Saw builders chime in.

[TX_Welder]

What's your favorite 50cc class of saw to build and why ? Which ones seem to consistently turn out stronger saws? What are some pro's and cons to the various 50cc saws you've built in the past ?

Just curious as to the thoughts from the guys that have the most experience with them.

 

[Sloughfoot]

I chose an 026. You can find them complete and in good shape for less than $350. Fixer uppers under $150. That era of Stihl is easy to work on. Parts are relatively cheap and abundant. Minor, quick and easy upgrades can get them running comparable to modern stock 50cc saws. Basic porting can get them running with modern stock 60cc saws.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

026, 260, 261. I just rebuilt a nice 026, it was a learning process but man is that a nice saw once done! All I did was a MM and it rips!

 

[EFSM]

The Echo 4910/501 platform is much newer and can be a really mean saw, but it is rubber antivibe so not as comfortable as a spring-isolated saw (550, 261) if you’re running it for hours at a time. Both the 260 and 501 are limited by carb options if you’re after exotic power.

 

[Sloughfoot]

I'm tempted to build another 026. With the extra parts I've got, could do it under $200 I think.

 

[Sloughfoot]

The Echo 4910/501 platform is much newer and can be a really mean saw, but it is rubber antivibe so not as comfortable as a spring-isolated saw (550, 261) if you’re running it for hours at a time. Both the 260 and 501 are limited by carb options if you’re after exotic power.

4910 is probably what I'd get if I wanted a later model saw. 346XP if time and money wasn't an issue.

 

[TX_Welder]

4910 is probably what I'd get if I wanted a later model saw. 346XP if time and money wasn't an issue.

I had completely forgotten about the echo offerings.

 

[Sloughfoot]

Dolkita may have a good one too.

 

[Ketchup]

346NE is king. 261 is a very nice reliable saw. 4910 is great bang for the buck. Some people like 550 but I dislike their auto-tune. Plenty other good older saws.

 

[bwalker]

I owned more than a few Ms260's they were turds compared to a 346 and I would never consider buying one now.
I dont care what porting tricks you do they won't beat a ported 346xp and they won't approach a modern 60cc saw in woods port trim. And yes I have owned ported 260's from several different guys.
i have owned a several 346XP's too, both ported and stock. Great saw in every way, but they are no longer available.
The 550XP MK2 is probably the best 50cc saw going, but I haven't owned a ported one. If I wanted a a ported 50cc I would probably port one of these.
Dolkita? No thanks. Parts were never easy to get and now that Dolmar is kaput its even worse.
Echo? Possibly if you can stomach a old tech saw.

 

[Fabulous]

Stihl 261c or Husqvarna 550xp. You can get the Husqvarna on sale up to 20% off through HL supply

 

[bwalker]

Stihl 261c or Husqvarna 550xp. You can get the Husqvarna on sale up to 20% off through HL supply

I got my 550xp mk2 from them. Great to deal with.
In stock form the 550 performs better than the 261.

 

[Fabulous]

The STIHL 261c can be made spicy er than the 550xp but at the cost of fuel economy. The 550xp has a very good cylinder from the factory and gains are harder to come by

 

[Fabulous]

If my hands weren’t so hobbled by arthritis I’d show you whippersnappers a thing or 3! Fortunately I’ve a Jedi in training in NY that is taking to it like a fish to water. There’s a lot of “old-school” flow-tricks which give good power and longevity that have seemed to have fallen out of fashion vs modern building styles. I’m not saying one is better than the other , just different approaches

 

[Lions fan]

The STIHL 261c can be made spicy er than the 550xp but at the cost of fuel economy. The 550xp has a very good cylinder from the factory and gains are harder to come by

Suppose it depends on who tinkered with it. My 550xp markii gained a bunch.

 

[bwalker]

If my hands weren’t so hobbled by arthritis I’d show you whippersnappers a thing or 3! Fortunately I’ve a Jedi in training in NY that is taking to it like a fish to water. There’s a lot of “old-school” flow-tricks which give good power and longevity that have seemed to have fallen out of fashion vs modern building styles. I’m not saying one is better than the other , just different approaches

Most of those old ways fell out of favor for a reason...

 

[59billy]

Most of those old ways fell out of favor for a reason...

I predict that this thread will attain greatness.

 

[jacob j.]

I predict that this thread will attain greatness.

We need some drama for sure...

 

[Sloughfoot]

When shopping for parts, don't forget @brk18 .

 

[59billy]

When shopping for parts, don't forget @brk18 .

I can save you some money. Just send me $100, and I won't send you anything, but you save on shipping.