perpetual problem keeping these little buggers cut back/pulled out/under control.
By this point CaseyForrest and Bowtech have made some progress on the tree. The sawdust added some much appreciated traction to the snowy hillside.
Filling up the 076. With the 42” bar buried, it got roughly two cuts per tank in the large piece shown in the next picture. Not fuel-efficient!
Here we have proof that the answer to every question is not necessarily the MS361. Sorry, guys.
For those who have not spent time with the longer bars, the combination of an outboard clutch and a long, heavy bar makes chain installation and adjustment go easiest as a three-hand job.