first post-newbie

[novasaw]

Advice needed: I've had a sachs-dolmar 117 for 24 years,stihl running good,
original bar.New chains a couple spark plugs.Don't know much about saws.
I'am purchasing a new saw 5100s.Questions are;The dealer recommended an
18 inch bar 325 chain.Is this the way to go for a medium size saw? Price is
395.00+tax.Also considered a jonsered 2152.Dolmar dealer 100 miles roundtrip.
jonsered 14 mile roundtrip.Stihl ms 260 not out of the question.Husky 346xp
also.How do I make decision when the only saw i have ever run was the dolmar and a homelite 14 inch?Tia Mick

 

[Justsaws]

If the dealer support is important then choose one close.

If not, then buy what you want.

I would recommend .325 and 18" bars on anything less than 60cc as a good all purpose setup.

Do not get side tracked by hype, buy what you can get serviced, what fits your budget and your preferences. All saws listed will cut wood smoothly and be enjoyable to use. No of them are light sabers compared to any of the others you listed or a good running 117.

 

[teacherman]

I'd see if there were a way to try out the MS 260 or an 026. That was my first Stihl, and it was so much better to use than any other saw I'd seen before, that I was a Stihl man from that point forward. One thing to watch for! When you buy a new air filter, before you install it, split the two halves of teh filter, and make sure they didn't include an extra little brass cotter key for your engine to enjoy.......(see my first post...)

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=62977


026/260 is a tough, smooth, powerful little saw.

 

[taplinhill]

With a Jonsered dealer that close I would get the 2153 (same as 346XP).

 

[huskystihl]

We run a 5100 with a 20" bar and 3/8 chain and it pulls it fine in hardwood.

 

[Andyshine77]

I like 3/8 chain on the 5100 better than .325

 

[SawTroll]

.325 and 18" should be just fine on a 5100S - but be sure that you run Stihl RSC or Oregon LP chain - shy away from the "original" Dolmar chains, that usually is a much lesser Oregon chain.

16" will be better anyway, unless you really need the 18".

 

[GASoline71]

16" is not ALWAYS the answer mang...

Gary

 

[KMB]

If the dealer support is important then choose one close.

If not, then buy what you want.

I would recommend .325 and 18" bars on anything less than 60cc as a good all purpose setup.

Do not get side tracked by hype, buy what you can get serviced, what fits your budget and your preferences. All saws listed will cut wood smoothly and be enjoyable to use. No of them are light sabers compared to any of the others you listed or a good running 117.

+1. Good post.

Kevin

 

[sawinredneck]

I've run an 026, a 260pro and owned ( and heavily modded) a 346xp. Not that impresed with any of them.
I have never gotten to run a 5100, but heard lots of good things about it. Just don't get caught up in the hype, it's always going to be a 50cc saw.
18" on a 50cc saw is fine, if it runs as good as people say, get the 3/8's chain on it and be happy.
Dealer support means everything in my book! I am lucky, my GREAT dealer caries Stihl, Husky and Echo. And a good dealer caries Dolmar.

 

[Just Mow]

Welcome, vote for the 260