Makita DCS-401

[bundy]

Just picked one up on EBAY. Needed a lightweight saw for small oak 10" max and 6" cedar. 16" bar with 3/8 , .050 chain. Any user comments out there???

 

[computeruser]

It is a great little saw that really benefits from opening the super-restrictive muffler up a bit. Do yourself a favor and buy some good chain for that saw. The standard-issue 3/8"LP safety chain really hampers performance.

 

[Steve128]

401 Makita

It is a great little saw that really benefits from opening the super-restrictive muffler up a bit. Do yourself a favor and buy some good chain for that saw. The standard-issue 3/8"LP safety chain really hampers performance.

Yes, makes a significant difference. And it sips gas, but watch for thin oil being used up before gas is gone.

 

[bundy]

401

Computeruser,
What would be a good replacement chain for the stock 3/8 LP safety chain? Would standard 3/8 semi chisel fit without any problems?

 

[Jack2007]

What would be a good replacement chain for the stock 3/8 LP safety chain?

Oregon 91VX, 56 links.

 

[SawTroll]

Oregon 91VX, 56 links.

Yes, or VS, or Stihl 63PM (not PM 1).......

 

[bundy]

401

Back to my original question. Would standard 3/8 semi chisel fit without any problems? The saw comes with 3/8 LP safety chain .050. Will there be any problems with using Oregon 72DP or other 3/8 .050 chain? Any sprocket or bar problems?

 

[computeruser]

No, you need to run 3/8" LP chain. Get a non-safety variant and you will be quite content. Standard 3/8" would be taking way too much of a bite for a 40cc motor to be happy with.

Consider Oreton 91VX, Stihl PM, etc.

 

[buck futter]

forget the lopro 3/8 look at some chisel .325

 

[jrclen]

forget the lopro 3/8 look at some chisel .325

Probably a dumb question but will the .325 fit on the same sprocket? I still haven't figured out this chain stuff. Thanks.

 

[bundy]

401

I guess the difference is between 3/8 MINI and 3/8 Standard. This chain size stuff does get confusing! You would think 3/8 .050 would run on the same bar and sprocket.

 

[cuttinscott]

I guess the difference is between 3/8 MINI and 3/8 Standard. This chain size stuff does get confusing! You would think 3/8 .050 would run on the same bar and sprocket.

The depth on the tangs or drivers are different between the 91 series chain and the 70 series chain although the same pitch they will NOT interchange.

Scott

 

[cuttinscott]

Probably a dumb question but will the .325 fit on the same sprocket? I still haven't figured out this chain stuff. Thanks.

No they do require sprocket and bar changes to switch from 3/8" lo pro to .325" pitch.

Dolmar does offer both 3/8" lo pro and .325" sprockets and it is recommended when switching to .325" you replace the clutch with a heavier duty one they offer.

Scott

 

[nisse]

forget the lopro 3/8 look at some chisel .325

Never tried the 91VG mine came with, but stihl 63PM has cutters more than twice the size.
With 16" bar I'd stay with 3/8 lopro and a good chain.
Windsor 50R is OK,63PM better 91VX is N/A here
With 11" & 13" bar I think .325 works, (if I ever find a sprocket..) and for me it's one less chain-size to worry about.

/Nisse