.404 for dirty wood?

[Ryan Browne]

I'm thinking about trying some. 404 pitch chain for firewood logs. Can anyone give any advice on this? I'm thinking a 25" bar or a 20" if I can find one. It'll be on my MMWS 660 or my stock 460, but probably mostly the big saw. Wood will be various Midwest hardwoods, lots of ash and red oak. Not all the wood is dirty per se, but some certainly will be, and more time between sharpening would be very welcome.

My first question is, I've heard that .404 can be hard on bottom end bearings. If I'm only running it on a short bar, and not doing regular production with it, will i be okay?

Second question is, what type of chain should i run? I like the durability of semi chisel, but I hear square ground might be good too. I like the supported edge of the square ground, and I like the idea of learning to file it (just filed my first square ground chain last night), but the chisel aspect seems like it'd dull faster than semi chisel.

Last question, full comp, full skip, semi? I like fewer cutters, especially if it's square, but with the bottom end question, I suppose smoothness in the cut might be the primary consideration.

As always, I appreciate all your input.


And, just for good measure, here's a pic of my new MMWS 660. Just got it on Thursday.

 

[Time's Standing Stihl]

Why not stick with 3/8 and run semi chisel?

 

[paragonbuilder]

I've not tried .404 enough to say how the edge keeps, though I hear it lasts quite a bit longer. I usually run semi chisel in dirty wood.
Whatever you choose,you shouldn't need skip for either of those saws in those bar lengths.

 

[Ryan Browne]

Why not stick with 3/8 and run semi chisel?

Like redbull says, because of chain longevity and mostly for increased run time between sharpening. 3/8 semi chisel full comp is what's on the 660 currently.

Left coast has some GB .404 bars for a very reasonable price, though the 20" seems to be out of stock.

 

[Ryan Browne]

full comp 24 or 28 would be good with 7pin 404. 32-36 on 660 I would suggest full skip. Let the chain do the work...404 very self feeding. run 32:1. Don't use stihl oil! You can go a step further and run full skip.



have tried stihl RM (semi chisel) , then I made a custom RM semi skip, then also found some old RM full skip. IMO the stuff has it's place (stumping REALLY dirty wood) but it puts out a lot of vibs that is for sure.

full skip square or round in 404 is a noodling machine!



speed wise there isn't a lot of difference between the full comp and full skip. http://opeforum.com/threads/28-404-8pin-chain-comparison-w-661.4476/



because .404 lasts forever!

Thanks for the input!! Don't worry, no stihl oil over here.

 

[Time's Standing Stihl]

I'd be willing to bet 3/8 semi would outlast 404 in dirty wood.

Do what you please. You asked for suggestions....

 

[Ryan Browne]

I'd be willing to bet 3/8 semi would outlast 404 in dirty wood.

Do what you please. You asked for suggestions....

I did ask for suggestions. I guess I thought your first post was a question asking for clarification. If it was a suggestion posed in the form of a question, then I appreciate your input. It was not my intention with that post or this one to be snippy.

 

[Time's Standing Stihl]

It's all good. Just saying if I'm cutting wood that has been skidded, cleaning out a creek/ditch or cutting trees by gravel roads. I use Semi chisel.

And if it's really really dirty....i throw a hard nose bar on. Dirty wood will kill your bar sprocket pretty fast.

 

[junkman]

.404 is more durable than 3/8

 

[jakethesnake]

If you keep a hatchet on you knock the dirty bark off anywhere the chain will pull it through the cut. Save you some filing

 

[ferris]

@Redbull661
Why u don't use Stihl oil?

 

[Ryan Browne]

@Redbull661
Why u don't use Stihl oil?

NOOOOOOoooooo, not an oil thread, please not an oil thread.....

 

[Ryan Browne]

Well, my dreams have been shattered. Left coast sold out of the 25" .404 bars while I sat on the fence. Under $30. Damn, should have just bought the thing. Apparently they won't be restocking them or the 20". At least not soon.

 

[junkman]

Well, my dreams have been shattered. Left coast sold out of the 25" .404 bars while I sat on the fence. Under $30. Damn, should have just bought the thing. Apparently they won't be restocking them or the 20". At least not soon.

Just buy a bar for 3/8 .063 and put a .404 tip on it .,Tips are fairly easy to swap out of the bars .

 

[Ryan Browne]

Just buy a bar for 3/8 .063 and put a .404 tip on it .,Tips are fairly easy to swap out of the bars .

Yes, I've thought of that. Unfortunately, the tips seem a little pricey. I guess if I think about my bar purchases a little better in the future, I can end up with a 20" .404 pretty easily, but all my stuff except my 32" bar is .050 gauge, so I can't swap right now.

 

[psuiewalsh]

There are some reasonably priced hard nose Oregon's on eBay if you look around.

 

[psuiewalsh]

You could mill the slot on this one Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/302106185391

 

[KiwiBro (deleted)]

Thinking of dirty wood, .404, and short, hard nose bars, here is a freak'n bargain:

http://www.shopcomstocklogging.com/HV2063-GB-BAR-HARD-NOSE_p_963.html

would have to tweak it for stihl mount.

A bit sideways but here's another bargain:
http://www.shopcomstocklogging.com/HVT1863PA-GB-TITANIUM-BAR_p_966.html

 

[jakethesnake]

Damn those are cheap

 

[Ryan Browne]

Thinking of dirty wood, .404, and short, hard nose bars, here is a freak'n bargain:

http://www.shopcomstocklogging.com/HV2063-GB-BAR-HARD-NOSE_p_963.html

would have to tweak it for husqvarana mount.

A bit sideways but here's another bargain:
http://www.shopcomstocklogging.com/HVT1863PA-GB-TITANIUM-BAR_p_966.html

Those both look pretty tempting. I'm not that stoked on a hard nose bar, but for $15, it wouldn't the end of the world to try one. Would either fit a mid sized stihl mount?