Stilh chain .325x.063x74DL

boilerhouse47 · April 24, 2005, 08:24:44 PM

I purchased a Stilh MS290 about 2 1/2 years ago. I wanted a 18 inch bar on it, and the dealer installed a new bar for me. Now that I'm looking to get a couple of new chains for it I'm finding that this seems to be an oddball size. It uses Stilh's 26RS chain and it is a .325 X .063 X 74 DL. In Baileys catalog I only see this size available in 100 foot spools. I only use the saw for cutting my fire wood and doing some limb triming on my property. My question is what is the advantage or disadvantage of the .063 gauge chain? Is it worth my while to change the bar and drive sprocket so I can run a cheaper ( $9 Baileys = $18 Stilh) chain with a .050 gauge? Did the dealer give me a weiner for a ham on this bar combo. He is out of business now. I cut mostly maple, oak, beach, and cherry logs. I do love this saw!!! ???

Kevin · April 25, 2005, 08:49:13 PM

You could go with the Oregon Super Guard 35LG, Micro Chisel 22BP, or Super 20 22LP.

jokers · April 26, 2005, 09:05:50 AM

Hi Boilerhouse,

As Kevin pointed out, there are alternatives to the Stihl RS. I`d call Bailey`s and ask them how much loops of .325x74 chain are since they seem to sell may types of chain by the dl.

The gauge of the chain will have little to no affect on the cost of the chain within a specific brand. You won`t need to change the drive sprocket to switch chain gauge either, but it would be a good idea to check it`s condition before putting new chain on it.

Russ

outdoortype · April 26, 2005, 08:47:56 PM

The extra $$ you spend on the Stihl chain might be worth it!! IMHO, the Stihl chains stay sharp longer. I have used the same .063 gauge chain (although it is reduced kickback version) on my 025 at least 6 times before I had to sharpen it . I used it on red oaks varing from 6" to 18". I've sharpened the Oregon .058 x 3/8" LG chain on my Husqvarna 3 times in 10 hours use.

boilerhouse47 · April 27, 2005, 01:15:41 PM

Thanks everyone for the info, I may try a Oregon chain on this saw. The wood I'm cutting has a lot of dirt on it and is taking a toll on my chains. No matter how much dirt I try to get off the wood I still end up needing to sharpen often.
I just wanted to tell all that you have a great forum going here. I've been reading your posts for about 2 weeks and I don't see the bickering and name calling that you see on some of the other sites I go into. You respect each other and everyones opinions. Please don't change!!
Boilerhouse

sawguy21 · May 01, 2005, 08:53:41 AM

I have seen references to the Stihl 26RS but why run a heavy low profile chain and a thick bar on a small displacement saw? I know Stihl likes .063 but this seems overkill.

boilerhouse47 · May 01, 2005, 12:28:12 PM

Sawguy, do you think my MS290 would cut better if I went to a different chain and bar? I'm not sure what is supposed to come on this saw from the factory? It is advertised with a 16 inch bar, but when I was looking at it my dealer said he usually put 18 inch bars on them, so I went along with his suggestion. Did he put a bigger chain on this saw than it can handle? There are times I wish I would have gotten a little bit bigger saw, but if I let the saw do the work it cuts fine. If I put any pressure on it ,it is easy to bog down. I take any hard wood given to me and some of these are in the 24 to 30 inch range and seems to be all the saw and I can handle. I'm getting a little long in the tooth and I need to split them some to get them in my truck. I just don't want to carry a heavier saw to get power.
It would be easier to convince the wife I need a new bar and chain instead fo a new saw!!! I've been married for 36 years and she knows when I'm trying to fool her. Not much at the poker face thing. :D
Boilerhouse

sawguy21 · May 01, 2005, 08:59:47 PM

We put 23RSI, .325 pitch .050 ga with 16" or 18" bars on the MS290's. The lighter chain allows faster throttle response and is all the 290 needs. Heavier chain allows the larger saws to maintain rpm but the 290 does not have the torque to take advantage of it.