Vintage saw project idea's

[weimedog]

Looking for some thoughts from those who love old saws...what are a couple of GOOD brands & models to build for BOTH show AND go from the 60's & 70's? I am partial to Homelites only because thats all I had good luck with from that period. I ran a Poulan cutting Plup wood in Alabama for a couple of years during that time..but it wasn't very rugged as compared to the other saws I had experience with.

I would like to restore a saw from that period capable of pulling a 30inch bar with enough power to actually do some work.

What about a MaCulloch 797?

What about a huge old Mall with a something like 40inch bar?

What has the best blend of part availability, work capability, and fun at saw events? And classes for old saws? (Like AHMRA events for Motorcycles)

 

[eyolf]

This is just my opinion, and worth what you're paying for it:

The best projects are the ones that sort of make you fall in love with them. If you've got plenty of cash search out Ebay auctions...but you need to compete with a lot of people who seem willing to part with plenty of cash to get what they want.

Otherwise, just keep your eyes open for what's available in your area. Old saw shops, farm auctions, garage sales, and even the want ads. Certain types of saws or anything else, I suppose, seem to be more popular than others in certain areas. That's probably due to whoever did the best marketing as well as whatever worked the best for those conditions. I guess what I'm saying is that if Homelites were important in your area and you like them, that's a perfectly good place to start.

My area had a lot of small timber, up to maybe 24" for hardwoods, so medium-sized saws were popular. Way back, saws like Homelite 17's, 5-20's were popular, then the old original EZ direct drives, saws like C-5 and variations on the XL series came next, but by the time Homelite was selling the "number" saws the Swedes were outselling them.

My favorite saws are the old gear-drive Homies. They are heavy, loud, and will wear you out quick, but I just like 'em.

 

[Bill G]

As eyolf just posted it will boil down to money and availablity. In my area big saws are nonexistent. If your area is the same then you need to buy one from a picture. If you have the money of course a Stihl 090 is always nice. If you are partial to Macs then a 125, Homelites 1050, 1130, 2100. If you really want a nice looking saw get a Homelite 26LCS. As eyolf said as long as you love the saw you will not go wrong. I have a ton of saws and I have only regretted buying two. One was supposed to be good running (It was stuck). The only running was done by the seller to the bank with my money. The other was a 024 that I did not fully investigate.

Bill

 

[Lawn Masters]

The Stihl 090, 090G and some other older Stihls are worth looking into, if you're willing to pay $400 or more for one. I'm into Homelites like the 750E model, 2100s the larger models they made before going down the crap chute. McCulloch SP125's are nice, as are PRO MAC1000s which are actually a saw Partner made at one time, they designated it as something or other with the #1000 in it. Husky 2100 would be a possible saw to look into as well, at 99CCs or so, its not small.

 

[Bill G]

Originally posted by oldsaw-addict
The Stihl 090, 090G and some other older Stihls are worth looking into, if you're willing to pay $400 or more for one. I'm into Homelites like the 750E model, 2100s the larger models they made before going down the crap chute. McCulloch SP125's are nice, as are PRO MAC1000s which are actually a saw Partner made at one time, they designated it as something or other with the #1000 in it. Husky 2100 would be a possible saw to look into as well, at 99CCs or so, its not small.

oldsaw,

Of the saw models you mentioned how many do you have ?

Bill

 

[sedanman]

Oldsaw Addict, I'm not picking a fight here but I do have to say what's on my mind. Your profile has your birthday as 1988, if this is true many of us have socks that are older than you. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, it is a little difficult to take your "all knowing" tone. I personally have been out of high school quite a few more years than you have been out of diapers, others here could make the same statement to me. Let's see some pictures of your collection, show me a restoration in progress. A post of yours on the interchangeability of Stihl/Husqvarna parts was an absolute waste of bandwidth. Don't get all in a huff, I want you to stay and learn and let others learn from you. Just remember god gave you two ears and only one mouth, listen more than you speak (or type in tis case) and you will do well. Sorry guys for detouring the thread.

 

[weimedog]

What about the 80cc McCulloch's? There seems to be a few around this area. Do they make enough power to worth their 20lbs weight? What about parts availability?

The 100cc and 123cc McCullochs look like they might fit the bill for me. Some on ebay. I haven't seen any around here so far. Are parts for those monsters out there?

 

[Al Smith]

Saw project re

Weimedog:In your question about an 80cc McCulloch,it all depends on what time period you are talkig about.An example would be the saws of the 60's such as the 250 300 1-41 etc.These are all classic reed valve engines,that have a good amount of torque[ I can't spell worth a hoot ] but lack the higher rpm's of the newer models.These can usualy be found for a modest fee.The newer models i.e. sp80, sp 81 etc. are piston ported engines and have a higher rpm range. On e-bay,they normaly fetch a pretty good price. [ I saw a sp 80 bring over $120.minus the bar, recoil stater,clutch cover and clutch ] As for the Super Pro 125,I have 2 .These things are considered classics,oodles of power.Have seen them go for upwards of $400. The one thing they don,t lack,is power.Big Homies, 1050,2100 etc. don't appear on ebay that often.Sometimes they fetch a lot other times not. I got my 2100 for a price less than that sp 80,but did a lot of work to it.You might visit Mikes site at "chain saw collectors corner",to get an idea of what to look for.I have a few of my saws there and also in the "collectors"thread of this forum.I should warn you,this "collecting" will get in your blood . Good luck Al

 

[weimedog]

Al,

Thanks for the feedback..thats exactly what I was looking for. I picked an 1-41 off ebay for 20 dollars. I plan to get one of the 123cc McCulloch's if I can..

Got that old 1-41 running and it has the feel of heavy flywheel throttle response and low rpm power. I haven't got it running clean yet......

It had a leaky fuel line where the carb couldn't pull from the tank..fixed that. Has excellent hot blue spark. Pretty good compression...enough to idle. Some scoring on the exaust side of the piston, not bad just there;..but the rings and cylinder walls are clean.

Its running too rich. Fiddled with the carb adjustment screws but haven't found the magic blend yet. Either cuts off the fuel too much and goes lean and stalls or fourstrokes under load. Wouldn't suprise me if the carb's diaphram's are beat.

So....where is the best place to find vintage era McCulloch parts?
I wouldn't mind freshening up the top end, find an air filter and rebuild the carb. The rest of the saw is actually in amazing shape...looks like origional bar and very old style chain. (no anti kick back stuff and rounded style ..looks ancient) The paint is 85%. I probably lost more when I cleaned it with brake cleaner that it lost during its life time. Sprocket looks fresh as does the clutch. (probably origional just not worn much).

This could turn into a habbit.

 

[shoot501]

weimedog if you get a chance try a Homelite Super XL 925. Used one years ago to do some logging and was really impressed with its power, I'll get another if I have the chance. It's about 80cc and not that old because I used a new one in 1981, still a great saw.

 

[Al Smith]

Vintage saws reply

Weimedog; As far as carb parts,the cheapest I've found is Msc.,which can be found on the net.That saw should have a model L Tillotson carb.Tillotson has a great website.As far as the paint,the closest I have found to a McCulloch is OSHA safety yellow,I got it at Tractor Supply.As far as other parts,they are where you find them.A lot of Mac parts are interchangeable,regardless of the part numbers.Not being an expert,mine has been by trial and error,mostly successfull [of course it helps to have a set of micros].If you run into a snag,send me an e-mail ,and I will attempt to steer you in the right direction. Al