Thread: Big Bars but wrong chains

Been there - done that. The nuisance for me in Perth was I ordered online from a place on the east coast. First I ordered a 3 different chains (Full chisel, semi chisel and LP) to fit an old bar. When I got the chains I decided the old bar was not worth putting the new chains on it so a month later I ordered a new bar from the same mob. Problem was new chains were 2 cutters too short for new bar so I ordered what I needed on line and they sent the wrong ones - I emailed them and they send me a big handful of mixed links at no charge but I was still a few pieces short. Finally I went local CS store and they gave me the remaining bits I needed.

Neil I hope the missus didn't see that 'big ugly chainsaw' on the 'nice pretty pool table' you'd be in strife....

or is this your "it's going straight to the pool room" room?

Hi Neil - just wondering which Stihl you're driving the mill with? (Can't see a model number in your photo.) I'm looking at replacing my very ancient 074. I'm not a really big miller, but manage to stumble on a couple of logs/year that I just can't ignore. I've been thinking something like a 380 with a 24" bar would handle my needs and be manageable as a general-purpose saw as well, so I would only have to keep one beast. I rarely tackle anything harder than Camphor or Jacaranda, and am happy to go at a steady pace. What's the combined wisdom??
Cheers,

Ian, pretty sure Neil got the 660 from the last time I was chatting about it with him.

I've got the 038 Magnum which is the same as the 380 and while its a great saw, it does bog down a bit with the bigger bar on it as it's only meant to have a 20" maximum bar on it. Reckon you'd be better off with the 460 or the new 441. The 441 is meant to have less vibration and less exhaust fumes which is what you need for slabbing work as you are in the exhaust zone.

Thanks DJ - I was afraid someone would say that. I know the 380 is only supposed to have the shorter bar, but was hoping it would soldier on in softer wood if taken gently. Will look at the ones you suggest. Substantial leap in price with the extra power, unfortunately!
Ta,

DJ, just curious, where is your 038 made?

I've got an 038, several years old, manufactured in Brazil.

Originally Posted by IanW

Thanks DJ - I was afraid someone would say that. I know the 380 is only supposed to have the shorter bar, but was hoping it would soldier on in softer wood if taken gently. Will look at the ones you suggest. Substantial leap in price with the extra power, unfortunately!
Ta,

Ian, the 380 will still cut well but but you need to hold the saw back sometimes as it can self feed itself and that is when it will bog down. I have only done a small amount of milling with it on Sheoak using a 25" bar and it did the job okay, just had to control the feed of rate as to not let it bog down. I think you'll find that it will want to grab with the softer wood which I thing will slow it down dramatically.

Originally Posted by Outbackrr

DJ, just curious, where is your 038 made?

I've got an 038, several years old, manufactured in Brazil.

Mine is from Brazil as well, think mine is about 5 or 6 yrs old

My 038 has always been hard to start from cold, from new.

Any probs like that with yours DJ?

Yeah, I reckon that the fuel doesn't get to the carbie quick enough, really needs a primer on it to get the fuel to the carbie before starting. I once primed it from cold and it started first go. Just about the only thing that lets it down.

Thanks for the replys DJ, you know more about chainsaws than me anyway .

I do have the 660, and it is underpowered for the 60" bar, but I will use it slowly with plenty of oil and a high skip ratio on the chain. Should be Ok for the rare occasions I'll need it. These beasts are hard to come by down here and the price was hard to resist. If I find I have heaps of trees that need this size I will seriously consider going up to a 880.

By the way, all the chains have been rectified by the stores, no problems and plenty of appologies. Both had joined the chains up on recommended no of links for the bars/chainsaw, but failed to check them assembled. Good lesson for the stores.

Thanks DJ. Looks like it's a problem with the model. Carby kits, new fuel pickup, air filter etc. did not improve cold starting.

I resort to removing the air filter which allows it to start. Lucky this saw is used infrequently these days, otherwise it would get the boot.

Originally Posted by Outbackrr

Thanks DJ. Looks like it's a problem with the model. Carby kits, new fuel pickup, air filter etc. did not improve cold starting.

I resort to removing the air filter which allows it to start. Lucky this saw is used infrequently these days, otherwise it would get the boot.

Hi Outback my 038 is the same and a couple of mates have same prob , otherwise they are a great saw , when the saw hasnt been run for a couple of days I just pour a cap full of petrol on the air filter and she cranks up no prob . Cheer's MM