9 Best Chainsaw Repair Resources

It’s impossible to know everything about every single part and chainsaw model on the market (or off the market for that matter). Everyone needs some help once in a while to determine if their chainsaw is in need of a simple repair, or something more serious is going on. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional logger, or a master technician, these sites are great resources for asking questions about malfunctioning chainsaws.

#1 - ArboristSite.com Chainsaw Forum 
URL: http://www.arboristsite.com/community/forums/chainsaw.9/

Arborists that finish up their day and need to keep talking about their jobs find their home at ArboristSite.com. The chainsaw forum is a great resource to find answers to questions about chainsaw repairs, suggestions on a new saw, or just talk about your favorite models. Check out their antique saw thread for some awesome pictures of chainsaws from the early days (and of course, you can add your own).

#2 - ArbTalk.co.uk Chainsaw Forum 
URL: http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/chainsaws/

If you’re an arborist in the UK, this is your online headquarters. While it’s also a great resource internationally, the repair advice on ArbTalk.co.uk is geared towards the chainsaw models and parts available in Europe.

#3 - Reddit.com r/mechanicadvice Subreddit 
URL: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/

While this isn’t solely a chainsaw repair resource, there are threads about small engine repair, and questions about lawn mowers, chainsaws, and gas powered tools are well received.

#4 - The Chainsaw Guy YouTube Channel 
URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/radougan120955

The Chainsaw Guy has one of the most impressive chainsaw collections we’ve ever seen and he has been showing off his collection on YouTube for years. With hundreds of videos featuring Stihls, Husqvarnas and more, you could spend hours just watching his videos and descriptions.

#5 - AcresInternet.com – Chainsaw Collectors Corner
URL: http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/673d78ec01557aea88256b00005457e6/d8d083a8d741e3db88256c9b00780d89?OpenDocument

Most chainsaw owners have been in a situation when they are repairing or purchasing a particular saw, but can’t find information on the chainsaw’s specifications. The Chainsaw Collectors Corner has thousands of chainsaws on file from various years, and while the site isn’t always 100% accurate, it’s a great starting point to figuring out what you’re dealing with.

#6 - The Forestry Forum Chainsaw Forum
URL: http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?board=9.0

The Chainsaw Forum on ForestryForum.com has over a hundred pages worth of chainsaw information that foresters will love. There are a lot of questions about large displacement, pro-grade chainsaws. If you’re a professional dealing with big cuts, this is the place for you.

#7 - ChainsawRepair.createaforum.com
URL: http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=d104fe48859ff406ec39cabee8f72658

This forum is specifically for chainsaw repair and is broken down by brand. Husqvarna, Stihl, Poulan, Jonsered, Echo, and Homelite are just a few of the sections on the forum, with many other brands represented as well. Check this site out and see if you’re brand has a section if you need a repair question answered.

#8 - Lawn Mower Forum Small Engine Repair Forum
URL: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small-engine-mower-repair/

Yes, this is a lawn mower forum, but there is a small engine repair section that’s a good resource for chainsaw owners, and you can ask a question about your lawn mower or other lawn equipment while you’re at it.

#9 - Hobby Talk Small Engine Repair Forum
URL: http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/forumdisplay.php?s=d68f4a924b0188ee70dd7ad165e032d2&f=107

The Small Engine Repair forum on HobbyTalk.com includes sections for 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and swapping and selling. The forum benefits from being a subsection of one of the most popular hobby websites online, and has a long history of threads that offer answers to questions about hundreds of different saws.

Do you have any websites that you visit to get your small engine repair advice? Let us know in the comments!

The Legendary Stihl 028 Chainsaw

Let’s face it: most of us don’t need a chainsaw with a 70+ cc displacement and a 36” bar. What we do need is a reliable saw with enough power to take on tough jobs and stand the test of time. That’s the reason serious chainsaw users regard the Stihl 028 AV Super Wood Boss as one of the best saws ever made, and many chainsaw enthusiasts have one in their arsenal today.

Though Stihl released an updated (and now discontinued) Stihl MS280 for the 028, they were two different saws and many chainsaw users consider the 028 to be the superior model. Check out the specifications for the 028 and the more powerful 028 Super below.





Stihl 028 Specifications

The specifications of the Stihl 028 are:

Displacement: 2.86 cubic inches (47 cm3)
Cylinder Bore: 1.73 inches (44 mm)
Piston Stroke: 1.22 inches (31 mm)
Max. Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
Fuel tank capacity: .5 L
Chain Lubrication: Automatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity: .3 L
Weight: 12.6 lbs

Stihl 028 Super Specifications

The specifications of the Stihl 028 Super are:

Displacement: 3.14 cubic inches (51.5 cm3)
Cylinder Bore: 1.81 inches (46 mm)
Piston Stroke: 1.22 inches (31 mm)
Max. Engine Speed: 13,000 RPM
Fuel tank capacity: .5 L
Chain Lubrication: Automatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity: .3 L
Weight: 12.6 lbs

As with any discontinued chainsaw, finding factory OEM parts is nearly impossible, but luckily there are aftermarket options available. At HLSProParts.com, we carry a wide selection of Stihl 028 parts  that will allow you to refurbish an old saw, or simply tune up your trusty 028.

Some of the brands we carry include Hyway, Meteor, and Tecomec. Whether you need cylinder kits, piston kits, bearing cases, or just piston rings, we have parts that will have your saw running at full performance. Visit our store or contact us if you have any questions and we will be happy to help you find the Stihl 028 parts you need.

HLSProParts.com Customer Chainsaw Photo Gallery

We get a lot of great photos from our customers and Facebook fans, and we wanted to put them all in one place to make it easy to view. We always love getting chainsaw and cut-off saw pictures from great brands including Stihl, Husqvarna, Jonsered, and more, so please post on our Facebook wall to submit your photos and we will add them to the gallery! And of course, thank you to everyone who has submitted their photos so far!

HLSProParts.com is the best source for small engine parts for a wide selection of power tool makes and models. Visit our chainsaw parts store for parts for your favorite brands, or contact us if you have any questions.

Top 10 Summer Lawn Care Tips

The summer months are when you’ll be enjoying your yard the most, and if it doesn’t look up to your standards, it might be difficult to enjoy it. Follow these top 10 yard care tips to keep your yard and landscaping looking fresh throughout the summer.

1. Water deeply: About 1 to 1.5 inches each time you water your lawn is sufficient, and will give your grass the sustenance it needs to grow deep, healthy roots.

2. Water infrequently: To conserve water, it’s important that you only water your lawn when it needs it. This is going to depend significantly on the climate you live in, but a few signs that you need to water are a bluish-green tint to the grass and footprints lasting longer normal in the grass.

3. Water early in the morning: By watering in the early morning between 4 and 9 a.m., you’re giving the soil a chance to absorb the water before it evaporates. This increases with wind as well.

4. Keep your grass 3 inches or higher: The summer heat will take a toll on short lawns. Setting your mower to cut your grass 3 inches or higher gives protection to the roots and allows them to grow deeply.

5. Mow your lawn often: Mowing often will ensure that your lawn doesn’t get too long and gives shorter blades room to grow.

6. Look out for pests: If your lawn or landscaping isn’t growing properly, make sure that you don’t have a pest problem.

7. Use mulch in your landscaping: Mulching around your landscaping will help the underlying soil retain water and will protect the roots of your trees, shrubs, and flowers from hot and cold weather.

8. Only mulch up to 4 inches: Four inches is fairly thick for mulching, and you will generally only need about a 1 to 2 inch layer. Layering mulch thicker than 4 inches can restrict oxygen to the plant roots and should be avoided.

9. Address weeds in late April and May: Weeds can be removed by hand from your landscaping, but for weeds throughout your lawn, you should apply herbicide only during late April and May. Applying herbicide in the summer can damage your entire lawn due to heat.

10. Use all of the above tips to prevent weeds: A healthy lawn is the best way to prevent weeds. A thick, lush lawn and properly mulched landscaping will make it difficult for weeds to germinate.

Do you have any other summer lawn and landscaping tips? Leave us your thoughts in the comments!

Get your lawn mower in working order with small engine parts from HLSProParts.com. From carburetors to pistons to oil, HLS has the parts and supplies you need.

What Do Foresters Do?

The timber industry in the United States is a vast industry with dozens of different jobs dependent on the health and sustainability of our forests. Foresters (also known as conservation scientists) are tasked with the job of making sure this happens.

You might think that many conservation scientists are there to create restrictions on loggers and make their lives just a little bit more difficult. While it's true that the majority of forestry jobs are through the public sector, many foresters are also employed or contracted by companies within the forest product industry. They might be hired to ensure that they are using sustainable practices, to accurately measure the amount of timber within a particular amount of land, and even to purchase timber for the company.

So let's take a deeper look into what these professionals actually do and how it relates to the timber industry.

Conservation & Resource Management

Due to the lifespan of trees, the timber industry operates on a lengthy production cycle that can last 10 years or more. Foresters have to be able to think far into the future and determine the best ways to conserve and manage timber throughout the cycle. Conservation & resource management foresters may have to predict and protect against anything from potential pest threats to soil contamination to erosion. It's also necessary to determine how much of a particular forest can be harvested without harming the remaining ecosystem.

Procurement Foresters

Some companies will hire foresters to negotiate the purchase of timber from private forests. Many times private landowners are willing to sell the timber that has grown on their land, or they may be growing forests specifically for that purpose. A forester is tasked with determining how much the timber on the land is worth to the company and then creating a strategy to remove the timber according to the terms of the contract they negotiate.

Restoration Planners

Similar to conservation and resource management foresters, restoration managers research ways to improve sustainability and conservation. They may develop better harvesting procedures and strategies, tree improvement techniques, and ways to protect forests from disease, wildfire, and pests. Restoration planners might also monitor and prepare cleared forests for regeneration so the land can be used again.

In addition to these specialties, foresters also have to be knowledgeable in government regulations regarding forests, even if they are on private land. There are ethical considerations to make as well, particularly in regards to habitat protection. In fact, many foresters get into their line of work because they enjoy working to preserve nature and make sure we are using sustainable practices.

If you're a forester or are thinking about becoming one, drop us a comment and let us know about your experiences!

10 Cool Chainsaw Carving Sculptures

Chainsaw carving is one of the most dangerous art forms, but when a chainsaw is in the hands of a skilled artist, the results can be beautiful. Check out ten awesome chainsaw carving sculptures from some of the most skilled artists around the world.

1. Dragon Head

This carving from Matthew Crabb is has some the most intricate detail we have ever seen in a chainsaw carving. Crabb is one of the most skilled carvers in the world and regularly posts his creations to his Facebook page.

 

2. Bald Eagle

Bob King, known as the Chainsaw King, is a skilled carver and member of the Echo Carving Team. His work is distinctly American, with eagles, bears, and other North American wildlife as the subject.

3. Battlefield Cross

Mark Colp is another member of the Echo Carving Team, and this Battlefield Cross carving is one of the most striking we've seen. Echo's website has many examples of his work.

4. Honey Bears

Sculpting thin pieces of wood with a chainsaw isn't the easiest task. We like this carving by Cherie from ChainsawChick.com both for its creativity and risky nature.

5. Brookfield Zoo Bench

Jason Emmons of the Echo Carving Team combines form and function in this bench for the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

6. Abstract Chair

Another great piece of furniture we found on YouTube with a freeform design. Watching the artist in action gives you an idea of just how much work goes into a project like this.

 

7. Octobench

Jesse Toso is a woodworker out of Vancouver and carved this piece at the Canadian Carva-Palooza where it was auctioned off. There's a cool time lapse video of the carving here too.

8. Praying Over You

The detail in this praying mantis carving is unparalleled and the reason Chris Foltz won the Chetwynd Chainsaw Carving Championship in 2012. Some of the most skilled chainsaw carvers in the world attend this championship every year.

9. Guan Gong

Jeff Samudosky won first prize in the 2013 Chetwynd Chainsaw Carving Championship with his depiction of Chinese General Guan Gong.

 

10. Kingfisher

These carvings apparently turned up in North Yorkshire, UK with little explanation as to who the artist was. The artist has since been identified as Tommy Craggs.

Have you seen any other cool chainsaw carvings? Drop us a link in the comments or visit us on Facebook to show us some cool work.

How to Mix Chainsaw Fuel

Two stroke engines require an oil and fuel mixture for the engine to run properly. The reason for this is that most two stroke engines don't have separate lubrication systems, so the fuel has to also provide lubrication to the moving parts of the engine.

One of the reasons that two stroke engines produce more smoke than four stroke engines is because of this—the engine is burning oil as well as fuel. Most modern two stroke engines suggest a 50:1 gasoline-to-oil ratio to power the engine. Some chainsaw operators feel more comfortable using extra oil in their mixtures because it provides additional lubrication, but this could also cause heavier smoke than normal. In any case, you should check your owner’s manual for the recommended ratio, or if you have an old chainsaw, mix a higher ratio such as 40:1 or 30:1 just to be on the safe side.

Here is the process:

1. Get two stroke engine oil, such as Lucas Two Cycle Oil, and unleaded, 89 octane (or higher) gasoline. It's important to use two-stroke engine oil only because it is specially formulated for two-stroke engines to prevent build up in the engine.
2. Measure out your ratio according to the recommended amount. This calculator is a handy way to figure out the exact measurement of oil in ounces you need for the corresponding amount of gas in gallons. The corresponding measurements for 50:1 are 2.6 ounces of oil for every gallon of gas.
3. To mix the solution effectively, you can add half the amount of gas and the full amount of oil to a gas container and shake the container. Add the rest of the gas and shake again. Don't try to mix the oil and gas in the fuel tank of your chainsaw, as it will be difficult to get the measurements right. You will also want to mix more than will fit in your chainsaw's gas tank so you have some extra on hand for refueling later.
4. As an optional step, you can add a fuel enzyme treatment that will stabilize your fuel and ensure that your gasoline stays good for up to 2 years. Many gasolines now contain ethanol, and enzyme treatment will help to stabilize your fuel and prevent problems that arise from ethanol containing fuel.
5. Now it’s time to fill up your fuel tank. There are a few things to remember when fueling your chainsaw:
• Always wipe up any excess spillage on your chainsaw.
• Start your machine at least 10 feet away from where you refueled.
• Always start your chainsaw in a very well-ventilated area.

If you have various cans of gasoline, it doesn't hurt to label the can you just mixed with the ratio to help you remember what mixture you made in that can. You should also always shake the container before refueling your chainsaw because the oil and gas will become separated after the mixture settles.

And if you suspect you need any new parts for your chainsaw to get it up and running, don't hesitate to contact us or visit our store to get everything you need.