Stihl 024, MS310, MS361 or ???

[kahuck]

Thanks so much for all the information in this forum, it just opens my eyes up to so so much. I am a wood turner, and I only need to cut up hard wood blanks for bowls and platters. I normally pick up wood from a few tree service companies around the area, they don’t want to pay the dump fees and I don’t want to pay for wood. Up until a few months ago I was using a Ryobi 18in electric, scary stuff (no chain break). I have a Makita UD4000 now(very happy).

I wanted a gas saw to take with me on pick up runs, and I decided to get a Stihl. So I decided to get a MS310 (with much regret)with a 20in bar (green bar and yellow chain). When I ran the saw, it seemed to bog very easy. My guess is the 20in bar is too much for the saw and/or my skill needs work.

I just found a 024 with a case and a 20in bar (green bar green chain, Pico I think) at a garage sale over the weekend ($75), from what I can see the saw looks almost brand new. There was some gas in the saw and it took a few pulls, but the saw did power up and seems to run as strong as the MS310. The largest logs I cut are 20in, not to much more. I normally buck and then rip down the pith.

I have two questions, first is what chain combo should I get for the 024 (20in bar is to big for it I think 16in should work) Also can I get a bar chain combo that will work for both saws? Or should I sell both and get a 361 or something bigger? Thanks in advance.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Well the 024 isn't comparable to the 310. A 20" is too much for that saw. A 16" will indeed be better suited on it.

I like your idea of selling the two and getting the 361. The 024 and 310 are indeed different saws, but no need to have and support two saws that are not top performers, when you can get the 361 and have a better saw than both.

But they all (024, 310, and 361) share the same bar mount pattern.

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

 

[kahuck]

Should I even consider a rip chain on one and a normal on the other? I have no problem ripping with the Makita, and thats just a low kick-back stocker. Could it be the extra TQ of the elec saw? One more thing, out of the three bars I have used (16, 18 and 20) The 16 on the Makita was the most comfertable.

 

[SawTroll]

If you rip the wood with the grain (from the side), there is no use for a ripping chain.

Ripping across the grain is another story.........

An 18" bar is sufficient for 20" logs, and balance the 361 perfectly.

 

[begleytree]

Hey, If you like that Makita, a DCS6401 is the way to go. much cheaper and more saw than a 361. easily pulls a 20" bar and chain.
-Ralph whom, even after the GTG, is not sold on the 361. decent saw, but not deserving of all the hype and price.

 

[kahuck]

Both saw shops that are close are Stihl, still need support. Still the DCS6401 maybe another good option. SawTroll I think I get what you are saying, yes you are right, I would be sawing with the grain.