MS 880 big bar v smaller

[Rupe]

I just got a new 880 with 48 inch bar. I've used them many times before but this is the first I've owned one and first time I've used one for a couple of years.

 

Of course the chain and bar is new so its as perfect as can be.

 

I was really impressed with it, running the 48inch bar. I was only cutting 30-36 inch ash, but it had tons of power as you would expect.

 

I'm not likely to need 48inches often so I bought a 36inch bar and chain for it for more frequent use, I figured the bigger bar can hang in the workshop until we need it.

 

My point is this......I was less impressed with it using a 36 than I was using a 48 inch bar!? Is this right?? Is there something about the big bar that makes it better.

 

I realise that the 48 is way more expensive than the 36, is there something in its design, that makes it better or am I imagining things?

 

ANy help apreciated, I'm no expert when it comes to big saw and chain types etc..

[Tom D]

I've tried one with a short bar( i think 28"), it was pretty good, maybe its the extra weight thats balancing the saw better and pulling the nose through so you're less aware of pushing it?

[Andy R]

we have a 36 and 48 for our 084, not noticed any difference between the 2 on that, apart from it is alot easier to start with the 36 on..

 

Are the chains the same rupe?

[Rupe]

Good call!! The extra nose weight is what makes it such a pain to carry out unless its really needed. I thought the 36 would be like having a bigger 066 on site but I think I prefer the 066 with a 24 or 30 inch bar than the 880 with a 36.

 

Of course it does the job but its just that I was more impressed with it with the 48 on!

 

Will try it with both on the same wood someday to make a proper comparison.

[Rupe]

we have a 36 and 48 for our 084, not noticed any difference between the 2 on that, apart from it is alot easier to start with the 36 on..

 

Are the chains the same rupe?

 

I think so, they are both .404 with pointy fronts not curved, don't know what they are called!

[tree monkey]

Chisel chains is the word you lookin for i think.

[Andy R]

chisel chain then...iirc we have semi chisel on the 48 and the 36...cuts well, in a plodding along kind of way.

[Charlieh]

port the exhuast, then put a 17" stihl es bar, and put a 8pin sprocket on it with a .404 full chisel chain and bobs your uncle

 

ok its not practical really but its bloody good fun, and very quick for ringing up smaller heavy stuff like oak, plus it has the ability to make people very scared by the shear amount of noise

 

Oh and i find 36" seems about right on the 084 anything else seems to big and wieldy (nose heavy)

[High Scale]

36" on an 88 is sweet! Did you buy the saw new Rupe?

Edited November 27, 2008 by High Scale

[Rupe]

Yep, new and shiny! 800 +vat