How to Port a Chainsaw in 5 Easy Steps to Increase Its Power

Richard McMann

Knowledge Based

porting a chainsawBeing a handyman and a woodworker, you probably want a chainsaw that can chop-chop trees or logs easily.

Of course, what other reasons would be for using chainsaws, right?

However, your companion is just not letting you do work as you want.

So, here we are with a super short guide to help you know the exact procedure for how to port a chainsaw.

Shall we dive in? Oh, wait for a second… There’s something important you need to know before you try to skate on thin ice.

Porting a Chainsaw: Combo of Pain and Gain

Before getting your hands on the technical porting process, make sure you do it in the right way. Otherwise, your machine will betray you and even take all the warranties to the end. And you’ll be left with a broken appliance that would require expensive repairs or, in the worst scenario, replacement of the whole budget chainsaw.

On the contrary, you’ll get two benefits if you successfully port a chainsaw.

  1. Increased power, compressor ratio, and performance (because porting directly improves power curves and torque of the chainsaw).
  2. Increased lifespan of the machine due to reduced processing temperature (that leads to less abrasion).

So, are you ready to wear gloves and start doing technical work? Mark the given items that you’ll need to proceed.

Things You Need To Make Your Chainsaw a Comfort

Protective Materials

It’s important to ensure your safety first. Thus, use the following things to keep yourself safe from any mishaps.

Tools and Equipment

Now let’s come to the actual part and make sure to keep all the mentioned things prior to porting a chainsaw.

  • Screwdriver and a screw holder
  • Unused clean rag (to remove oil)
  • Torch or flashlight (to identify the part for porting)
  • Calipers (to measure engine parts)
  • Grinders (to open muffler)
  • Metal files (for finishing)
  • Air-powered drill (for pressure)
  • Wrench (for opening chainsaw parts)

After placing all the equipment on the table, it’s time to prepare your mini chainsaw to undergo surgery (Jokes apart). I mean porting.

Preparations before Porting a Chainsaw

Start removing the chainsaw’s body, its chain bar, oil/gas, and other components such as cylinder detaching. But make sure you remove everything gently. Afterward, clean the cylinder with a rag to remove oil. And note down all the engine’s measurements for later use, using calipers.

Now your chainsaw is ready to boost…

How to Port a Chainsaw? 5 Easy Steps

Wear your gloves, glasses, and an apron. Then attach an air compressor to your battery-powered chainsaw and follow the following steps;

Step 1: Muffler’s Top Removal and Exhaust Widening

After attaching to an air compressor, place the airline into the muffler’s exhausted port. Now open the compressor’s regulator according to your requirement (usually, experts turn it up to 25 PSI). Consequently, the chainsaw will experience a burst of compressed air. Use an air-powered drill and pressurize the muffler.

Tip: You can use Electric Dremel to avoid sudden forceful shooting of the exhaust valve.

Step 2: Cutting All the Saw Metals

Keep the compressor connected with the gas chainsaw and remove all the muffler exhaust holes. After muffler removal, you’ll be able to identify every hole. Subsequently, cut till the last metal is removed.

Tip: Switch off your compressor and let the machine cool for 15 to 30 minutes. So, you can start the next step conveniently.

Step 3: Placement of Muffler Top

After waiting for the chainsaw to cool down, place the muffler top (half portion) and tightly screw it.

Tip: You can use sealant gum to fill holes (that you recently created) and then let them set.

Step 4: Drilling a Hole in Muffler

Now make a hole in the muffler that will work as an exhaust. However, make sure you don’t hole deep or at the wrong angle.

Tip: Use a power drill to quickly and finely make an exhaust hole in the muffler.

Step 5: Finishing Up the Porting Process

Lastly, use a metal file to smooth all the holes and cuts. And try your powered chainsaw (ready to bang).

Tip: Try using sand initially and then paint the parts for a better neat look.

Congratulations! Your chainsaw is even more powerful with increased performance and a better cooling system. 

Here’s a complete tutorial on how to port an Echo chainsaw in simple and easy steps by Tinman’s saws:

FAQs: Your Queries Our Solutions

How much does it cost to port a chainsaw?

If you are porting by yourself, the only cost you’ll pay is for the equipment, such as a drill (in case you don’t have it). Otherwise, a professional might take $100 to $400 for porting a chainsaw.

Is porting a chainsaw any useful?

Indeed, it is. As we have discussed at the start of the blog. Porting your chainsaw improves your machine’s performance and cooling system. But, make sure you have done porting the professional way.

How would I know if my chainsaw is powerful?

Amperage (A) is the power unit of an electric chainsaw. And the more its number, the more powerful your chainsaw will be.

However, if you still have queries about porting a chainsaw, you can write them in the comment section below. Our expert team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Richard McMann
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