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pgtr

Bar/Chain Recommendations

pgtr
12 years ago

I have a Husqvarna 55 rubbish saw, ~2000, 18" bar, 51cc, 2.4kW@9k,

used mostly on hardwood in VERY sandy conditions.

The original bar/chain is: 72DL, 0.325 pitch, 0.050 gauge, 7T sprocket on tip

the bar has both worn unevenly and warped. It no longer cuts straight,

creating a sharp arc and binding badly when it gets deep enough in.

I've flipped the bar over and this helped considerably. But there is

still a warp in the overall bar and so it's cutting action is still

less than straight.

1) Bar Recommendation: Stay with same size bar or consider a 20" bar?

Any specific recommendations for 18 or 20" bars? (Oregon does not

offer separate bars for this particular application) I'm planning to

stay w/ 0.050 gauge absent alternate recommendations.

2) Chain Recommendation: The chain I'm currently using is Oregon

G-Series 95VPX. Good chain or consider something else? (for hardwood

cutting in my case). I'm thinking I can change the sprocket to 3/8

0.375 pitch. The same saw was available back in the day as the '55

Rancher' but came w/ the 3/8 pitch instead.

3) Ripping Option: I'm planning on doing some lumber ripping on a very small scale

(think mini Alaska mill on 6-8 inch hickory or oak logs). I've read

mixed reviews on dedicated ripping chain vs standard chain. Other than

a smoother cut, some say it's slower less efficient, others faster...

So any recommendations here?

Summary: So I'm looking for a bar/chain recommendation and optionally

a ripping chain recommendation.

thanks

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