Have a chance to buy a locked up 028 WB is it worth it?

[Automender]

Was looking at a 1979 028 WB to rebuild for $75. I saw it didn't have a chain brake and am concerned about it not having one. This will be my first total rebuild of a chainsaw but I have done a few chopsaws. Is this a good place to start or pass it up?

 

[Jethro 2t sniffer]

Was looking at a 1979 028 WB to rebuild for $75. I saw it didn't have a chain brake and am concerned about it not having one. This will be my first total rebuild of a chainsaw but I have done a few chopsaws. Is this a good place to start or pass it up?

Why buy someone's junk

 

[Automender]

Why buy someone's junk

Just loking for a place to start but the lack of a chain brake maybe the deciding factor. Cranks don't seem to available also.

 

[Jethro 2t sniffer]

Just loking for a place to start but the lack of a chain brake maybe the deciding factor. Cranks don't seem to available also.

I'm not a stihl guy and yeah fair enough not like its a bad saw but that's a freebee saw.

 

[Brushwacker]

I think there is lots of used parts out there for 028's yet. I have some, couple or more I aim to bring back to life. Most people prefer a chain brake these days but there are some that would rather not have 1.
For $75 without a brake, it should look good with a decent bar and chain. Working condition it probably fetch $125 to 175 imo.

 

[Automender]

I'm not a stihl guy and yeah fair enough not like its a bad saw but that's a freebee saw.

Thanks. I have been looking for an older saw to rebuild but starting to think this is not a good place to start. I enjoy a challenge but want to end up with a good saw for the effort. I appreciate your response. I am thinking it is a little steep on the price and lack of brake is the killer

 

[Automender]

I think there is lots of used parts out there for 028's yet. I have some, couple or more I aim to bring back to life. Most people prefer a chain brake these days but there are some that would rather not have 1.
For $75 without a brake, it should look good with a decent bar and chain. Working condition it probably fetch $125 to 175 imo.

Thanks. I am novice with chainsaws but used them a little. It has the orignal bar but seller says it is beat up but has a new bar and chain installed. Guy said it bought it half restored and he bought a lot of OEM parts to get it into running condition. Third time he ran it it locked up. He is giving up on it because of time. Thinks it needs jug and piston. He never really got into the case. Think I am going to pass since some unknowns and no brake.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

If it ain't going- its got to be dirt cheap.
If it is old AND not going- its got to be cheaper!

 

[TLG]

If you would decide to pass on it let me know. I may be interested in it depending on what all comes with it. It is definitely in driving distance for me. Thx. TLG

 

[Automender]

If you would decide to pass on it let me know. I may be interested in it depending on what all comes with it. It is definitely in driving distance for me. Thx. TLG

It was on FB yesterday. Location Stow, Oh.

 

[Mad Professor]

That's a real early 028, probably has metal gas tank, and smallest 42mm piston.

I'd pass on that one.

 

[TLG]

That's a real early 028, probably has metal gas tank, and smallest 42mm piston.

I'd pass on that one.

Yes on what you mentioned along with non electronic ignition and a 3-bolt starter.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I sold this one for $180:

It might have been a 1985 model. The buyer had the option of an 028 Super WB for $220 that has a chain brake and took this one instead. He loves it. Of course, both of them run and have good compression. Both handle 18" bars very well and the Super (at least ten years younger) can handle a 20". I'm keeping it.

 

[Sawdust Man]

You should never pass up the opportunity to buy a broken / dead chainsaw, price is irrelevant.....

 

[TLG]

I sold this one for $180:
View attachment 967726
It might have been a 1985 model. The buyer had the option of an 028 Super WB for $220 that has a chain brake and took this one instead. He loves it. Of course, both of them run and have good compression. Both handle 18" bars very well and the Super (at least ten years younger) can handle a 20". I'm keeping it.

They are great saws for sure. And you had a nice one there also sir.
Whether they are 42,44, or 46mm cylinders they are runners all day long.
And when things are right a 20" bar is not a problem.
A magnesium tank doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Wood Doctor]

They are great saws for sure. And you had a nice one there also sir.
Whether they are 42,44, or 46mm cylinders they are runners all day long.
And when things are right a 20" bar is not a problem.
A magnesium tank doesn't bother me at all.

The AV Super that I kept looks a lot like this one that I sold to a friend with a pair of loops for $220:

I've often thought that Stihl should never have discontinued the 028 series of professional saws. Instead, they started pushing plastic clam shells for $100 less for tree service companies to beat up. Crazy in my book.

 

[TLG]

The AV Super that I kept looks a lot like this one that I sold to a friend with a pair of loops for $220:
View attachment 967745
I've often thought that Stihl should never have discontinued the 028 series of professional saws. Instead, they started pushing plastic clam shells for $100 less for tree service companies to beat up. Crazy in my book.

Very much agreed. Let me if sailing any others in the future. I think you are well underpriced by $50-75 on them saws.
Especially when guys are sailing 026's for $250-300.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Very much agreed. Let me if sailing any others in the future. I think you are well underpriced by $50-75 on them saws.
Especially when guys are sailing 026's for $250-300.

Agreed, TLG, I was underpriced. But, these 028 professional saws are older than a 290 and a bit heavier, maybe a half-pound more (at most). Being a professional saw doesn't mean that a buyer will spend the extra money to buy one. So, Stihl decided to discontinue the 028 series and let their dealers tell the 290 buyers who complained of breakdowns that "After all, guy, you bought a residential saw, not a professional."

 

[Patrick1903]

I have a 1979 028WB. It’s a great saw. My father bought it new and passed it on to me. I replaced the ignition in it a few years back. A really solid saw.

 

[Burning man]

You should never pass up the opportunity to buy a broken / dead chainsaw, price is irrelevant.....

I had a chance to buy a running ugly as hell actual Stihl 070 for 150$ and of course I didn't buy it.