Saw builders chime in.

[jacob j.]

I think we're lucky these days to have the selection we have available to choose from - I've had several good running 026s through the years, and a great ported 545 MK I that I gave to an arborist buddy. I've not run the 550 MK I or II but I think I would go for one of those if I were after a good 50cc unit with the best anti-vibe.

 

[Sloughfoot]

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

Only thing better than free shipping is no shipping.

 

[Fabulous]

The new version 550xp definitely has a nice feel in the hands to it vs the 261c. Splittin hairs here … just my perspective

 

[jacktheripper]

I need to know about these forgotten flow tricks. Psyko SS, Insan-o, or Torque Tweaked? Give me that zip kit baby.

 

[Fabulous]

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

I agree. The big difference is the engine / cylinder design between the saws. Treemonkey video touched on this idea : 4 vs 2 transfers. I’d say same builder can get more out of a 261c than a 550xp ii especially IF the customer wants a “hotter” work saw and understands what comes with the territory!

 

[Sloughfoot]

Kids today and their fancy stratocastrols.

 

[2000ssm6]

If working all day, I prefer a ported 261.

Cutting cookies, my piped 026.

I’ve ran some ported 5100s and 346s that were nice. Haven’t ran a ported 550 yet.

 

[59billy]

Kids today and their fancy stratocastrols.

Best guitar in the history of rock-n-roll!

 

[Fabulous]

I’d say you really couldn’t go wrong with either the STIHL or the Husqvarna. It all boils down to personal preferences/likings and what type wood you cut. ANYTHING is better than a misery-whip tho … And To think how much folk argue about 2oz or .1hp nowadays. Why , by working one full day in the woods with a crosscut saw and an axe I guarantee most folk will run to a powersaw and hydraulic splitter real quick !

 

[sawmikaze]

You're more tethered to a good dealer with auto-tune compared to m-chwonic, that kinda blows.

You're gonna hear fairy tales from the women's auxiliary about how one smashes the other because it beat the other at the chainsaw games by 1 second...it's retarded, it doesn't show itself anywhere in the real world.

 

[Sloughfoot]

Best guitar in the history of rock-n-roll!

Betcha @brk18 has a stratt he'd sell you.

 

[Woodslasher]

You're more tethered to a good dealer with auto-tune compared to m-chwonic, that kinda blows.

You're gonna hear fairy tales from the women's auxiliary about how one smashes the other because it beat the other at the chainsaw games by 1 second...it's retarded, it doesn't show itself anywhere in the real world.

But but but the slower one is 1.3ozs lighter! And because of the weight savings the slower one actually has a better power to weight ratio!

 

[sawmikaze]

But but but the slower one is 1.3ozs lighter! And because of the weight savings the slower one actually has a better power to weight ratio!

Ya that's right, I fogot.

 

[Lions fan]

Best guitar in the history of rock-n-roll!

Are those auto-tune or do you gotta' turn the screw thingies?

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

350?.... Joe recently posted a short with one. Seems to run pretty good.

 

[bwalker]

I need to know about these forgotten flow tricks. Psyko SS, Insan-o, or Torque Tweaked? Give me that zip kit baby.

Ha ha..

 

[Stump Shot]

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.

For the current saws I'm fairly indifferent as to either the 550XP mkII or the MS 261 either on the bench or when finished.
The beginning of the journey of what's needed may start out a little different for each, in the end though they're both nice running saws.
For an old school answer the 254XP's were always enjoyable to wrench on and always cut like crazy when done. The 346XP/353 chassis was always interesting with all the mixing and matching of parts from various models that could be utilized to mix things up a bit. The fun's all over when it comes to needing parts for both of these, the 254 for some time and the 346/353 as of late.
One obscure saw that's fun to work on but forgoes ever being a gonzo GTG killer when done is the Husqvarna 51/55. Still has parts support last I knew and is an excellent candidate for a first-time porter to get his or her hands into and learn, without the worry of ruining expensive parts in the process. Can make for a pretty good little firewood saw too.

 

[TX_Welder]

You're more tethered to a good dealer with auto-tune compared to m-chwonic, that kinda blows.

You're gonna hear fairy tales from the women's auxiliary about how one smashes the other because it beat the other at the chainsaw games by 1 second...it's retarded, it doesn't show itself anywhere in the real world.

Husqvarna dealers (outside of Lowes and TSC) are just about nonexistent in my ao. I'd really like to try one, and the dealer thing isnt a deal breaker, but, it is nice to have local parts support.

350?.... Joe recently posted a short with one. Seems to run pretty good.

That's the saw that made me look at husqvarna. A guy gave me a 350 years ago. Said it had been sitting and he needed it, so he asked me to get it running. When I got into it, I found out it had suffered an air leak and scarred the piston. The guy opted to donate it rather than fix it, so I rebuilt it. There's a thread here on it somewhere. I cut the squish, and several people gave me some guidance on a rough porting job and it ran pretty good. Really liked that thing. I kind of regret letting it go.

 

[sawmikaze]

Husqvarna dealers (outside of Lowes and TSC) are just about nonexistent in my ao. I'd really like to try one, and the dealer thing isnt a deal breaker, but, it is nice to have local parts support.

That's the saw that made me look at husqvarna. A guy gave me a 350 years ago. Said it had been sitting and he needed it, so he asked me to get it running. When I got into it, I found out it had suffered an air leak and scarred the piston. The guy opted to donate it rather than fix it, so I rebuilt it. There's a thread here on it somewhere. I cut the squish, and several people gave me some guidance on a rough porting job and it ran pretty good. Really liked that thing. I kind of regret letting it go.

It's not about parts, it's if you have an issue with auto-tune.

 

[bwalker]

For the current saws I'm fairly indifferent as to either the 550XP mkII or the MS 261 either on the bench or when finished.
The beginning of the journey of what's needed may start out a little different for each, in the end though they're both nice running saws.
For an old school answer the 254XP's were always enjoyable to wrench on and always cut like crazy when done. The 346XP/353 chassis was always interesting with all the mixing and matching of parts from various models that could be utilized to mix things up a bit. The fun's all over when it comes to needing parts for both of these, the 254 for some time and the 346/353 as of late.
One obscure saw that's fun to work on but forgoes ever being a gonzo GTG killer when done is the Husqvarna 51/55. Still has parts support last I knew and is an excellent candidate for a first-time porter to get his or her hands into and learn, without the worry of ruining expensive parts in the process. Can make for a pretty good little firewood saw too.

The Husky 55 Rancher was a damn good saw in its day. Especially the closed port cylinder models. Pro construction at a farm saw price. Stone reliable too. Back in the day why anyone would buy a 029/039 over a 55 is beyond me.
I would think parts are starting to dry up for the 026/260 too? I have heard this is the case for the Stihl 044/440.