HomeLite XL 12 Chainsaw

LJS30 · Mar 6, 2011

I want to know what you guys think about restoring this saw as a backup to my Stihl 310. I know it's obviously an old school saw. However my Grandfather use to always tell me it was an excellent saw at one time and he really wanted to get it going. Would this be a good backup if the motor is all good? Or would I end up spending as much on this as I would purchasing a new Stihl of equivalent size?

Anonymous-0 · Mar 6, 2011

I have a pair of them just like that. I use them as back ups and they are fine, just loud, vibrate, and manual oilers. I also have a Stihl MS310, once in a while it is nice to use the old stuff.

Bob Bancroft · Mar 6, 2011

That is an excellent saw, and it looks to be little used and in good shape. However I don't know what you can get in the way of parts anymore. The only issue I remember was the early ones utilized a large"wick" along the whole right side cover of the fuel tank. When that plugged we replaced the fuel tank cover with the newer style and the drop tube with the replaceable filter on the end.
Occasionally a screw would back out underneath the flywheel and the engine would screech to a halt, causing great concern on the part of the owner/operator! A quick 5 minute fix always made them happy!

Bob M · Mar 6, 2011

If all the saw needs are wear parts (chain, bar, sprocket/clutch) or perhaps a carb rebuild then by all means spend the money to bring it back!

As others have pointed out the XL-12 is a good old saw. I have one too - though it's strictly a backup saw now on account of it's weight, vibration and lack of a chain brake.

Duner Wi · Mar 6, 2011

If I had compression I would go for it.You do have a good chain it looks like. This place has some parts.
http://store.chainsawr.com/search?page=1&q=XL-12

jim in N M · Mar 6, 2011

If you decide to sell it,Let me know! my email is open....Jim in N M

Bill in IN · Mar 6, 2011

I've got one, it's a SA model. It's the best saw I own. It doesn't have the grills it just cuts wood well.

PJH · Mar 6, 2011

As others said - good old saw. It would be nice to fix it up so your grandpa could see it run, or in his memory if he's gone.

If you can find it, there's a piece missing on the front of your saw - don't know the proper name, but it's the teeth that bite into the side of the log, gives you a little leverage and control of the cut. I had an XL-12 without that piece, and when I added it, it made the saw a lot more enjoyable to use. Seems like it was an optional piece that had to be bought seperately and added to a new saw. It mounts to the two holes you can see in the pic.

Paul

Duner Wi · Mar 6, 2011

Like this part?: bucking spike with hardware
part # A 64722 $10.99.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 6, 2011

I have couple in box that need to put back together. I use a superXLauto little heavy but out cuts the poluan.

LJS30 · Mar 6, 2011

Thanks for the input so far guys and the offer. My Grandfather just passed away on the 3rd after a very long bout with diabetes and congestive heart failure. He always told me Homelite used to make great saws and this was one of his favorites. I'm going to get it going and use it quite a bit in the orchard.

rlp in Co. · Mar 6, 2011

That looks a lot like my Sears Craftsman. Mine has a stone that sharpens the blade. I love that saw because you can keep the blade razor sharp. It will out cut any other saw I have ever used. Why don't they make them with the sharpening stone on saws anymore? I have had it for 30 years and it still runs great.
I hope you can get yours running again.

Dave in NY · Mar 7, 2011

Shouldn't be too hard to get going again.Pretty easy to work on.My Dad and I cut LOTS of firewood with a pair of them for many years.They are loud and heavy but built very well.I was still using the newer one 3 years ago.It still runs fine but I bought a new Stihl that cuts a lot faster.

LJS30 · Mar 11, 2011

(quoted from post at 01:46:38 03/07/11) If you decide to sell it,Let me know! my email is open....Jim in N M

Sorry man I plan on keeping this thing for awhile but you never know. I dropped it off with a guy who I've used before for chainsaws and lawnmowers so we'll see what he says.

HomeLite XL 12 Chainsaw

LJS30

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Anonymous-0

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Bob Bancroft

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Bob M

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Duner Wi

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jim in N M

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Bill in IN

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PJH

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Duner Wi

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Anonymous-0

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LJS30

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rlp in Co.

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Dave in NY

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LJS30

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