Correct Chain for original c-52 & bar???

[ghettocaveman]

Greetings-

According to the research I've done, I believe that the wrong chain is on my Homelite c-52. I may have done too much research as all of the information is mixed up in my head. Will someone please set me straight? Thx.

According to the Jim Acres site: www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/ed1d619968136da688256af40002b8f7/aed3c7c95afa47ab88256c2600182999?OpenDocument

"Chain Pitch: .404 in." is what should be on the saw. However, a Oregon chain with drive links # 72 is currently on the saw. According to the Oregon Chain Pitch and Gauge Chart, a drive link of 72 indicates a 3/8" chain pitch.

I believe that it does have a Homelite bar(original???) with a sprocket tip. The bar measures 16" to the start of the tension adjustment screw (17" in between the bolts that secure the shroud & bar to the saw).

I believe that the drive sprocket is in good shape.

Is this the correct chain?

I would like to get a 24" - 28"bar in the near future. I am also interested in upgrading the drive sprocket assembly to the modern style if the community feels that is a worth while upgrade.

The saw is no trailer queen & will be used to clean up 20 acres of severe wind damage.

Please ask if you need any information or pictures.

Thanks in advance for any help I may receive.



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[MCS]

Acre's site is very informative and certainly the Third Wonder of the Chainsaw World, but don't for a minute believe that it doesn't have a few bugs.
In the early times of the C saws, 7/16" pitch chain was "standard" but the IPL also listed sprockets for 1/2" pitch and .404 pitch. It was the belief at the time that bigger teeth were better.
As for the C-52, the IPL lists .404 or 3/8 pitch sprockets so either is fine. 3/8 pitch sprockets were available in either 7 tooth or 8 tooth.
It becomes a trade-off based on the length of the bar and the expected diameter of the logs that will be cut. A 3/8 cutter will fill up more when cutting something 24" in diameter than will a .404 cutter.

[ghettocaveman]

Thank you very much MCS!

I will have quite a few cuts in the 20" 30" diameter range.

Realistically, I guess it comes down to the availability of the .404 pitch sprockets & such.

As I think out loud, I think its best to set it up(bar,chain,sprocket) with the most available parts in the most available locations/stores. I do plan to have 3-4 additional chains with me in the field at all times.

I would hate to be on the road & have down time because of the lack of cutting parts. I fully understand that I will have to order/locate parts for the mainframe.

[MCS]

You will be fine with 3/8 pitch chain. .404 pitch chain in .050 gauge is near impossible to find but .404 in .063 is still used in the logging industry.
Keep the sprocket tip greased