Help Clear this Up??

[Kevin]

You should file your chains to the manufacturers recommendation.
The directions for filing Oregon chain is on the back of the box.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/kvn.rob/Chainsaw2.jpg

Here's a link to Stihl ...http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/identify.html

[Minnesota_boy]

The filing angle that the manufacturer suggests is optimal.  Other angles are less than optimal, but the question is, how much less than optimal.  I hand file and I usually don't notice much difference.  I do not cut for a living though.  Those who depend on their saws to make the money want the best speed they can get.  For the rest of us, what's a couple seconds on a cut.  I've lost much more than than that to a dull chain.?  I've lost more than that to a can of beer a time or two also.  ;D

[David_c]

ohsoloco i missed a c try it now ;D

[ohsoloco]

Sweet, it's workin' now, David  8)

[Typhoon]

Jeff, and anyone else who is interested. I have the problem solved. Evidently, there is a problem with the Oregon chain that was sent to me because I found out 2 things. #1. A regular .325 050 chain WILL work fine in a narrow kerf bar. You just can't do it the other way (i.e. run a narrow kerf chain on a regular bar).
#2. I tried out a different chain today, a Carlton .325, 050 72DL chain, and it ran great!! I cut for about 2 hours with it, no problems at all and it is a regular size chain.
I talked with Jeff Sikkema, from SNS Saw shop on the phone today, and he told me that a regular size chain will run fine in a narrow kerf bar. I also read this on the Oregon site somewhere. So that led me to try a different chain. So, bottom line is, I believe the Oregon chain is either the wrong chain, or just defective. It seemed kind of stiff anyways. However, that is still hard for me to believe because I have had nothing but the best of luck with Oregon chains on all of my saws. Anyways... problem solved... and thanks Jeff for all of your time on this post.
-Brad

[Kevin]

Brad,
Oregon definitely stipulates that the micro-lite narrow kerf bar should only be used with the 95VP chain.,
Using anything else may cause premature wear, maybe not.
Do the links on the narrow kerf match the links on the LG?
There are many bars available for that saw that will accept a standard kerf chain.
Can you tell where the other chain was stiff?
Was it on the master link?

Here's what I found ...

It takes less power from the saw to make the same length of cut with a narrow-kerf bar/chain cutting system than with a standard bar and chain. Micro-Lite™ is the bar for occasional woodcutters who want the advantages of a narrow-kerf cutting system.

    * Professional-quality steel material for strength, durability, and resistance to wear.
    * Thickness of side laminates is reduced to work with narrow-kerf chains
    *
      Available in models with the Intenz® tensioning mechanism built into the bar itself.

Note 1: Micro-Lite™ bars are available in two gauges: .043" to be used exclusively with 3/8"-pitch 90SG chain, and .050" gauge to be used exclusively with .325"-pitch 95VP chain. Never install .043"-gauge chain on a .050" gauge bar.

Note 2: Always install a Micro-Lite™ bar together with a Micro-Lite™ chain in order to obtain all the advantages built into the Micro-Lite™ narrow-kerf cutting system.


Some extra reading ...
http://www.oregonchain.com/pdf/misc/MicroLiteBroch.pdf

[Typhoon]

Ok finally I found where I read it initially. Oregon RECOMMENDS that to get the most performance, if you are using a narrow kerf bar, to go ahead and use a narrow kerf chain. HOWEVER, they state that it is ok to replace your 95VP chain (narrow kerf) with a regular size chain on the same bar. Here is the link... once you get there, click on "Oregon chains for hand-held saws", once that opens in acrobat, look down towards the bottom of the page and you will see the note....
So I guess im not messing anything up according to Oregon... wait.... I better not speak too soon!! hehe...  8) 8) 8)
Here is the link....
http://www.oregonchain.com/tech/tech_guides.htm

[Kevin]

 It will work but what about the abuse to the lighter bar.
You are using a large kerf cutting chain on a narrow, less beefy bar designed for a narrow kerf chain.
Without having both chains and both bars to compare I can't say one way or another but I would be inclined to match the chain to the bar designed for it.
At least the mystery is cleared up .

[jokers]

I agree with Kevins outlook on running a standard kerf chain on the microlite bar, the bar won`t last as long. But laminated bars are generally poor quality anyway. Brad can then buy himself a better bar.

As Typhoon has proven, standard chain will work well on the narrower bar initially.

This whole binding issue sounds as if Brad`s chain was assembled with the wrong pitch connector. Any way that you could measure it accurately Brad? Might be good for a replacement chain from the dealer who sold you that one.

Russ

[Typhoon]

Yeah, I think Kevin is right too. Even though you can run a regular chain on a narrow kerf bar, I think it would wear quicker, and just not perform as well. Im going to stick with narrow kerf chain like its designed for. Also, someone said laminated bars are of lower quality? I didnt know this. Could someone explain in a nutshell which bars are better? (I.E. solid vs. laminated, replaceable tip vs. non, sprocket tip vs. non?). Also, does someone make a good quality bar with the narrow kerf design? Because I have noticed that my saw cuts better with the narrow kerf chain.. as it was designed to. Thanks! And thanks  
Kevin for the help! ;D

[Kevin]

It doesn't hurt to have an extra bar and chain on hand.
I know this doesn't happen to anyone here  ;D but if you ever happen to get your bar stuck in a kerf you can leave it there by removing the power head and finish the job with that extra bar and chain.
The Oregon Pro , or Power Match bars are decent.

[ohsoloco]

Hey, that's how I got my extra bar  :D  Just wish I would've gotten a longer one instead of the same length  :-/

[Oregon_Rob]

One of the things I enjoy about having similar saws (older Jons 801, 372 & 2100) is that I am able to swap bars and chains back and forth. I have 20, 24, 32 & 36" bars that fit the 372 & 2100.