The Muskrat Man
ArboristSite Lurker
Hello, this is my first post. I have been visiting the site for the last couple years. It was then that I bought my first pro saw, a 550 xp, after reading about them extensively on the forum. I live on a roughly hundred acre property in West Virginia and use the saw for cutting firewood, brush, fence posts, and occasionally a few logs for the mill. Though it quickly developed an air leak an died, the dealer replaced it and I've had trouble free performance ever since. Its power really impressed me for its size and weight.
I've been thinking about making a few changes to it. First I plan to do the muffler mod I've read about here. I plan to use a carbide burr on a dremel tool. My only reservation is removing and reinstalling the muffler. What should I torque the bolts to? and do I need to replace a gasket when I do?
Secondly, I was thinking about changing the sprocket, bar, and chain. Going to 3/8" pitch chain on a 16" bar. I've gathered that it is a popular setup on here. By doing this I'm hoping to get more time between sharpening and keep the saw in the powerband more easily. With the .325 chisel on a 7 pin sprocket the saw seems prone to over revving, particularly if the chain is the least bit dull. My main question is about bar selection. I was thinking about the oregon power match (160RNDK095) or something along those lines. It seams to have a larger radius nose, would this make for faster boring cuts? Is it a good choice? any other suggestions?
I'd like to thank you all for the great information I've gotten off the site and in advance for the responses to this post. Sorry I've rambled on and asked so many questions.
I've been thinking about making a few changes to it. First I plan to do the muffler mod I've read about here. I plan to use a carbide burr on a dremel tool. My only reservation is removing and reinstalling the muffler. What should I torque the bolts to? and do I need to replace a gasket when I do?
Secondly, I was thinking about changing the sprocket, bar, and chain. Going to 3/8" pitch chain on a 16" bar. I've gathered that it is a popular setup on here. By doing this I'm hoping to get more time between sharpening and keep the saw in the powerband more easily. With the .325 chisel on a 7 pin sprocket the saw seems prone to over revving, particularly if the chain is the least bit dull. My main question is about bar selection. I was thinking about the oregon power match (160RNDK095) or something along those lines. It seams to have a larger radius nose, would this make for faster boring cuts? Is it a good choice? any other suggestions?
I'd like to thank you all for the great information I've gotten off the site and in advance for the responses to this post. Sorry I've rambled on and asked so many questions.