Quote Originally Posted by morrisman View Post
Bob Very useful tips there ! I think you are using 3/8 chain mostly ? I use .325 and 3/8 LP chains , I have a MS250 and a little MS170 . I found this thread helpful https://www.arboristsite.com/threads...rators.114624/
That thread was initiated by yours truly after a few "FOP" (fileoplate) users claimed FOP raker gauges were progressive. I originally posted it in the main "chainsaw" forum but was moved by admins to a sticky in the "racing saws" forums because the racers found it such a useful thread. I wish my dad were alive for me to show him - his approach was - "Not cutting? just take a bit more off the rakers" but he did/could not quantify the amount needed.

I use 3/8 and 404 chain on my bigger saws (880, 660 and 076) and 325 and 3/8 LP (low profile) on my smaller saws. My favourite saw to use both on and off the chainsaw mill is the 441 (72cc). I use it with LP chain on a 25" bar. Using LP on bigger saw I found the LP chain stretches too much and can even break. The 441 is also a much lighter saw than the bigger bruiser saws but still packs a decent punch.

On the 441 with LP, I use gullet width to raker depths ratios of up to 7:1.
It fair flies through the wood BUT there are trade offs
- chances of kickback are definitely increased (which is probably why you never see manufacturers recommend this) so have to be extra careful using this chain when the saw is not in the chainsaw mill - no issues when on the mill.
- wear and tear is greater - so, no running out of or low on bar and chain oil, and real piling the oil on via auxiliary oiler when milling
- vibe is increased - not an issue for short bursts of cross cutting but holding finger on trigger for extended milling gives me "white finger" (deadening of finger nerves). I get around this by slipping a semi-tight zip tie over the throttle. For the big saws I use an outboard throttle. The bigger machines are very fun to in the big chainsaw mills use but heavy to move around. I used to be able to operate them solo but these days its a two man job. I can still use the 441 in my small mill solo.

Lost of grimy detail there - I'd better stop.