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  1. #1
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    Default Best bar size for Stihl 08S mill

    Hi All,
    With the great deals currently around on CS bars, I have been thinking of using an old (but low usage) 08S CS for timber milling (in a homemade CS mill - yet to be made).

    What is a good usable size bar for this model CS? I think it's about a 55 or 60cc engine.

    Thanks in advance.
    Cheers.

    Vernon.
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  3. #2
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    O8 is 56cc. I have milled with my 50cc Jonsered using an 18 inch bar with .325 chain. I reckon if you went easy, kept the chain sharp and used skip tooth chain you could use a 25 inch bar, maybe bigger. See what few others who have used similar sized mills say.

  4. #3
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    The 08S was introduced in 1965 and was 48 cc up to 1968, after that it was 56 cc.

    What bar to used depends on; what you are cutting, the chain you intend on using, and how fast you want to cut.

    - Softwoods, low profile chain and don't mind going slow, I'd say you could go to 28" bar for a max 24 in wide cut
    - Hardwoods, regular chain, and want to go fast I'd say no more than 18", 14" wide cut

    I have a 50 cc homelite with a 20" bar and low profile chain. I get 18" cutting width with my small mill but it is slowish so it's tempting to just mill everything with my bigger mill. However I do use the homelite with my small mill for small stuff just so that I don't convert too much of the smaller logs to sawdust.

  5. #4
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    Thanks guys.

    I think the saw is a later model one, as it has the chain brake fitted (so I'll assume 56cc). I will probably be milling mostly hardwoods.

    Bob, why the different chain profile for hardwood vs softwood?
    Cheers.

    Vernon.
    __________________________________________________
    Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like crazy.

  6. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vernonv View Post
    Bob, why the different chain profile for hardwood vs softwood?
    I wasn't specifically classifying chain/bar combos as hardwood vs softwood.
    it's just what combinations people might be cutting and happen to have available at the time.

    Other combinations might be
    - Hardwoods and want to go really fast, use low profile chain on shortest possible bar
    - Softwoods and don't mind going really slow, use regular chain on a 36" bar

    I would probably go for low profile on all bars smaller than 30"

  7. #6
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    Default

    Thanks Bob.

    Sorry but I'm still a tad confused as to the pros/cons of low profile chains vs normal. I understand that the kerf is smaller, but do the low profile chains provide less stress on the saw and/or do they provide a faster cut?
    Cheers.

    Vernon.
    __________________________________________________
    Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like crazy.

  8. #7
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    Vernon, I don't do chainsaw milling, (I slab with my Lucas, but keep the chain in line with factory specs) but my understanding would be, smaller tooth, smaller kerf, less material cut = quicker cut or = bigger width of cut with same sized saw.

    I figure the smaller the tooth, the less power needed to pull each tooth through the timber...

    Is that about right Bob?
    I love my Lucas!! ...just ask me!
    Allan.

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sigidi View Post
    ... but my understanding would be, smaller tooth, smaller kerf, less material cut = quicker cut or = bigger width of cut with same sized saw.

    I figure the smaller the tooth, the less power needed to pull each tooth through the timber...
    Thats kinda what I was thinking. Then I also thought to myself ... "well why don't all chainsaws have low profile teeth?" i.e. faster cut, less power needed, etc. But I'm sure it's not that simple.
    Cheers.

    Vernon.
    __________________________________________________
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  10. #9
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    Default

    With the longer chains and bigger powerheads, the low profile chains stretch too much
    Cheers

    DJ


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  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by DJ's Timber View Post
    With the longer chains and bigger powerheads, the low profile chains stretch too much
    It also depends on the back forces generated by the hardness of the wood and bluntness of the chain. Think about it this way, a thin sharp knife can cut soft material very quickly but as soon as the material gets harder you have to make the knife thicker or it will simple break at any speed,

    Some slabbers in Europe and North America are using low profile 3/8 or even low profile 325 out to 42" bar lengths. I would probably stop at around 24" for Aussie hardwood other wise what dj says, happens.

  12. #11
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    it will pull a 20" bar easy just run a skip chain and it will be fine.

    i was milling with a 032 about 50cc i think and it had no problems pulling a 20" bar

    https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...ght=hours+50cc

    www.carlweiss.com.au
    Mobile Sawmilling & Logging Service
    8" & 10" Lucas Mills, bobcat, 4wd tractor, 12 ton dozer, stihl saws.

  13. #12
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    I know I'm going to be shot straight between the eyes for posting on a decade long thread but, in my defense, I didn't think it @ all appropriate to start a new thread (no way) in order to comment on subject. Wow. Phew, glad that's over lol.

    Just wanted to add that the later 08S Saws indeed had 60cc. I have just purchased a very fine example @ a very good price. Although, I had the Pull cord double Clip break 2nd time I used it. Compression may be down due to ease of pull start as I couldn't imagine any saw of that Vintage (69-72?) having decompression. Love it already. I did read on another forum that they are slow but, I find it has good torque & cut through an old seasoned Gum Pallet like butter. Mine has the 17" Bar so, really not getting pushed for engine size. My other 3 saws are a 1997 Jonsered Turbo 2050 50cc (Love it) A 90's Husky 45 Special 40-46cc? A Stihl Professional 010. 3 Homelite oldies (400 & 500 series) & a Bunnings 33cc lol.

    Anyway, great to find this forum & hope to have a few good chats

    Cheers, Tim

  14. #13
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    Apologies for posting above. New to Forum & didn't note that I was on the Milling section. Oops! Got a tad excited about my new find I guess...

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