Stihl 088, .404 or 3/8

[BiodieselNC]

If you do run 3/8" better make sure it is 0.063" gauge and not 0.050" I think 088 will eat up that thinner gauge stuff. Might depend what you are doing. If you're milling, it would certainly be beneficial to switch to 3/8" for the smaller kerf. However, .404" chain is much more durable and will take a lot of abuse. And in certain cutting situations, the wider kerf might be to your advantage. But check and see if that roll of 3/8ths is .063 or .050

 

[Isna]

Answers to all your questions... I use .063 only. This saw is both for milling and felling. I know that 24" bar is too short but it's the one I have to do some testing (it actually was on a Contra parts saw). I want to decide witch pitch before ordering a 36" bar.

 

[homelitejim]

Answers to all your questions... I use .063 only. This saw is both for milling and felling. I know that 24" bar is too short but it's the one I have to do some testing (it actually was on a Contra parts saw). I want to decide witch pitch before ordering a 36" bar.

Get a hard nose bar and switch between the two and see which one you like better, just have to change out the rim.

 

[Isna]

Get a hard nose bar and switch between the two and see which one you like better, just have to change out the rim.

That was my conclusion. Already have my contra duromatic bar. should run tests next week (4' Oak blown down by a storm 1 month ago).