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Post by mikem on Apr 20, 2009 13:50:05 GMT -5
After a recent thoroughly enjoyable repair of a 330 & realizing this question may result in a flurry of "personal opinions based on experience, skill and availability, I will ask anyway..... Which older, medium size Homelite saw is a good candidate for restoration based on the following criteria: 1) Mediocre mechanical skills but want to improve. 2) Ample time & room in the shop. 3) Parts & initial saw availability. I believe your insight and experience will prevent my trying to do too much, become frustrated and give up.  |
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Post by MCS on Apr 20, 2009 13:57:41 GMT -5
Everybody needs at least one Super XL AO ;D. It would be a good saw to practice on, lots of new and used parts around for it and when your done, you will have a damn good saw  Second choice would be the XL-12 but it only has manual oiling.  Which ever one you find or choose to tackle, make sure the fuel line leaves the tank at the top. |
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Post by lesorubcheek on Apr 20, 2009 14:48:58 GMT -5
I'll second the vote for a Super XL. More of those things produced than grains of sand on a beach (well, a small beach anyways).
A second vote is for one of my personal all time favorites and that's a 350 (or 360). Not really any more complex than a Super XL, but very different layout including the anti-vibe setup with a seperate tank section.
I think probably the simplest Homelite I've laid hands on is a C-91. So if easy is a priority, then I'd also mention as a third place vote any of the C series saws. Some of the parts may be tougher to find than on a Super XL, but they are a very simple construction.
Dan
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Post by redsqwrl on Apr 20, 2009 15:07:30 GMT -5
$.02 C series.
I have been thru, 750,770,C-7, 1050, 150, two triggered supers.
c-series taught me the most the easiest. You mentioned you are still learning and c's are easy to get and easy to fix.
they seem to have a pretty good return if selling is your thing.
Mike
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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Apr 20, 2009 16:43:34 GMT -5
Not one mention of a Super EZ? Talk about a good allrounder with endless availability! My #2 choice- XL100 series- especially the 103.
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Post by mikem on Apr 21, 2009 8:55:36 GMT -5
Thanks guys...all good info and very informative. Super EZs seem to be plentiful (on E-Bay) and reasonably priced. I am leaning toward SXLAO because my grandfather had this saw and it has a nostalgic appeal. I also like the blue color. Can someone direct me to a IPL (or link)for the following saws:
1) XL12
2) SXLAO
3) Super EZ
Thanks again !!
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Post by chesterwin on Apr 21, 2009 9:41:24 GMT -5
edgeandengine.com has IPL's for the sxlao and the sez saws plus a half dozen or so more that I don't recall. These are downloadable and printable. Hope this helps and good luck.
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Post by chesterwin on Apr 21, 2009 10:12:46 GMT -5
I just notice that RBW has posted a link in NOS Homelite Parts marked IPL's. This link looks like it would help you best.
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Post by MCS on Apr 21, 2009 11:13:44 GMT -5
Not one mention of a Super EZ? Talk about a good allrounder with endless availability! My #2 choice- XL100 series- especially the 103. I don't disagree with the SEZ or the "C" saws but the requirements were medium size and easy to learn on ;D. The SEZ is quite compact so things like oil lines and the fact that it has compression release just add some challenges. I like the XL1xx series saws but they don't seem to be quite as popular in the listings and parts might be more difficult to find. Ebay just had a 103 that I was watching. Looks like he has made his choices. |
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Post by lesorubcheek on Apr 21, 2009 12:25:26 GMT -5
Yea, me too, a SEZ is trickier to work on than even a 360, and 'Zip's already eliminated that one ;D. The XL-1xx are also a bit trickier to work on, especially the models with comp release, and parts a bit tougher to locate than on a Super XL.
Dan
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Post by OBR on Apr 21, 2009 14:52:28 GMT -5
Well Im gonna toss in my two cents real quick, sxl is a great choice, but I also think that you are already ready to tackle something more challenging. I personally haven't worked on the 330's but from what I hear they are plenty enough a challenge of their own, so why couldn't you work on a 350/360? I say you find something YOU want to work on, something you think you'll enjoy having in the future. Besides whats the fun if you dont have to learn anything? And there's more than enough help here to get you through the toughest of jobs.
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Post by mikem on Apr 21, 2009 21:31:09 GMT -5
I just notice that RBW has posted a link in NOS Homelite Parts marked IPL's. This link looks like it would help you best. Excellent thread..very helpful IPLs. Thanks !! |
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Post by mikem on Apr 21, 2009 21:40:59 GMT -5
I too thot about the SEZ's and 100's, but the 'medium' and 'easy' parts dont agree with those choices. Basically, just like A7 said it. I like the lines of the EZ & SEZ and they seem plentiful. Are parts hard to get ? I am really looking to improve my mechanical skills and not interested in an "easy" restore. By "medium size", I meant I don't think I want a pruning saw or a 100cc saw. There's lots to consider in between. |
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Post by MCS on Apr 21, 2009 22:00:57 GMT -5
The SEZ is a good choice. Go for it I have 4 ;D They are a neat little saw and it handles a 16" bar quite nicely. |
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Post by mikem on Apr 21, 2009 22:45:52 GMT -5
The SEZ is a good choice. Go for it I have 4 ;D They are a neat little saw and it handles a 16" bar quite nicely. That's all the encouragement I needed....I'm going shopping. I read the "EZ not Super" thread and it looks like fun !! |
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Post by mikem on Apr 22, 2009 15:20:43 GMT -5
OldZip...Nice saw. Very compact. I have yet to see one other than your pic. None on E-Bay. I have picked out a total of 14 saws on E-Bay ranging from SXLAOs & XL12s to EZs & SEZs(even a 150). All with some degree of mechanical or electrical problem that makes them "parts saws". I eliminated any that were locked up. I really want an "issue" to solve. Thanks for your help ! It amazes what a fully restored(cosmetic & mechanical) SXLAO sells for.
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Post by Urbanchainsawer on Apr 22, 2009 16:50:44 GMT -5
S-E-Z S-E-Z S-E-Z ! So much lighter than the others. Compression relief. Plentiful. Good looks. And they are like the Energizer Bunnies! After the SEZ, you'll want more and you can move on to others.
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Post by mikem on Apr 22, 2009 17:31:42 GMT -5
S-E-Z S-E-Z S-E-Z ! So much lighter than the others. Compression relief. Plentiful. Good looks. And they are like the Energizer Bunnies! After the SEZ, you'll want more and you can move on to others. Yes, they are a nice looking saw. Two coming up for auction in the next 2 hours. You guys give a newbie a break and don't run the price up  |
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Post by mikem on Apr 22, 2009 17:37:08 GMT -5
Anyone have any experience with a Homelite 150 ?
PS: Checked both pawn shops today and no vintage Homelites. It's kinda tough down here in Texas where the winters are about 20 minutes long and firewood is sold in stacks of 10 sticks !!
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Post by MCS on Apr 22, 2009 17:58:52 GMT -5
Anyone have any experience with a Homelite 150 ? The 150 was somewhat of a departure from the Homelite design when it came out in 1971 as it was the first to use a ported cylinder instead of reed valves. It is a spunky little saw too, like the little EZs. and it has nice balance and handles a 16" bar. I think it's design was Homelites answer to the competition of smaller low priced saws. Except of rhe rewind cage it was all metal. I'd like to find a blue one because that's the color of the first model that hit the street when I was working at my family's hardware store in 1971 |
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