New Stihl owner questions

[Tlucher]

Now go easy on me. First time posting. I recently won the bid on a 029 Farm Boss on Ebay. I've been reading posts here for a couple of weeks and I already know what most peoples opinion is of this saw. But the price was right and going to this from a $100 (new) Homelight was definitely a step in the right direction. I've used the same model saw before and was happy with everything except for the weight. Sadly, the ex got the saw back after the break up even though she couldn't even start it.

When I got the saw home I did the usual cleaning of the filter, chain, bar, and whatever else I could get to. I did notice the bar had some grooves worn in right before the sprocket at the end. The chain was sharpened completely off angle. Basically, it just spit dust everywhere. I'm in the process of trying to get it back to correct and checking all the depth guages. Should I be looking at a new bar already or try to work with this one? Also, is there anything else that I can do (cheaply and fairly easy) to enhance the performance. I haven't removed the spark screen but I'm assuming that I'll be told to get rid of that first. This saw will only be used for general land maintainence. I've already cleared most of my 10 acres with the cheapy Homelight. After full Saturdays and Sundays, Monday night was for sharpening and cleaning and even took the motor completely apart to keep things running. And it still works.....

Thanks for any input. And again, don't tell me to get better performance to get rid of it and get a different saw. Not an option.

Thomas

 

[glens]

Hi, Thomas.  I'm relatively new here too, and I don't know if this will put me in good standing, but here goes:

That saw model is an extremely nice one.  They are very smooth running units and have sufficient power.  Using a 20" bar with (.325) chisel chain they are capable of running all day with the bar fully buried in hardwood.  They may not cut quite as fast as an 034/340 (which has the same bore and stroke, and which I see is currently still available at Stihl's Canadian web site) or any other Pro saws of comparable size, and they may be a tad porkier than necessary, but you can certainly be productive and at the end of the day you're not all worn out from using it.

You didn't mention the condition of the bar nose sprocket, or the depth and width of the bar groove.  If it's okay in those respects and the only noticeable wear is at the tail, knock the high spots off the outer edges, rotate it, and go for it.

I shouldn't think you'd want to remove the muffler screen except to clean it and re-install it.

I'm partial to Stihl bars and chain, but you can find a pre-packaged Oregon bar and chain combo with safety chisel chain for about the price of two Stihl chains.  I'd definitely go/stick with the .325 chain on that saw.  Unless you need to spend much time with the nose buried in wood (or especially if you bore with it), you'll get very good service out of the stock safety chipper chain (the round tooth profile and bumper tie-straps) which I assume you have on it.

Other than that it sounds as if you've covered the bases.

Enjoy the saw and never forget which of you will win in a fight or otherwise-less-than-careful situation.

 

[timberwolf]

It might well be worth starting with a new bar and chain & sprocket, if the saw's former master did not do a good job of keeping those well maintained it will be a source of frustration to try to get things right. If the bar shows signs of significant wear, and the chain has been run improperly sharpened there is likely a lot of slack and unevenness in the rails, the sprocket and drive links are also likely near done.

The ~50$ required to put on a new bar chain and sprocket will pay for it's self in reduced wear n' tear and improved efficiency.

You might, when looking at the spark screen decide to open up the muffler hole a bit to let the heat out. may need to richen high speed jet to keep fuel air constaint.

I would stick to the .325 chain but would go to a RS chisel chain, Note this is not a safety chain, but you should treat all chains the same safety or not they both require proper handeling.

Timberwolf

 

[Greg]

Trash that chain. Unless you are good at sharpening a chain you will jsut end up frustrated with a crooked cutting saw.

If anyone is looking for a good deal on bar & chain try CuttersChoice.com. They offer the "cutters special" a bar, 2 chains and a new sproket for about the cost of a new Stihl bar.

Have fun with the new saw.
Greg

 

[Fish]

How much did you pay for the 029?

 

[Ryan Willock]

welcome to the site!! i would run a 16'' or 18'' on that saw to get more "power" out of it and run full chisel chain on it!!

 

[stihltech]

029

Keep the screen, just make sure it is clean. You are going in the right direction. Dump the old chain, get the bar ground and you will start fresh with a correct cutting unit.
Is this an EPA unit with limiter caps? If so, you may gain a bit by removing them and opening the high side a little for more fuel and power.
I am sure the muffler will help by opening it up, but unless you are ready to get serious inside, the best bet may be to open the outlet up and make sure the gasket, exhaust port and muffler inlet are matched in size.
Do not over rev this unit as the crank will not take it for long. under normal use it has a good record.
One thing to pass along, make sure clutch is good shape. One of the other posters has some that the clutch came apart and ruined the case. Might be worth a look.

No impact wrench on the clutch on Stihl consumer saws. The flywheel key is cast in the flywheel and tends to break off with the impact.

 

[larscout]

I recently cut with a 029 using a 26RS chain .325 and worked all day with it and no complaints other than a bit heavier than my 026. I know alot of pro's here trash this saw but if your not making a living with it i think it would do just fine. like every one else says just go to your local stihl dealer and spend the 30 bucks on a new chain.

 

[stihltech]

chain

30 BUCKS!!!!
How do they get these prices? I would never be able to sell anything under a 30 inch chain for that price. Definitley in the wrong area.

 

[larscout]

Didnt realize that was bad been paying $28.97 here in carolina for a 20in. loop, maybe i better price around!!

 

[timberwolf]

30 BUCKS!

That is down right criminal, up here in East Ontario a 20 inch RS Stihl chain comes to ~23$ CDN taxes in, thats like what 15$ US

Carelton is even a bit less.

Though I hear that prices are often up and down by 50% within 100k radius.

TW

 

[Acer]

Originally posted by larscout
I recently cut with a 029 using a 26RS chain .325 and worked all day with it and no complaints other than a bit heavier than my 026.

I've used either this saw or the 039, and theyre OK..not in the same league as the pro saws (024/6, etc), but they do the job. I might be mistaken, but I think they're pitched at hire shops or estates and farms (as the name suggests) for general odd jobbing.

 

[Greg]

That chain would be about $15 around here, or couple bucks less.
Greg

 

[larscout]

these chain prices got me pissed off now i just looked at an old reciept for 28.97 for a 26 rs oilomatic 3 ,20 inch loop . makes me want to go see my dealer tomorrow and ask some ???.

 

[logcutter429]

I buy 20" oregon chains for 12 bucks.

 

[Bill G]

Most Stihl dealers have a special "Stihl Day" in the fall when they sell chain at reduced prices . Some offer buy one get one at 50%. We have a dealer here that sells them at buy one get one free. I believe the regular price is $15-$18 for a 16"-20" chains at the ones that offer the second at 50% and about $20 a chain at the one that offers the second chain for free. He is selling the chain at cost or a little profit. He is banking on selling bars, filters, and oil. Syou would be getting 2 chains at $10 each. It is agreat deal but you must be there on the right day. Also nothing over 24"

Bill

 

[Tony Snyder]

I sell retail made up loops at 25 cents a driver. I just average it out for all types. Gotta make a little.

 

[Bill G]

Tony,

That is about what what I have found a 20"/72 link would be $18. So do you keep it at the same price for .325 pitch. That would be $21.25 for a 20 inch chain.

Bill

 

[Tlucher]

I paid $180 delivered. The local dealer said it would be a maximum of 3 years old. I think I'll definitely be looking at a new bar and chain combo pretty soon. As much as I like a challenge I don't think I want to even try to salvage this one. Thanks to everyone that responded.

Thomas

 

[JimL]

Bill G, month of september, we drop the price down around 45%.