Why are you so set against the NK? I had a 353 that rocked with it.
My first pro saw. 550 xp
- Thread starter The Muskrat Man
- Start date
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old-cat
Fir Man
I bought a new Pro-lite off ebay, 18" x .325 for $36 total.
Full Chisel
Slingin' Stihls and runnin' Huskies
Ah, I must have overlooked it...many thanks!
Full Chisel
Slingin' Stihls and runnin' Huskies
What do you think of the quality? I was looking to get a replaceable tip bar but I guess I don't have many options unless I change pitch.
old-cat
Fir Man
It's nothing but a shelf queen but I've read that even the low quality bars last a good long time if they're maintained well, especially the oiling.
The Muskrat Man
ArboristSite Lurker
I ordered the 18 x 325 x .050 Sugi Hara earlier today for $87 shipped.
Why 18":
I already have chains that fit, and I'm on the one saw plan and do a large variety of tasks with the same saw.
Why 325:
I don't own anything else in 3/8 (yet
), so I wouldn't gain the benefits of bar & chain interchangeability or one sharpening setup
I don't believe that it will cut faster (energy lost to cutting a wider kerf without benefits present for larger saws and bars of chip clearing etc..)
I don't believe that it will stay sharp any longer. 3/8's cutting edge cant be any more robust (assuming same style chain and amount of hook) and 3/8 chain has less cutting edges doing the work (because of the fewer number of teeth), so more wear on those edges.
Why .050:
I wanted to be able to use the loops I already have that are .050". I don't have a problem with less chain selection as I am fine with Oregon's offerings.
Why Sugi Hara:
Most others only available in .058". You guys told me they were good and I thought I'd splurge.
I just thought I'd share the reasons I came up with based on the info I gathered.
Why 18":
I already have chains that fit, and I'm on the one saw plan and do a large variety of tasks with the same saw.
Why 325:
I don't own anything else in 3/8 (yet
), so I wouldn't gain the benefits of bar & chain interchangeability or one sharpening setup I don't believe that it will cut faster (energy lost to cutting a wider kerf without benefits present for larger saws and bars of chip clearing etc..)
I don't believe that it will stay sharp any longer. 3/8's cutting edge cant be any more robust (assuming same style chain and amount of hook) and 3/8 chain has less cutting edges doing the work (because of the fewer number of teeth), so more wear on those edges.
Why .050:
I wanted to be able to use the loops I already have that are .050". I don't have a problem with less chain selection as I am fine with Oregon's offerings.
Why Sugi Hara:
Most others only available in .058". You guys told me they were good and I thought I'd splurge.
I just thought I'd share the reasons I came up with based on the info I gathered.
old-cat
Fir Man
I agree with your reasoning.
U got the right combo. I leave a 7 pin on mine so I can bury the bar. If I did a lot of limbing I would try the 8.
Full Chisel
Slingin' Stihls and runnin' Huskies
Me too! Those Sugis look nice, but a bit out of my price range. That Oregon bar should do nicely for what I need.
I ordered the 18 x 325 x .050 Sugi Hara earlier today for $87 shipped.
Why 18":
I already have chains that fit, and I'm on the one saw plan and do a large variety of tasks with the same saw.
Why 325:
I don't own anything else in 3/8 (yet
I don't believe that it will cut faster (energy lost to cutting a wider kerf without benefits present for larger saws and bars of chip clearing etc..)
I don't believe that it will stay sharp any longer. 3/8's cutting edge cant be any more robust (assuming same style chain and amount of hook) and 3/8 chain has less cutting edges doing the work (because of the fewer number of teeth), so more wear on those edges.
Why .050:
I wanted to be able to use the loops I already have that are .050". I don't have a problem with less chain selection as I am fine with Oregon's offerings.
Why Sugi Hara:
Most others only available in .058". You guys told me they were good and I thought I'd splurge.
I just thought I'd share the reasons I came up with based on the info I gathered.
Good choice you should be happy.
The .325 chain does pull easier and seems to stay sharp as long or longer because each tooth is doing less work vs 3/8. That is just what I have noticed on running both chains on the same powerhead in clean hardwood.
Husqavarna Guy
ArboristSite Operative
I have been running 20LPX on a narrow kerf bar with no issues on my 545. I don't see what the issue is?
SawTroll
Information Collector
Usually there isn't enough clearance for regular chain on an NK bar on those saws. You likely just had luck with the production tolerances of that particular saw.
