Old Tech VS New Tech Chainsaws: McCulloch VS Stihl - Old Tech is Best!

In this video, I compare my vintage McCulloch Mac 610 and Mac 650 chainsaws to my newer Stihl 034 chainsaw. I show each cutting cookies from a stump and compare the results.

[@jeffreyrubish347]

Nice to see those old saws working!

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

My old saws are the ones that do most of the work here on the homestead, as I prefer using them, and they have withstood the test of time. Vintage is best !

[@JTChainsawshop]

I love old homelite saw especially the XL 12 and super XL’s love your videos

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

We like the old Homelites too ! We have an XL 12, and several Super XL's as well. I have done a number of videos on them, and would recommend looking back through them if you like to see them in action and learn some of the history behind them. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@doctorromex7804]

My Jonsereds Semi Pro 49 has always been a beast and one of my favorites..very reliable and has ample power and RPM. When it comes to bigger saws of the era My Pro mac 610 is one of my go to big saws for stumps or bucking felling bigger trees. My Super XL BRS Homelite is the other. My 1957 David Bradley Direct Drive is for showing off to young city folks (out of commission currently i need 7/16 pitch chain) I just picked up a mint Homelite XL 113 powerhead in the bottom of a tote of plastic Poulans...What a score. It may be heading south because another YTuber wants to buy it. I love your Monkey Wards ProMac, ive seen one around here in ohio. Great video.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Nice story about your saws. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@alangaffney2592]

finally it took you to do a genuine Comparision useing standard saws and a real saw came out on top i have a few of them including the r version stihl might have more house power but not torque and mcculloch has it in spades todays saws still havent got it they all have to be modified to even come close ive stoped watch another of your country men as he compairs his saws but there are all modified and have different mufflers witch is wrong most people have stard saws so i thank you for doint this merry xmas and happy new year and keep up the good work and vidios regards alan

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

It took me a long time to do a comparison of old tech saws against modern tech saws in the 50 to 60cc class because I didn't have any modern saws in that displacement until recently, with the acquisition of the Stihl 034 of 57cc's. All my other saws that we have in that displacement category are all old tech, and the McCullochs outperform all of them very easily. I will do some more videos having vintage versus vintage saws in the future. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@EightWheelsRollin]

The McCulloch 610 and 650 saws are tough to beat! Like you said, they may be heavy, but they're reliable and easy to work on. I have both and would be hard pressed to ever part with them. You were throwing some good chips!

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

My 610's and 650 have been my main work saws forever. Many overlook these saws, as they are ugly ol bricks and have no collector value, but they outlast and perform better than almost all other vintage saws.in their displacement class.

[@EightWheelsRollin]

I agree 100%. They get work done!

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

They do !

[@Vizslarunner99]

Imagine Your one saw being an SP125 😂. They’re awesome though. My pick is the Dolmar/Makita 6800i or the 372xp. Lean towards the husky, feels just a tad better in the hands. Sure wish McCulloch was never bought out and ruined, homelite too.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Well if I had an SP 125, one thing is for sure is that I would be one tough dude in order to be able to use one on a regular basis ! I have never had a running Dolmar or Jonsereds saw, but those that have them give them high regards. The Husky 372 is based on a Partner chainsaw originally. Partners were another top notch saw. McCulloch and Homelite suffered from lack of innovation and concentrating on the homeowner market after being bought out by penny pinchers. Too bad !

[@brianking1138]

I have a couple 610s and like them. I call them my Rodney Dangerfield saws because they get no respect. I bought them for $15 each at yard sales. Hopefully I can find a 650 this year.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Thats a great characterization. Nice thing about 610's is that they don't have any collector value. A great way to get a great saw for cheap ! McCulloch also badge engineered a Super 610, that is the same as the 650.

[@dwhallon21]

​😅 @@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156

[@garymcmullin2292]

I would settle on a Jonsereds 70E, made like the Jonsereds 49sp and 52 and 52E, not overly heavy, 69cc, closed port, built to last, user friendly design and construction. The only saws I have found to compare for my liking is the Homelite Super XL/AO which is a 58 cc power head but even as an open port cylinder design they produce plenty of power and are built like tanks, very durable and easy to work on. I have a clone 372, I have substituted aftermarket parts to overcome any shortfalls of the clone saw and I like that saw but for me it would be a bit overkill for what I would expect to need, the 70E will push a 28" bar easy enough and that can be adequate for some pretty big wood. The 372 and 70E are only separated by roughly 5cc displacement but the 372 is a bulky chassis and I think heavier compared to the 70E. Gotta love those Johnny red saws! Only problem for our vintage appetite is the difficulty in parts availability to keep them running, otherwise they are simpler and highly reliable machinery.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

In our area, I have never seen a Jonsereds saw. I know they are highly regarded by many who own them though. The Homelite XL 12's and the Super XL's are tough, long lasting , well made saws. I have both, and have done videos on them in the past. I have always had McCullochs as my primary saws, which have given superb performance for a very long time. Parts for the Mac's and the Homelites are easier to find than most others, but less is available all the time for sure. Part of the challenge of having old saws.

[@tedneitzel]

If you would of had the 036 thats 60cc it would of been a much different outcome but still good stuff! Definitely could tell the 650 was the sharpest well done! See ya next time!

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

A Stihl 036 is considered a pro saw. It would be interesting to run it against the Mac 650, which is a farm saw, too see how they would compare in performance. Maybe I can find an 036 at some point to find out !

[@agkleppel6235]

i like these old classic chainsaws, had two fantastic mcculloch 610/650 here in germany rare models, so i sold them, now working with old SOLO and STIHL, greetings and christmas blessings from germany.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

I have never run across a SOLO saw, but I have seen some videos on some of them, even a twin cylinder one. Best wishes for Christmas and the holidays from the OBSOLETES !

[@TheNorvikWay]

Great video Mr Obsolete 👍...hope all is good and have a Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄....🤙

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Thanks for watching. We always have a Merry Christmas. On the 26th,we will have our traditional Christmas video, hope you will watch it.

[@liljoeii6091]

Awesome video Thank you

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@garengtutorial8923]

Halo master. Keren gan

[@johnclarke6647]

I bought a Stihl 2 & 1 a few years ago in 3/8 LP and gave it to a friend, because it took me a lot longer to sharpen a chain than it did with my standard file. It took me about twice as long to- 30 minutes verses 15 with the file. Comparing a 57 cc saw against a couple of 60 cc saws is not a fair comparison, do you not agree? I will bet my MS 360 would have produced different results.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

I have two of the PHERD 2 in 1 files and have had great results with them. The proof is the wood chips in the video. As for comparing a 57cc pro saw against a 60cc farm saw being unfair, I would say no. 3cc's ain' t much difference, and the McCulloch is a whole lot older design also. I would like to have an 036 of 61.5cc's to compare with my old Mac of 60 cc's and see the results. That would be interesting. By watching the video, you can see why I use the McCullochs, as they perform very well, have withstood the test of time, start very easy, and I have little invested in them money wise. A tough combination to beat.

[@johnclarke6647]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 I use Stihl files for most saws and Oregon files for regular 3/8 full. Himself chains. Stihl only makes 13/64” files for 3/8 chains and Oregon and Husqvarna chains use 7/32” files.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

I bet the Stihl files are actually made by PHERD. Oregon files vary in quality as to where they purchase them, since they don't manufacture them. I have had some Oregon files that gave fair service, and some that were total junk, all purchased from the same dealer.

[@johnclarke6647]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 you are right. My Stihl files seem to last forever but my Oregon files last about half as long or less. Whatever happened to good American made files, like Nicholson? I see the weather is turning to crap in the PNW, again. We are getting a weekend of rain, again, too. However I will be setting up my new iPad all weekend. I bought a new iPad Pro, 256GB storage and Wi-Fi-cellular. I am giving my new 9th generation iPad to my wife for Christmas and have to transfer both iPads over and get my cellular phone working on my new iPad. All inside work.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

I used Nicholson files for many years and they were excellent. The last of the new ones I bought were made in Mexico and wouldn't hold an edge very well. The reason is that recycled metal is used in making them. Recycled metal is never as strong as metal made with raw ore.

[@scottreynolds3148]

Have a 85 610 best saw ever

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

YUP !

[@fearghalmorrissey2601]

610 Great saw 💪💪

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

YUP !

[@McCullochMac6]

Got my hands on a 605...

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Nice addition !

[@alangaffney2592]

If you have a pro Mac 605 or 5700/20 they are the same as the 034 Stihl in cc if you don't have one I'll seen one over so you can compare

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

I have never had a Mac 605 or 5700. I do have a Mac Timber Bear of 54cc's though. I don't find much difference in the Timber Bears performance compared to my Mac 610 of 60cc's, and would say the 605/5700 would be very close in performance also.

[@alangaffney2592]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 the mac605and 5700/20 are 57cc same stroke as 610 but smaller bore by 2mm they are very hard to find I have a near new 5700/20 and the 605 is good example they had been a few on eBay in you country but I was lucky to find the 2 that I have I also have a 650 lear charger and 2 near new 690s they were made for the railways to cut the line I found them here in Australia never been used

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

The 5700/20 moniker means 57cc/20 inch bar. McCulloch must of had a bunch of obsolete parts laying around and assembled them and sold them as new models. I can't think of any other reason for making them. I have not heard of a 690, so they must have been a special export model.

[@alangaffney2592]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 possibly the 690 was made for the USA railroads you can look them up on the internet and hear is a another though the manufacture of saws to say can't replicate what McCulloch did in the 80s the saws of to say are so restricted and rev so hight for emissions there are so many people modifieing them and trying to produce torque and yet still to day McCulloch are the best even a 40 year old saw has more balls I'd put my pro Mac 800 up against a 500i Stihl any day

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Many modern saws come with either XP (extra power) or XT (extra torque) models. So instead of me buying 2 new saws so that I have both XP and XT, I just go out to the shop and get out one of my old McCulloch's or Pioneer saws, which has both XP and XT in the same saw, and go out and do my work. Saves me thousands of dollars, and I don't have to buy new ones every 2 to 3 years, as the modern saws wear out so fast. My old saws last and last. Many have been on the job for over 40 years. Vintage is best !

[@adrianstefan23]

👌👌👍👍

[@glenclark3733]

Where you get the saw sharpener at

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

The 2in1 file can be found at STIHL dealers. They are available on EBAY also. Make sure they are the PHERD brand off the internet, as there are some cheap Chinese fakes that sell for around $30, and are no good.

[@glenclark3733]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 thank you really enjoy your videos

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Thanks.

[@justinweaver8107]

What would take for the 034? Dont send er flyn unless its 2 me❤

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

The 034 was a gift from a very generous friend. It belonged to his dad, and he had reservations about parting with it, but knew I would put it back in top operating condition and use it in my videos, so he decided to add it to the channels collection. I also told him that if he ever wanted it back, I would just give it back. The flying saw in the video is just an old junk parts saw, and not the actual 034. I did the flying saw clip just for the fun of it ! Hope you and the family have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays too !

[@justinweaver8107]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 that is very commendable of u Sur❤❤❤

[@justinweaver8107]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 merry Christmas brother

[@justinweaver8107]

371 372 husky is a great saw but not. My choice my choice would be a sp81 mcculloch with a 24in bar.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Any version of the 82cc McCulloch saws would be ideal for a 1 saw operation. Enough power to do just about any job, lightweight and durable, just about the most ideal saw for every job.

[@justinweaver8107]

@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156 agreed

[@chrischiampo7647]

Vintage Is Always Best 😀❤️😀😇 Mr&Mrs Obsolete

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Most definately for us !

[@brettmakoviney7120]

Nope I'm going with my trusty wood puller the stihl 56 magll.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

Well an 056 Mag is quite the saw, but is a whole lot more displacement and power than the mid size saws I am running in the video. Of course one should use what they have and like best. I was actually surprised at what a dud the 034 is ,in most applications. Watch my latest video, and you will see what it is best suited for. It would be interesting to run my 051 against your 056 to see how they would compare, as the displacement is fairly close.

[@wg4405]

BS ---- is that the same thing as Bull Butter , Horse Hockey , and Chicken Squat 🤔

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

More than likely !

[@wg4405]

​@@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156-- I have a Montgomery Ward Mac saw like yours there but mine has a compression release valve, does yours have one .

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

My MW saw doesn't have a decompression valve. I would say that makes your saw very unusual, as only the McCulloch Super Pro Mac 610 and the later model 650"s had them. Pretty unusual for a chain store saw.