Agreed, a new and valuable saw might not be the wisest choice for your first mod, but the general rule that most advise, is to get yourself some old cylinders and a piston or two to practice on. That way you will learn what cutters will work best in those tight quarters, etc., and gain control when doing clean shaping and polishing....also learning how to modify squish and timing. There is good advise to be had here and elsewhere. Being a young person, if your intention is to stay in the trade where you will be using chainsaws for many years to come, being able to work on your own saws will enhance your experience in some different ways, imo. That isn't to say that having someone of known skill work on your saws is a bad thing, on the contrary, but more trying to look at it from the broader perspective of the years to come. An investment in time is required, but along with it can come a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction. When your saw rips and you know why through your own hands, it's pretty cool. On the other hand, it does occur that you might not have any interest in the process.
