Ms400 vs Ms461 vs Ms462 vs 500i?

[MustangMike]

I agree it depends on the size wood you usually cut (bar length). A shorter bar is MUCH easier to handle and be safe with. Also, over cutting in a log pile is a PITA. Semi Chisel is a good option.

If the log is just occasionally slightly longer than your bar, reach over the top and cut the backside a bit, then just buck as normal.

Square file files are a lot more expensive and harder to find and you have to learn how to do it (you file from outside in, not inside out like w/round). But square file will cut a bit faster and is better for both ripping and milling (w/o changing the angles) so I square file all my chains. It is a learning process, but once you get used to it, it goes just as fast as round filing.

This, and other items on their site are very helpful. Always keep the corner of the file in the corner of the tooth, and for all around go 3 - 45 degree angles (tilt, down, back). This will provide a durable edge that cuts well. Faster angles will dull more quickly.

https://www.madsens1.com/how-to-sharpen-square-chisel-chain-with

I much prefer the 6-sided rectangular files to the triangle shaped ones. They also are better for taking down your rakers.

 

[MustangMike]

So where approximately where in the timeline would my new 044 fit? The first 3 digits in the serial number are 123

The first # (1) is the location of manufacture (1-Germany).

Your saw is "early". If it was registered, a dealer could tell you when it was sold. You likely have the smaller bolts holding the recoil.

The SN on my red-lever saw purchased new in Dec 92 is 126234303. I believe all 044s were manufactured in Germany.

IIRC correctly, SNs soon after mine were 12mm 044s.

Remember, these saws were made when we were still using leaded gasoline, (lead was a lubricant) so use good oil at a good ratio and you should be fine. I use Amsoil Saber at 40:1. It burns clean and gives good protection. Stihl oil has less viscosity and will often produce carbon if used at richer than 50:1.

 

[sawmill sam]

Hey guys, just want to thank all of you for contributing to my chainsaw knowledge base, and helping me decide on which orphaned saw I'd be best off adopting.
Sorry for not responding to all of your posts! This thread really took of when I wasn't paying attention, and I didn't realize that it was 4 pages long!
Anyway, just wanted to update y'all.
I realized I had some financial goals that I really wanted to prioritize over a new "toy", since my MS260 does do the job, so i started looking at slightly older saws, to save some money. Since i dont use it professionally, i figured I could get by with a few less features of the new saws. I really wanted an MS462, so when I saw an 044 listed for $400, I decided i should through the guy an offer, since that is the 462's predecessor...
I purchased a 10mm wrist pin 044 today for $300. The guy said he had his dealer rebuild it about 10 years ago, as it had some problems with the jug? Seemed odd, but it had good compression, and seemed pretty clean all things considered. The chain break is slightly cracked, and it's time for a new bar and chain, but the airfilter is very clean, so I decided to give it a go.
Any favorite bar and chain combos for 044s? Thinking maybe a 25 or 28" light bar of some flavor, but open for ideas...
Can someone also please explain to me the difference between semi chisel and full chisel? Pros and cons of each, too please! Kinda leaning towards full comp to make the saw less likely to kick back, and also smoother to run, but idk, most of the guys around here swear by skip tooth.
Also, how do TsuMura light bars compare to Stihl light bars? I like my buddy's Stihl light bar, but the TsuMura is almost half the weight... I only use semi chisel for logs dragged in the mud or maybe for brush cutting. Full chisel for all cross cutting and ripping for ripping and crosscutting.