MS250 Bar And Chain Guide (5 Expert Tips For Optimal Cutting)

Let’s talk about something that can drastically improve your chainsaw cutting experience – something that can take you from struggling with uneven cuts and a smoking chain to effortlessly slicing through wood like a hot knife through butter. I’m talking about optimizing your MS250 bar and chain. Many people overlook this seemingly simple aspect of chainsaw operation, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. A well-maintained bar and a properly sharpened chain, coupled with the right cutting techniques, can significantly boost your efficiency, extend the life of your equipment, and, most importantly, enhance your safety.

MS250 Bar and Chain Guide: 5 Expert Tips for Optimal Cutting

The Stihl MS250 is a popular chainsaw model, known for its versatility and reliability. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling occasional yard work or a seasoned professional felling trees, the MS250 can handle a wide range of tasks. However, even the best chainsaw is only as good as its bar and chain. In this guide, I’ll share five expert tips that will help you get the most out of your MS250, focusing on bar and chain maintenance, sharpening, and cutting techniques.

1. Understanding Your Bar and Chain

Before diving into the tips, let’s establish a solid foundation by understanding the key components and terminology.

Bar: The metal blade that guides the chain. Its length determines the maximum size of wood you can cut. The MS250 typically uses bars ranging from 16 to 20 inches.
Chain: The cutting element that wraps around the bar. It consists of cutters, tie straps, and drive links.
Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. It’s crucial to match the chain pitch to the sprocket on your chainsaw. The MS250 typically uses a 3/8″ pitch chain.
Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the groove of the bar. The MS250 usually uses a .050″ gauge chain.
Drive Links: The parts of the chain that engage with the sprocket, pulling the chain around the bar.
Cutters: The sharp teeth on the chain that do the actual cutting.
Tie Straps: Connect the cutters and drive links, providing structural integrity to the chain.

Why is this important? Using the wrong bar or chain can damage your chainsaw and create a dangerous situation. Always consult your owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct specifications for your MS250.

My Personal Experience: I once tried to use a chain with the wrong gauge on my MS250. The chain kept binding in the bar groove, causing the chainsaw to vibrate violently. It was a scary experience that taught me the importance of using the right parts.

2. Regular Bar Maintenance: The Foundation of Smooth Cutting

The chainsaw bar isn’t just a passive guide; it’s a critical component that needs regular maintenance. A neglected bar can lead to premature chain wear, reduced cutting efficiency, and even bar damage.

Step 1: Cleaning the Bar Groove

The bar groove is the channel where the chain drive links run. Over time, sawdust, dirt, and oil can accumulate in the groove, hindering chain movement and causing friction.

Tools: Screwdriver, wire brush, compressed air (optional)
Procedure:
1. Remove the chain from the bar.
2. Use a screwdriver or a specialized bar groove cleaner to scrape out the debris from the groove.
3. Use a wire brush to clean the sides of the groove.
4. If available, use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris.

Frequency: I recommend cleaning the bar groove after every 5-10 hours of use, or more frequently if you’re cutting dirty or resinous wood.

Step 2: Checking Bar Rail Condition

The bar rails are the edges of the bar that guide the chain cutters. Over time, they can become worn, uneven, or burred.

Tools: Flat file, bar rail dresser (optional)
Procedure:
1. Visually inspect the bar rails for wear, burrs, or unevenness.
2. Use a flat file to remove any burrs or sharp edges.
3. If the rails are uneven, use a bar rail dresser to even them out. A bar rail dresser is a specialized tool that helps maintain the correct angle and height of the rails.
4. Ensure the bar rails are square and flat.

Why is this important? Worn or uneven bar rails can cause the chain to tilt, resulting in uneven cuts and increased chain wear.

Step 3: Lubricating the Bar

Proper lubrication is essential for reducing friction and extending the life of both the bar and chain.

Tools: Chainsaw bar oil
Procedure:
1. Ensure the oil reservoir is filled with chainsaw bar oil.
2. Adjust the oiler on your MS250 to provide adequate lubrication. The oiler setting will depend on the type of wood you’re cutting and the ambient temperature.
3. Check the oiler output by running the chainsaw at full throttle and observing the amount of oil being thrown off the chain. You should see a consistent stream of oil.

Tip: I always use a high-quality chainsaw bar oil specifically designed for chainsaw use. Avoid using motor oil or other substitutes, as they may not provide adequate lubrication and can damage your equipment.

Step 4: Flipping the Bar

To promote even wear, I recommend flipping the bar every time you sharpen the chain. This ensures that both sides of the bar are used equally.

Case Study: I once had a customer who complained that their chain kept wearing out prematurely on one side. After inspecting their bar, I found that it was significantly more worn on one side than the other. I recommended that they start flipping the bar regularly, and they reported a significant improvement in chain life.

3. Chain Sharpening: The Key to Effortless Cutting

A sharp chain is not only more efficient but also safer. A dull chain requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and other accidents.

Step 1: Understanding Chain Sharpening Angles

To sharpen a chain correctly, you need to understand the key angles:

Top Plate Angle: The angle of the top plate of the cutter.
Side Plate Angle: The angle of the side plate of the cutter.
Depth Gauge Setting: The height of the depth gauge relative to the cutter.

The correct angles for your MS250 chain will be specified in your owner’s manual. However, as a general guideline, the top plate angle is typically around 30-35 degrees, and the side plate angle is around 60 degrees.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Sharpening Tools

There are several ways to sharpen a chainsaw chain:

Round File and File Guide: This is the most common and affordable method. A file guide helps maintain the correct angles.
Electric Chain Sharpener: This is a faster and more precise method, but it requires a larger investment.
Bar-Mounted Sharpener: This tool attaches to the chainsaw bar and allows you to sharpen the chain without removing it.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a round file and file guide. It’s a simple and effective way to learn the basics of chain sharpening.

Step 3: Sharpening the Chain

Tools: Round file, file guide, depth gauge tool, flat file, gloves, vise (optional)
Procedure:
1. Secure the chainsaw bar in a vise (optional). This will make the sharpening process easier.
2. Identify the shortest cutter on the chain. This will be your guide for sharpening all the other cutters to the same length.
3. Place the file guide on the chain, aligning it with the cutter you’re sharpening.
4. Using a smooth, consistent motion, file the cutter from the inside out. Follow the angle specified in your owner’s manual.
5. Sharpen each cutter on the chain, ensuring that they are all the same length.
6. Use a depth gauge tool to check the height of the depth gauges. The depth gauges should be slightly lower than the cutters.
7. If the depth gauges are too high, use a flat file to lower them.
8. Clean the chain and bar thoroughly before reinstalling the chain on the chainsaw.

Tip: I always sharpen my chain after every tank of fuel. This keeps the chain sharp and prevents it from becoming excessively dull.

Step 4: Depth Gauge Adjustment

The depth gauge controls how much wood each cutter takes with each pass. If the depth gauges are too high, the chain will not cut effectively. If they are too low, the chain will be too aggressive and can cause kickback.

Tools: Depth gauge tool, flat file
Procedure:
1. Use a depth gauge tool to check the height of the depth gauges.
2. If the depth gauges are too high, use a flat file to lower them.
3. File the depth gauges evenly, maintaining a consistent height.

Why is this important? Proper depth gauge adjustment is crucial for optimal cutting performance and safety.

My Personal Experience: I once tried to cut down a large tree with a chain that had excessively low depth gauges. The chainsaw was extremely aggressive and kept kicking back, making it very difficult and dangerous to control. I quickly realized my mistake and adjusted the depth gauges, which made a world of difference.

4. Optimal Cutting Techniques: Maximizing Efficiency and Safety

Even with a sharp chain and a well-maintained bar, poor cutting techniques can lead to inefficient cutting, increased wear and tear on your equipment, and potential accidents.

Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Felling

Felling a tree is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here are the basic steps:

Planning: Assess the tree, the surrounding area, and potential hazards. Determine the direction of fall and clear a path for escape.
Notch Cut: Cut a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Back Cut: Cut from the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the bottom of the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of fall.
Felling: Use wedges or a felling lever to help guide the tree’s fall.

Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

Step 2: Limbing and Bucking

Limbing: Removing the branches from a felled tree.
Bucking: Cutting the trunk into manageable lengths.

Techniques for Limbing:

Cut from the top down: This prevents the bar from getting pinched.
Use the bar to support the weight of the branch: This reduces the risk of kickback.

Techniques for Bucking:

Support the log: This prevents the log from pinching the bar.
Use the correct cutting technique: Depending on how the log is supported, you may need to use a different cutting technique to avoid pinching.

Step 3: Avoiding Pinching and Kickback

Pinching: Occurs when the bar gets trapped in the wood.
Kickback: Occurs when the tip of the bar hits an object, causing the chainsaw to suddenly kick back towards the operator.

Tips for Avoiding Pinching:

Use wedges to keep the cut open.
Support the log properly.
Use the correct cutting technique.

Tips for Avoiding Kickback:

Always use a chainsaw with a chain brake.
Keep your hands firmly on the chainsaw.
Avoid cutting with the tip of the bar.
Be aware of your surroundings.

Case Study: I was once bucking a large log when the bar suddenly got pinched. I tried to force the chainsaw through the cut, but it only made the situation worse. I eventually had to use a wedge to open up the cut and free the bar. This experience taught me the importance of taking my time and using the correct techniques to avoid pinching.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Cutting Technique for the Job

There are various cutting techniques, each suited for different situations. Here are a few examples:

Boring Cut: Used for felling large trees or removing large branches.
Plunge Cut: Used for making cuts in the middle of a log or panel.
Hinge Cut: Used for controlling the direction of fall when felling a tree.

Understanding these techniques and when to use them will significantly improve your cutting efficiency and safety.

5. Chain and Bar Selection: Matching the Right Tool to the Task

Choosing the right chain and bar for your MS250 is crucial for optimal performance and safety.

Step 1: Bar Length

The bar length should be appropriate for the size of the wood you’re cutting. A longer bar allows you to cut larger trees, but it also makes the chainsaw more difficult to control. For the MS250, I generally recommend a 16-18 inch bar for most tasks.

Step 2: Chain Type

There are different types of chainsaw chains, each designed for specific applications:

Full Chisel Chain: Offers the fastest cutting speed but requires more frequent sharpening. Best suited for clean wood.
Semi-Chisel Chain: A good compromise between cutting speed and durability. Suitable for a wider range of wood types.
Low-Profile Chain: Designed for safety and ease of use. Ideal for beginners and homeowners.

For the MS250, I typically recommend a semi-chisel chain for its versatility and durability.

Step 3: Wood Type Considerations

The type of wood you’re cutting will also affect your chain selection.

Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Spruce): Easier to cut and require less aggressive chains.
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Hickory): More difficult to cut and require more aggressive chains.
Dirty or Resinous Wood: Can dull the chain quickly and require more frequent sharpening.

Step 4: Matching the Chain to the Sprocket

As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to match the chain pitch and gauge to the sprocket on your chainsaw. Using the wrong chain can damage your equipment and create a dangerous situation. Always consult your owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct specifications. The MS250 typically uses a 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge chain.

Step 5: Chain Tension

Proper chain tension is essential for safe and efficient cutting. A chain that is too loose can derail from the bar, while a chain that is too tight can overheat and break.

Procedure:
1. Loosen the bar nuts.
2. Use the chain tensioning screw to adjust the chain tension.
3. The chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand.
4. Tighten the bar nuts securely.

Tip: I always check the chain tension before each use and adjust it as needed.

Data and Insights: In my experience, using a high-quality chain can increase cutting efficiency by up to 20% compared to using a cheap, generic chain. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of performance, durability, and safety are well worth the investment.

Strategic Advantages: Investing in a high-quality bar and chain, and maintaining them properly, will not only improve your cutting performance but also extend the life of your MS250, saving you money in the long run.

Next Steps:

Review your MS250 owner’s manual: Familiarize yourself with the recommended bar and chain specifications, as well as the proper sharpening angles.
Inspect your bar and chain regularly: Check for wear, damage, and proper lubrication.
Practice your sharpening skills: Start with a simple round file and file guide, and gradually progress to more advanced sharpening methods.
Focus on safe cutting techniques: Always wear appropriate safety gear and be aware of your surroundings.
Experiment with different chain types: Find the chain that works best for the type of wood you’re cutting and your cutting style.

By following these five expert tips, you can significantly improve your MS250 cutting experience, enhance your safety, and extend the life of your equipment. Remember, a well-maintained bar and a properly sharpened chain are the keys to effortless and efficient cutting.

MS250 Bar and Chain Guide (5 Expert Tips for Optimal Cutting)