550 XP on the spot buy..

[5thelement]

Just had a thought. Maybe the new version in France now comes with the x-force bar/chain combo in 1.3mm and he has changed it over to the ‘standard’ set up to match your other one. Maybe.

Edited February 20, 2022 by 5thelement

[Mick Dempsey]

It’s not important, but I’ll pick up that blown Mk1 in the week and I’ll have a look.

I’d be surprised if there isn’t something in it, he’s usually pretty knowledgeable.

[Treerover]

The 95 VPX was replaced by the TLX, the new one has a 35 degree filing angle. I bought some to test when it came out, it’s okay but I found the metal to be too soft and it didn’t keep its edge well, you have to be meticulous to get the edge spot on again. The Husqvarna alternative is the SP33, I found it to be an excellent all round chain. The other alternative is the Stihl micro chisel, keeps its edge really well. All are 1.3mm gauge, the husky and stihl being semi chisel, available from Rob at Chainsawbars.co.uk, treat yourself to a Sugi Hara light type bar in 1.3mm gauge, you won’t regret it.

Great info , thank you.
Not keen on the look of that SP33 chain though . Bumper drive links….never a fan.
I do have a Sugihara bar on my tweaked ms200 but I found the oil hole too small and had to drill it out. Not that impressed if I’m honest.
I do like the Tsumura Light on the Stihl 46 though, goes like absolute stink with a double ported muffler and a bit of Dremelling .

[5thelement]

I’ve used Sugi Hara on my sub 70cc saws and Tsumura on anything 70cc and over for a good few years now, found them both to be excellent.

It’s good to see Husqvarna finally getting in on the action with the rebranded Tsumura guidebars on the newer saws as standard.

[spudulike]

7 hours ago, Treerover said:

Cuts 15% quicker ???

 

When I first got in to the porting thing, I did a lot of tests on my 357 with 8 pin, narrow kerf, 7 pin narrow kerf and standard 1.5mm gear. The 7 pin was faster on anything over 10-12" and the narrow kerf was 15% faster than the 1.5mm chain on the same rim. It really made that difference but it is obviously a compromise on strength in the cut so if you are mostly doing heavy forestry, it may not be for you but try it if speed is your thing.

 

I tried a ported MS200t on a 1/4" pitch recently and it was completely bonkers unstoppable in the cut, the revs barely dropped in the cut under load! You just give up a bit of chain/bar strength - more chain tension adjusting etc!