Stuck with what I got...

[Orange Wedge]

You guys were nice enough with my first question...so here goes number 2. I just lost all of my fun money (for a new saw) to the local dog Vet. Now I will have my Stihl 029 through this fall also to stock next years wood supply. Based on everything I have read here...mufflers can be "opened up" for a bit more power.
Can I do this to my 029 and if so can someone guide/explain me through it please. (photos would help...)
Thanks

 

[ccicora]

The 029 is not very hard to modify for most people. Here is a step by step of what I do for my customers.

1. Remove the muffler from the saw and put a clean rag in the exhaust port to keep it clean.
2.There is a square imprint that is behind the cover. Drill that out with a 1/2 bit then use a dremel to open the square the rest of the way.
3. On the front bottom there are two oval holes. Use a cut off wheel and connect the holes.
4.For the front cover look at where the cover tappers down to the exhaust port, cut the top of the taper off so that it is square.

If you have any more questions to email me.

Later,
Chris

 

[HUSKYMAN]

I would run a 16" bar and chain with 34LG Oregon or the equivalent Stihl full chisel .325 chain.

That will:
a) lighten that heavy pig of a saw, and

b) help the engine stay in its power band.

That with the muffler mods (remove the bucking spike also) will make the saw tolerable for a while

 

[tony marks]

what husky said about bar an chain ,
is gonna make u work much easier.
that exstra wt.can actualy help in bucking up firewood lengths.
wouldnt be half bad with proper adjustments and good SHARP chain.
luck to u

 

[Orange Wedge]

Guys, thanks for the help.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Regards

 

[jokers]

Hi Orangewedge, sorry to hear about the dog, hope it`s ok.

I`m sorry if you feel less than happy with your saw because of anything I may have said, I know I`m typically critical of the 029. I can`t hold it against a guy for buying an 029, Stihl specifically targeted that saw at a market niche of home firewooders so it is quite appealing until you become more educated. The only poeple who own 029s that I would take to task are the ones who come in and ask a zillion questions and get a zillion reasons why there may a better saw choice and then go out and buy the 029 anyway. It`s still not my place to say anything but sometimes I do . With good care it should serve you pretty well. You might as well keep it `till it`s worn out and get your money`s worth out of it. Then you`ll really appreciate a better performing saw.

Russ

 

[Orange Wedge]

Hi Jokers,
Sorry to say Chelsea was put to sleep this afternoon. It was tough especially for the wife and kids. Life stinks at times but goes on. Thanks for your concern and mention.
As far as the less than happy deal goes...please don't give it any
thought...I did'nt. I just realized after 6 years of owning it I want to move up in saw class and durability. My needs have changed over those years and I have become used to running my brothers ms440 (spoiled is more like it). I figure the ms360 is the saw for me with a 20" bolted to it. When I get some more fun money guess where in headed? Actually I may ditch the Jon boat to speed up the process!!! What a fun/crazy new obsession this is!!

PS

Hats off to Stihlman036 who has been helping me modify the 029
which I am going to keep for a spare saw and give it to my son when he is ready.

Regards
Jeff

 

[Ryan Willock]

An 029 with the muffler opened up preforms faily decent with a 16'' bar and full chisel .325, still heavy though:angel:

 

[vsteel]

Ok I can see opening up the two holes in the bottom of the muffler, but if I cut out the square, I can see straight from my exhaust port to the other side. doesn't the muffler need to have some restriction for the expansion chamber effect? (what I mostly know if 2 strokes comes from motorcycles.)

Or am I looking at this wrong somehow?

 

[ccicora]

There is still plenty of restriction with the baffle pipe and the front piece. Remeber when you look at restriction every turn and opening must go into the thought process. I have about 10 029 Supers with this port job done on them. And all of the owners were happy with the out come.

Later,
Chris

 

[vsteel]

I did the mod and it has lots more power now. I did have to give the high speed jet a little more juice. I am a turn and a half out. (factory recoments 3/4 turn I do belive.)

Thanks for the info.

 

[Oregon_Rob]

Here’s my two cents.
At one time, the power to weight ratio of the 029 was cutting edge and bottom line, the HP you get will do a cretin amount of work. My fondest chainsaw memories are of my 801. I cut a many cords of wood with that saw, which by today’s standards is a underpowered pig.
One of the problems with media, (internet, TV…) is that we become increasingly unhappy with what we have. The standard for what it takes for us to be happy is constantly being raised. I get sucked in just as quick as the next guy.
Bottom line, you are able to get all the wood you need put up, to keep the family warm!
Modify your saw to get what you can out of it, keep it sharp and enjoy. If you are spending too much time looking at what you could have, rather than what you do have, it will just depress you.
On the other hand, if you get out in the woods and do some cutting, you will feel great about all you got done.

 

[stihltech]

Bob

Well put Oregon Bob.

 

[jokers]

I agree that Oregon_Rob made his point well but I don`t think that the p/w ratio of the 029 was ever cutting edge during the production life of the 029. Maybe 5 years prior to the 029 coming on the market.

Russ

 

[Oregon_Rob]

Joker,

Yep, that's what I was refering to also.

 

[Orange Wedge]

I really appreciate everyones input on this thread.
Oregon Rob made a graet point that brought me back to a grounded state about cutting wood. I do it for heat and fun.
I will modify the saws muffler for some added power and the fun of tinkering and keep it until it blows. Then I will worry about a new saw. Looks like I will spend a few bucks on safety chaps...
any suggestions on whats good and where to get them?

 

[HUSKYMAN]

I bought mine from this site's sponsor, Sherrill arborist supply. They are quite comfortable, and dont make me sweat my a$$ off

 

[Orange Wedge]

Thanks Huskyman.
I did not know Sherrill had them and I will be happy to support this sites sponsor.