Anyone run both a 353 and 346xp?

[Urbicide]

How is the Bailey's 20NK chain holding up. It looks really cheap. What is your opinion on the teeth hardness and are the tie straps wearing on the bar?
I am thinking about tring some or 95R
ZG

I am have been happy with it. My cutting conditions and the junk I primarily cut doing timber stand improvement are usually anything but pristine. Oregon chain may be great in clean green wood but the Carlton semi chisel (20NK) is much more forgiving. I am not big on sharpening and would personally rather be cutting. The teeth and the tie straps are hard and hold up well. To me, Carlton chain does not stretch nearly as much as Oregon chain does. A good test for me is cutting a piece of locust that has been down on the ground for a couple of years. Proper chain tensioning, replacing drive rims when worn, insuring you have an adequate oil supply to the bar, and either sharpening or switching out chains when they start getting dull go a long way in reducing wear & tear on the bar & chain. I would suggest trying out a loop or two of each and then post your findings here. Your bar is a narrow kerf type, correct?

 

[Andyshine77]

:agree2: The 20NK is a much better chain than 95vp. It holds an edge longer, has better chip clearance and it lasts longer.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

I had 2 353's when I brought my first 346xp's. The 353 was great but I found the 346xp had an slight edge on it. Here was over a $200 us dollar difference between the 353 and 346xp.

 

[peter399]

I have both and I use both alot. There is quite a significant
difference in power in favor of the 346XP.. You will hear from
the sound of it that is more of a race machine than the 353.
Handling, weight, build quality etc is exactly the same.
Go for the 346 if you can afford. If not, the 353 is one fine saw
too! (better than the MS260).

 

[SawTroll]

I have both and I use both alot. There is quite a significant
difference in power in favor of the 346XP.. You will hear from
the sound of it that is more of a race machine than the 353.
Handling, weight, build quality etc is exactly the same.
Go for the 346 if you can afford. If not, the 353 is one fine saw
too! (better than the MS260).

:agree2:

 

[SawTroll]

I had 2 353's when I brought my first 346xp's. The 353 was great but I found the 346xp had an slight edge on it. Here was over a $200 us dollar difference between the 353 and 346xp.

300+ USD difference here, but still well worth it! :rockn::rockn:

 

[Zero Gravity]

It sounds like the 20NK is worth a try. To me it looks like there is little to no competition in the .325-0.50 NK market. This is what you get "like it or lump it"
ZG

 

[huskyboy1978]

I have heard of 353s with a spur before in the US, but don't know if it is the rule or the exception....

I know here in Canada everyone I have come across including my own has a rim/drum set-up.

 

[SawTroll]

I know here in Canada everyone I have come across including my own has a rim/drum set-up.

I guess it may be up to distributers - may even be that some large internet sellers or chain stores that sold them wanted the cheapest option possible to order.