Well, that depends on what you mean by “port”. If you are asking how to take the chain off the saw so it can be sharpened, then read this blog post. Experts will walk through all of the steps in detail and show pictures so there is no confusion. Chainsaws are an essential tool for many jobs including cutting logs or pruning trees. You don’t want to do these tasks without having your saw in good working order!
Table of Contents
Benefits and Risks: Is It Worth Porting a Chainsaw?
However, there are also dangers involved with porting your own saw. For example, it can void any warranties on your equipment. Additionally, if done incorrectly it could damage or even destroy parts of the engine itself that would require costly repairs or replacement units to be purchased for your machine. If you choose to do it yourself make sure you know what you’re doing!
How to Get Ready to Port Your Chainsaw?
- Prepare the necessary equipment. A screwdriver, a manual (if applicable), and a screw holder are required. It also requires a clean rag to clean the cylinder and remove oil. A caliper is necessary to assess the cylinder’s interior fitness. If there will be insufficient light on the porting site where you want. These tools may be purchased in most hardware stores. A torchlight is required if there will be insufficient light on the area where you wish to port the tool;
- Safety matters. The biggest concern is safety. You should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and an apron is advised. Gloves will also help you have a better grip while working;
- Prepare your chainsaw for porting. Remove the chain and the chain bar from the chainsaw. Remove all of the engine’s components, as well as the body of the chainsaw, unscrewing all of the cover’s parts. Detach the cylinder with care. Make sure there is no oil or gas in the chainsaw before you do anything. Don’t push while unraveling all of your possessions. Wipeout any residual oil from the cylinder using a rag;
How Should You Port Your Chainsaw?
It is ready to port right now after removing all of the parts from the stock cylinder. But there’s one more thing to do before porting anything else. Use calipers to take all of the measurements of the engine’s upper hole. If you’ll need it in the future, this may be necessary:
- Make a note of the zone you wish to port with a marker pen. Get a file-bit or manual file for the drill machine or hand file. Apply pressure from the top. You may use manual bits to cut out the porting area because they are gentler on my hands. To avoid unnecessary corrosion, always keep your attention. But, one thing you need to be careful about is that nothing changes in the region of the piston. Unless it’s absolutely necessary to do so;
- If you don’t know how the engine works, don’t try to port it on your own. The majority of the time, people alter the engine while porting it. They remove a big proportion of the engine cylinder edge. As a result, it is impacted and in certain situations, it is no longer usable;
- Before you port, make sure to wipe the extra oil. Unless you have adequate control when engraving metal. As a result, difficult-to-engrave metal becomes slippery. So it’s essential to clean it properly before taking it for porting purposes;
If despite following these steps, your chainsaw’s performance does not improve significantly, you should consider porting out the muffler:
- A rule of thumb is that 70% of the area of your exhaust port should be covered. However, this procedure is not limited to simply removing the screen and creating an exit hole;
- You must first install a gasket and match it to the opening in your cylinder’s exhaust port before bolting it on and adjusting it (by changing or filling this gasket);
- Then you may connect it (by adjusting or filling this gasket) to your muffler after that. Although the manufacturer recommends using only one, it is not necessary;
- After your engine heats up, air can get trapped inside it if you don’t use any oil. This will guarantee that no air is stopped when going into your muffler. You may also check to see whether there is any air restriction in your muffler by opening up the baffles;
- Check your compression to ensure you aren’t hitting the top of the cylinder and make sure you have enough compression (which might harm the engine);
- Another smart recommendation is to sand down your decking and install a thin gasket to see where you’re at in the process;
Comparison of Chainsaw Porting Indicators
Porting a chainsaw involves modifying the engine’s cylinder and intake/exhaust ports to increase performance. Here, we will compare various numerical indicators of chainsaw porting to help you choose the best option for your needs.
| Indicator | Stock Chainsaw | Ported Chainsaw | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Power (HP) | 3.5 | 4.8 | 37% |
| Max RPM | 10,000 | 12,500 | 25% |
| Torque (ft-lbs) | 2.5 | 3.5 | 40% |
| Fuel Consumption (gph) | 0.5 | 0.8 | 60% |
The table compares four numerical indicators of a stock chainsaw versus a ported chainsaw. The indicators include max power, max RPM, torque, and fuel consumption. The data shows that porting a chainsaw can increase max power by 37%, max RPM by 25%, torque by 40%, and fuel consumption by 60%. These improvements come at the cost of increased noise and vibration, and potentially reduced engine lifespan if done improperly. It’s important to carefully consider the tradeoffs and seek professional assistance if you’re unsure how to properly port your chainsaw.
FAQ
What does it mean to port a chainsaw?
Porting is the process of enlarging or reshaping an internal combustion engine’s intake and exhaust ports by grinding them to shape [1].
Ported engines tend to be referred to as “supercharged” since ported cylinders can provide significantly higher airflow at high RPM than non-ported ones – which means greater performance across the entire rev range (the maximum speed at which you want your saw). Due mainly to their increased size, ported cylinders produce better fuel efficiency compared with un-ported ones.
Ported engines also produce more torque than unported ones, which results in better performance at lower rpm (the range of engine speed where you use the saw). With ported cylinders, power is enhanced across a wider rev band – i.e., it’s easier to exploit that power through increased throttle response and flexibility when using your chainsaw on the job site or clearing wooded areas around your home.
Porting can be done by hand (i.e., with file-bits) for smaller jobs like lawnmowers or small chainsaws. However, most professional carpenters do this work mechanically with pneumatic grinders, as they are much faster/more efficient compared to manual filing techniques.
How much does it cost to port a chainsaw?
It might cost you $40 at the machine shop to cut the cylinder. You’ve got another 4 hours of work ahead of you. It takes time to acquire port timing figures and then perform porting. The usual charge for the service ranges from $100 to $300 depending on what’s required [2].
How can you get more power out of your chainsaw?
Although there are many ways to increase the power of your chainsaw, porting is one important method.
The following steps will help you understand how to get more power out of your chainsaw:
- Remove all the parts from the engine cylinder. Make sure that it’s properly cleaned before porting any other part on it. If you don’t know what kind of material has been used for making this component, then ask a professional mechanic or contact a customer service representative available at most online stores where you purchase stuff like these. It could be steel/cast iron/aluminum alloy, etc. So make sure not to remove too much metal with each pass while grinding down its surface area using saw blades or drill bits meant for this purpose;
- Determine the area to be ported. This is done by measuring the cylinder/engine’s height and width, then dividing it by two [this gives you a cut line]. Then mark that portion with a marker pen that will help easily locate it while porting. You can draw lines on each side of that zone for better accuracy. Just don’t remove too much material from any single location as this may damage your engine in a long run;
- Make sure not to alter the piston region when cutting down metal using file bits or drill machine cutter blades because there are chances you might have miscalculated something here! If so, altering these regions without going overboard could cause serious problems later when engraving other parts on the cylinder;
- Remove all metal particles/dirt from the engine and clean it thoroughly before re-assembling;
There is no guarantee that your saw will be powerful after porting, but there’s a high chance of increasing its performance significantly if you do everything as mentioned in this guide!
Can you leave fuel in your chainsaw?
Yes, you can. Always run your chainsaw with a quality gas stabilizer rather than running it dry. Using a stabilizer will guarantee that the gas in your chainsaw is fresh, as well as protect the fuel system from harm caused by stale gasoline [3].
What does “woods porting” mean?
The fundamental concept is deceptively simple. To adapt a chainsaw engine for wood ports, all you need to do is make minor modifications, such as adjusting the re-jetting or replacing the carb, changing cylinder head shape, and altering port timing. The modified intake manifold may increase output and improve power at lower RPM.
At higher RPM, the effect is less favorable than at low speed, but it does help to provide more airflow. The increased flow of combustion gases allows for a greater compressor ratio, which aids in boosting engine performance [4].
How to do wood porting?
You may do woods porting in such a way:
1) Enlarge the tool’s exhaust
The exhaust passage is the pathway to access the chainsaw’s inner workings. As a result, you must enlarge the exhaust pipe/path:
- Loosen up the “muffler”. You may need to use a grinder, drill, or other equipment depending on your chainsaw model;
- Examine the intake and exhaust ports closely;
- Use power tools you already have to enlarge or widen the ports;
- After widening the exhaust channel, make sure it is large enough to fit your hands;
2) Squishing
The most difficult part of the process is lowering the saw’s jug. You might use a thin gasket or milling to do so. It also raises the compression ratio and power output.
3) Other tweaks you may do to boost the compression ratio of your chainsaw engine:
- Make any necessary changes to the compressor’s transfer ports;
- Change the mechanical timings on the ports (by grinding and polishing);
- Remove any extra material from the piston and make it lighter;
- Replace the RPM limit coil or replace it with a non-limited one;
- Remove any debris or corrosion from the piston ports under the skirts;
Is porting harmful to a chainsaw?
Some people believe that porting a chainsaw is dangerous. However, simply upgrading the engine improves the performance of the chainsaw. As a result, it becomes more efficient to produce greater productivity. Rather than doing it in an incorrect manner, porting chainsaw engines may cause them to lose their functionality on occasions.
Does it take more fuel after porting?
After changing the chainsaw’s engine, you’ll need to add more gasoline. However, there are several reasons for this. The porting engine of the chainsaw has become more active as a result of its increased activity. A modified tool definitely requires extra fuel because it works faster. The end result of all this is that the more fuel an engine needs, the more items it returns. So if you look at it rationally, after porting, there will be no difference in the amount of gasoline used. Visually, though, it consumes extra gas.
Can you run a chainsaw without a muffler?
It’s not a good idea to use a chainsaw without a muffler. The pressure on the back required by a chainsaw to function properly needs to be maintained, and the muffler prevents debris from entering your cylinder and causing significant damage.
How do you polish after porting?
To polish after porting, you’ll need to use automotive sandpaper and a piece of glass. Alternatively, you can also directly contact an expert for help in woods porting.
How do you clean a chainsaw piston?
A toothbrush and toothpaste will clean the cylinder and piston effortlessly [5].
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
You can sharpen your chainsaw chain about 9-12 times before replacing the old chain with a new one. To be honest, this is debatable. You might have heard that a chainsaw was made to cut only clean and solid wood.
The majority of people, on the other hand, not only cut clean timber but considerably harder timbers as well. Aside from cutting charcoal, rocks, nails, and dirt sand, enriched wood hastens the failure of chain teeth [6].
When should you throw away a chainsaw chain?
Once you notice that your chainsaw chain is not sharpening or cutting as well as it should, then it’s time to replace the old one.
If the teeth are bent severely if they show signs of excessive wear and tear or fatigue, even if they have been re-polished at least once before – then chances are high that you will need a new chain for your saw.
Keep in mind though that there might be other factors responsible for the decreased performance of your saw apart from just having an old blade on it.
How to port a pole saw?
Porting a pole saw is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few steps. First, assemble the pole saw and make sure all of its components are securely fastened. Next, attach the pole saw to an extension cord that is long enough to reach your work area. Finally, plug the extension cord into an electrical outlet and turn on the power switch to begin using the pole saw.
For added safety, it’s important to wear protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and ear protection when operating a pole saw. Additionally, you should always be aware of your surroundings and ensure there are no people or animals nearby when using the tool. Lastly, keep in mind that even with proper safety precautions in place, it is still possible for accidents to occur so always use caution when operating any power tools.
Can you port a gas pole saw?
Yes, you can port a gas pole saw. This type of saw is designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for cutting branches in hard-to-reach areas. The saw typically consists of a long metal pole with an attached motor and blade at the end. To port your gas pole saw, you will need to make sure that the motor and blade are securely attached to the pole before carrying it. Additionally, you should ensure that any fuel or oil has been emptied from the tank before transporting the saw. Finally, you should always wear safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and ear protectors when handling a gas pole saw.
Useful Video: FAQ ABOUT PORTING CHAINSAWS!!!
References:
1. https://chainsawlab.com/how-to-port-a-chainsaw/
2. https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/porting-cost.156201/
3. https://www.lawnmowerfixed.com/should-i-run-my-chainsaw-dry/
4. https://chainsawnerds.com/woods-port-chainsaw/
5. https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=101582.0
6. https://toolsadvisorpro.com/how-many-times-can-you-sharpen-a-chainsaw-chain/