Tachometer for tuning

[Opihi59]

I've read thru the chainsaw tuning link, then a buncha threads comparing the merits/limitations of a variety of tachometers, but a few that seemed promising were about 7 years old. I also didn't see any input from the major league hitters so wasn't too sure of the value of the threads. I figure I'd rather post in a fresh question as I am sure a lot has changed.

I was up in a few trees yesterday bringing down some major limbs (major for me, maybe not for most of you, dare I post any photos?) with my Poulan 2300AV equivalent Craftsman 2.3 and it was bogging too much in the cut, but it's only adjustable on the low side. So while I was hanging on with my elbows and eating sawdust, I figured I could perhaps try another saw from the pile but they're a bit large for this work. So maybe try some tuning, but I figure a knucklehead like me should likely have more equipment since I happen to be unencumbered with skill adequate to tune by ear. I suppose what it comes down to is what are the current recommendations for a not too expensive but reasonably good tachometer to use? I personally own a few Roper 3.7, a few Poulan, Husqvarna, and I'm trying to keep a 660 in my garage as long as I can.

Let me know what you recommend for a tach for me for, the general purpose user who likes to fiddle with saws from a hobbyist perspective.

 

[Typhke]

I ordered the cheapest tacho I could find tbh (looks like the Andytach). Just to check the rpm's from time to time, so I can be sure they run within limits. I don't need my saw to run exactly the right rpm, as long as it doesn't go above the limits, I'm ok with it. I run them stock so no need for a expensive tach in my eyes.

 

[Stihl-Pioneer]

Fast tach !

 

[c5rulz]

Fast tach !

I agree, I've got one, it works great.:msp_thumbup:

 

[Stihl n Wood]

Id take the hundred bucks your about to spend on a tach and put it towards a better suited in tree use saw. If your thinking about a tach though, go to design technologys website and order a fast tach! There easy to use, compact and work very well. Im not bashing your saws here. But a nice ms261, or top handle may be appreciated more by you. You can always tune a saw by ear within good standings. You mentioned your saws bogging in the cut and having no H Jet to tune? So a tach is not going to be a big help there.

 

[TreePointer]

+1

Fast Tach

 

[295 tramp]

I would like a tack just to see if my ears and eyes are right. and what i mean by that is i have allways listen for the 4 stroke just almost lean sound out of the wood. Then i turn it out just a small bit. then i put it to wood for several cuts, shut it off and pull the plug to see if its a tan color.
If its white its to lean and if it's dark then it's to rich.I no pro but to me if your setting it to the max rpm or so and its to lean your not gonna last long

 

[naturelover]

Got a fast tach from site sponsor Edge And Engine.

Shipped either same day or next, by priority mail, was here within a few days. Have ordered from them a couple times now, great service and speedy shipping...

Works well too. I dropped it on my concrete garage floor, thought "uh oh, there that went", but never hurt it a bit...

Tachometers - Tools - Tools & Accessories

 

[TreePointer]

I probably could tune all my saws in wood, but sometimes that's very inconvenient. Also, I replaced a carb on an old lawnmower this past summer, and the Fast Tach earned it's keep once again. Can't put a lawnmower in wood!

 

[Jimmy in NC]

I probably could tune all my saws in wood, but sometimes that's very inconvenient. Also, I replaced a carb on an old lawnmower this past summer, and the Fast Tach earned it's keep once again. Can't put a lawnmower in wood!

One of the best tools I have bought for my small shop is a tach. I use it all the time on any small engine. It's amazing how many are way off either high or low. The 3600 rpm mower motors are more picky than a saw actually. Next tool I buy will be a fast tach as what I use now is a bit slow to refresh and it can be a bit annoying on things like saws.

 

[PasoRoblesJimmy]

Tech Tach from Edge and Engine is also good.

 

[hammer0419]

Fast Tach. Love it!!

 

[Opihi59]

I sent Edge and Engine an email about how they'd handle shipping to Hawaii for the Fast Tach, seems most folks are positive about that one.

 

[DarthTater]

I use one of these tachs.

Electronic Specialties 328 EZ Tach Plus : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Jimmy in NC]

I use one of these tachs.

Electronic Specialties 328 EZ Tach Plus : Amazon.com : Automotive

That's what I use right now. It rides with me all the time in the truck too. Very good and adaptable for everything but the refresh rate is a little slow and sometimes it doesn't like to work with out the lead attached. I have no real complaints though.. very good unit over all and the flash light is handy.

 

[redoakneck]

I probably could tune all my saws in wood, but sometimes that's very inconvenient. Also, I replaced a carb on an old lawnmower this past summer, and the Fast Tach earned it's keep once again. Can't put a lawnmower in wood!

Can't put a lawn mower in wood??? You should tell my son that when runs over splits that have strayed from the wood pile, sounds like a dern hurricane.


Then wonder why it ain't cutting very well!!!!:msp_w00t::msp_angry:

 

[Moparmyway]

I ordered the cheapest tacho I could find tbh (looks like the Andytach). Just to check the rpm's from time to time, so I can be sure they run within limits. I don't need my saw to run exactly the right rpm, as long as it doesn't go above the limits, I'm ok with it. I run them stock so no need for a expensive tach in my eyes.

I have the Andy tach ............ it doesnt read accurately at low rpm's ......... I wouldnt get another one.
I ordered a fast tach Saturday ........... saw Mastermind or Brad using one in a video of his.

 

[Typhke]

I have the Andy tach ............ it doesnt read accurately at low rpm's ......... I wouldnt get another one.
I ordered a fast tach Saturday ........... saw Mastermind or Brad using one in a video of his.

I don't really have a Andy tach but looks like it. The idle rpm's were the same as at a Husky dealer. The WOT rpm at the dealer topped at 12270 and I got 12300. I looked into some other tachs (Fast Tach, Works Connection,...) before buying this one but it was either not possible to ship it to Belgium or would be very expensive. It seems that tachs are pretty hard to get around here. I just needed one just to be safe, don't really use it much.

 

[Tree Feller]

I was thinking of getting a Tach as well for tuning, Has anyone ever used a SenDEC STS-5000 Shop Tachometer from Bailey's?? It's 77.99 and i have a .49 shipping coupon and some other stuff i would like to order, so was wondering how accurate these are?

 

[plymn]

+1 fast tach

gotta be careful if you have a limited coil. search for tune in the cut