New chain.....Dolmar 6100

[Tree_Frog]

Needing a second and third chain for my year old Dolmar 6100. What would you all recommend? I'm NOT looking for a safety type chain. Primarily cut variants of oak, elm, and pine. Live in northwest Arkansas.

 

[KenJax Tree]

Clean or dirty wood?

Clean: Oregon LGX/LPX or Stihl RS
Dirty: Oregon DPX or Stihl RM

 

[CR888]

^^^^^^what he says is good^^√

 

[CTYank]

I've had really good results with WoodlandPro 30SC (wemi-chisel) from Bailey's.

Also Frawley's will give you a good deal, and quick response, on Oregon. www dot loggerchain dot com

 

[Tree_Frog]

Anyone else? A buddy recommended Carlton chains.

 

[Philbert]

Best thing is to buy a couple of different brands (e.g. Oregon and Carlton), or a couple of different types (e.g. full chisel and semi-chisel), and try them side-by-side on your saw and your wood, to see what works best for you. If you don't notice much of a difference, you can buy the ones that you get the best deal on next time.

Philbert

 

[Tree_Frog]

I don't mean to sound like a complete noob, but does anyone have part #'s for a 3/8 20" chain for my 6100?

 

[Philbert]

Need to know the gauge, and a count of the drive links.

Pitch, gauge, and drive link count are what you need to order a loop of chain.

This page might help: https://www.baileysonline.com/PDF/saw-chain-101.pdf

Philbert

 

[Tree_Frog]

Whatever came stock on a 20" bar.

Need to know the gauge, and a count of the drive links.

Pitch, gauge, and drive link count are what you need to order a loop of chain.

Philbert

 

[porsche965]

I like Stihl RS full chisel and RM semi chisel. Seem to last longer. How do you like your 6100? I've been thinking about one to go with the 562 and 361.

 

[Philbert]

Whatever came stock on a 20" bar.

What I am trying to say, is that "20 inch bar" could mean a lot of things.

That's why loops are specified by pitch, gauge, and drive link count. This info may be printed on, or stamped into your bar.

Otherwise, tell us the brand of the chain, and any numbers stamped on the drive links.

Philbert

 

[josh1981]

I like stihl rm on my 660...

 

[simpleiowaguy]

I like carlton chain.

 

[Tree_Frog]

Ok

 

[SawTroll]

Anyone else? A buddy recommended Carlton chains.

He got it wrong - but they will of course cut wood when properly sharpened. They aren't when new though, and generally are crude chain.

 

[SawTroll]

Whatever came stock on a 20" bar.

Not all 20" (called) bars take the same number of dl in 3/8", but most that fit that saw will take 72dl. In .325 it will vary more.

Anyway, that info should be on the bar + the pitch and gauge.

 

[Jere39]

I know this is now an older thread, but I recently bought a PS-6100 with a 20" bar and it is in fact 72DL, 3/8', .050 gauge

 

[smokey7]

Anyone else? A buddy recommended Carlton chains.

I have been using carlton chains all 3/8ths lp and full comp all semi chisle for many years. Also been using NOS GB chains rebranded carlton and doing very well. I used sthil rs snapped 2 new chains within 2 cuts out of the box. Maybe. a bad batch but stihl wont warranty. them or offer any. support. I have found oregon is too. soft for me. they sharpen easy but you gotta do alot of it. Good luch my vote is for carlton and try to stay witb the older ones that are knowen good. Ie not from china.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

I sa I d the same about Oregon, but Russ (owner of the shop I work out of) said lot of folks asked for Oregon saying Stihl chain wasn't holding up.
In any case chain is expensive. Ordered 3 rolls today and spent over $1100.

 

[svk]

Best thing is to buy a couple of different brands (e.g. Oregon and Carlton), or a couple of different types (e.g. full chisel and semi-chisel), and try them side-by-side on your saw and your wood, to see what works best for you. If you don't notice much of a difference, you can buy the ones that you get the best deal on next time.

Philbert

Great advice.

I've been running a mix of Oregon, Carlton, and Total for the last couple of years. Of those the Oregon chisel cuts the fastest (no surprise) and Carlton semi holds an edge the longest. My next loop will be Stihl so I can personally see if they hold up as well as people say (there's a big price difference so I hope so). If you want to buy several loops at once there are several places online that will cover shipping for larger orders. I got some Oregon from Amazon for 11.xx a loop this winter so just keep an eye out for deals.