Brands of Chain

[RedFir Down]

I know some might call BS here but this is true.
Finishing up the firewood cutting season here I have a 24" loop of Oregon 72LGX on my 372xp. The last time it was on the grinder was every bit of 4 cords ago.
I was cutting mostly Doug Fir with some Tamarack mixed in there. Right now the chain cuts 90% of when it came off the grinder. (This chain stays sharp long enough for me)

Stihl chain is first class...But my local dealer is about 2.5 TIMES per loop what I can buy Oregon chain for. I cant justify that!

 

[CR888]

The real question to me: is stihl chain worth the x2 price ratio? I've had good results with various oregon and woodland pro, and the savings financed some beer.

The answer is simply NO! lf it was 10-25% deareer maybe but where l come from its more than twice the price. People feel better when they run stihl saw chain and bar oil. How vulnerable we are to marketing!

 

[CR888]

I know some might call BS here but this is true.
Finishing up the firewood cutting season here I have a 24" loop of Oregon 72LGX on my 372xp. The last time it was on the grinder was every bit of 4 cords ago.
I was cutting mostly Doug Fir with some Tamarack mixed in there. Right now the chain cuts 90% of when it came off the grinder. (This chain stays sharp long enough for me)

Stihl chain is first class...But my local dealer is about 2.5 TIMES per loop what I can buy Oregon chain for. I cant justify that!

Semi-chisel?

 

[Stihl working hard]

The answer is simply NO! lf it was 10-25% deareer maybe but where l come from its more than twice the price. People feel better when they run stihl saw chain and bar oil. How vulnerable we are to marketing!

Sounds like you need to get a hold of Matt (MCM) site sponsor of AS river land saw chain supply I have bought stihl chains from Matt for nearly 1/3cheaper than stihl fantastic chains never an issue

 

[nmurph]

Yes, to me Stihl is worth the extra money.

It-
holds an edge significantly better
stretch is almost nil (less worry about throwing a chain, especially when new)
is consistantly sharp out of the box

I cut clean oak and I can use usually use one loop most/all of the day, and not need to retension and still throw good chips at the end of the day.

 

[cheeves]

Anyone run Laser chain?

Used to run the old Zip-Penn stuff that is now Laser. Laser chain seemed tougher than the old Zip- Penn. Harder.
Now use Woodland Pro.

 

[Chris-PA]

Now to add fuel to topic.... what about an Oregon powersharp bar and chain for the loaner saw. No one borrows my stihl.

I am very tempted to get one for my dad, as he cannot sharpen a chain no matter how he tries! It would only have to be sorta close to a properly sharpened regular chain to be miles ahead of what I usually find on his saw when I stop over!

 

[Chris-PA]

Used to run the old Zip-Penn stuff that is now Laser. Laser chain seemed tougher than the old Zip- Penn. Harder.
Now use Woodland Pro.

Isn't it all Carlton though?

 

[SawTroll]

Stihl chain seems to be better tempered & holds its edge longer. My preference:
1. Stihl
2. Carlton
3. Oregon

Mine is:

1. Oregon
2.Stihl

Carlton doesn't make the list.

 

[SawTroll]

Stihl chain stays sharp a little longer and doesn't stretch as much. On the other hand, it's definitely harder to file.

It can't become as sharp as Oregon either, because of the thicker chrome, and cuts a wider kerf in .058 and .050 (at least with regular 3/8" and .325 chain).

 

[fastLeo151]

Does any one else think Carlton is a royal pain to hand file?

 

[Chris-PA]

Does any one else think Carlton is a royal pain to hand file?

Not the lo pro, which is all I have used of theirs.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

It can't become as sharp as Oregon either, because of the thicker chrome,

Don't follow

As both appear to use a batch flash hard chrome process, could you please explain or provide a reference?

Thanks in advance

Take Care

 

[SawTroll]

Don't follow

As both appear to use a batch flash hard chrome process, could you please explain or provide a reference?

Thanks in advance

Take Care

You can't sharpen the chrome.

 

[John R]

I buy my Stihl chain on Ebay, pretty good deals, cheaper than the dealer.
A lot of times you'll find a buy it now on 3 loops.

 

[Philbert]

.... what about an Oregon powersharp bar and chain for the loaner saw.

Several threads here specifically on PowerSharp chain. Here are a few;

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/oregon-powersharp.125402/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/powersharp.148391/

I use it. I like it. It cuts pretty well and offers some advantages for guys who don't sharpen their own chains.

Limitations include the need to first buy into the system (bar, sharpening cassette, and chain), and selection (currently only available in 3/8 low profile, and fixed loop lengths - no reels).

If more saw manufacturers included this as an OEM option, I think it would catch on more. .325 chain is reportedly in development.

Philbert

 

[o8f150]

I have run them all,,, right now I am running some Windsor chain that I had,, but I have 15 new loops of stihl chain sitting on the shelf,, I know stihl is a bit higher but its worth the extra coin

 

[zogger]

I am very tempted to get one for my dad, as he cannot sharpen a chain no matter how he tries! It would only have to be sorta close to a properly sharpened regular chain to be miles ahead of what I usually find on his saw when I stop over!

Do it, it works. Easey peasey sharpening and cuts well. It cuts *different* but after a few minutes you (he) will get used to it.

If i was only cutting piddling small on a year to year basis, I would go powersharp and canned pre mix. Eliminate two major low use and lower maintenance issues.

 

[Philbert]

. . . I know stihl is a bit higher but its worth the extra coin

Scott,

Judging from your posts, you probably pay more for your chain than your saws!

Philbert

 

[KenJax Tree]

I have run them all,,, right now I am running some Windsor chain that I had,, but I have 15 new loops of stihl chain sitting on the shelf,, I know stihl is a bit higher but its worth the extra coin

Around here Stihl chain is cheaper than Oregon.


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