Long bar efficiency or short bar for control?

[Alan]

You’ve got your chainsaw in hand and you’re about to dive into some woodwork. Should you grab a longer bar to zip through logs, or a shorter one for that extra control and precision?

 

[hunting1]

For most I'd imagine they just deal with whatever the project is with what they have on hand and pass up stuff that's just too big. I really dislike struggling to cut something with too short of a bar. Out at the wood pile. I'll occasionally bolt on a 3 ft bar for 30-60" logs. But it's heavier and unwieldy for smaller stuff and I'll go back to the usual 25 or 28" for wood on the ground. Trimming branches off the ground sees a 16" bar, smaller lighter trim saw

 

[Leon Couper]

Yes depends on the size of the log. If I can do one cut with a long bar that's what I
bolt on.

 

[rhougey]

You’ve got your chainsaw in hand and you’re about to dive into some woodwork. Should you grab a longer bar to zip through logs, or a shorter one for that extra control and precision?

I’ve been working for a long time primarily with a 24” bar, but I think I’m gonna give the 28” a long term try for the extra reach it provides. See if I decide to make it my go-to bar.

 

[Alan]

Thank you all for the great insights. It’s clear that the right bar selection is influenced by the job and the wood, but it’s nice to understand how each size helps in getting things done effectively.

 

[Gee Willikers]

You’ve got your chainsaw in hand and you’re about to dive into some woodwork. Should you grab a longer bar to zip through logs, or a shorter one for that extra control and precision?

Unlike a barber with 6 separate clippers, I limit myself to 2 saws, an 18” (Echo 4910) and a 28” (Echo 7310). The size of the wood and proximity to those around it determine my choices.

 

[Alan]

Unlike a barber with 6 separate clippers, I limit myself to 2 saws, an 18” (Echo 4910) and a 28” (Echo 7310). The size of the wood and proximity to those around it determine my choices.

Well said. Two solid saws and smart judgment really make the difference.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

My bar choice is entirely situation-dependent.

For example, my 462 normally wears a 32" bar unless I'm up a tree, where I'll throw on the 18" or my other half's 24". My 201T only has a 12" at the moment, and my 372 low top nearly always wears a 28".

If I'm working fires, then it's 28" for everyone on every saw for crew-wide interchangeability. Taller sawyers like myself are slowly getting 32"'s, though.

I personally prefer the 28" to 32" range because they strike a good balance between capability, balance and ergonomics for my height. That being said, I am a big proponent of using what you find most suits your environment and helps you stay comfortable.

 

[Alan]

My bar choice is entirely situation-dependent.

For example, my 462 normally wears a 32" bar unless I'm up a tree, where I'll throw on the 18" or my other half's 24". My 201T only has a 12" at the moment, and my 372 low top nearly always wears a 28".

If I'm working fires, then it's 28" for everyone on every saw for crew-wide interchangeability. Taller sawyers like myself are slowly getting 32"'s, though.

I personally prefer the 28" to 32" range because they strike a good balance between capability, balance and ergonomics for my height. That being said, I am a big proponent of using what you find most suits your environment and helps you stay comfortable.

Totally makes sense. Choosing the right bar really depends on the job and the operator. Sounds like you’ve found a setup that perfectly balances reach, control, and comfort.

 

[shaunmoore219]

That’s really a tough question to answer because I’m not gonna use a 28 or 32 inch bar on a 16 inch piece of wood. I’m also not gonna use a 16 inch bar on a 32 inch piece of wood. If you’re a Firewood guy, a 25 inch bar should be sufficient as long as you’ve got 60cc saw to push it. Really 18-20 inch bar should be plenty because unless you have some young studs out there picking it up and loading it on the splitter you’re not gonna be cutting anything with a diameter bigger than that?

 

[rhougey]

That’s really a tough question to answer because I’m not gonna use a 28 or 32 inch bar on a 16 inch piece of wood. I’m also not gonna use a 16 inch bar on a 32 inch piece of wood. If you’re a Firewood guy, a 25 inch bar should be sufficient as long as you’ve got 60cc saw to push it. Really 18-20 inch bar should be plenty because unless you have some young studs out there picking it up and loading it on the splitter you’re not gonna be cutting anything with a diameter bigger than that?

I cut with a 362CM, 24”bar. A lot of my rounds are 30-36” diameter. I move them around with my small Kubota, but I split by myself with the splitter oriented vertically. Roll the rounds into place and flop them onto the splitter, all day long. It’s not a big deal.

 

[Alan]

Do 24–25” bars handle most rounds well, especially with a splitter or some help moving logs?

 

[hunting1]

you’re not gonna be cutting anything with a diameter bigger than that?

Of course you can. 36" to 60" or bigger chunks can be sawn into quarters or smaller. You deal with it if wood is scarce and thats the only choice.