Recent content by Robert P

I'm a saw abuser.

That would describe part of what I'm doing.

Is there anything fundamentally different about the way an Echo saw and a Stihl or whatever a pro's choice is that would cause an Echo to lose chain tightness faster? Don't they all work essentially the same way? Chain driven by a clutched sprocket riding in/around a bar with a sprocket wheel at...

It's an 80' wide lot I'm maybe 1/3 of the way through a maybe 30' deep from the back fence patch of the backyard, not a massive project. Making it easier with heavier gear isn't a priority because I treat it as a cardio and calorie-burning activity.

Interesting, that's mostly what I'm doing, clearing out the scrub in my backyard, going through a lot of 1" or less young trees and occasional palmettos close to the ground with the saw at 90 degrees - also cutting a number of vines.

I see these videos of taking down a tree from the top and they seem to go on and on without ever needing to tighten the chain. Based on how my Echo typically behaves there's no way I'd be able to do the amount of cutting needed to take down a tree without tightening the chain. Even with a Stihl...

This particular model doesn't have adjustable oil flow but running it without a bar it comes out of the oil delivery hole at what seems like a decent rate and the chain slings oil against a flat surface so I sense it's getting adequate lubrication. I'll go to the local Stihl dealer and pick up...

Put a brand-new Echo clutch drum and needle bearing set on - not noticing any difference in the loosening issue. Could the sharpening of the blade be an issue? I've been sharpening at 20 degrees because I saw somewhere that's what chains should be sharpened at, now I'm seeing videos where they...

I would think the clutch drum would be a frequent replacement item but none of the local Echo dealers had it. You can get chains and bars but not the clutch drum. Ordered from a parts place.

I tried it being conscious of this, can't say it made a really noticeable difference. I see the sprocket on the clutch drum does have a noticeable groove worn into it. Going to hunt for a new clutch drum locally or go online if I can't find one and see if it makes a difference though it's not...

Dunno, they seem to get consistently good reviews. So far I've never owned a Stihl or Husky but I see people favorably comparing Echo to them. Mine fires up on the first pull every time after going through the initial cold start process. Have you had negative experiences with Echo saws?

I have an Echo saw that runs great, has a moderate amount of use, has a typical side bolts & side adjustment screw setup - everything is tight and works as it's supposed to as far as I can tell. If I find I'm constantly having to tighten a chain even after sharpening after just a few minutes of...

So you think painting mine candy apple red with flames was a little over the top?

Ever dyed a sun-faded housing of an Echo saw back to its original state? Strictly for eye-appeal cosmetic reasons. I've sanded the top cover with varying grits of sandpaper and hit it with a boiled linseed oil/paint thinner treatment. It gets rid of the white/oxidized layer but is a much duller...

The title pretty much says it. How do you know when it's time to toss a chain bar?