Chris-PA,
Looking on eBay I have been continuously amazed at home much folks are asking/getting for 028s. Before looking recently, I had No Idea!
Then I tried to buy a couple and was very quickly outbid, and was Really Shocked. If they appear to be in good shape I've seen them go for right at $500! Seems totally crazy to me, but they are almost all-metal saws that are well made in lots of ways. I Almost won 1 auction by sniping, but at the very last second I missed out because my session expired! Anyway, will NOT make that mistake again.
So what kind of alterations do you have in mind for the muffler? ANYTHING you suggest, I will take under Serious Consideration.
I have hand tools of all kinds, but not much in the way of power tools. Drills, sanders, jig saw, and a Little bit of etc. But also not much in the way of space to work. BUT.... I make room and work on what needs doing. That's one thing my wife is Very Forgiving of, and almost never complains about my messes here in the living room floor. Just saying that I don't have a real shop right now. It's in the plans, but may be while.
Anyway, I've done lots of things during my 60 years, and know how to do lots. We built 2 houses here on our property, digging the foundation, pouring the concrete, laying the blocks for the first floor, building the stick built second floor, and doing the wiring and plumbing. Seems like I'm going on unnecessarily, just trying to explain that I am fairly competent.
So if you can give me suggestions, I'm open to following them to the best of my abilities. Like you said, starting with the exhaust system sounds like a good idea. And like you said, the muffler is cheap, and not permanently attached to the saw. Tell me your ideas, if you are inclined, and I will try my best to carry out your plans/ideas.
Thanks a ton for letting me pick your brain. Hoping to hear lots of your good ideas!
Cliff