40 cc class saws

[ColdStihl]

I just may get a loop of both. I do switch-up semi and full depending on the conditions. Thank for the tip!

The stock chain was safety chain. I was just telling you to give the Oregon VXL a look unless you want full chisel chain.

 

[ColdStihl]

I ordered both from Bailey's. My local Stihl shop didn't have PS, only PM3.

 

[brads2002]

Can you tell me what chains you ended up ordering and your impressions on them? I have the stock safety chain I am looking to change out. Thanks

 

[7sleeper]

Can you tell me what chains you ended up ordering and your impressions on them? I have the stock safety chain I am looking to change out. Thanks

If you are unhappy with the stock chain, no insult intended, but you have no idea how to use a file. There is absolutely nothing on a stock chain that makes it cut bad that not a few swipes with a flat or round file can change. And after first use the stretching has already set, so nothing to worry further about that!

7

 

[SawTroll]

I ordered both from Bailey's. My local Stihl shop didn't have PS, only PM3.

That's what they often like to sell in the US I understand. Don't let them get away with such a sloppy attitude, insist that they order what you want.

 

[Chris-PA]

If you are unhappy with the stock chain, no insult intended, but you have no idea how to use a file. There is absolutely nothing on a stock chain that makes it cut bad that not a few swipes with a flat or round file can change. And after first use the stretching has already set, so nothing to worry further about that!

7

In the US small saws often come with full skip, double shark fin lo pro. It's not much good as-is, although I did find that if you grind off all the shark fins it makes pretty good chain for pole saws.

 

[ColdStihl]

That's what they often like to sell in the US I understand. Don't let them get away with such a sloppy attitude, insist that they order what you want.

They told me a least one week lead time. Not sure if he wanted to consolidate an order to save on freight. I guess at that point I made up my mind that if I am going to wait, I'll get the chain a little cheaper and from an AS sponsor, too.

 

[ColdStihl]

Can you tell me what chains you ended up ordering and your impressions on them? I have the stock safety chain I am looking to change out. Thanks

Tons of chain threads and posts here, so don't take my word as an authority, just as someone who could tell the difference between a faster cutting chain. The Rapid Super line of Stihl pro chain is awesome. I'm sure the Picco Super will be just as good for a smaller saw. I don't care too much for stock chain. That's my opinion. I still use stock chain for really dirty wood, like when I flip over a log and there is mud and worms crawling on it. Stock chains cuts pretty good when sharp. Chisel chain just puts a smile on my face. I do notice switching back and forth that stock chain is more "forgiving".

 

[ColdStihl]

double tap

 

[Swamp Yankee]

They told me a least one week lead time. Not sure if he wanted to consolidate an order to save on freight. I guess at that point I made up my mind that if I am going to wait, I'll get the chain a little cheaper and from an AS sponsor, too.

May have still dodged a bullet.

I may be full of crap, (surprise, surprise), but I do not believe Stihl does pre-packaged loops of 52 and 56 drive link PS when their standard is 50 dl and 55 dl. If the dealer had ordered you a 16 inch prepack of PS, chances are good it might not have fit.

Local Stihl saw shop stocks most available Stihl packaged loops, but I notice he usually has a 1/2 dozen or so prespun from a roll of PS hanging on a hook behind the counter with a small sign above that says Husky 14 inch and Husky 16 inch respectively.

My 2 cents

Take Care

 

[ColdStihl]

I told him 56 and he looked at me strange. I said it was for a different saw and he was like "ooohhh". My particular dealer doesn't make chain, according to them. They may order it from a larger hub store.?

ETA: They had PS3 in 55.

May have still dodged a bullet.

I may be full of crap, (surprise, surprise), but I do not believe Stihl does pre-packaged loops of 52 and 56 drive link PS when their standard is 50 dl and 55 dl. If the dealer had ordered you a 16 inch prepack of PS, chances are good it might not have fit.

Local Stihl saw shop stocks most available Stihl packaged loops, but I notice he usually has a 1/2 dozen or so prespun from a roll of PS hanging on a hook behind the counter with a small sign above that says Husky 14 inch and Husky 16 inch respectively.

My 2 cents

Take Care

 

[brads2002]

If you are unhappy with the stock chain, no insult intended, but you have no idea how to use a file. There is absolutely nothing on a stock chain that makes it cut bad that not a few swipes with a flat or round file can change. And after first use the stretching has already set, so nothing to worry further about that!

No insult taken. I am here to learn. Here is what the stock chain looks like. Seems like it would take a lot of filing on those fins but I may be mistaken. How much should they be taken down? Thanks for the chain advice.

 

[ColdStihl]

I wouldn't spend the time filing that down (maybe use a Dremel, but still). Just buy a new chain and use that one for a back-up. YMMV

 

[ColdStihl]

See that square nub. File the shark fin even with that.

 

[brads2002]

Alright, like the arrow! Would this be easier with a grinding wheel and a file touch up or is that to agressive?

 

[Philbert]

Dealers can make up loops from chain that they normally stock on reels. Locally, STIHL dealers can order pre-made loops in any size/drive link count from the regional distributor. I assume that the same is true in other places.

Philbert

 

[blsnelling]

I liked the 241 I had but I still believe that the ultimate 40cc saw is still the Husqvarna 242xp.

I'd MUCH rather have a 241. Way more power than a 242XP. I find the 242 to be highly over rated.

 

[ColdStihl]

It would be easier to grind it, but the heat generated could weaken the chain, so go easy. To be honest, I don't think it would be worth your time, but that is for you to decide.

Alright, like the arrow! Would this be easier with a grinding wheel and a file touch up or is that to agressive?

 

[brads2002]

Yeah, it does seem like a lot of time for 15 bucks.

 

[SawTroll]

I told him 56 and he looked at me strange. I said it was for a different saw and he was like "ooohhh". My particular dealer doesn't make chain, according to them. They may order it from a larger hub store.?

ETA: They had PS3 in 55.

You should be able to order any variant and dl count you want from any dealer, but how long it takes to get it will of course vary.