setting up a Stihl 029 as a second saw

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twd000

Feeling the Heat
Aug 28, 2015
448
Southern New Hampshire
my dad is getting older and gave me his trusty old Stihl 029. Recently serviced at his local dealer

I already have my own MS250 that I've been happy with for years. It's somewhat underpowered for the big hardwoods but light and quick enough for most stuff I tackle.

I typically get a grapple load of logs every three years and process 7-8 cords over the course of a few months. I'll also scrounge some yard trees and arborist trimmings occasionally. I try to keep a cord of dry white pine around to mix in the stove during shoulder season.

How would you setup the 029 as a second saw to complement my main MS250? Put on a 20" bar or keep the 16" stock bar? Muffler mod and retune?


spec comparison:
MS250: 3.0 HP, 10 lbs, 45 cc
029 : 3.7 HP, 13 lbs, 54 cc
 
I like a 24" bar so that I don't have to bend over so far so my personal preference is longer is better.
 
How is the ms250 set up?
 
The ms250 sounds like its set up for all around cutting. If you cut a decent amount of larger logs, I would set up the 029 with a 20" bar, maybe larger.
 
A 20 inch bar on that saw is about the reasonable limit and a logical partner to the 250. Just one dudes opinion.
 
I really like having only one bar size for common size bars and chains. Second best is the normal 20 or 16 and then the big 28+ for when you get a big log.

Having both 16 and 20 seems like a waste. In our woods I would rather have both 20.
 
I'd put a 20" on that saw...you already have a 16".
I have a 20" on my 290, it works fine, but I wouldn't want any longer on it either.
 
Personally I would sell the 025 and get at least a 039 to run a 20 in bar. and keep the 029 and run the 16 in bar on it..a 20 is to much for a 029....been there and done that already.....
 
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You guys get me always pushing bigger saws
My 2 saws are old an O25 with a 16 in. bar and a 039 with a 20 in. bar
both have served me well. I do 10 cord a year 5 for myself and 5 for
those that need wood but can not afford it. Never had cause for a bigger
saw nor do I want the weight of a bigger saw. I guess I live a slower pace
of life because speed is not everything. You have to stop and smell the roses
Just my nickels worth
 
I would rather smell the oil/fuel and wood chips any day ..
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimBear
You guys get me always pushing bigger saws
My 2 saws are old an O25 with a 16 in. bar and a 039 with a 20 in. bar
both have served me well. I do 10 cord a year 5 for myself and 5 for
those that need wood but can not afford it. Never had cause for a bigger
saw nor do I want the weight of a bigger saw. I guess I live a slower pace
of life because speed is not everything. You have to stop and smell the roses
Just my nickels worth
After a 2 stoy trip down a elevator shaft with out the elevator and having L4 and L5 fused together speed is everything to me..I dont want to stay bent over any longer than necessary....all I ran for years was a pair of 025s and a 039 I still have...I upgraded to a pair of 260 pros as they are lighter and faster...I have a 044 and 660 but do not pull them out unless its necessary....the 260s and the 039 get used most often....I stop and smell the roses in between refills..lol
 
my dad is getting older and gave me his trusty old Stihl 029. Recently serviced at his local dealer

I already have my own MS250 that I've been happy with for years. It's somewhat underpowered for the big hardwoods but light and quick enough for most stuff I tackle.

I typically get a grapple load of logs every three years and process 7-8 cords over the course of a few months. I'll also scrounge some yard trees and arborist trimmings occasionally. I try to keep a cord of dry white pine around to mix in the stove during shoulder season.

How would you setup the 029 as a second saw to complement my main MS250? Put on a 20" bar or keep the 16" stock bar? Muffler mod and retune?


spec comparison:
MS250: 3.0 HP, 10 lbs, 45 cc
029 : 3.7 HP, 13 lbs, 54 cc
What did you end up going with? I have similar situation; I acquired an older 029 and have a 251c but with an 18" bar.

I'm considering going 20" 3/8 on the 029.