Chains in bulk…

[IronMike]

I apologise now, as I’m sure this topic has been covered multiple times previously, but I’ll be damned if I can navigate the maze that is the Arbtalk search function 😂

 

So a tiny bit of insight… I like to buy my chains in bulk (100ft reel previously) and got myself a reel of Oregon off Rob D a while back. It’s coming to an end, and I need to look at replacement. I can’t say I’ve done much research into alternatives as all I’ve had is Oregon, so I’d be intrigued to hear thoughts on other offerings. I like full chisel, and Will not entertain semi chisel in the slightest! 
 

This will be for my 2 smaller ground saws (Husqvarna 555 and MK2 550) both running 18 inch bars, so .325, 0.58 and 72 drive links.
 

Commence online argument about chains……. NOW!

[MattyF]

I'd get what is ever the most decent price at the time and what you want Mike , I use husky X cut for my 550's, I had a reel of the Oregon new chisel last year but got a reel of the stihl which I prefer when it ran out , just slightly softer to sharpen... overall I prefer the stihl but they are all good chains..

[slack ma girdle]

I have always rated Stihl full chisel ,  but it is more expensive than Oregon,probably about £100 difference for 100'.

Pays yer money and take your choice

[Dan Maynard]

Are you sure you don't want .325 .050? Seems to be the modern way for faster cutting - I need to get a new bar for my 261 and thinking whether to change over.

[Steven1210]

11 hours ago, MattyF said:

I'd get what is ever the most decent price at the time and what you want Mike , I use husky X cut for my 550's, I had a reel of the Oregon new chisel last year but got a reel of the stihl which I prefer when it ran out , just slightly softer to sharpen... overall I prefer the stihl but they are all good chains..

Hi MattyF

 

What x cut are you using?

[IronMike]

10 hours ago, Dan Maynard said:

Are you sure you don't want .325 .050? Seems to be the modern way for faster cutting - I need to get a new bar for my 261 and thinking whether to change over.

Never considered it, happy to explore further! Cheers.

[IronMike]

I've not been blown away by the Oregon, but equally not been let down either. I'm guessing this is one of those things where you could spend ages analysing the differences but in real world terms, it's not that noticeable.

[openspaceman]

2 hours ago, IronMike said:

I've not been blown away by the Oregon, but equally not been let down either. I'm guessing this is one of those things where you could spend ages analysing the differences but in real world terms, it's not that noticeable.

It's such a long time ago that I used saws daily and was able to notice subtle differences but back then I thought Stihl chains a bit harder  and kept their edge slightly better, Oregon and Husqvarna easier to file but bought reels of Oregon for convenience and lower cost. I still have about 50ft of .325 .058 Oregon chisel of some sort bought in the early 90s.

[Dan Maynard]

 

[Dan Maynard]

I don't know how it holds up in forestry but Stihl reckon 20% faster cutting, which is surely a useful increase.