Skip chain for longer bar use?

[IHDiesel73L]

I have a McCulloch PM650 which is a 60cc saw-the biggest I own (I also have a Stihl 025 and 026) and I'd like to set it up to handle some larger diameter logs for firewood bucking. As big as the saw is its nowhere near as fast or as powerful as a 60cc saw produced today, but its what I have. I'm thinking of fitting a 24" Oregon bar with a full chisel skip chain hoping that it will allow the chain speed to stay high although I won't be getting through the log as fast. Is it worth going with the skip chain or should I just throw a regular full chisel on?

 

[ericm979]

Yep, skip chain will let it pull easier but will cut slower. I think it's a good idea. Even a modern 60cc saw cuts slow with a fully engaged 24" bar. Above 24" is where I switch to skip tooth but I have a modified 77cc saw to run the 24" full complement. If you are cutting smaller stuff with that bar and chain, be aware that skip tooth is grabbier on smaller stuff.

Your saw's oiler may not be able to put out enough oil for the long bar.

 

[IHDiesel73L]

Yep, skip chain will let it pull easier but will cut slower. I think it's a good idea. Even a modern 60cc saw cuts slow with a fully engaged 24" bar. Above 24" is where I switch to skip tooth but I have a modified 77cc saw to run the 24" full complement. If you are cutting smaller stuff with that bar and chain, be aware that skip tooth is grabbier on smaller stuff. Your saw's oiler may not be able to put out enough oil for the long bar.

Thanks for the real world feedback-I'm going to give it a shot. With regard to the oiler its a manual so it will depend on how long it takes for my thumb to cramp up :laughing: