Clarkbug
ArboristSite Operative
Thanks for all the quick replies.
I have a husky sharpening kit. (2round files a guide and a flat file)
I just did a sharpen on it but didn't touch the rakers as I didn't quite know what needed to be done to it. Looks like its time to do some more reading.
Saw has much larger flakes now but still not as smooth cutting as the first couple cuts.
When the sproket seized the shop had adjusted the chain and said to check after 5 cuts. I only made 4 cuts before it seized.
I am checking it now religiously.
How much more power will it get as it breaks in? 5% 10% 2%? Roughly as everything will differ.
The pro husky are much much more $ than the 4to $500 I was willing to spend. (Spent $1500 on yard tools yesterday)
I was checking used market but everything was beat or very high priced.
Eyeing a 372xpg that popped up this morning used for 2 weeks for $500.
Canadian prices are more than us
With the saw new and out of the box, there is a good chance that there wasnt time to get bar oil down the bar and into the sprocket to lubricate it very well, especially if you went right into the wood with it. Just make sure your chain is tensioned properly (new chains will stretch after some use, dont let them get too loose), and you shouldnt need to constantly worry about it.
Not an easy percent number to give you (at least I cant). But as the rings wear in, the compression should go up, the chain and bear will wear in some, and you should be able to tune the saw properly to get the best output from it.
As others have said, its not ever going to be a 70cc saw. A sharp chain is going to be your best friend. If you stop throwing large chips, stop sawing and sharpen or switch chains. Its a real PITA when you hit rocks or dirt, but its not worth it to load the saw/clutch or really dog on it to try and keep going. Use the guide you have and a sharp file, and with some practice you will throw a nice chip again.
If you wanted to move up a size, there is always the possibility that your dealer could let you trade in this Echo and move up a size without taking too much of a loss. Or you could try to muffler mod your saw as mentioned here at the expense of the warranty (unless you buy one separately as was mentioned here).
At the end of the day, the best modification for the dollar to any saw is a sharp chain.