In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Optimizing a Craftsman while saving for a "real" saw

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by HighCountry, Jan 26, 2016.

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  1. dougand3

    dougand3

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    Never seen a 42cc Poulan (Craftsman) or smaller with anything but 3/8LoPro. At 46cc+, you'll start seeing .325.
     
    dougand3, May 16, 2016
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  2. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    That is the chain that I use now in the 18". I will stick with that chain on the shorter bar.
     
    HighCountry, May 16, 2016
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  3. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Good points, especially about sharpening teeth that come into contact more often due the reduced # of cutters.:thumbs:
    Real good info sharing, too!:saw:
    :thumbs:
     
    Eric VW, May 16, 2016
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  4. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    It is a 3/8" Lo-Pro. The bar is the stock one that came with the saw, but like dougand3 said, I use the Oregon 91VXL062G on that bar and will probably stick with that chain.
     
    HighCountry, May 16, 2016
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  5. HDRock

    HDRock

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    Yeah U right , I wasn't thinkin straight :)
     
    HDRock, May 16, 2016
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  6. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    :zip::zip::zip:
    :rofl: :lol:
    J/k HDRock :thumbs:
     
    Eric VW, May 16, 2016
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  7. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    So, I guess the real question is does the benefit of having less teeth (and any gained speed) outweigh having to sharpen the fewer teeth more often? This is really where I am having an issue.
     
    HighCountry, May 16, 2016
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  8. HDRock

    HDRock

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    Just keep the chain sharp , keep the chain sharp, every couple of tanks

    Not this :eek::)
    [​IMG]
     
    HDRock, May 16, 2016
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  9. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    Hey, that looks familiar! That chain is currently hanging in my garage, in the same state, to serve as a visual reminder of how far my education has come. All thanks due to this great group of people, by the way. :yes:
     
    HighCountry, May 16, 2016
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  10. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    As long as you're not bull ridin' that saw into the wood, inspect chain every few tanks like HD suggests....a couple of passes with a file in a decent guide should be handy.
     
    Eric VW, May 16, 2016
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  11. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    My "new" chain certainly does not look like this one, and I have been doing my best at keeping it maintained well. I am, by no means, a pro at sharpening yet, but I am getting better every time.
     
    HighCountry, May 16, 2016
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  12. HDRock

    HDRock

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    HDRock, May 16, 2016
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  13. HDRock

    HDRock

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    445 is .325 :)
     
    HDRock, May 16, 2016
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  14. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Yep, it sure is. Wish I could make mine Picco.... . Any thoughts?
    That ms170 zings through wood with that narrow kerf!
     
    Eric VW, May 16, 2016
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  15. HDRock

    HDRock

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    445 comes with Narrow Kerf Pixel .325
     
    HDRock, May 16, 2016
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  16. clemsonfor

    clemsonfor

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    yep that came to mind...I got one:)
     
    clemsonfor, May 17, 2016
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  17. clemsonfor

    clemsonfor

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    If you just so much as nick the dirt that chain is dull ad all get out! Keeping your chain out of the dirt or reducing the amount of dirty wood you cut makes a chain last a long time between sharpenings.

    Watch when bucking wood on grohnd. If possible try to get something under it to hold it pu and if uou must buck to the ground I go very slowly that last bit and just poke the tip into the log barely cutting till I get to the bark.
     
    clemsonfor, May 17, 2016
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  18. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    That is definitely the bane of my woodcutting existence around here. All of the wood here is extremely dirty. We are so windy here, and most of the trees have little nooks and crannies that catch all of the dust and dirt flying around. I am extremely careful about not hitting the ground, but it seems like the trees themselves have just as much dirt in them as the ground does! :picard:
     
    HighCountry, May 17, 2016
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  19. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Sounds like you've gotta bring a hose and water supply, or a some port-a-air just to clean off this mean ol' dirt! :headbang:
    I know it's not helping your budget, but could you look towards a carbide chain=stronger teeth?
     
    Eric VW, May 17, 2016
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  20. HighCountry

    HighCountry

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    If carbide chains are worth it, I will look into them. I did not know that they even existed. I have used carbide for power tool blades, with success. Research time! :sherlock:
     
    HighCountry, May 17, 2016
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