New chain for an old saw

[ianshaw]

I have my grandfathers McCulloch 33 saw with a 20" blade. It still runs great, but the chain is very dull and missing many teeth.

I'd be really grateful for any suggestions on how to replace it. I tried Bailey's, but that was a "no can do." Here are the specs:

20" blade
50 Drive links
.058 gauge
1/2" (.500) pitch.

used to be Oregon 21c chain according to Mike Acres site.

If folks are real interested, I'd be happy to snap a few photos of the saw, as well as post the tree that's down and requring chopping.

Thanks! It was fun reading through a lot of the old forum messages til the wee hours last night.

Ian

 

[computeruser]

1/2" pitch stuff isn't made anymore so you're limited to NOS, but can be had if you are willing to pay for it. Chipper is actually pretty easy to find, but chisel is $$$ since the racers want it.

 

[ianshaw]

1/2" pitch stuff isn't made anymore so you're limited to NOS, but can be had if you are willing to pay for it. Chipper is actually pretty easy to find, but chisel is $$$ since the racers want it.

I'm willing to pay some for it (assuming its cheaper than buying a new 20" saw) and chipper should be fine. My big project is an old silver maple, so pretty soft.

Only . . . where do I look for some NOS 1/2" pitch. My googling hasn't gotten me anywhere yet.

Thanks!

Ian

 

[Lou]

I'm willing to pay some for it (assuming its cheaper than buying a new 20" saw) and chipper should be fine. My big project is an old silver maple, so pretty soft.

Only . . . where do I look for some NOS 1/2" pitch. My googling hasn't gotten me anywhere yet.

Thanks!

Ian

Can't he just replace the bar and run modern chain on new bar?
If yes Ian Bailey's is pretty good source for bar and chain.

 

[Al Smith]

Can't he just replace the bar and run modern chain on new bar?
If yes Ian Bailey's is pretty good source for bar and chain.

Wherin the problem lies with changing the chain size is twofold.First is that this saw uses a spur type sprocket that attaches to the secondary shaft of a gear reduction unit,not on the clutch as a modern saw.The spur,in .404 size is rarer than the 1/2" by .058 chain.Secondly .404 chain in .058 is getting rarer although Bailleys is or was having a real good clearance sale on some.

Other than e-bay I really have no idea where you could find any 1/2" by .058 other than perhaps a collector that would get off of some,I have none in .058 myself.

 

[GASoline71]

Just retire the saw as a collectors piece. Because it actually is a collectable saw.

For the headache you will have finding chain and sprockets and bars... you might as well look into a new saw. If you are only lookin' to use the saw for only one tree... then see if somebody you know locally can cut it for you. But this is a perfect excuse to buy a new saw... even if it is a used one.

Gary

 

[ianshaw]

If you are only lookin' to use the saw for only one tree...

Of course, it's only one tree this year. But it is one heck of a tree. One I'll miss.

I'd sure rather invest in a saw I'll keep using than pay someone else to deal with this. I also sort of feel like burying my own dead (so to speak) is a good way of mourning.

Ian

 

[superfire]

i agree

Just retire the saw as a collectors piece. Because it actually is a collectable saw.

For the headache you will have finding chain and sprockets and bars... you might as well look into a new saw. If you are only lookin' to use the saw for only one tree... then see if somebody you know locally can cut it for you. But this is a perfect excuse to buy a new saw... even if it is a used one.

Gary

if you need a saw look on ebay their is some goood deals. also look on the AS tradin post. i am currently waitin too recieve a loop of 1/2' pitch chain i won on ebay, but i would not sell it for what i paid for it the 1/2" pitch chain is very scarce now soo if i sell it i would want a little more than my cost.:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:
cheers

 

[GASoline71]

Of course, it's only one tree this year. But it is one heck of a tree. One I'll miss.

I'd sure rather invest in a saw I'll keep using than pay someone else to deal with this. I also sort of feel like burying my own dead (so to speak) is a good way of mourning.

Ian

Looks like you need a Stihl 044 or a Husqvarna 372XP for that monster.

Gary

 

[Lou]

Ian; I have to whisper because I'm trying to keep this between you and I. Find THALL10326 Ask him about a Stihl MS290. SHHH PLEASE keep this our secret or I'll be flamed about homeowner saw. A Husky 455 would work too but also homeowner saw.

 

[Al Smith]

That old Mac 33 is a very collectable saw,restore it and use it on occasion just to keep the cobwebs blown out.

For a couple, three hundred bucks though you could likely get a good used saw in the 70 cc range that would likely last you a life time if you cared for it properly.