Husky 346xp Owner Question

[RetiredNavy02]

I'm due to replace my Husky 346XP chain this weekend and would like inputs from other owners in regards to what chain to use. I'm running the Husky H30 95VP .325 .50 chain on an 18" bar (saw is stock). From my experience (and I could be wrong) the 95VP chain is a fast cutting chain but it's hard to keep sharp compared to other chains I have used on my old green poulon. Has anyone converted from the 95VP to the 33LG chain and if so what were the benefits/disadvantages. I am cutting a five cord lot starting this weekend for the next four weeks which consists of oak, birch and maple (most 10" in diameter with some 15" trees). Anyways your chain input would be appreciated. Am I better of sticking with the 95VP or is the 33LG a better way to go?

Thanks!
Tom in CT

 

[MasterBlaster]

Hey bro, are you a Shellback? Of course, eh?

 

[brent denny]

I wouldnt go with the 33lg. Oregon 20lp or stihl 33rs are better cutting choices as far as flat top, round filed chisel chains go. Im not sure why you say your 95vp dulls easily because my experience has shown me that it has excellent stay sharp capability because of its semi chisel cutter. On my 353 husky that 95vp cuts as fast or faster than any of the above mentioned chains. 20lp and 33rs throw really nice big chips because of their bigger profile. BTW, use a 3/16 file on 95vp and 20lp, a 13/64 on 33rs, and 5/32 on 33lg for best results.

 

[RetiredNavy02]

Shellback, bluenose, order of the ditch. BUBBLEHEAD

R/
Tom in CT

 

[Newfie]

Stick w/ the 95vp unless you want to replace your bar also. The 95vp is a narrow kerf chain and runs on a narrow kerf bar. You will likely have trouble running traditional .325 chain on the same bar.

In any event I prefer the 95vp on the 346. Stays sharp longer in my experience.

 

[Max]

Hi Tom,

Stay with the 95vp. Great chain! I run 95vp on my small Husky and am very impressed with that chain. This chain appears to be well liked here. Good luck. Where in CT are you?

 

[tony marks]

dont know the 346 personally.. but i hear its an high rpm saw.. the 95vp runs best with narrow kerf bar.. but very well with standard bar,also..its hard to beat good full chisel chain,but the 95 vp is at least as fast,and very smooth..
if i was using it constantly,in commercial work.. id lean to the full chisel and heavier bar
for an easy day of cutting tho,, id pick the 95vp .. i love it on all my 40-50 cc saws..it does hold edge well. its just that im not sure the lite setup, i use it with, would standup well, in consant everyday cutting..confused yetjmo

 

[brent denny]

Newfie, you can run any of the aforementioned chains on the narrow kerf bar. I have done so without any problems. The .050 gauge drive links on the 95vp are the same as any others. Its just that the overall width of the bar is reduced to accomodate the narrower kerf cut by the chain. I have even heard of people running narrow kerf chain on a standard bar but I would be afraid of binding probelms, especially as the chain gets worn down and the kerf is even narrower.

 

[RetiredNavy02]

Max,

I'm over in the northeast area near Pachaug State Forest.

I received a reply from Husky and Oregon, both feel the 33LG is the better chain for cordwood cutting (over the 95VP (H30)) saying it is more aggressive. Both did say I probably wouldn't notice a dramatic difference since I wasn't doing it professionally (other then the woodchip size) but they still both said the 33LG was the better chain for what I was doing.

I don't know if their response necessarily sells me on the 33LG since most of the "real users" feel the 95VP is the way to go. One thing I am going to consider is switching to an 16" bar versus the 18" I am currently using (any Pro's/Con's). The reason being the saw tends to fight keeping enough oil on the chain and bar with the 18". Most of the 346XP is see all have 16" bars. Again this is just an impression, not necessarily a right one.

I appreciate all your comments and feedback!

Regards,
Tom in CT

 

[Newfie]

Thanks for the insight Brent, that does seem to make more sense than what i was thinking.

 

[trimmmed]

I got a loop of semi-chisel .325 from Jeff S. Not sure what it is, but it cuts like heck and stays sharp for a long, long time.

http://www.snssawshop.com/

 

[geofore]

smaller wood

I use the 16" bar on my 346XP, it makes a difference. As for the chain going dull to fast, Quit pushing the saw through the wood, let the saw do the cutting. Less pressure, lets you keep the RPMs up (more smaller bites, faster) and cuts as well as trying to lean heavy on the saw (bigger bites, slower rpms) to cut through faster. It's easier on the cutters. Another thing you will notice using the more agressive chains is more vibration which in the years to come will leave you sore in the elbow. Short of racing, you should not have to lean into the saw to get it to cut through the wood fast. If you have to lean into the saw to get it to cut, it's time to touch up the chain. Wood smaller than 18" doesn't need the bigger bar, change the way you cut. I have to tell you my 346's are power ported and will run a 20" bar but I use the 16" bar. Check your sprocket for wear if this is more than the second chain for this saw. Technique, how you handle the saw in the cut makes a world of difference. If you're trying to copy the style of cutting you see here of the guys racing the saws it not the style/technique to use cutting firewood all day. You'll wear yourself out pushing the saw all day, relax and let the saw work and when it slows in the cut touch up the chain. The 95vp is fine for firewood but give the 16" bar a try.

 

[pbtree]

I have had real good luck with the chain sold by Baileys. I have run quite a bit of the 30RC, and is comes out of the box real sharp and seems to stay that way for quite a while.

20NK is their narrow kerf chain. A 16 inch loop is $8.95 in their holiday catalog...How can you go wrong at that price?

 

[RetiredNavy02]

Thanks for all the inputs. I think after this season I'll be swapping out the 18" bar for a 16". I'm going to give a new chain a shot (33LG), will keep you all posted. One thing I did find out from the dealer I brought the chain from last night was he said he was switching out all of the stock H30 95VP chains that came stock on the smaller Husky saws he was selling free of charge when people buy them because he didn't like the way the chain held its edge or performed. I know before I bough the 346XP I was looking at the Stihl MS260 another dealer was selliing and he was doing the same think (don't know what chain came with the saw originally but he switched out the chain for what he called a better chain). Maybe us Connecticut folks are getting seconds on chains as punishment for living in such a high taxed state

Thanks again for all your comments/feedback!!!!

Regards,
Tom in Ct

 

[tony marks]

well not to fuss ,,as 33lg will do fine.. ive run it.. but if u get the chance and time.. put the 33lg set up on.. time it in say 12 inch hardwood.. then put the 95 vp on ...time that in the same wood..
im assuming 16 inch bar for both set ups..
it really is not a big thing tho,, as both do what they were made to do well..jmo