Makita DCP 5200: worth it or not?

[biscuit141]

Makita DCP 5200: bought another saw

There is a Makita DCP 5200 for sale locally, haven't found much about this saw. Is it worth the trouble or not? Seller says it runs good, thats all I know. Ideally, I would like to give this saw to my dad in return for the Pro Mac 700 I sold him 2 years ago and regret to this day. My dad is not a chainsaw guy, he is a one saw guy and as long as it starts and cuts he really doesn't care much else. I miss the old school muscle of the Pro Mac and he doesn't appreciate it. He needs a decent 50+cc, 18-20" saw and he will be a happy camper.

EDIT: This thread started as a "should I buy" post, but now that I bought the saw it has shift gears. See page 2 for pics and description.

 

[w8ye]

It will be a decent chainsaw the your dad will enjoy

I have a 1997 version

 

[biscuit141]

It will be a decent chainsaw the your dad will enjoy

I have a 1997 version

Can you tell me any specs about it, I know nothing. CC's, chain size?

Does this one look decent? I can't tell if that bracket on the chain brake is factory or homemade replacement.

 

[w8ye]

44mm bore 52cc

Most likely setup for .325 chain but can run the big 3/8 chain if you change the sprocket rim on the clutch.

 

[gmax]

I can't tell if that bracket on the chain brake is factory or homemade replacement.

The bracket is factory

 

[w8ye]

This is mine. It says Dolmar but is the same chainsaw

 

[biscuit141]

Nice saw! Looks much cleaner than the Makita. Any things to look out for on these saws? What would be a fair price if it checks out?

 

[nmurph]

And it's a 520.

 

[Warped5]

Nice saw! Looks much cleaner than the Makita. Any things to look out for on these saws? What would be a fair price if it checks out?

I saw that listing and considered going for it. But 'life' gets in the way, you know. The price he's asking is fair, but if you can get him to go lower ...

I have had a few of these (both color variations), currently have one runner and a project in a box. The runner just got a good going over, including a bit of a muffler mod. Runs really nice, yet unspectacular. Good, steady cutter.

Just look for the usual things just like you would when buying any other saw. The one thing with these is that they sometimes pee bar oil over time when they sit on the shelf. Your options are 1) drain the bar oil before storing or 2) replace the oil pickup line with the updated one (<$12 with shipping from Edge & Engine), which is a very easy job.

If you grab the saw, post pix back here!

Good luck!

 

[biscuit141]

Are parts still readily available?

 

[Warped5]

Are parts still readily available?

Yep!

Site sponsor Edge & Engine along with other sources ..

 

[biscuit141]

Hey Warped, where are you at in Indiana? Wasn't it the Valparaiso/Chesterton area? I'm supposed to meet this guy after work today to check it out. Sounds like a nice older guy. Bought the saw from a friends wife when the friend passed away. Owned it a number of years recently bought a husky 455 rancher and is selling this saw. Said it was made by a German company that starts with a "D" but he didn't say Dolmar.

 

[Warped5]

Hey Warped, where are you at in Indiana? Wasn't it the Valparaiso/Chesterton area? I'm supposed to meet this guy after work today to check it out. Sounds like a nice older guy. Bought the saw from a friends wife when the friend passed away. Owned it a number of years recently bought a husky 455 rancher and is selling this saw. Said it was made by a German company that starts with a "D" but he didn't say Dolmar.

I'm over in Cedar Lake, next town West of Crown Point. Yes, the Makita saws are made by Dolmar ..

 

[biscuit141]

One more, is this a 40:1 or 50:1 saw?

 

[Warped5]

One more, is this a 40:1 or 50:1 saw?

I've no idea what the 'factory spec' is. With the use of one of today's quality oils, the saw should run just fine on either ratio (40:1 is my personal preference). No matter what ratio is used, what really matters is how well the saw is carb-tuned.

 

[biscuit141]

So I bought the saw. He was asking $75, he took $70, said anything less than that and he would just keep it. Was in pretty good condition but it is DIRTY. I don't think he ever cleaned it. Said he owned it at least 10 years and before that it was a friends. Seemed to know what he was talking about though and does not seem abused. It needs a few things though, first of all a bath. That would be the best way to clean? It needs a good soak down with degreaser, but can I spray it off with the hose? Here are some pictures, bar looks original, 3/8" chain 20" bar, chain seems sharp and has some life left in it. The on/off switch broke off he said and he didn't realize it at the time so he could never find it again and just would choke it off. If someone could post a pic of the factory switch, I would like to see what it looks like. Is it even worth replacing? Also, seems like an A/V mount is missing from the front of the handle, only a bolt is in there now. Also missing a bolt on the muffler, bottom right. Also, not sure if this filter will clean up or I should just replace it. Any idea of cost? Any advice appreciated.

 

[Warped5]

So I bought the saw. He was asking $75, he took $70, said anything less than that and he would just keep it. Was in pretty good condition but it is DIRTY. I don't think he ever cleaned it. Said he owned it at least 10 years and before that it was a friends. Seemed to know what he was talking about though and does not seem abused. It needs a few things though, first of all a bath. That would be the best way to clean? It needs a good soak down with degreaser, but can I spray it off with the hose? Here are some pictures, bar looks original, 3/8" chain 20" bar, chain seems sharp and has some life left in it. The on/off switch broke off he said and he didn't realize it at the time so he could never find it again and just would choke it off. If someone could post a pic of the factory switch, I would like to see what it looks like. Is it even worth replacing? Also, seems like an A/V mount is missing from the front of the handle, only a bolt is in there now. Also missing a bolt on the muffler, bottom right. Also, not sure if this filter will clean up or I should just replace it. Any idea of cost? Any advice appreciated.

Looks pretty decent! Nice!

What I would do is take off the covers and blow it out/wipe it out as best I could. Disassemble that clutch cover and wash the parts in warm water with Dawn. That screw for the muffler ... you actually need a mini-clip, square nut and screw ... all these are dirt cheap (about $2). I'd replace that filter, just because I'm kinda phobic about the saw inhaling 'fines.' The AV mount and correct hardware are also readily available for low $$.

I'll post a pic of the on/off switch for you in the morning if no one else has by then. You need to make sure the mounting tab isn't broken off, or having the switch is useless.

That side cover just above the fuel tank .... there a small pre-filter in there that can fill with dust/chips pretty quickly. Clean off the spark screen with a propane torch if it's carboned up.

 

[XSKIER]

Used motor oil ran through the bar oil tank? After you've bought a couple of used saws you'll learn to avoid those. If the guy is skimping on bar oil, what else is he neglecting?

 

[biscuit141]

Used motor oil ran through the bar oil tank? After you've bought a couple of used saws you'll learn to avoid those. If the guy is skimping on bar oil, what else is he neglecting?

Hopefully it pans out and cleans up nice. It definitely pees oils so hopefully nothing is plugged.

Warped, could you point me in the direction of the proper AV mount?

Side note, just saw the thread on the Indiana GTG, you planning on going? I am new enough to the saw world that I hope to attend and learn a thing or two about proper saw tuning, I hope I am doing it right.

 

[Warped5]

Hopefully it pans out and cleans up nice. It definitely pees oils so hopefully nothing is plugged.

Warped, could you point me in the direction of the proper AV mount?

Side note, just saw the thread on the Indiana GTG, you planning on going? I am new enough to the saw world that I hope to attend and learn a thing or two about proper saw tuning, I hope I am doing it right.

The leaking bar oil topic was resolved above ...

PM me your email address and I'll send you an IPL.

'Loosely' planning on going to the GTG right now, but don't know when I'm going to need to move the daughter at school.

There's PLENTY of tuning instructions here on AS .... just search.