I should know this ,but. Will going from an 18" ar to a 16" bar make any difference when you are only cutting 12"-14" diameter or less? Seems like it shouldn't matter.
Thanks. That's what I thought but I wanted to be sure.I'd run a 20" if I could get one.Oregon only goes to 18" for my model. .325 pitch and.063 groove
Going from an 18" to a 16" will gain a little bit of oomph due to the chain dragging on the bar and it will oil a bit better.
Go with shorter bar JW. Now that you're into 4 score plus years, shorter means less strain, easier sharpening. Forget the " 2" bending" with a longer bar. Use a log hook or other tool to raise the log for bucking anyhow. Besides, there is a loss of torque and power with longer bars. Learn to bore or plunge cut safely for trunks thicker than the bar. It's fun to plunge that sharp chain ( need sharp for this ) straight into a trunk on both sides. Many videos and experienced users around to show you how.