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Narrow Kerf Chain Saw Chain

18 years ago

Canguy (or anyone else with experience), I'm considering a 16" narrow kerf setup for my Husqvarna 353. What do you think about narrow kerf saw chain? The concept sounds good, however, I would appreciate your opinion. I realize that I would need a matching bar.

-Deerslayer

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Comments (5)

computeruser
18 years ago
It sounds like a great idea, but from what I've seen and heard I'd pass on it. There have been many discussions of the merits of narrow kerf bar/chain setups and the general agreement is that it is not worth the trouble. Reasons follow:

1. The bars are thinner and therefore more flexible. They are much easier to bend than standard-kerf bars.

2. The tip sprockets on the narrow-kerf bars are notoriously weaker than their thicker cousins. This alone is reason enough to skip it, in my opinion.

3. There have been numerous reports of the teeth on narrow-kerf chain breaking off when even the slightest piece of debris is contacted. While I hate having to re-grind a chain after it hits debris, at least it doesn't completely destroy my chain.

All in all, I'd pass on it. Your saw has more than enough power to pull standard .325 chain on a 16" bar, so I'd just stick with what I know works.

That said, Bailey's has a sale going right now on a narrow-kerf bar and chain combo for $20. You could always try it and see how it goes; at that price you have nothing to lose.
karlp
18 years ago
I use Oregon 95vp (aka Husqvarna H30) and WoodsmanPro 20NK (aka Carleton K1NK) on my Husqvarna 353. Never had any problems with a bar bending, sprocket failing, or teeth breaking. I do need to regrind the teeth when I hit a rock on the ground or nail in the wood, but that's been the case with any chain I've ever tried.

The chain that comes with the Baileys bar & chain combo isn't very good. The bar seems just fine, so if you get the combo you are basically getting a sorta usable chain for ~$2. It is Carleton K1NK-BL and it has huge bumpers on the drive links so it is ultra low kickback chain. Unfortunately ultra low kickback chain doesn't cut as well as regular low kickback chain like 95vp.
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deerslayer
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks computeruser and karlp. I'm going to try the narrow kerf setup.

-Deerslayer
jugebang
16 years ago
Husqvarna 353 match sawchain in 0.325pitch , please confirma the gauge is 0.058inch or 0.063inch, it is different. i think you can get the necessay inforatmion in website: http://www.dokio.cn/faq.htm
canguy
16 years ago
I have used the Oregon 95VP, .325 pitch,.050guage narrow kerf on a Husky 345 and have been very happy with it. It allowed the saw to rev and very little waste. The chain I avoid is the Stihl 61PM mini picco, three eighths extended pitch .043guage. That will break easily against a knot or nail.

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