How Much Is Too Much?

[kingraison]

Hi,

I've just spent £400 on a total repair job for a Stihl M021. The guy who did it was reluctant - I assured him it was more important to keep old stuff going than making new stuff, especially (so I've heard) with old Stihls. So I said "don't worry, do whatever you need to do and I'll pay it"
I didn't expect it to by quite this much (I maybe forsaw £250 being chucked at it) and now I'm wondering...

Am I a total idiot for doing this? Or have I just created something that's better than anything you could buy off the shelf?

All thoughts, put-downs, and congratulations welcome!

(also tips for how I should look after it like the king it is.. I'm fairly new to this game!)

x

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Hi!

OUCH! Hmm that’s far more than I’d ever consider putting towards that model. It’s one of Stihl’s cheapest home owner clamshell saws.

Newer saws are far superior to the old ones in every way apart from the sound of the larger old saws and that they are no longer adjustable carbs . I enjoy rebuilding old saws from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and will invest more than what the saw is worth, but only because they are rare, large capacity or unique.

An 021 is about £75 max on the used market.

With all this said, if it has sentimental value, it was your dads or you had special memories of using it for whatever reason then it’s worth rebuilding because it will bring you joy.

Cut up some wood and have fun!

 

[av8or3]

I had to check to see what an 021 was. Never seen one. It’s a 35cc saw so based on that, you probably spent more than it was worth. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder , if you like how it runs and cuts, decide for yourself. Don’t worry about what me or someone like me might say about it.

 

[kingraison]

Aw you guys - I'm very appreciative of how sweet you are about it. I can see I've probably made a bit of a mistake here, but it is made a huge lot easier to accept with your kind comments. And yes! How did you guess! It was my Dad's.
Chow for now - and thanks much x

 

[Definitive Dave]

Sometimes preserving a sentimental saw is worth whatever it costs.
If you just wanted a nice 021 to cut wood with you could have done much better for much less I would imagine.
Dave

 

[Terry Syd]

Why would you ask that question on a forum where guys will do almost anything to any saw. Crikey, that POS 029 I ended up building took more time and parts than my other saws (I never want to see the inside of it again).

Some of these guys have put nitrous oxide on 'Wood Sharks'.

 

[Logsdendave]

If I had my Dads old saw. I’d easily pay that much. And not give it another thought

 

[CR888]

If I had my Dads old saw. I’d easily pay that much. And not give it another thought

Amen.

 

[Monkeysocks]

Agreed. A tool that reminds you of time with your dad whenever you pick it up is priceless.

 

[Guido Salvage]

My calculations show that to be about $525 US. I have owned over 600 saws and the only one that cost that much was the new Homelite 540 I bought new about 1990.

 

[Definitive Dave]

My calculations show that to be about $525 US. I have owned over 600 saws and the only one that cost that much was the new Homelite 540 I bought new about 1990.

You my friend are what we might refer to as "frugal"
Heck I have owned 6 different bars that cost more than that

 

[jacob j.]

Sometimes preserving a sentimental saw is worth whatever it costs.
If you just wanted a nice 021 to cut wood with you could have done much better for much less I would imagine.
Dave

Yes sir, restoring Dad's old Mac 125s has set me back a pretty penny, but I wouldn't have it any other way. When I'm working on those saws, I'm re-living all the good times we had in the woods together.

I'm doing Grandpa's saws this winter.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I think you will enjoy using that saw. If you have a look around you will find the ipl (illustrated part list) and the service manual, then you should be able to do things yourself.

This is not mine, but it shows how things add up quickly. Labour is the killer, and not all stihl shops sell the parts for the same price.

from here
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/stihl-ms461-chainsaw/383780193703?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144


Btw
welcome to the saw nuts place

 

[Guido Salvage]

You my friend are what we might refer to as "frugal"
Heck I have owned 6 different bars that cost more than that

Thanks for springing for lunch today!!! We had a side bet on delivery, I was right and they drove across the street rather than walking.

 

[Definitive Dave]

Thanks for springing for lunch today!!! We had a side bet on delivery, I was right and they drove across the street rather than walking.

happy to do it, you guys have been great to deal with...literally across the street? LOL, I am guessing he is a millennial or whatever youngsters are called these days

 

[Guido Salvage]

happy to do it, you guys have been great to deal with...literally across the street? LOL, I am guessing he is a millennial or whatever youngsters are called these days

Literally across the street, their driveway is opposite the entrance to our lot. It was actually a woman who drove over. By the way, I walked over on Thursday to confirm the order so I could alert the guys in the shop not to bring lunch.

Picture taken from the porch of our showroom looking across the street.