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This is an unscientific comparison of a Husqvarna 346XP and an Echo CS-490 Chainsaw. The 346XP did not have a new chain but was using a recently sharpened full chisel chain. The Echo CS-490 was using an almost new safety chain. The 346XP was maybe a half second faster than the CS-490, but quite close in cut time. I was surprised the Echo was that close to the 346XP.

Thanks for the input guys. I also have a Husqvarna 346xp, which I also did a muffler mod and changed the coil to an unlimited one. It's a real ripper!! Of course they no longer make it and now only have the 550xp, which is stratto design with an auto-tune carb. It's harder to find a true 2-stroke (non stratto) pro saw these days with regular carb. Actually I might go turn that 346xp loose on that log (lol). Also have a pre-stratto Husqvarna 372xp, which is ported with a muff mod. Talk about a screamer.

Cut times improves from 15 seconds to 9 seconds, and the wood was larger with the cuts with the muffler mod. That is 40% less time. Impressive I would say.

OK Guys, Here is the Muffler Mod Video. Must say the muffler mod really woke up this little saw. Mind you it's still not a hot rod like the Husqvarna 346xp, but still has decent performance. Hopefully will pick up some power after breakin.

This little Echo only retails for $350. One of the best values around for a 50 cc saw with Pro Features IMO.

I did a muffler mod on the saw today. Will post a video of the saw with the muffler mod and cutting the same wood as recorded when all stock. Must say that opening up the exhaust really woke this saw up. Also removed the high and low limiter tabs on the carb adjustment screws and richened up the high about 1/8 turn (counter-clockwise). The saw has better throttle response and running about 1000 rpms higher at WOT. Also not wanting to bog as much if you lean on it. Will keep it at 12,000 rpms WOT till breakin.

Most Milwaukee tools are also made in CHina now. Just because something is made in China does not automatically mean it's junk. Hand tools are probably the least complicated tools there are, and have not changed in decades. I've been very satisfied with both Craftsman and Husky Tools. Anything breaks, just take it to the nearest retail store and get a new item. Have never had one break.

I have a Husqvarna 346xp, which is a 50 cc professional saw. The 346xp is much more powerful.

The muffler on this saw is extremely chocked up, with only 3 small notches in the deflector. Really don't see how it breathes, but seems to perform decent. It does want to bog if you lean on it in 14 inch plus wood, but hopefully it will gain some power after breakin.

I recently got a new Echo CS-490 Chainsaw. This is a brand new model from Echo and is targeted for the mid-level 50 cc market. It has features normally only found on professional saws, such as magnesium case, quick-remove cylinder, auto adustable oiler, side chain tensioner, and inboard rim sprocket. Best of all it only weighs 10.6 lbs and cost $350. http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-490 Here is a video review I did of the Echo CS-490.

The 450 is a nice little homeowner quality saw. I just got a comparable Echo CS-490, which competes with the Husqvarna 450. The CS-490 is also 50.2 cc but has a magnesium case, auto adjustable oiler, quick-change cylinder. side access chain tensioner, and weighs only 10.6 lbs. It also only retails for $350. http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-490 So far I have had no problems with the echo, but it's not near as powerful as my Husqvarna 346xp.

Husqvarna does not make saw chains. THey source out the chains to Oregon.

Really can't go wrong with any of the top brands in the mid-to-high level blowers. I to would avoid those cheap backpack blowers. Would rather just use good hand held.

The retail price is only $329.95, which is very competitively priced for a mid-level blower

I recently obtained the newly released Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower. It has a 58.2cc 2-stroke engine and produced an air stream at the tube of 510 cfm and 215 mph. The dry weight is 22.7 lbs and it has a 68.3 oz fuel tank. My first impression before using it was there was not enough power, however, after using it the power has proved to be sufficient to move heavy piles of water soaked leaves. The ergonomics are very good and it has a molded back plate that circulates fresh air across your back, Here is a video review I did for the Echo PB-580T. I also have a Stihl BR600 Backpack Blower, which is bit lighter and has more power. The Stihl has provided 3 years of maintenance free service and starts every time. The Stihl BR600 is a better machine, but it's also $170 more expensive than this Echo model. The Echo PB-770T would be the comparable unit for the Stihl BR600.

I've been using the 2630 for several years and would love to get the new 2731 model. Problem is the old one is like the Eveready Bunny, just wont fail!!

That's exactly what I am thinking. Perhaps it might be useful for a roofer cutting ridge vents. I'll stick with 6 1/2 or 7 1/4" 18 Volt or the double 18 Volt battery Makita.

I've been building a line of Makita 18 volt tools recently. Really like the new brushless drills and impact drivers. Anxiously awaiting the brushless circular saw. It should give the Milwaukee 2730 some competition.

I recently got the opportunity to review the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hole Hawg Angle Drills. These things just destroy anything in their path!! Here is a video I did of the two new models.

I have the 204 piece Dewalt Mechanic's Set and it's a really quality set. I did a written review on sears.com It's the only set I have seen that has all 6 points and a full line of deep well sockets. Here the review: I decided to upgrade my tools with the Dewalt 204-Piece Mechanics Tool Set. It comes with a sturdy plastic tool case that has a place for each piece in the set, and includes an assortment of wrenches, ratchets, sockets, extensions, nut drivers and hex wrenches. Since receiving the tools, I?ve had the chance to try them out on several auto and home projects. There are a lot of things to like about this set, along with a few disappointments, which are described below: The Good: Extensive assortment of sockets, which are all 6-points and have easy-to-read etching. Both shallow and deep well sockets are included in 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 inch sizes. The ratchets are very beefy and have 72 clicks per revolution, which are great for tight spaces. There are 3 extensions for each size, along with universal joints and includes all three spark plug sockets. The plastic box has a place for every piece that snaps into place. The Bad: The set is very heavy and the large rectangular case is not convenient for storing in a truck tool box. The plastic box also has no room for storing other tools such as screwdriver, pliers, additional wrenches, etc., which are necessary for a functional mobile tool box. The wrenches are incomplete and missing several key sizes, such as 12mm and 5/16 inch. Overall, I really like the Dewalt 204-Piece Mechanics Tool Set and recommend it for anyone looking to upgrade their tools. Best suited for garage use because the box is bulky and has no room for carrying additional tools.

I just finished a review of the Makita XBP01 Compact Portable Band Saw Kit. It's a really sweet little saw and very easy to use.

Home Depot now has all of the M12 Fuel Kits with a free extra tool. This is a great deal. http://www.homedepot.com/s/milwaukee%2520m12%2520fuel%2520kit?NCNI-5

I just did a review of the Milwaukee 2597-22 Kit, which includes the M12 Fuel Hammer Drill/Driver and M12 Fuel Impact Driver. Yea, I believe Milwaukee's pricing of this kit is high at $299 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr5t5LljLwU

These M12 Fuel Kits are now available. Just received the 2597-22 kit with hammer drill and impact driver. Very nice!! The case is quite small, unlike th giant suitcase for the M18 2797-22 kit

The Dewalt Pliers look real cheap, but their new Mechanic's Tool Sets (sold at Sears) are really nice quality. I've been using the 204 Piece Set for over a month now and really like them.