New Stihl Owner - questions

[GrapeJape]

I was in the market for a new saw b/c I was tired of fooling around trying to get my 1:2 Homelite/Craftsman combo to start and was on the way to Sears to buy a new Craftsman saw when my buddy caught wind of what was going on. He pretty much forced me to go to a local Stihl dealer and buy a decent saw- told me I'd thank him later. Well, the $150 I was going to spend quickly turned into $350 - but I did end up with a new MS270 and a couple of chains. The saw was set up on the shelf w/ an 18" bar and the green reduced kickback chain, but I had the dealer change it to a 16" bar because I thought it would be easier to handle. He didn't have the green chains in .325 for this bar, so he put a yellow RSC chain on and gave me a free spare.

I've never sharpened my own chains (never used a saw enough to have to), but I'd like to learn how. Right now, all I have is a Stihl 3/16" file. What do I need to buy to get started? I saw a few online shops linked to this forum (Baileys, etc . . . ) - if there are good tools to be had I would appreciate some links.

Also, I'm going to be cutting some old half-rotted fallen trees up and a few stumps this weekend. Should I get a cheap crap chain to do this with, or just use the new one that came with the saw? The chain I have is .325RSC 67.


thanks,

- Jason

 

[Tzed250]

I would get RM chain of cut the dirty wood with. The edge will last much longer.

BTW... Welcome to AS!

 

[Just Mow]

Welcome, nice saw. Go back to the dealer and get a file guide. They are easy to use and allow you to sharpen at the right angle.

 

[computeruser]

Welcome to the site. Be sure to hold on tight to your wallet while you're here - this saw addiction thing can get pricey!

You ended up with a very good saw and you should be quite pleased with it. For the sort of "dirty" work you're looking to tackle, I would want a loop or two of semi-chisel (rounded cutter profile rather than the pointed, chisel cutter of the RSC) so I wouldn't have to be touching up my RSC every half-tank or so. Rotten and dirty wood is tough on chains, and the minor reduction in cutting speed of a semi-chisel is more than made up for in its edge holding ability in the dirty stuff.

As for sharpening, there is a TON of info on this site. Oregon, the purveyors of chains and bars and sprockets and such, has a good how-to filing guide on their website that should answer your questions pretty well, complete with illustrations!

 

[Log Splitter]

Welcome to AS, GrapeJape!

You've been given good advice on the RMC chain for the dirty wood. Your dealer should be able to make you a loop or two, or you could ask him to trade one of your new unused RSC loops for the RMC. Also, RMC3 is the green version of the RMC, I'm told it cuts well for safety chain.

Lot of info has been posted here about chain sharpening. My best advice is to touch up the chain before it gets really dull. It's easier to bring back the edge and is a heckofa lot better for the saw.

I think you'll like your 270 a lot. It will pull that 16" bar great. Nice choice!

 

[SawTroll]

The 3/16" file is the right one - you will need more of those (as they wear out) and a raker file (flat file).

I agree on semi-chisel (RMC) for dirty wood, but the RSC is very nice for clean wood - so keep them.

RMC is more forgiving regarding filing errors, so it is a good choise to start learning on.

You did fine, going with the 16" bar!

 

[doubletodd]

welcome

welcome and kudos on your saw purchase. I never was much good at filing chains but am learningit just takes proper tools, practice and patience,[which seems to be the holdup for me]but I am determined to make cutting quicker easier and safer so will put in the time. nothing worse than a great running saw that won't cut. good luck

 

[Dapper Dan]

Here is what works for me...and it's cheap!

Picture Credits to MAG58.

 

[Dapper Dan]

More pics (From MAG58)

Husky markets this as a kit (bout $16.00) that includes the guide, a round file, a flat file and a good handle. You can buy the guide alone for bout 7 bucks.

 

[doubletodd]

grandpatractor showed me one of those but it did'nt have the flat piece. I like that one. you should be able to get from a husky dealer? those will work on stihl full raker 3/8?

 

[Dapper Dan]

grandpatractor showed me one of those but it did'nt have the flat piece. I like that one. you should be able to get from a husky dealer? those will work on stihl full raker 3/8?

I got the "kit" at a local Farm King store.
It was for 3/8ths. Bought the guide for .325 by itself and it did not have a raker guide.
The one pictured above is the 3/8ths.

 

[doubletodd]

10-4 thanx, never knew there were so many types of chain, looks like I have 33rsc-72 3/8 .50 gauge means 72 link 3/8" .50 groove that is a full raker chain right?

 

[doubletodd]

logsplitter

p.s. dandy logsplitter! i need to buy or build one my no good brother sold one that we co-owned

 

[GrapeJape]

Looks like I need a loop of RMC chain - which I'll have to get from the dealer.

I also need a flat file, a file guide, and a depth guide according to what I've read. Should I order these online, or get them from the dealer as well? Could someone send me the models to get if online is the choice?


- Jason

 

[Lakeside53]

Get them from you dealer and ask to watch them sharpen a few chains with the tools... Also get a file brush (or a short wire BBQ brass wire brush!).

 

[GrapeJape]

I called the dealer and asked if he had any 26RMC-67 chain in stock. He said he didn't, and that any RM chain was the reduced kickback chain. He told me that he generally only sold the RS chains - which were the "pro" chains. I told him that according to the website, the RMC was a "yellow" chain, not to be confused with the RMC3 (which I think is the green chain that they sell with most new saws). He argued with me again, so I gave up.


- Jason

 

[COLD_IRON]

I would go on Baileys and see what they have in a Oregon semi-chisel .325 chain. I see they have 95VP which might work for you.

 

[Log Splitter]

I called the dealer and asked if he had any 26RMC-67 chain in stock. He said he didn't, and that any RM chain was the reduced kickback chain. He told me that he generally only sold the RS chains - which were the "pro" chains. I told him that according to the website, the RMC was a "yellow" chain, not to be confused with the RMC3 (which I think is the green chain that they sell with most new saws). He argued with me again, so I gave up.


- Jason

RMC is yellow chain, RMC3 is the green chain that the dealer is thinking about.

Here's the Stihl website that gives the specs and descriptions on saw chains. Maybe you can share it with him.

http://stihlusa.com/chainsaws/types.html

You did a great job selecting your saw, I'm not so sure you did as well choosing a dealer.

However, around here few dealers stock RMC, but most will order it for you if asked.

 

[COLD_IRON]

I called the dealer and asked if he had any 26RMC-67 chain in stock. He said he didn't, and that any RM chain was the reduced kickback chain. He told me that he generally only sold the RS chains - which were the "pro" chains. I told him that according to the website, the RMC was a "yellow" chain, not to be confused with the RMC3 (which I think is the green chain that they sell with most new saws). He argued with me again, so I gave up.


- Jason

Sounds about right...I think.

I know I have had a hard time trying to find any type of RM here at the local dealer. All they had was the safety chain version. I did luck out about 4 months ago and he had a loop of 33RM under the counter. This is why I buy chains online now - wider availability.

 

[GrapeJape]

Is there an online source for RMC chain - or do you have to buy from a dealer?

What is the equivelent Baileys or Oregon chain for 26RMC-67?


- Jason