Avondale
Platinum Member
Is there any appreciable cutting advantage of one size chain over the other? Let us assume the same saw power head (regardless of brand or engine size), length and using 0.58 gauge as a base.
3/8" Vs .325 chain cutting ability
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CobyRupert
Super Member
IMHO: Night and day difference. 3/8" cut way better.
4570Man
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3/8 cuts better with enough power. I run 3/8 on both of my saws, but the little one ( 3.5 hp ) cuts better with .325.
bobmisi
Silver Member
Either chain will cut great if the saw is running right and the chain is properly sharpened. 3/8 requires more horsepower and is therefore found on the larger saws. A small saw with a 3/8 chain will be overworked and stop more readily than a .325 chain. A 3/8 chain will cut faster mainly because it is on a larger saw and is taking a bigger chip out and probably revving higher. Both can work great if on the right saw.
CobyRupert
Super Member
It should go without saying, but maybe not: The same amount of work done in less time takes more power (by definition).
And Einstein's formula basiclly says Time = 1/Money.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Dont forget to throw 3/8LP chain in the mix too.
In theory though The .325 or 3/8LP chain "should" cut faster on the same saw. Because both create a narrower kerf than regular 3/8 chain. And less wood removed means less work done. And if HP is the same, doing less work should get done quicker.
But theory and reality dont always align.
In theory though The .325 or 3/8LP chain "should" cut faster on the same saw. Because both create a narrower kerf than regular 3/8 chain. And less wood removed means less work done. And if HP is the same, doing less work should get done quicker.
But theory and reality dont always align.
dfkrug
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Yeah, it is not as simple as .325 vs. 3/8. Some chains skip one link between teeth; some skip more.
Some chains sport special rakers. Some are extra wide. Curved teeth vs. square.
If a saw has the power, you can up the drive sprocket tooth count or file the rakers down a bit for
a bigger bite. Chains are cheap. Keep 'em sharp.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Yep. IMO, there are alot more important variables other than simply 3/8 vs .325. You hit on most of them.
An 8 tooth .325 is not going to have the same chain speed as an 8 tooth 3/8.
Chisel, semi-chisel, round
Rakers is a good one. On my big saw I keep them about double what the 0.025" norm is.
When making a decision between 3/8 and .325, for me it aint about speed at all. Its about lonjevity of the chain. 3/8" chains have bigger teeth, less likely to break if you hit something, and last longer, (more sharpening) before there is no tooth left. To me, that is the reason to choose 3/8 over .325. Not for speed