20" 0.325 Stihl bar and chain on a stock 261cm

Got the MS261CM set up with a 20" 0.325 bar and Oregon full comp. full chisel chain. Looking forward to trying it out in some big hardwood, mostly just for kicks. I'm waiting to get this saw ported to pull a full comp 20" full chisel chain in hard wood. For now, it's primary assignment is 16" B&C. Anyways, we'll see as soon as the weather and my work schedule permit.

 

Here's picts. I took the boys out this afternoon with there "big boy" bars and chains (all full comp chisel).
MS261CM 20", 0.325, 0.063
MS 361 25", 0.375, 0.050
MS461 32", 0.375, 0.050
The biggest wood I had was some 15" ash rounds. Not really a full test of the longer bars.

Not shown, I ran the 261 vs. 361 (0.325, 0.063 vs. 0.375,0.050 ) both with 20" bars. Not surprising, but the 361 was wayyyyy faster. I just love the 361. Great balance of power and weight for me.

 

Oh, I'm up to a 5 saw plan already...

 

461 dogs I got from some dude on Ebay. They are real nice. Here's a pict when the saw and dogs were nearly new.

 

Not looking to start an argument here, but i've tried 16" .325, 16" 3/8, 18" .325, 18 3/8 picco, .325 7t, .325 8 tooth, 3/8 7t, 3/8 picco 7t...idk about the cut times or anything but in my hands the 18" .325 with 7t on my masterminded 261c feels the best cutting on hardwoods. When I bought the saw new I asked Randy what he believes is the "best" overall setup on his ported 261c's. He likes .325 18", squarefiled if possible. After trying the above mentioned combos, I agree 100%, although I'm not judgeing soley on cut times in a cant or anything like that. I haven't run anything but RS or RM chain, nothing squarefiled either. My .02 cents on this subject is all.

 

Actually, this was a glamour shot after messing around with the biggest "recommend" bars for each. My default is:
261cm = 16", 0.325
361 = 20", 3/8
461 = 25, 3/8
This gets 90+% of my cutting done. 32" Is just for special occasions.

 

Yea, you bet, these are good combos you list. And there is many more that a guy could use for different situations/uses. I'm just a firewood guy that uses a ported 261c for just about everything I cut up. I would like a few more saws but if I can't tackle the tree with what I got then I let it be. So I'm saying in general, 18" .325 is ideal for what I do, and with my less than ideal one saw plan. Alot of options out there.

 

That 461 has a sticker from Tenn. on it........... Thats the one I want a video of !!!

 

Lots of vids on he internets already(not my exact saw,but all impressive). No big surprise. It's great.

 

Holds the revs in the cut way better than stock. I'm known to be a little heavy handed so I really appreciate this. Plus it's got the unlimited coil so it's easier to hear the tune.

 

Those are sweet indeed

 

New thread needed !!!!

 

Dexter, I've got 16" and 20" @ .325 x .063 bars and chains. You are welcome to borrow them for the cost of shipping. I'm in 17078. Just let me know.