Reviving an old Homelite XL-700

[KRS]

Hard to get a read on the old chain, it's very worn. The links are longer than the 3/8 chain that I have, links are .404". on center.

So, I ordered a drum, and a 3/8" rim in .050 if I'm not mistaken.

I'll need to find or fit a .050 bar to the XL-700 as the original homelite bar is very very worn. Down by the bar mount holes are the two little oil holes. The edges of the bar are worn down to only 0.025" from the oil hole.

Someone on a different thread said an Hu mount bar could be modified, not sure how to do it though.

KRS

 

[Eccentric]

The rims will work with all three gauges of 3/8" pitch chain. Since you're replacing the bar, your options are many. No need to modify a bar. Oregon still makes D196 mount bars for these saws. Baileys, or any other Oregon dealer can get them for you.

Many used and NOS bars (Homelite branded, Windsor/TXL/UXL, and others) on ebay and elsewhere too. Most will be 3/8-.050G. A 20" bar takes a 70DL chain. 24" takes 81DL. Get your bar, THEN buy the correct gauge/DL count chain to fit it.

 

[KRS]

Thank you.

I'm waiting for drum & sprocket to get here, and then I'll piece together in the order you suggested.

Didn't get to the muffler last night, we had a hard freeze here and I was covering the peach blossoms and onions.

KRS

 

[Dan_IN_MN]

Found a source for a drum and rim sprocket (can't decide between 7 or 8 tooth sprocket).

Converting to 3/8", not sure which would be better.

I have what appears to be the original bar, it's Homelite C4575861.

I laid it next to a new extra Stihl bar I have, a Rollomatic ES, nose stamped H4, bar stamped 3003 000 8822 3/8" JB, 20", 72 link.

It's a little longer than the Homelite bar (about an inch), wonder if it'll work.

I've read about the differences between .404 and 3/8. The Homelite bar is very worn, and made for .404; it seems like a 3/8 ought to work just fine with it though for a little while until I can find a replacement?

Thanks for the help, vintage saws are still new to me and I don't want to screw up.

KRS

Good job getting back on this project! I wasn't aware Homelite made an XL-700.

Why not get both the 7 and 8 pin sprocket. That way you can try both and see the difference.

This link might be useful: Model Profile: XL-700

What is the history behind this saw? Or is it just an old saw you chose to bring back?

 

[KRS]

My wife's grandfather, now in a rest home with dementia, was a logger in Clay Springs, AZ - Heber AZ area back 40 years ago. His 3 sons grew up skidding logs for their dad and building roads. His wife passed away years ago and he moved in with one of his sons. My wife is an only child. My father in law brought it to me to get running. Wife's grandpa was orig owner and used this in the woods daily.

Prior to buying this saw he served in WWII and even was bodyguard for then General Eisenhower in Africa.

He contracted French Polio and taught himself to walk with braces despite being told he never would. He exercised his legs daily on a stationary bike, even into his 70s. Despite his infirmaries, he maintained a very large and successful vegetable garden, half acre sized.

On a loggers pay he put three sons through school and taught them to work.

He is a great yet humble man, truly a dying breed. I only wish i knew him longer before he got sick.

I want my kids to use the saw someday.

My father in law had the saw on a shelf and it wasn't being used. I'm very grateful its mine now.

 

[KRS]

received the drum with rim sprocket, going to get on it tomorrow I hope !