Chainsaw air filters

[Chainsaw Pete]

How long do you run the chain saw's air filter before changing it out for a new one (or cleaning it if it is a permanent type)?

Please state if you are a pro or occasional user.

I usually swap the filters out every year. I usually clean up storm downed trees in our suburb for friends but this year I've not only been doing that with a friend on his 12 acre farm (w/ his sugar bush), but we have been bucking the trees down for firewood. This afternoon I was surprised at how much sawdust had accumulated on the filter. The saw was running fine - but I changed out the filter.

 

[trains]

Unless the filter has suffered physical damage, I find that cleaning in a solution of a rich hot clothes washing detergent mix works wonders in cleaning and degreasing the filter media, and flushing with hot water and letting it air dry.

Regarding changing it out, all depends on what your cutting and if its getting blocked, running an "outerwares" silk pre filter cover really helps keeping the pleats clear, but if your cutting dusty red gum, then it dosent take long to clog any filter.
edited to add
semi pro firewood hack

 

[Marley5]

Depends on the saw.
Homeowner Husqvarna air filters hardly ever needs attention.
Echo sucks an enormous amount of air and should be cleaned often, quite easy.
Stihl is in between the two.

Air filter maintenance is so easy to do with hot dish liquid and or compressed air there's no reason not to do it often.
I use my saws often helping my brother with his tree removal business and after a year of continually cleaning I'll replace the filter.
So to answer your question
I replace the filter yearly with heavy use.

 

[SteveSr]

How long do you run the chain saw's air filter before changing it out for a new one (or cleaning it if it is a permanent type)?

Please state if you are a pro or occasional user.

I usually swap the filters out every year. I usually clean up storm downed trees in our suburb for friends but this year I've not only been doing that with a friend on his 12 acre farm (w/ his sugar bush), but we have been bucking the trees down for firewood. This afternoon I was surprised at how much sawdust had accumulated on the filter. The saw was running fine - but I changed out the filter.

Change / clean the filter when it gets dirty. Keeping your chain sharp will reduce the dust.

Cleaning depends on the type of filter and setup. A piant brush from the outside every few tanks might be needed in dry dusty wood. Automotive brake cleaner from the inside will restore the mainla colored flocked filters to like new condition with zero damage when the filters start to get considerably clogged.

 

[Chevboy0167]

Speaking of filters...

https://westcoastsaw.com/products/500i-661-air-cleaner-system