The Old Giants

[heimannm]

I traded for this Super 797 that does get a workout once in a while, but I have other saws that are more practical.



I have two SP105's in my current line up as well, one was a gift from Belgian (Roland) and the other was in a large collection of saws and parts that I bought from a barge builder in Washington state. If I didn't know the difference in displacement, I would not be able to tell the difference in the kind of wood I get to cut.





I have an 895 but haven't had a chance or a need to use it in any big wood yet. I would likely save the bar and chain that are on it now (pretty nice examples of vintage bar and chain) and use something else for real work.





Although it is not widely discussed in this thread, I also have a Solo 611 Twin that is right at 100 cc. This is a good GTG saw but not one that I would consider taking to the woods for any practical use. It does sound really fierce firing twice for each revolution.



Mark

 

[William Balaska]

Good looking Macs, bet that solo twin sounds neat.

 

[Bill G]

Good looking Macs, bet that solo twin sounds neat.

They do on their own but they really do when you have three guys at the same GTG with them

 

[bulletpruf]

Just found this thread -- subscribed for updates!

 

[Bill G]

Just found this thread -- subscribed for updates!

It is good reading but many times gets slow

 

[Nickolas]

I don't see many of the saws I like and run so I'll post a few here I have. I don't believe in repaints myself as the history is gone. May as well go buy a new saw because that's what you have with a restored example. No story to tell at all anymore and for me it's sad. Too much history is lost these days in other ways along with restored saws. So I leave all of mine as is. I may put an NOS piece on here and there but it will retain most of its originality. I myself enjoy running the early gear drives. I find them fascinating and works of art in a way in their unique design. The rotary valve saws are my favorites. They are so reliable, start easily, idle nice and just run great. Easy to work on and maintain but with a long bar they can get a bit on the heavy side. Overall I don't think they are all that bad running them half a day or so myself. I find them rather enjoyable. Not much more than running a 1-81HD or 660 with a long bar I don't think. Anyway here are a few I own and run on a regular basis. These are truly old giants.

McCulloch 77 with 36" roller nose running 9/16" chipper

73 with around a 30" bar running 1/2" chipper

Early 4-30 before they changed out the 3-25 style handle and side cover...

4-30A with 30" bar and 1/2" NOS McCulloch SL chain. Really great running saw... A favorite to run.

Early 73 serial number 570. Doesn't get run much because it's in such good shape. Great old saw...

 

[CM76]

Homelite 900G

 

[William Balaska]

View attachment 549485 View attachment 549486 View attachment 549487 View attachment 549488 View attachment 549489 View attachment 549490 Homelite 900G

I used to have one of those, what an absolute beast. Friggin ball bearing recoil is a PIA.

 

[William Balaska]

I don't see many of the saws I like and run so I'll post a few here I have. I don't believe in repaints myself as the history is gone. May as well go buy a new saw because that's what you have with a restored example. No story to tell at all anymore and for me it's sad. Too much history is lost these days in other ways along with restored saws. So I leave all of mine as is. I may put an NOS piece on here and there but it will retain most of its originality. I myself enjoy running the early gear drives. I find them fascinating and works of art in a way in their unique design. The rotary valve saws are my favorites. They are so reliable, start easily, idle nice and just run great. Easy to work on and maintain but with a long bar they can get a bit on the heavy side. Overall I don't think they are all that bad running them half a day or so myself. I find them rather enjoyable. Not much more than running a 1-81HD or 660 with a long bar I don't think. Anyway here are a few I own and run on a regular basis. These are truly old giants.

McCulloch 77 with 36" roller nose running 9/16" chipper

73 with around a 30" bar running 1/2" chipper

Early 4-30 before they changed out the 3-25 style handle and side cover...

4-30A with 30" bar and 1/2" NOS McCulloch SL chain. Really great running saw... A favorite to run.

Early 73 serial number 570. Doesn't get run much because it's in such good shape. Great old saw...

Great looking MAC collection, something to be proud of for sure.

 

[CM76]

I used to have one of those, what an absolute beast. Friggin ball bearing recoil is a PIA.

They can be a bit temperamental. You have to make sure that the balls are nice and dry, without any lubricant on them. I'm used to tilting and shaking my big Homelite ball starters!

 

[leeha]

This one I picked up this year. PM Canadien 276+ Geardrive at 123cc's.
Not a common saw to see. Actually very hard to find. This one got a good
going over and runs perfect.

Lee

 

[CM76]

This one I picked up this year. PM Canadien 276+ Geardrive at 123cc's.
Not a common saw to see. Actually very hard to find. This one got a good
going over and runs perfect.

Lee

Beautiful saw Lee - love the big old Canadien saws

Chris

 

[leeha]

Another oldie I've had for a bit. Remington Super 990, 106cc's the largest Remington made.


Lee

 

[happysaws]

That 990 is in great shape... Especially for a Remington!

 

[The Byrd]

these solo's look really nice, Helsel, almost like new ?????? I have 3 solo REX, but all 125 cc. Here's one of the bunch

Interesting fact about these rexes is that there's no decomp, and starting them is a real tricky challenge as the saw tends to kicks
back as a mule :bang:

Hi I have the solo on the right hand side is it a super do u no

 

[Modifiedmark]

Glad to see this thread brought back to life. Shame so many pictures got lost. I miss my buddy BIGBORE577

 

[Modifiedmark]

I have not seen anybody post their Pioneer 1850 yet..

 

[leeha]

I have not seen anybody post their Pioneer 1850 yet.. View attachment 764517

When the weather clears I will have to take a pic of mine.

 

[cbfarmall]

I have not seen anybody post their Pioneer 1850 yet.. View attachment 764517

The original 1850 in northwest Indiana.

 

[William Balaska]

I think that's the biggest bucking spike I ever ever seen.