Who here likes Homelites? (homelite bash fest on another forum)

[Eccentric]

Eccentric;

I think I have this down, but could you fill me in on the pyramid reed valve?

What I see on the newer XL12's is a block with the pyramid shaped reed valve, that has the carb sitting farther back. It also comes out with the carb when you rebuild it.

The earlier ones have the carb sitting right up against the housing, with a verticle reed valve.

Have I got that right? Also, what does this do for the RPM's and about when did this change take place?

You've got it. I don't know what year the changes took place. It was probably gradual, and not the same year for every model series. I'll have to ask my Homelite-nut friend. The pyramid reed blocks have two or more reeds (depending on model, for example 1050s have four, 2100s have six) giving a larger valve area (and thus more flow) than the single reed of the non-pyramid type. I can't remember how many reeds a pyramid Super-XL12 or Super-XL130 has as it's been years since I've had one of those saws apart. If you have an exploded view of the pyramid reed block equipped Super-XL12 you should be able to see the number of reeds. My Homelite-nut friend swaps pyramid reed blocks into some of his older saws for more power.

 

[joedodge]

I know this is an old thread but I read it with great interest and have two cents to add. I love my old Homey super xl-12. I just had the 18" bar reworked with a lager tooth chain and cleaned up. I bought the beauty for $50.00 at a yard sale and used it for 2 years before taking it in to be cleaned up. I just got through bucking up a few cords for personal use and can't beat the way it runs. I'm thinking of getting a few more.:greenchainsaw:

 

[Octane]

Ive never been impressed with Homelites and the, "Made In China" tag makes me never want to own one.

 

[Mike mandry]

Can you please tell us what homelite saws are made in China ??

None of mine are & I have quite a few.

I for one also try to buy American made products when I can.

Perhaps the new Homelite saws are made in China, but I dont think anyone who is into Homelite saws really considers those a true Homelite.

Ive never been impressed with Homelites and the, "Made In China" tag makes me never want to own one.

 

[Signoflife]

:agree2: with Mike "Perhaps the new Homelite saws are made in China, but I dont think anyone who is into Homelite saws really considers those a true Homelite"

Ive never been impressed with Homelites and the, "Made In China" tag makes me never want to own one.

Octane I believe the gents in this post are talking about Homelite saws that were made a few years ago like 25 years ago or so and older, those that you can only buy used now. Not the ones that you can buy now at Home Depot or the like.

I am not a big Homelite history buff but I think Homelite at one point was one of the fore-runners in developing lighter saws around 13lbs and 57cc way back in the early 70's! Not too shabby

 

[Eccentric]

:agree2: with Mike "Perhaps the new Homelite saws are made in China, but I dont think anyone who is into Homelite saws really considers those a true Homelite"



Octane I believe the gents in this post are talking about Homelite saws that were made a few years ago like 25 years ago or so and older, those that you can only buy used now. Not the ones that you can buy now at Home Depot or the like.

I am not a big Homelite history buff but I think Homelite at one point was one of the fore-runners in developing lighter saws around 13lbs and 57cc way back in the early 70's! Not too shabby

Yep. Octane was 14 years old when the last of these saws were made (1994). Made in the USA and Canada. My blue and white XL12 (53cc) was made in 1964 and has "Lightest of the Famous XL Series" on the clutch cover. They were a claimed 12 pounds (Hence "XL12"). They were actualy a little over that weight, but close enough. They balance very well with a 16" or 18" bar.

Back in '64 most saws were big and heavy. These XL12 family saws were (and are) relatively light and handy. They're just about as reliable as any machine more complicated than a sledge hammer can be. Several manufacturers copied these saws (some quite closely and blatantly).

They were the blueprint for all modern saws to follow (and still are a benchmark to judge against). Yes, modern saws are lighter, rev faster, and are somewhat safer (think chain brakes), but a SXL-AO (the last iteration of these saws, with 57cc, pyramid reeds, and automatic oilers) is still a reliable, capable firewood saw. There's also no flies on a 750 or a 2100 when it comes to cutting BIG timber.

As for modern Homelites...that's another story. They've gone the way of Poulan, Mac, and the non-pro Huskies and are now box-store throw-aways. They've been bought and sold a few times since Textron dumped them.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

Ya, the new Homelites are made in china, and getting parts is just so much fun...Id much rather get intimate with a cinderblock covered in fire-ants.

But they do generally start easily, and run okay...not powerhouses but a muffler mod, carb tune, good chain and bar...helps a little. I would never think of buying a new one, ever. But I got one for free and It makes for a good loaner.

The old ones are the best though.
Still love my little XL Automatic...best old Top handle saw there ever was.

 

[joedodge]

I know mine definetly wasn't made in China! TOO heavy and well made to be.
I'm afraid that gentleman is mistaking what we're talking about with the imposters of today. It's like comparing my old B&D Tiger circ. saw with the junk that passes today as circ.saws from B&D. :greenchainsaw:

 

[csx7006]

I love my oldre homelite products. I was raised on them.Nowadays....

 

[RED-85-Z51]

I know mine definetly wasn't made in China! TOO heavy and well made to be.
I'm afraid that gentleman is mistaking what we're talking about with the imposters of today. It's like comparing my old B&D Tiger circ. saw with the junk that passes today as circ.saws from B&D. :greenchainsaw:

I like my newer B&D circular saw...It's a Green ABS case, laser site, lots of adjustment, Ive got alot of wood with it, and alot more Steel...so far it has never let me down.

Ive got one of the first B&D 12v Firestorm Cordless drills, I used it so much is started to melt the housing. I used it for 3 years to crank a modified Tecumseh Kart engine. I also have the B&D 12 Firestorm Multi-tool kit.

The biggest joke was the B&D Versa-Pak...A black eye on an otherwise tough lineup of tools.

I think the biggest joke in todays market is Mikita...Seems I never hear anything good about Mikita tools anymore. Had a guy bring in a new Angle grinder, a Mikita, and it had no stop to hold the arbor to remove the disc...No tools to do it besides the spanner wrench, but nothing to hold the arbore at all.

What a joke.

 

[KRS]

Had a guy bring in a new Angle grinder, a Mikita, and it had no stop to hold the arbor to remove the disc...No tools to do it besides the spanner wrench, but nothing to hold the arbore at all.

What a joke.

That's what teeth (or dentures) are for :greenchainsaw:

 

[GASoline71]

Nothin' like the sound of a 770G in the mornin'...

China my ass... :censored:

Gary

 

[Eccentric]

Nothin' like the sound of a 770G in the mornin'...

...Pullin' 1/2" around a 59" Cannon burried in redwood...

China my ass... :censored:

Gary

Damn skippy!

Think I'll go visit my Homelite-nut firewood cutter friend. Bet I can get him to let me cut some Eucalytus with one of his 2100's. When I used to work on his ranch I loved to hear the sound of old XL925's XP1050's, XP1130G's XP2100's, SW80's, 600D's, and other OLD homelites growling in the crisp morning air.

Gotta get the IH Pickup running so I can drive out there in style...

 

[RandyMac]

Hey there 'Centric, no time no hear from, you doing ok?

 

[Eccentric]

Hey there 'Centric, no time no hear from, you doing ok?

Yep. Just finished typing a message to you on the collectors board. I've been tied up for a while...

 

[RandyMac]

so, you managed to chew through the straps?

 

[Eccentric]

so, you managed to chew through the straps?

Something like that. Been busy with the youngins, work....

 

[RandyMac]

I understand entirely, family first, work then maybe there is time to play.

My Redwood snag project is still waiting, I drop by and stare at it once a month. That Scout is still in the same spot.

 

[Octane]

Can you please tell us what homelite saws are made in China ??

None of mine are & I have quite a few.

I for one also try to buy American made products when I can.

Perhaps the new Homelite saws are made in China, but I dont think anyone who is into Homelite saws really considers those a true Homelite.

I was at HD the other day looking at saws (trying to find an Echo CS-44) and every Homelite saw they had there said, "Made In China" on it.
Your Homelite may very well be made in the USA, but Homelite is now Chinese-owned and made in China.

 

[GASoline71]

LMAO... the newe saws are made there... but the Chinese don't "own them"

Gary