Ported 5105 vs 6100

[homeheater]

So I just got back from the saw shop, and I'm kind of missing that new saw smell. Has anyone had experience with both a ported 5105 and a stock 6100? He has 3 non Makita saws left at a great price. Wanting one to throw a 20" on cause I just don't want to use the big saw unless I have to. Any thoughts on how they would compare? Could probably get the saw and porting for not that much more. Maybe I will even get rid of my new Stihl since @RI Chevy won't get a Dolmar.

 

[andyshine77]

I have yet to run a 6100, but I've had a few 5100/5105 over the years, some were ported some not, probably my least favorite modern Dolmar model. Seeing as you want to run a 20" B&C I would always recommend the 60cc option. But again I have no experience with the 6100 so take my advice for what it is.

 

[Dub11]

@WKEND LUMBERJAK
Where are you?

 

[Dub11]

I know the 6100 to me stock seemed like meh. Its smooth and all but has the same footprint as my jred670.

 

[Johnmn]

I have both but in stock form. A 5100s and a 6100. I know @Miller Mod Saws can make either sing!

 

[Johnmn]

http://opeforum.com/threads/50cc-and-20-3-8-bars.1869/

 

[Greenthorn]

I have the 5105 and 6100 ported saws, and the 5105 saw is my most used saw. I have only had a 20" bar on the 5105 since new, running Oregon CL 3/8 chain. I have had the bar buried in hard maple and oaks, and it doesn't bog out! I did give my 6100 a good work out today though!

 

[Simondo]

So I just got back from the saw shop, and I'm kind of missing that new saw smell. Has anyone had experience with both a ported 5105 and a stock 6100? He has 3 non Makita saws left at a great price. Wanting one to throw a 20" on cause I just don't want to use the big saw unless I have to. Any thoughts on how they would compare? Could probably get the saw and porting for not that much more. Maybe I will even get rid of my new Stihl since @RI Chevy won't get a Dolmar.

5105 on 15".325 .050 = No primmer , smooth , light ,good balance ,good AV, nice all rounder .
6100 on 18' or 20" 3/8 .58 = Primmer , smooth, better for longer bar and chain than 5105, good AV.
All down to the usage and the pocket....ether or both for me.

 

[smokey7]

Alot of people dont care for the 51xx saws. They rock ported tho. Myself like upto a 20" on a 50cc and upto 24 on a 60. I didnt look at your line up to see what you had and or could need/use more. If your looking for a mid sized saw for up to 18" hardwood work id choose a ported 5105. If bar burried 24" and under work is its target then the 6100 ported for sure. I dobt care to limb with a 60cc saw though.

 

[WKEND LUMBERJAK]

Ported 5105 for the win Hands down. Send it to Carl @Miller Mod Saws . You won't be disappointed. He has this saw figures out.

 

[WKEND LUMBERJAK]

I have the 5105 and 6100 ported saws, and the 5105 saw is my most used saw. I have only had a 20" bar on the 5105 since new, running Oregon CL 3/8 chain. I have had the bar buried in hard maple and oaks, and it doesn't bog out! I did give my 6100 a good work out today though!



View attachment 150440

That is my experience as well I also have @Miller Mod Saws ported Makita/Dolmar 6401with a 7910 P/C. Hardly ever ran the 6100 I had after I got the 7910. Although if I only had one saw it wood be a ported 6100.

 

[Deets066]

Ported 5105 for the win Hands down. Send it to Carl @Miller Mod Saws . You won't be disappointed. He has this saw figures out.

Or just buy a new one from Carl, saves on shipping

 

[homeheater]

Alot of people dont care for the 51xx saws. They rock ported tho. Myself like upto a 20" on a 50cc and upto 24 on a 60. I didnt look at your line up to see what you had and or could need/use more. If your looking for a mid sized saw for up to 18" hardwood work id choose a ported 5105. If bar burried 24" and under work is its target then the 6100 ported for sure. I dobt care to limb with a 60cc saw though.

I really don't "need" anything. Purely a want. Never had a ported saw. I like the ergonomics of the 5105, I already have a 510. The 6100 felt a little bulky in the hands, just not much different than the 6400 other than the weight. I want to someday upsize the top end on mine, but I would be fine with parking the 6400 in the corner and not touching it unless I have to. I could finish this year and probably the next 2 and not even need it for maybe 1 thank of fuel. I burn 15-18 f.c. a year, and almost all of my wood is 6-18 inches and I hate splitting the big stuff anyway. I just like small frame saws.

 

[homeheater]

Or just buy a new one from Carl, saves on shipping

I don't mind supporting my local dealer, and they are a good price. Plus I haven't warmed up to the Makita name yet.

 

[Miller Mod Saws]

So I just got back from the saw shop, and I'm kind of missing that new saw smell. Has anyone had experience with both a ported 5105 and a stock 6100? He has 3 non Makita saws left at a great price. Wanting one to throw a 20" on cause I just don't want to use the big saw unless I have to. Any thoughts on how they would compare? Could probably get the saw and porting for not that much more. Maybe I will even get rid of my new Stihl since @RI Chevy won't get a Dolmar.

I’m with @WKEND LUMBERJAK on this one. If it’s gonna be your only saw a 6100 Ported with run a 24” bar with authority and yet is a tad lighter than the 70cc saws. If ya got 2 thought. 51xx all day. I’m with @Greenthorn as well. The 51xx is my most used and abused saw. I run 50 and 70 on most outings.

 

[Dub11]

I really don't "need" anything. Purely a want. Never had a ported saw. I like the ergonomics of the 5105, I already have a 510. The 6100 felt a little bulky in the hands, just not much different than the 6400 other than the weight. I want to someday upsize the top end on mine, but I would be fine with parking the 6400 in the corner and not touching it unless I have to. I could finish this year and probably the next 2 and not even need it for maybe 1 thank of fuel. I burn 15-18 f.c. a year, and almost all of my wood is 6-18 inches and I hate splitting the big stuff anyway. I just like small frame saws.

If you dont have any ported saws then buy a square chain grinder. Then all your saws will be faster.

 

[Miller Mod Saws]

Here’s the one I’m running now. But this vid is fresh off the bench no break in time. These saws take several tanks to get broke in. Regardless 20”-3/8 bar buried in oak.

 

[Deets066]

Here’s the one I’m running now. But this vid is fresh off the bench no break in time. These saws take several tanks to get broke in. Regardless 20”-3/8 bar buried in oak.

Carl... is that one of your new hoodies?
I need one bud

 

[homeheater]

If you dont have any ported saws then buy a square chain grinder. Then all your saws will be faster.

Don't really care about faster saws, but if I could cut bigger wood with smaller/lighter I am all for it. The old/slow 115 still puts the biggest smile on my face. Lotta history there.

 

[homeheater]

Here’s the one I’m running now. But this vid is fresh off the bench no break in time. These saws take several tanks to get broke in. Regardless 20”-3/8 bar buried in oak.

Nuff said.