Time change items

[Haywire Haywood]

Well, I'm retiring the bar on my 346. It's much cheaper to replace it than buy the tools to close and true the rails. My question is this. If the bar is that worn, would it also be time to replace the rim, and also since I have it apart, the clutch bearing?

Ian

 

[PES+]

Definitely on the rim sprocket clean the bearing and look it over real closely and if no flat spotting and no cage wear repack and you are good to go

 

[Hard Knocks]

Definitely on the rim sprocket clean the bearing and look it over real closely and if no flat spotting and no cage wear repack and you are good to go

What he said...

It's also not a bad idea to replace your chain(s). Chances are good that they have worn to match your badly worn bar.

 

[jhellwig]

I read on stihl's web site that their is a 4-2-1 rule: 4 chains, 2 sprockets, 1 bar. Weather they wear out this fast I couldn't tell you. Take it for what it is worth.

 

[Gologit]

Cant hurt. Parts and maintenance don't cost nearly as much as the down time from not taking care of your tools causes.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

thanks... next question... does the 346 take the small or large spine rim?

Ian

 

[Freakingstang]

thanks... next question... does the 346 take the small or large spine rim?

Ian

Small spline

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Thanks... 3 new chisel chains, one rim and a bearing ordered.

Ian

 

[Freakingstang]

order a spare rim while you are at it. They aren't much. If you tend to run your chains really loose, they will wear out faster. I replace mine when the wear marks match each other. Some take them longer, others change them sooner...

 

[PES+]

Also

If you do decide to change the clutch bearing and the old one still looks good bring the old one with you when you cut.........more than once I have had new clutch bearings break cages the first day or so of use......

 

[Haywire Haywood]

I'll save the old one "just in case". I've decided to just take both my saws with me when I go in case one craps out. I had that happen a couple of weeks ago when the coil on my 361 died. I was amazed that the dealer honored the warranty with it being ported and such.

Ian

 

[Cut4fun]

Haywood, how far are you from that Murry, KY show in Oct. I have family in Hopkinsville and thinking about making the trip in 07. will have to see how the year treats me first.

 

[dustytools]

What type of show do they have in Murray?

 

[Haywire Haywood]

It's about 5 hours from me. I went this past October as a spectator, was my first (and only) show. It's a small show, Husky sponsored this year. They had crosssut, a couple classes of stock appearing, couple more of hotsaw, the axe throw, and the underhand chop, male and female. They did not have what I would consider the more interesting events like the pole climb or that event where you have to chop springboard holes and climb the pole that way before you cut the top off. It also seemed a little disorganized from my point of view but it was my first event, so maybe they are all like that. They were cutting 8" square Poplar beams, IIRC. If I can talk someone out of a loop of race chain for a reasonable price, I may (read 'will probably chicken out of') enter(ing) the stock appearing class next year with my 361. Here's their website.

Ian

Edit: here's the link to a thread and some pics I took from this year's event. http://www.hotsaws.com/showthread.php?t=402

 

[SawTroll]

I read on stihl's web site that their is a 4-2-1 rule: 4 chains, 2 sprockets, 1 bar. Weather they wear out this fast I couldn't tell you. Take it for what it is worth.

Oregon says the same, but imo bars usually last a bit more than 4 chains - even the cheap laminated one......

In principle I buy my "standard" chains in pairs, and change the rims when a new pair is put to use - sprockets are cheap, even here.