Best frame to start a play saw build?

[Ketchup]

Hello Gents,

I’ve been wanting to build a saw for myself for a while now. Not really a race saw, but something that will scream through wood and be fun to build.

A lot of guys have done this, just wondering what platform you would recommend.

Currently I’m thinking about a 390 because of it’s displacement to rpm comparison, and it’s easy to work on. But I’m open.

I intend to experiment repeatedly so parts availability, ease of rebuild and cost are considerations. That said, this is a power addiction build, so smaller saws are off the table.

I have done roughly 35 woods port jobs at this point, so I have a stable base in grinding and lathe work. I have good friends in the machining world so I can go pretty far with it if that feels right.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

 

[jacob j.]

The 385/390 is a good one for just an all-around fun, powerful saw that's user friendly. If you really want wow factor, the 395 or a solid 2100/2101 is hard to beat.

I ran a 2100 from a Canadian builder at a timber sports show years ago that was pretty incredible.

I can't comment on the 500i though as I've never run one, so maybe our builders can chime in on that.

For lack of wow factor, I'd pass on the 075/076 and 070/090. The 056 Mag II can be a pretty strong runner modified, but the strongest ones of those have two-piece heads.

 

[ayoungtexan]

I’ve only ran the 395, and it was an impressive saw stock. They’d probably flat out rip when ported.

 

[davidwyby]

in!

 

[Lee H]

Mcculloch with a 101 kart motor

 

[Hinerman]

Hello Gents,

I’ve been wanting to build a saw for myself for a while now. Not really a race saw, but something that will scream through wood and be fun to build.

A lot of guys have done this, just wondering what platform you would recommend.

Currently I’m thinking about a 390 because of it’s displacement to rpm comparison, and it’s easy to work on. But I’m open.

I intend to experiment repeatedly so parts availability, ease of rebuild and cost are considerations. That said, this is a power addiction build, so smaller saws are off the table.

I have done roughly 35 woods port jobs at this point, so I have a stable base in grinding and lathe work. I have good friends in the machining world so I can go pretty far with it if that feels right.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

A lot of good advice already.

Personally, I want to see what a ported Echo 1201 can become. Nobody has done that yet that I know of.

If you are going to use the saw, I would pick out the biggest displacement saw you might use---390, 395, 661, etc.

 

[Ketchup]

Mcculloch with a 101 kart motor

Outside my wheel house. I don’t even know the model numbers. It also seems hard to source parts. But I thought about it.

 

[stihl livin]

A lot of good advice already.

Personally, I want to see what a ported Echo 1201 can become. Nobody has done that yet that I know of.

If you are going to use the saw, I would pick out the biggest displacement saw you might use---390, 395, 661, etc.

why don’t you buy one and get it ported so we can see it. Matt can make you a chain I’m sure

 

[Nutball]

I've always wanted to play with a 1201. Looks easy and roomy to work on too for an all out race build.

I think a 390xp is a good fun size, but if you are power hungry, I'd go all out on a 3120.

 

[Stevetheboatguy]

Hybrid of some kind would be my vote. A echo 620p @Red97 style would be high up there on the list or if you really want to build one a 440/460. Piped 7900 would be pretty sweet. Tons of options pick your flavor and go from there.

Eventually I will build a 372/385 hybrid of my own. Love that platform. I just know that it will be a short lived saw. Doubtful that the 372 crank will hold out for to long.


Steven

 

[thinair]

661, @Redfin would probably also agree that they are a great saw to build/ play with

 

[Deets066]

661, @Redfin would probably also agree that they are a great saw to build/ play with

Was my vote

 

[TreeLife]

Voted 395, hail to the king!

 

[Deets066]

Voted 395, hail to the king!

They are hard to beat

 

[thinair]

They are hard to beat

if only they had a side chain adjuster and inboard clutch

 

[TreeLife]

if only they had a side chain adjuster and inboard clutch

Their replacement will have both

 

[thinair]

The 592? Iv saw one and yes it does.

 

[ayoungtexan]

The 592? Iv saw one and yes it does.

You’ve seen a 592? Did ya get any pics?

 

[Hinerman]

why don’t you buy one and get it ported so we can see it. Matt can make you a chain I’m sure

i like that idea!!!

 

[Nutball]

Their replacement will have both

But they got rid of the manual adjust carb. It wouldn't be so bad if they had both carbs available.