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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Nov 2, 2009 17:58:21 GMT -5
Ok, I would like to start a debate. Among my many Homelite saws, I have a 330 and a 350. One of them has to go. As far as I can tell, they are very similar in size and power. I do know that there are multiple differences in construction, but as far as size and power, they seem pretty close. I do not know the history of the 350, other than the boot and fuel lines have been replaced. I do know the history of the 330, and have personally cleaned every square inch and rebuilt the fuel system. I have also restrung the starter and put a new sprocket on it. It is almost like new. Both saws run very well. Which one should I keep for general cutting like firewood and medium diameter trees?
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Post by OBR on Nov 2, 2009 19:59:50 GMT -5
I would check out the 350 more closely, do a comp. test, look at the p/c for wear, check the body of the saw over really well for wear. This would be the saw I'd keep, as it was intended as more of a heavier-duty, pro type saw, whereas the 330 was marketed as more of a homeowner type machine. 350 is 57cc and the 330 is 53cc so yes similar, but a 350 in the same condition as the 330 is worth more and should cut better/faster. One other difference the 330 is reed valve and the 350 is piston ported, making it the more modern, quicker-revving of the pair.
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Post by polardoo on Nov 2, 2009 20:12:22 GMT -5
I have no 330 but absolutely love my 350. If they really are similar in power I guess I might pick the lighter one. If you are that undecided I guess I need to find a 330. Good luck!
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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Nov 2, 2009 20:41:56 GMT -5
I have not put either one to extensive test, but they both run like a bat outta hell. The 330 is in a little better overall shape, though.
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Post by OBR on Nov 2, 2009 20:53:32 GMT -5
Nothing is as decisionary as personal preference and cutting tests. Take em both out, run both of them for a half hour or so, you'll probably have one you prefer more by then.
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Post by 925fetish on Nov 2, 2009 20:59:01 GMT -5
My vote goes to the 350 better built easier to put a boot in.
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Post by sugarcreeksaws on Nov 2, 2009 21:02:32 GMT -5
Ok, my 2 cents worth,....I have both, have cut with both,....I just like the feel of the 350 better,.....it feels like it has more guts to it. Now the two I have a hard time deciding between is a 350 and an XL-103,....oops! Not trying to hijack the thread! Sorry!
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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Nov 2, 2009 21:10:43 GMT -5
I have a 103 that I will never get rid of. Unfortunately it is collector grade and won't see much wood. I'm with you as for it being the best allrounder.
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Post by chainsawwhisperer on Nov 3, 2009 6:11:06 GMT -5
While I have no 350, I have had a couple of 330s. I do like the the 330 saw, the boots and fuel lines, and the oil pump diaphragms seem to be the only issues with them, What I don't like is the quality of the castings, in the interest of weight and cost saving they are very thin.
I don't want to say that the 330 is nothing more than a homeowner saw, but from what I have heard the 350 is a much better constructed saw.
CSW
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Post by mikem on Nov 3, 2009 9:43:26 GMT -5
I have 2 330's and a 360 Pro(similar to the 350 ?) and I prefer the 360 Pro. Much better built saw and easier to work on IMHO. The 330s are good saws, run well and are very useful for general firewood duty and clearing cedar that is 8-12 inches in diameter.
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Post by MCS on Nov 3, 2009 9:50:35 GMT -5
Sure sounds like the 350 is the winner ;D
Since I got out of the business when the XL-923 was on the shelf, I have no experience with either the 330 or 350 so I have a related question. Do the 350, 450, 550, 650, and 750 make up a family of saws? In other works are they similar in construction?
My brother said the 330 was definitely a consumer grade saw.
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Post by OBR on Nov 3, 2009 10:17:52 GMT -5
Yeah MCS, but toss in the 360 as the 350/360 were very similar (Not sure what the differences are exactly, anyone know?) Physically a lot of the parts (body parts especially) seem to be very similar in design, with some mechanical differences, such as the 450/550's clam shell crankcase (the rest are morse conventional i believe).
But if urban doesn't mind I'll hijack the thread...just a lil bit...
you guys bring up the 103, what makes it so good (i.e. how does it compare to others in that series 113, 123, etc?) And how does it rate against the other midsized homelites, such as the ever-popular Super XL?
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Post by lesorubcheek on Nov 3, 2009 12:02:35 GMT -5
Yeah MCS, but toss in the 360 as the 350/360 were very similar (Not sure what the differences are exactly, anyone know?) Bunch of little details. The 350 manifold had 2 bolts and the 360 had 4 that secured it to the cylinder. Cylinder was therefore slightly different to acomodate extra bolts! Not sure if the port timing was changed. There were numerous evolutionary changes, and it'd be great to find out why they decided to change the name to 360. You'd think they'd just keep calling it a 350, but I guess marketing came into the picture or something. During the full life of the 350/360, there was at least 3 different muffler styles, changes to the auto oiler (early was adjustable, later ones fixed). Clutches, sprocket covers, air filter retainers, choke levers.....just a ton of little odds and ends. Dan |
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Post by sugarcreeksaws on Nov 3, 2009 13:32:27 GMT -5
Ok OBR,
Let me see if I can justify the XL-103.....
First, I always like a saw that uses lots of parts from other saws....makes it easy to find parts for it. The XL-103 uses XL-101, XL-102 and XL-104 parts,...it also uses the same piston and rings as a Super XL! Obviously, that means it is on the same level with the Super XL as far as power.
Second, weight. The XL-103 is listed at about 11 pounds without the bar. The Super XL is 13 pounds, 14 ounces.....almost 3 more pounds.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Super XLs.....I think it is one of the most versatile saws Homelite ever made. But, if I can only choose one saw to do it all, my choice is the XL-103,....auto oiling with a manual oiler, compression release, light, powerful and sleek lines. Oh, and I forgot one more,.......NO PLASTIC!!!!
As for the XL-113,....Homelite went to one of those "L" shaped single ring configurations,.....wierd. And the XL-123 wouldn't be bad, except they put the rubber cover on the handle and if yours is split, your only option is to put tape on it......pain in the a__!
Actually, for everything I run into here in Missouri, my Super E-Z, XL-103 and Super XL-925 take care of it all. I keep a WIZ with a 28" bar and 1/2" chain ready for stumping,.....
Talk to you soon!
Joe
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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Nov 3, 2009 17:33:32 GMT -5
OK, so what does everybody think of the spark plug- transformer doohickey setup on the 350/360 family of saws? As compared to the conventional design that most saws have?
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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Nov 3, 2009 17:34:47 GMT -5
Oh, by the way, what Sugarcreek Joe says about the 103-ditto.
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Post by lesorubcheek on Nov 3, 2009 18:04:56 GMT -5
OK, so what does everybody think of the spark plug- transformer doohickey setup on the 350/360 family of saws? As compared to the conventional design that most saws have? I think its cool. Only problem experienced here has been an occasional cleaning needed on contact tabs, and a broke inner spring on one transformer. Remember Eric commenting about adding an additional ground wire or something. Maybe he can add in details. Any case, I've found the modules and transformer to both be very reliable. Make a simple wire wire extension setup and spark testing is as easy as with a "normal" ignition system. Dan |
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Post by lesorubcheek on Nov 4, 2009 9:08:41 GMT -5
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