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Saw/Chain Advice (Though I May Regret It...)

Heffalump

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The ported 2051 is currently running .325. This is the only saw I have that isn't running 3/8, other than then bigguns. Even my 52E's run 3/8. I really want to convert this over to 3/8 to match everything else. It's already got a rim sprocket. Bars are no issue.

Thoughts? How much "performance" am I gonna lose switching to 3/8?
 

Ryan Browne

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I've swapped back and forth on my ported 261. If you can keep from leaning on it, 3/8 it probably just as fast in the cut. You definitely lose some torque and the saw has noticably less grunt. I like .325 for limbing your work because if how smooth and not grabby it is, but for cutting firewood I swap to 3/8.
 

treesmith

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I'm running an 18" 3/8 on a mmws 261c as I did with the screw carb mmws 261 before it and stock 346/357 as well

I used .325 first and it seemed to cut a bit quicker but not enough to really be that relative.
I seem similar to you where everything else is 3/8 except the top handles, buying chains or even a whole chain roll for only one saw annoyed me quite a bit.
.325 seemed to dull quicker but that's my perception so dunno, 3/8 definitely does better through termite mud

I like cutting with 3/8 but that's not down to chain speed, it's nice when you can use same file set and swap b+c

I'm cutting Australian hardwoods too, if 3/8 was too much I'd have noticed by now, full bar cuts are fine, certainly not a light saber but definitely useable
 

Wolverine

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I have a ported 2150. I’ve been back and forth with 3/8 and 325. One issue is some plastic on the case near the clutch drum, it’s a very tight fit. 3/8 is very difficult to get on and off the saw. So much so I went back to 325 to use up the loops I have. I’d much prefer 3/8 to keep it all the same. The saw pulls it with 18” buried just fine. I did some testing a few years ago with my stock 346. I know your saw isn't a 346 but the vids show 3/8th is a tad faster, 325 is a bit smoother. Pick your poison, they are very close.


 

Ronaldo

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I've tested my 2152, 261 and 5105 with both 325 and 3/8 and have found that the 3/8 chain has cut faster on all of them. None were stock......not ported either, just muffler mods and base gasket removed. I, too have a 50cc saw set up w/325 for my fence row and light trimming use as it's smoother and less grabby on limbs and twigs, etc.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk
 

Stump Shot

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For limbing and topping folks really like the .325" narrow kerf bars and chains from Bailey's. On a 50cc class saw it makes a difference in small wood. Can also pull with an 8 pin with no problem on a stock saw. Affordable too.
For the bigger wood, different story.

IMG_20150630_180610_041.jpg
IMG_20160930_165245_752.jpg
 

MustangMike

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Looks good either way!!! Since your asking, it must be .325, 3/8 would be the easy answer.

I do have .325 square on my 026. .325 came on it, and I converted it. Works great also.
 

Heffalump

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Lol. My saws are slow but my chains are getting better.


@MustangMike question being is it 3/8 or 325. :cool:
There is a video in existence of a cant race where my ported 2051 beat a ported 346, both running .325.

346 is either 42mm or 44mm bore by 32mm stroke. 2051 is 45mm bore x 32mm stroke.

The official line from the owner/operator of that 346 that day was that his chain was dull and his tune was fat.....

We haven't yet had a rematch....

:D
 

treesmith

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Just looked through an old video to remind myself

.325 would do full bar 18" cuts without bogging, revs would stay up and just glide through wood, 3/8 would bog in a full bar cut if leaned on too heavily but cut very nicely otherwise.

36RS/RM FTW!
 

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Terry Syd

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putting a good grind on it to get the rakers up a little bit.

That's what I keep noticing being missing in these 'which chain' threads - the cutting angle (raker height).

There can be a number of differences between chains, but if you are going to compare them, then getting the cutting angle the same between the chains seems like it is a necessity. If every chain compared had a cutting angle, say of 6 degrees, then the rest of the chain's features would be more apparent.
 
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