Thinking out loud...

[KMB]

...about another saw. I know I have 2 project saws to finish, and need to put my money to use elsewhere...but it don't hurt to think about what I would get next for a saw...yep, dreamin'...

Anyway, I would be going up in saw size. Wondering how a 046/460 with a BB kit (no porting) would stack up against a 064 (or 066/660)...anybody did an actual comparison? I read recently in another thread that even though the 046/460BB has the same bore size as a 066/660, the stroke is shorter. I've always told myself that my 044 will be all the saw I'll need for firewood, and that I wouldn't need a bigger saw because I don't have proper equipment to handle the bigger wood (loading etc.)...BUT if I had a bigger saw, I could just rip the bigger blocks to manageable sizes...sounds good to me...now I have to find a money tree...

So...what say y'all. I'm always keeping my eyes and ears open whenever it comes to saws and one day a 046/460, needing repair, might fall into my lap from out of nowhere...or would I do better to wait for a 064 or 066/660. Remember, I'm not a logger, and wouldn't need a saw this big on a regular basis...even for firewood duties.

As I said...thinking out loud.

Kevin

 

[BostonBull]

I would say do the 046/460 with a dual port front muffler, and the BB and you'll be VERY happy. The 66/660/064 weigh too mucha nd unless your pulling 36"+ bars the 046/460 will do everything you ask of it.

 

[KMB]

I would say do the 046/460 with a dual port front muffler, and the BB and you'll be VERY happy. The 66/660/064 weigh too mucha nd unless your pulling 36"+ bars the 046/460 will do everything you ask of it.

I forgot about the DP muffler. The only thing I would wonder about would be the longevity of a BB046/460...getting more power than what it was built for...as in something would eventually give? I'm not a master saw mechanic, but I think for what I would use it for, and for the amount of time on the saw, I'd be okay for the BB. I think a 32" bar would do me as a max bar size. Oh, I forgot to mention that I cut mostly Oak.

Kevin

 

[sILlogger]

ive got an 046BB with a dual port cover, old style muffler w/o an inner core, it is loud but it sure will cut for what it is. ive got quite a few hours on mine. this saw is on its 3rd topend if that tells u how much i use a saw.....everyday. it is used as my log bucking saw. overall im happy with mine

but i don't know about a 32" bar in hardwood, i run a 20" on mine, but i also run a 24" bar on my 660

 

[KMB]

ive got an 046BB with a dual port cover, old style muffler w/o an inner core, it is loud but it sure will cut for what it is. ive got quite a few hours on mine. this saw is on its 3rd topend if that tells u how much i use a saw.....everyday. it is used as my log bucking saw. overall im happy with mine

but i don't know about a 32" bar in hardwood, i run a 20" on mine, but i also run a 24" bar on my 660

Thanks for your input. Have you ever put your 24" bar on your 046BB for comparison, with your 660? I plan on running a 20" bar on my 044 with a DP cover. I'll get a 24" for it later.

Kevin

 

[sawinredneck]

I run a 32" on my 046BB in hardwood, full comp chain, seems to pull it fine for my needs. Hard to get much harder than Hedge.

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

I think I would go forkin nuts filing, or even grinding a 32" loop of full comp....

 

[sawinredneck]

I think I would go forkin nuts filing, or even grinding a 32" loop of full comp....

Couple cold beers/good drink, it's kind of relaxing.

 

[KMB]

Thus far, sounds like some happy BB046 owners. So...when/if the time comes, would I convert my 970 to a 980 (Four Paws seems pleased with his 981 so far) or sell it and find a 046 that needs a P&C and put on the BB kit with a DP cover...I think I'd have more saw with the BB046...but at how much more over me doing the 980 conversion...I guess it would depend on what I could get for the 970...sometimes I think to much...

Kevin

 

[sawinredneck]

Thus far, sounds like some happy BB046 owners. So...when/if the time comes, would I convert my 970 to a 980 (Four Paws seems pleased with his 981 so far) or sell it and find a 046 that needs a P&C and put on the BB kit with a DP cover...I think I'd have more saw with the BB046...but at how much more over me doing the 980 conversion...I guess it would depend on what I could get for the 970...sometimes I think to much...

Kevin

There is nothing wrong with a Shinny saw, just a bit heavy, but man do they run!!!

 

[Four Paws]

Thus far, sounds like some happy BB046 owners. So...when/if the time comes, would I convert my 970 to a 980 (Four Paws seems pleased with his 981 so far) or sell it and find a 046 that needs a P&C and put on the BB kit with a DP cover...I think I'd have more saw with the BB046...but at how much more over me doing the 980 conversion...I guess it would depend on what I could get for the 970...sometimes I think to much...

Kevin

I have heard the BB046 is so-so. Several people that I respect, and know their stuff, say the Stihl P&C is the only way to go on the 046.

How does your 970 compare to your 440? That is the real question. You have 2 saws in the same size range - seems simple to me, build your 970 into a 980.

 

[sILlogger]

Thanks for your input. Have you ever put your 24" bar on your 046BB for comparison, with your 660? I plan on running a 20" bar on my 044 with a DP cover. I'll get a 24" for it later.

Kevin

my 046BB w/ 20" will pretty well keep up with me 660 w/24". when i have put a 24" on the 046 it cut well but is unable to keep up with my 066/660. it doesn't have the torque of the larger saw. but for the price i dont think u can hardly beat thee BB kit

 

[KMB]

There is nothing wrong with a Shinny saw, just a bit heavy, but man do they run!!!

Actually, my 970 is an Olympyk, which is the same as Oleo-mac and Efco (parent company is EMAK of Italy) - just different numbering for the models. The Olympyk name is no longer around - just Oleo-mac and Efco (and I think EMAK makes the saws for John Deere and Cub Cadet). And yes, I like my 970.

Kevin

 

[KMB]

How does your 970 compare to your 440? That is the real question. You have 2 saws in the same size range - seems simple to me, build your 970 into a 980.

My 044 is not back together yet. I need a couple more parts and tools for it...little short on the money thing right now. I look forward to comparing my 2 - 71cc saws...after I put some tanks of fuel through the 044 to break in the rebuilt motor.

It does seem simple to me also to convert the 970 to a 980...but the cost of the parts is what I'm wondering about. From my IPL for the Efco/Olympyk 970/971/980/981, the parts I would need for the conversion (as far as I can understand) are a P&C assembly, muffler assembly, crankshaft, bearing for piston pin, cylinder cover, air filter, carb, cylinder gasket, and air intake adaptor. Anyway...for now...get the 044 back together and go from there. And...I got your PM.

Kevin

 

[KMB]

my 046BB w/ 20" will pretty well keep up with me 660 w/24". when i have put a 24" on the 046 it cut well but is unable to keep up with my 066/660. it doesn't have the torque of the larger saw. but for the price i dont think u can hardly beat thee BB kit

Thanks again for your info. I like to read/hear about folks actual experiences, rather than just numbers on paper....but numbers do help for a jumping off point. I do realize that folks have different cutting styles, cut different wood and may lean towards one brand of saw more than another.

Kevin

 

[stihl 440]

yup!

ive got an 046BB with a dual port cover, old style muffler w/o an inner core, it is loud but it sure will cut for what it is. ive got quite a few hours on mine. this saw is on its 3rd topend if that tells u how much i use a saw.....everyday. it is used as my log bucking saw. overall im happy with mine

but i don't know about a 32" bar in hardwood, i run a 20" on mine, but i also run a 24" bar on my 660

Yup, same here SiLlogger! I run 20" on my 440 and 460 also, and I also log everyday, all day. And when I get my 660 I am going to put a 24" on it.

 

[sILlogger]

Thanks again for your info. I like to read/hear about folks actual experiences, rather than just numbers on paper....but numbers do help for a jumping off point. I do realize that folks have different cutting styles, cut different wood and may lean towards one brand of saw more than another.

Kevin

as a testimate of longevity this saw was given to me after it had been wore out the first time and was sitting under a work bench for about 4 years, i rebuilt it-wore it out again, and then put the BB kit on it. and as for leaning toward different saws-when i worked for other people i cut timber with husky 395's and to date have probably cut more timber with one of them than a stihl. but when i went out on my own and started my own business i bought stihls. the only reason for this was that i like the way they feel in my hands and i can work on a stihl better than i can on a husky---i believe that they are easier to work on. tho i shouldn't have to work on mine for a while since i have a 2 1/2 week old 660 with 15 gallons of gas thru it. good luck on the saw

 

[KMB]

as a testimate of longevity this saw was given to me after it had been wore out the first time and was sitting under a work bench for about 4 years, i rebuilt it-wore it out again, and then put the BB kit on it. and as for leaning toward different saws-when i worked for other people i cut timber with husky 395's and to date have probably cut more timber with one of them than a stihl. but when i went out on my own and started my own business i bought stihls. the only reason for this was that i like the way they feel in my hands and i can work on a stihl better than i can on a husky---i believe that they are easier to work on. tho i shouldn't have to work on mine for a while since i have a 2 1/2 week old 660 with 15 gallons of gas thru it. good luck on the saw

I like how you approached your decision to run Stihls, a personal choice that you are comfortable with...not bashing the other brand. I tried to rep ya...not sure if it went through. My first saw was a new Stihl (MS260) because a friend of mine got me a good deal on it from a friend of his who owns a Stihl dealership. If he had been a Husky dealer, I would have bought a Husky. The Olympyk (barely used) was the size I wanted at the time and a good deal. So I'd like to stay with Stihl for future saw purchases...but I won't turn down a good deal on another brand. Thanks for more good info...the stuff I like to hear about a product.

Kevin

 

[sawinredneck]

I know mine is faster/stronger than a stock 460, never run it against a 660. I have seen a stock 046 running a 32" in Oak, I have run mine with a 32" in Hedge, mine has a lot more power!!! I would not try and run a 32" on a stock one in hardwood!! With the 25", all you can do is hang on, it is cutting now!!!

 

[KMB]

I know mine is faster/stronger than a stock 460, never run it against a 660. I have seen a stock 046 running a 32" in Oak, I have run mine with a 32" in Hedge, mine has a lot more power!!! I would not try and run a 32" on a stock one in hardwood!! With the 25", all you can do is hang on, it is cutting now!!!

Sounds more and more like what I need...oops, did I say that...I meant want...

Kevin