Porting new saws vs used saws?

[Tinkerer Carver]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have been poring through all of the porting threads. For some background, I work at a woodcarving shop and have used power tools most of my life. I have loved every thread, but I can’t seem to find anybody mentioning porting a new saw vs a saw that is broken in or used and old. I am curious to hear what you all think. Thank you for any information.

 

[Woodslasher]

I've never done serious porting, but from watching others usually if you port a used saw you wanna be sure your bearings are all nice and tight and your seals and gaskets don't leak and if that all checks out grind away! Mastermind only ports new saws to avoid dealing with people griping that because he ported their saw right before the worn-out, original crank bearings failed it's his fault and he needs to buy them a new saw, but I know of other porters that do used saws.

 

[huskihl]

As long as the saw is solid I don’t have a problem porting used saws. Some customers opt to have me rebuild the bottom end at the same time

 

[Redfin]

And there are usually some surprises hiding in a used saw.

All of which can be remedied.

 

[Kiwioilboiler]

And there are usually some surprises hiding in a used saw.

All of which can be remedied.

Not Canola oil ay @Mastermind . That's a deal breaker.

 

[Tinkerer Carver]

I've never done serious porting, but from watching others usually if you port a used saw you wanna be sure your bearings are all nice and tight and your seals and gaskets don't leak and if that all checks out grind away! Mastermind only ports new saws to avoid dealing with people griping that because he ported their saw right before the worn-out, original crank bearings failed it's his fault and he needs to buy them a new saw, but I know of other porters that do used saws.

Thank you. I’m starting my first couple of woods ported saws next week and I had planned to replace the little wear parts. Luckily I’m only porting for myself and my boss, so I don’t have to worry about angry customers.

 

[Tinkerer Carver]

As long as the saw is solid I don’t have a problem porting used saws. Some customers opt to have me rebuild the bottom end at the same time

Thank you, I have a 250 at home to do a semi-complete rebuild and woods port on and I can’t wait for the parts to show upand there’s an 025 at work that I can’t wait to dig into

 

[drf256]

Pretty much used saws can easily become a headache.

Lots of cleaning involved, and everyone’s idea of a “good saw” differs. Guys often conveniently forget some part of a problem with a saw and figure the builder will stumble across the problem and fix while there. Some guys don’t even know the saw had an issue. So basically you are not only porting the saw, but doing a somewhat free diagnosis and fix for the same price.

Once you open the saw, you become “it”. Commonly becomes an issue, and once one comes up it’s a mess.

My first ported saw was a MMWS 066 that I sent to Randy when I just got into the hobby. He called me and told me I sent him a saw with an AM top end (I had no clue). After I apologized and allowed Randy to buy a new oem top end at my cost, he found a bad case gasket with bar oil leaking into the crankcase. He had to split the saw and redo the bearings and gasket. My interaction with Randy was good, and we have been friends ever since. It could have easily gone the other way.

Just trying to illustrate an example of why it’s a PITA, even I did it to someone unknowingly.

If you are doing for yourself, you’ll have no issues. Pretty much why I have stopped porting saws exc for myself or close friends.

 

[Mastermind]

Used chainsaws stink.

There....I said it. Come at me bro !!!

 

[Stump Shot]

Used chainsaws stink.

There....I said it. Come at me bro !!!

Slacker

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Can’t hate on anyone for only doing new stuff if that keeps them busy! That should even tell you something.

 

[SpaceBus]

As long as the saw is solid I don’t have a problem porting used saws. Some customers opt to have me rebuild the bottom end at the same time

I should have had you do more work, but unlike the MM saw customers I'm not blaming you. Every time I pick up the 460 I shed a tear for that poor 346 sitting in the corner. Pretty sure I stole the coil from it to use in my 460 as well.

 

[SpaceBus]

Used chainsaws stink.

There....I said it. Come at me bro !!!

I learned the hard way that every saw, besides the ones I own of course, has been rode hard and put up wet.

 

[Mastermind]

I learned the hard way that every saw, besides the ones I own of course, has been rode hard and put up wet.

Chainsaws live a harsh life.....

 

[Stump Shot]

Interesting thread.
Like everyone else, I see everything imaginable from the saw that looks like it was drug behind a skidder, to where on earth did you find an older pro saw in such wonderful condition.
I enjoy working on used saws as much as new, it is a time killer to get right. Inspection is crucial for any success.
Saws that have been repaired after a lean out, straight gas, or some other blown up event can be problematic when the bottom end wasn't taken into consideration the first time. The crankshaft and bearings having to digest shrapnel from the top end.
Then comes the price tag of righting all the wrongs. For me I'm either all in, or all out, there's usually not much middle ground to work with.
Right now depending on your favorite brand new saws and new parts can also be a problem, so it's a toss up in the "new normal."

 

[Stump Shot]

Can’t hate on anyone for only doing new stuff if that keeps them busy! That should even tell you something.

You are quite correct Sir, but I can however surely tease a friend now and then.

 

[Stump Shot]

Chainsaws live a harsh life.....

 

[motoOzarks]

Remodeling a house can be quite an experience compared to building new.

New is new, used is who knows.........

 

[ElevatorGuy]

You are quite correct Sir, but I can however surely tease a friend now and then.

Yeah man, Wasn’t directed at anyone. That’s a good problem to have if you only wanna mess with new chit.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

New saws are typically still clean. Used saw are not. That alone is a big difference. Just the fact that there is sometimes a lot of time spent cleaning a saw before disassembly and reassembly.