.404 Conversion For Gear Drive

[OBR]

Hey all,

I know this comes up from time to time here, and I'm working on a 775G of my own.

As we all know the old gear drives originally ran 1/2 pitch chain, which is getting quite rare and even more expensive.

So, occasionally I hear about folks converting these saws to .404 chain, which is great, but the availability of .404 sprockets for these gear drivers is limited at best.

One option is from a company called Danzco, Inc. They offer pin type sprockets that will fit the old gear drives. However, at $88 + shipping they're not cheap.

This past weekend I opted to go ahead and CAD up an OEM style .404 spur for these saws. I've sent it off to a local machine shop to get a quote as to how much it would cost to manufacture such an item.

The spurs would be waterjet cut of more than likely 1018 carbon steel and I plan to discuss heat treatment with the shop.

Obviously this project is in its infancy so I can't provide performance/longevity information at this point, but my question is, is there any interest out there for guys wanting .404 spurs for their gear drives?

Thanks all.

[lesorubcheek]

I could use a couple. If the price is good, I would certainly be interested.

Dan

[priceandy70]

I have about 6 saws that would benefit from this!

[sweepleader]

So, priceandy70, what is an XL12 backpack?
Dan

[priceandy70]

I am not good at putting up pictures here or I would. It is a military item. It's and xl 12 motor attached to a back pack frame. It is said to be a mister/blower. Not all of it is there but it runs. I will attempt to get a picture of it on here
Andy

[nickolas]

Don't know why everyone keeps saying 1/2" chain is rare? I find it to be the total opposite and quite easy to find. It comes up for sale on ebay and CL all the time. I have taken the 404 sprocket off my saws and put 1/2" back on them. Most guys these days want that speed but not me I'll take slow lugging torque anyday over speed. Seriously the chain isn't that hard to find, chisel yes but chipper is quite easy to come by.

Nick