Ok, a little more thinking and talking to friends around here and I think I've pretty much settled on getting the 545. Sounds like that should be a good compromise - cheaper than an XP but still a solid step up from the 455. That works for me.
So, now to the details. I'm pretty sure that I want an 18" bar - again that just seems like a good middle of the road way to go. It looks like the saw is available with a .50 and a .58 gage bar. Any reason to go with one over the other? Also, what are the tradeoffs on chain pitch? The 455 I used from work had a 3/8" pitch and the 545 looks to be .325" pitch. It would have been a little nicer for me if they were the same as I could then take the work saw for a backup and have my chains fit so I don't have to use something that's been abused here. But not a big deal. Still, I'd be interested to know why you'd run one vs. the other.
I might even have time to run out to the dealer at lunch, we'll see...
Thanks again to all for all the advice. It's been a huge help! And, you've successfully pushed me at least closer to a pro grade saw!
So, now to the details. I'm pretty sure that I want an 18" bar - again that just seems like a good middle of the road way to go. It looks like the saw is available with a .50 and a .58 gage bar. Any reason to go with one over the other? Also, what are the tradeoffs on chain pitch? The 455 I used from work had a 3/8" pitch and the 545 looks to be .325" pitch. It would have been a little nicer for me if they were the same as I could then take the work saw for a backup and have my chains fit so I don't have to use something that's been abused here. But not a big deal. Still, I'd be interested to know why you'd run one vs. the other.
I might even have time to run out to the dealer at lunch, we'll see...
Thanks again to all for all the advice. It's been a huge help! And, you've successfully pushed me at least closer to a pro grade saw!
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