Switching .325 to .375 (3/8) chain

[merc_man]

Just wondering your thoughts on switching.
I have tried on 2 saws now 026 and echo 520 and dont really notice much differens.
I just thought it would be nice to run the same chain on most my saws and maybe start buying my chain in bulk. It would cost too much for me just cutting my firewood to have multiple rolls at around 500 each.



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[Wilhelm]

50cc saw should run 3/8" with no issues, may feel rougher though.

I run 3/8" 8T and .325" 9T Stihl RS on my PS-9010, .325" is much smoother, feels a bit faster too.
It's the only .325" I ever ran, my small saws are set up with 3/8" LowProfile.

 

[Philbert]

Lots of threads on this. As @Wilhelm notes, some depends on the type of wood you are cutting: the closer spacing of .325 chain will be smoother on smaller diameter wood. Not so noticable on larger wood. More, slightly smaller cutters, compared to fewer, slightly larger cutters.

As far as saving money by buying chain by the reel, I would take another look at that. Besides the costs for replacing a bunch of guide bars and drive sprockets/clutch drums, you can often buy pre-made loops for less, on sale, than making them up in bulk. It requires just a little patience and shopping.

Either way, it helps to have a spinner/breaker solution: you will need one to make up chains from 100' reels, but it will also let you buy (for example) 20-inch loops on sale, when you have 18" bars, as well as to repurpose used chains.

I looked at 'standardizing' chains for a fleet of saws belonging to a volunteer group, and it just did not make sense. First, the cost of replacing all of the bars, sprockets, etc. Second, I realized that each saw had a 'sweet spot' combination of bar length, chain pitch, and sprocket size: losing the performance advantage for chain convenience was not a good trade off.

But I will also make a premonition: if you get both of your saws running the same chains, it will only be a matter of time before you acquire a third saw that is not compatible with that chain, and you will be back to managing different loops!

Philbert

 

[Wilhelm]

I started with 52DL 3/8" LowProfile, nothing else for over a decade.

Then I added 72DL 3/8" full chisel, ran the two sizes for another decade.

Then a couple years ago I lost all control and kept adding different DL counts, pitches, gauges, tooth types.
I am eager to ad more.

 

[Wilhelm]

In regards to .325" vs 3/8" , .325" has more teeth but is also narrower than 3/8".
I find .325" works surprisingly well in big diameter hard woods.