So when do you decide to replace instead of repair?

[kneedeepinsaws]

So when do you boys say enough is enough?

For me once i start spending over a third of a saws value to fix it, I start weighing in the decisions.
I think the one exception I have made is the 372. I love that saw, i have tools on the way that will allow me to keep that thing going for years to come.
Other saws like the 550 I feel just aint worth it. Already spent 80$ on a carb kit with a new nozzle, still bogs, still vapour locks, still stalls on certain days or when certain stars align etc. I could throw more money and time at it but theres a mark II sitting on a shelf thats superior in every way.

is it CAD? Or is it justified to start thinking about replacement after the 1/3 mark?
Used saws arent my bag, i dont know the history and i could spend up to half the price of new to get something that could put me back to square one.

when do you guys decide enough is enough?

 

[jacob j.]

It depends on the make and model. Some saws, like the 372, have such an abundance of parts, that you can just keep rebuilding them for cheap.

Others are a much tougher call. I bought a low-hour smashed 661 a few months ago and rebuilt it, only because it has been out long enough
that there is a fairly good pool now of low-cost good used parts. If it's a newer saw, then the secondary market likely won't be sufficient enough to
work a budget overhaul.

 

[trooney]

I'm a saw junky anyway. I dont own a single saw that I bought new, and I have upwards of 20 (ever changing). Sometimes you hit on good deals for used or parts saws, other times you dont. Just the way it goes. Getting the satisfaction of getting them up and running is what drives me. I enjoy cutting, but even more when I know I have some sweat equity in it. Have nothing against new, but if I can build it for 2/3 or under for the cost, its good for me. If not, it becomes a parts saw.
The trick is to treat em right before they start nickel and diming you...
If its a good saw and I can keep it running good at 1/3 the price of a new one, I'll do it every time...

 

[Wood Doctor]

After I try to repair and the engine still does not start and run easily, then I replace or recommend to the owner to replace it. This is true especially when the replacement parts will eventually cost over half of the original price.