What is a Good Chainsaw Test?

[Homer6679]

What do you guys do for testing saws after you are done working on them to make sure they are ready for resale or to be put back into service? For instance the test I do is as follows:

cold start, let it warm up for 3 minutes or so, tune it while cutting cookies, idle for 3-5 minutes, shut off, about 3-5 hours later I repeat the process. If it does well the 2nd time then I either sell the saw, etc.

What test do you guys do?

 

[ElevatorGuy]

I flipped the bar, filed my chain and took 2 swipes off the rakers on my 462 today after noodling some big oak last week. Fired it up and flush cut a maple stump I had left a little tall, Does that count?

 

[Sierra_rider]

I prefer to give the chainsaws a 50 question, multiple choice test. Surprisingly enough, none of my saws have yet to pass this test.

 

[ZeroJunk]

I prefer to give the chainsaws a 50 question, multiple choice test. Surprisingly enough, none of my saws have yet to pass this test.

You are going about it completely wrong, use a true or false test.

 

[dmb2613]

adjust the carb and run the sh et out of them make sure it is oiling and has no real leaks [ oil ] Then let it ride or put it on the shelf

 

[mojo jojo]

cold start, let it warm up for 3 minutes or so, tune it while cutting cookies, idle for 3-5 minutes, shut off

That is enough, but meanwhile check the oiling, idling for 5-10 seconds and throttle response in all positions...and all the little things...brake check, checking the clutch cover isnt hot. Then the last thing: 2x or 3x warm/hot starts (no choke, no throttle, one pull).

 

[Homer6679]

That is enough, but meanwhile check the oiling, idling for 5-10 seconds and throttle response in all positions...and all the little things...brake check, checking the clutch cover isnt hot. Then the last thing: 2x or 3x warm/hot starts (no choke, no throttle, one pull).

When you say hot starts, do you mean once you shut it off immediately start it right back up or after 5 minutes or so to simulate chain tensioning, etc?

 

[a. palmer jr.]

After you've repaired/rebuilt a half billion saws you kinda get the knack of knowing which will run and which won't..

 

[Woodslasher]

I buck some firewood for as long as I feel like it, if the saw doesn't die or suddenly start screaming I figure it must be good.

 

[mojo jojo]

When you say hot starts, do you mean once you shut it off immediately start it right back up or after 5 minutes or so to simulate chain tensioning, etc?

Yes, 1x immediate start once shut off hot and 1x one minute later. That way you check the coil/electronics and possible vapor lock or flooding the engine

 

[irhunter]

I only sell a few saws a year. I like to run at least a full tank through them...preferably, two. That is, if I have no history with the saw before the repair.

I always state in the ad how much run-time I have on the saw. Also, I always sell in-person and encourage the buyer to cut some wood in my yard before buying.

Roy