Tachometer for Tuning Saws?

[Cerran]

Anyone have a link for a good saw Tachometer.

I'm hesitant to buy anything that hasn't been tested by a saw user as I've read some stories about some tachs not being rated for saw RPM's and not having replaceable batteries.

My 372xp is a few tanks away from being broken in and I want to have a tach when I'm ready to mod the muffler.

I should also tune in the 056 I picked up recently.

 

[computeruser]

There have been a few discussions of this in the past, with a couple popular models being mentioned repeatedly. I can't remember the other really good one, but the Stihl EDT-8 (and EDT-7, if you want to spend more for features that may or may not matter to you) is a good choice.

The one that Bailey's sells is also good, though reports are that the refresh speed is somewhat slower than the Stihl ones and the ones from the other maker whose name I can't remember just now.

 

[KMB]

I've read good things about the first 2 tachs (Fast-Tach and Tech-Tach TT-20K) in this link:
http://www.tinytach.com/design/handheld.php

The Tech-Tach is supposed to have a faster update than the Fast-Tach.

I'm sure someone with either of these 2 tachs will find this thread and comment.

Kevin

 

[ShoerFast]

Anyone have a link for a good saw Tachometer.

I'm hesitant to buy anything that hasn't been tested by a saw user as I've read some stories about some tachs not being rated for saw RPM's and not having replaceable batteries.

My 372xp is a few tanks away from being broken in and I want to have a tach when I'm ready to mod the muffler.

I should also tune in the 056 I picked up recently.

Just a plan "B"

I have no idea if the 372 has a limiting module or not?

But a plan "B" (.02 cent) idea for your post muff-mod may be to have a log set up, time a couple cuts pre-mod ( "H" set for fastest cut)

After your mod, just take the carb ("H") out a 1/4 - 3/8th of a turn fatter recut on the same log, and reset your fastest "H" in a cut.
,,,,,Then check your WOT no load speed so you can duplacate your fastest cut setting with-out the and stopwatch and log.

 

[Cerran]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'll look into my options and let you know what I end up buying.

Kind of a shame to have to buy another tachometer when I have a nice Snap-On tach for my cars.

 

[sperho]

If you are handy with a computer and have a laptop, I recommend not buying tach and use your laptop along with the FFT capability of a free program called WavePad to find the frequency of the engine bangs, then multiply by 60 to get the RPM. I found the software + computer method much cheaper than buying a tach. Elaboration on this idea is in this thread.

 

[PA Plumber]

I have the Tech Tach TT-20K. Very good unit and quite simple to use. Under 1/2 second refresh rate and auto off with replaceable 9v battery.

I'll be glad to pm all the contact info. Not sure if the site allows address, phone number and email address disclosure.

 

[djmercer1]

why can a automobile tach(type with a clap around a plug wire) not be used for a saw?

 

[sperho]

why can a automobile tach(type with a clap around a plug wire) not be used for a saw?

They typically don't register the high RPMs that a chainsaw generates...

 

[ky-homelite]

I have the Fast Tach. I believe it cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $65 last summer or so. For what it is, it's a decent little unit. The refresh rate is not as quick as I would like, but for the price I don't feel like it can be beat. Not only does it tach 2 strokes, it can tach 4 strokes as well. Decent tach for the price.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

My only Stihl product