Chainsaw Bars…

So I need a new bar. Is it worth ponying up a few extra bucks for a “better” bar? I’m just a homeowner cutter/burner who burns maybe 2 cords a year. Does a more exspensive bar make any difference in performance or does it last longer or for a guy like me does it not make much difference? Thanks.

 

When I bought my first boutique bar (Sugihara), I noticed it went many times longer than the original one before the little burr formed on the rails needed dressed. I think it comes down to personal preference. I bought a second Sugi not long after and picked up a Tsumura a couple years ago for the 365sp. They use much better steel.

Have you ever put aftermarket wheels on one of your vehicles? Part of it is the desire to tinker and make your saw, yours. A personalization of sorts.

 

A Tsumura or a Sugi will last a few lifetimes at 2 cord a year. It will take a bit more abuse, not bend as easy, the angled oil holes flow better. The better steel will be much more sharp when the burr forms on the rail, it will cut deep. They also seem to hold heat longer. I’ve seen Stihl and Oregon lightweight bar delaminate in a production setting, I have not seen that on the Japanese options.

As much as I like these Japanese bars, I don’t think I would recommend one along with the added cost for 2 cord a year. But. The cool factor does play into the decision making. You won’t go wrong if you have a couple extra bucks to spend.



Owl

 

I have noticed less rail wear on the Tsumura bars I have been running. The 24 I have took one hell of a bend on a botched fell last year and sprung right back. I was thoroughly impressed to be honest. Had written the bar off as I saw the stump grab it. Still using it.

The non lightweight bars really aren't much more money than what Husky or Stihl sells theirs for. I think it's money well spent. I don't yet own a lightweight due to the extra cost, but sometimes wish my 24 was one. On 20" & under I'm thinking that the weight loss is not profoundly felt. My 24 hangs a little heavy on the saw and balance is the main attraction for me in the light weight bars there.

 

I guess I should ask why do you want to replace the bar on your saw ?
If it’s wore how long has the bar been on the saw
What king of saw do you have

 

The bar is on a Jonsered 2149. It's an old bar, maybe the original. It was passed down to me. I file down the burrs on it and all that, but it just seems time for a replacement.

 

I bought both these from here:
https://www.woodcuttersgaragellc.com/product-page/18-sugihara-bar-for-a-husqvarna-3-8-k095

EDIT:
This is what I bought for another saw(not from this specific seller), they're great too.
18" TsuMura Guide Bar 3/8-050-68DL repl. Husqvarna 359 Jonsered 2159 180RNDK095 | eBay

 

I have homeowner saws. I'll cut maybe 4 cords a year, a bit more if helping a friend.

My original husky bars are still fine. I did pick up an Oregon bar just to have as an extra. I doubt I'll need to buy anymore bars, unless one gets mangled, somehow.

 

So you want to replace the bar for the right reason
The bar has lived it’s service life
I would suggest ether one of the manufacturers that Wolverine suggested or you could go with a laser bar there ultra series are made by tsumura

 

Only if you want saw jewelry. I don’t think you could wear out the low end forester bar at 2 cords per year. I have extra bars that I’ll never need unless I bend one or have a sprocket failure. Maybe just maybe I will have to replace a 16” bar on my 261 because it gets the most use. I will spend extra for light because it makes a difference in fatigue and control.

 

I have homeowner saws. I'll cut maybe 4 cords a year, a bit more if helping a friend.

My original husky bars are still fine. I did pick up an Oregon bar just to have as an extra. I doubt I'll need to buy anymore bars, unless one gets mangled, somehow.

 

For me, with all my spine bs, the weight is the main thing for bars. The stihl light and oregon speedcut are the lightest I have. The sugihara bars are in between the stihl light and standard, but closer to the standard in weight. At least in the sizes I have. I definitely prefer the sugi bars for that jewelry look but the weight of the others. I'll probably never wear out any bars. Not enough cutting and too many saws to spread the fun over. Lol

 

Can you explain delaminating? I did not think Stihl bars were laminated; maybe it depends on what model. Can you explain the difference between laminated and non-laminated bars? I think I know the difference, but I think I know a lot of things to find out later that I am clueless.

 

It is worth it in my opinion. Negligible performance difference, at least for most people like myself. Definitely last longer and take more abuse. And they look cooler, which I am all about, so whatever the cost, I am in

 

That settles it. I want to be somebody! I’m going to go with a Sugihara. Who cares if the bar will be worth more than the saw?

 

So the current bar on my Jonsered 2149 turbo is 16” .325 pitch .058 gauge 66dl. Looks like Sugihara makes that pitch in either .050 or .063 but not .058. I only have a couple of chains and they are do for replacing soon too so should I go with the .050 gauge bar?

 

I would.

 

I would, seems to be the most prominently used around me and chains are readily available.
.063 is reserved for the long bars and chains, at least in my use.

 

And now that you’ve all convinced me to spend my children’s meager inheritance on a new bar, how about chains? I have only used Oregon chains. Any notable differences in chains? I love getting edjumucated.

 

If cost were no object, I’d run all Stihl chain. IME it holds an edge longer than the rest. Since I can’t afford it, I’ve settled on Oregon. Hoarded LGX and have a bunch of the newer EXL. I’ve also have 2 loops of older Carlton that cuts great and is pretty durable.