From Homey to Husky

[blubyu]

Hey Guys,

Well my trusty Homelite Super XL12 has been giving me a little trouble lately (would cut off and be hard to start after running for a while) so I decided to get another saw. I brought a used Husky 50 off of ebay (probably paid too much for it after reading some of the threads from this site), but it was clean, had the all the original documents, case, and 5 extra chains. I'm no chainsaw expert but the chain on it is a .325 pitch, my Homey was running a 3/8" pitch (and cut well with it). The saw manual for the Husky says it's capable of running either. I was thinking of switching it over to the 3/8". What's the advantage or disadvantage of one over the other? Also, I haven't even run the saw yet but I'm already thinking about modding it. Any suggestions on mods? What I really wanted was the Jonsered 625 but bidding was getting to high!!

 

[SawTroll]

... What I really wanted was the Jonsered 625 but bidding was getting to high!!

The 625 no doubt is a good saw, but for the same weight, you should really look for a 670 Super or Champ (same saw - the Super was renamed Champ after people started winning Wourld Championchips with it).

 

[blubyu]

Homey to Husky

Can anyone give me an answer on the chain question I had? Should I go with the 3/8" or stay with the .325? What's the advantage of each?

 

[Timberhauler]

Can anyone give me an answer on the chain question I had? Should I go with the 3/8" or stay with the .325? What's the advantage of each?

I would stay with the .325 pitch chain and run the Bailey's 20RC chain...This is my theory and some may agree,but most probably won't.
With a saw in that cc range that can go either way,I feel like the .325 is a better choice because the cutting teeth are smaller and don't cover as much surface area of the wood when you are cutting,letting the saw turn more operate at a little higher rpm...Where the 3/8 chain is taking bigger chips and may bog the saw a little if it's getting too much bite...But I've never compared the same saw..One with 3/8 and the other with .325...So I can't say firsthand.

 

[58hydraglide]

Can anyone give me an answer on the chain question I had? Should I go with the 3/8" or stay with the .325? What's the advantage of each?

blubyu,
I'm not a logge r or arborist by trade but i cut a lot of wood and have for years.As I understand it the .325 is a lighter chain for smaller saws. IMO I woiuld switch to 3/8" like 050. round chisel. It is a common chain profile will serve you well for general cutting needs,is easy to sharpen and is durable providing you take care with it.( Avoid dirty wood amap).But I probably wouldn't go over an 18" bar on that saw. Don't be down about your new saw it is a good saw. I like Huskys, they are my favorite, I may get a couple other brands down the road particularly antiques, but my huskys are my everyday choice. For me it is a matter of personal preference. their are a lot of good saws out there, but all of my saws run good albeit some have had lots of tlc to get to that point!(only one has come into my possession in running condition!) There are some real interesting threads on here comparing saw brands, mods and other info, but remember a lot of these guys put bread on the table with their saws! you may have read some disappointing threads regarding your model of saw and for some of those guys it is probably true, but that doesn't mean it won't work well for your situation. As for the chain, also if you buy 3/8 it will also work on the other saws that you're bound to be collecting soon. It's contagious! Good luck, Mike

 

[andrethegiant70]

I'm liking the .325 for the HVA 50. The .325 should hold up just fine and you'll cut faster with less load on the saw. You might let us know what you're cutting, diameter and material (softwoods or hardwoods). Have fun!

 

[Hard Knocks]

3/8" is a bit much for the 50. You can physically run 3/8" on the 50 but don't expect to get good performance out of it. The 50 is a very nice working saw with .325" chain. Typically, saws under 55 - 60 cc should be run with .325 but there are always exceptions.

 

[computeruser]

3/8" is a bit much for the 50. You can physically run 3/8" on the 50 but don't expect to get good performance out of it. The 50 is a very nice working saw with .325" chain. Typically, saws under 55 - 60 cc should be run with .325 but there are always exceptions.

+1.

.325 is going to be the way to go on that saw. You may also wish to look at some of the narrow kerf stuff like an Oregon MicroLitePro bar + Oregon 95VP chain combination.

3/8" worked on your Homelite because it was a slower revving, torquier saw. The Husky is going to thrive on revs, at least as compared to the Homelite, so let it take more little bites with a .325" chain instead of fewer big ones with a 3/8".

 

[blubyu]

Homey to Husky

Thanks for the input guys. I'll stay with the .325. Today I think I'll put some oil and fuel in it, touch up the chain and go play out back and see how she does. I have quite a variety of wood available. I'll wait until after a few tank fulls and see how it handles the wood before I name her. I named the Homelite Super XL12 "Gladys" , Kind of an older name, but still good looking, dependable and gets the job done!