Rebaring an MS 250

[DWM II]

I need to puchase another bar for my saw. Sometimes 16'' just aint enough. I realize this is truly just a limbing saw, kinda light in the power range, but I could really use upto a 20'' or so but didnt want to drop the bucks for another saw since this one runs top notch. Am I wasting my time and money? What would be a good recommedation on a new saw, I am interested in going to a Husky if I buy new but I am unfamiliar  with them.

Thanks, Donnie

[Kevin]

They will take an 18", 20"might be pushing it .
Can you rent a larger saw for a day when you need one?

[pineywoods]

I run a 20 inch bar on my 12 year old 028, have for years. It's never let me down. It does require keeping the chain sharp sharp.

[DWM II]

Kevin, I havent ever checked on rental. Sharp is always a requirement, but even then if its gonna keep the saw in the tree to long because of low power availabilty it aint worth it.

[Kevin]

If you bury the bar it will be an effort for the saw.
If you don't bury the bar you might as well use a standard bar length designed for that saw.
If it's just an occassional cut it then it only takes a few minutes to change the bar but if it's more than occassional then a larger saw is probably in order.

[DWM II]

Yep, that makes sense.

[Don K]

I bought Husky 359 from Baileys last year with a 20" bar and have been very pleased with it. Have cut some really big stuff. Less than a 500 coin investment.   Don

[Cut4fun]

I wouldnt put a 20" on it myself running full comp chain, but lets say you put a 20" on for the needed bigger cut at times and run skip or full skip chain.

[Kevin]

That might be a safety concern when limbing but a good idea for deep cutting.

[DWM II]

I'm not familiar with chain variations. I am currently running a full cut chain instead of the "safety chain" that came on it. What are skip chains? and why are they better for deep cutting and not ideal for limbing?

[Kevin]

Skip chains are designed to move sawdust when the bar is buried in wood.
The cutters are spaced farther apart and as a result increase the chance of kick back.

[DWM II]

Ok I am running a skip chain, just never heard it called that. Still learing. ;)

[Cut4fun]

Here is oregon chain guide and i will go get the stihl chain guide for you too.
http://www.brownandwiser.com/oregon_chain.html
http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/types.html

[DWM II]

Thank you very much. Thats what makes this place so great. 8)

[SawTroll]

I bought Husky 359 from Baileys last year with a 20" bar and have been very pleased with it. Have cut some really big stuff. Less than a 500 coin investment.   Don

Probably the cheapest saw that will pull a buried 20" sort of good, but I still wouldn't want to do it.

A 250 is far too small, unless it is only for an occational cut, and you are not in a hurry......

[Engineer]

I wouldn't try a 20" bar on a 250.  I tried an 18" bar on my 025 (same saw) and if you are making a full-bar cut it will easily stall the saw.  The 250 just doesn't have the power to run a 20" bar.  Stick with the 16" bar and look for a new larger saw if you need a 20" bar.

[SawTroll]

I wouldn't try a 20" bar on a 250.  I tried an 18" bar on my 025 (same saw) and if you are making a full-bar cut it will easily stall the saw.  The 250 just doesn't have the power to run a 20" bar.  Stick with the 16" bar and look for a new larger saw if you need a 20" bar.

Preferably .325 narrow kerf........