I've got a Q for Marky..I'm new to this forum (been browsing it for a few weeks now and the thinks I've seen & read have blown me away a bit)..after buying a Joh 2077 & 2095 for slabbing salvaged river logs..after years as a comp tech I've moved into commercial carving (worked several years contracting in the bush clear felling and skidding in early 80s)..I've spent several years hotrodding race carts and racing mini7s (British mini) and my attention (through this forum) is turning towards saws..Q:I want to keep my saws as practical as possible (at this stage anyway) other than using a pipe, has anyone come up with a better plan or unit other than hogging out standard mufflers (like I say, thats still practical)..the design of chainsaws makes it quite limiting aye!!
As for the piston/ring issue here..the ball hone for me, would seem a bit brutal on nikasil or chrome bores (I think they only come in 2 grades 80 & 150), but a lot of guys use them..I prefer to use 500grit W&dry to remove the polish patches from the bore in a honing cross hatch pattern (in this case), and 800 (around the piston, not up & down) for the scuffs on the piston..clean everything up with tergo strip (and hose off, like new) won't affect the plating.