Optimizing a Craftsman while saving for a "real" saw

Awesome! Pics when you pull the trigger!

 

We are closing on the house we are selling this week, and the new saw will probably be my "luxury" item that I buy with the cash we make from the sale. Pics, or it didn't happen, right?

 

From what I've seen on the forums you won't go wrong with a Dolmar

 

They seem to be the quiet professional of the chainsaw world. They do not have their name plastered everywhere, but every time you mention Dolmar people always have good things to say. Now it is time to pick a model, or two, to choose from!

 

I've been watching this thread and offering my $.02. I'd spring for a 14" or maybe a 16" bar and a good chain for your 4218. Turn it into a 4216 or 4214! Then keep it "sticky sharp" and make sure the engine mount and intake bolts stay tight. Do a muffler mod and get the carb adjusting tool for it and tune it properly. I've done this to a couple of my small Poulans and they run great this way. This will make a great limbing and backup saw for you.

Now then.........

Get down to the Dolmar dealer and buy your new main saw, the 6100 with a 20" bar and have at it!

 

+1 on above. I'll add - check the 2 coil screws for tight lockdown. They screw into plastic and can work out. I've had one bounce on the flywheel, busting fins.

 

I could not agree more about my current saw. I have been making small adjustments and improvements and it is leaps and bounds above what it was just 6 months ago. With that being said, I am ready for a bigger "main saw".

We have one vote for the 6100!!

 

I'd buy that masterminded 460 in the classifieds now!

 

I believe he decided to not sell.

 

The 6100 is a great saw and can tackle more than the average guy should tackle. Lol. It is to easy for me to brager on the 6100 and sound like a fan boy. So I will let others brager on it.
But you said Dolmar's so.....
The 421, 6100, and 7900 are the 3 I really want on my shelf and not much that those 3 can't handle with ease.

 

Ahhh, did his deadline pass? I knew it was comeing up.

 

A guy could do a whole lot worse than a 421 6100....1, 2 punch

 

I can manage 40 acres of timber of mainly hickory, oak and elm. I have 4 oaks (on 40 acres) that are above my skill level. But I am sure in the right hands the 6100 could bring them down without a problem. A few weeks ago I felled two 44"+ cottonwoods because I didn't want to use the 056 super any more. That old stihl get heavy and vibration is killer on my hands.

 

So, I think I have decided on the Dolmar 6100, . I am currently on the lookout and will advise, with pics, when I have picked one up. The next question then is, since I have already blown my budget (which is fine), how much do I gain with getting it Masterminded? I have read a lot of posts, and see that many folks have had this done, but I was just curious how much more performance I could expect. If it is significant, I may as well just get it done before I get too far into cutting. Thoughts?

 

Ported saws are a fad! I don't think you need to do it for the cutting you do. On the flip side it typically turns a 60cc saw into the power of around that of a 70cc saw. Now that is a generalization and every saw is different. Randy (Mastermind ) is a good guy but very popular. Read busy. I'd check out millermodsaws he's a dolmar dealer. So should you decide to get it ported you could just purchase saw and port work all from him. Give him a call he's a good guy! And congrats in advance!

 

Congrats on the new saw. The 6100 is hard to beat and is a saw it would buy again in a Hart beat.
Ya if I was going to buy new and port I would be talking to millermodsaws .
Now with that said a 6100 in stock form is a screaming saw very capable and a joy.
Me personally am keeping mine stock. I will explain why. Other than I am happy with the power I also really love the fuel economy, the exhaust is not to loud and it starts so easy. Wichita all of those things can (but not always) be compromised when porting a saw. However I totally understand wanting the most powerful for the smallest saw.

 

This is just me but I'd buy the saw stock. See how I liked it stock. Then decide if I needed more powah from it!

 

You guys make sense. I think that I will keep it stock, for a little bit anyways, unless I can buy a used one already modified. I have contacted millermodsaws to see if he has anything available for purchase, and asked that he keep his eyes open, as well. So excited!!