How to install a chainsaw cylinder/piston kit?
I own a crafsman 42cc, 18 inch gas chainsaw, the cylinder & piston burned out. I am seeking information on how to install a new cylinder/piston kit, before I buy the kit, to access if I am capable of preforming this job, (my first time) Please advise
...also If you live in the Jackson MS area, maybe you can help me with this project.
First you will have to disassemble the case to get to the engine. Clean the engine and case. Have a good clean spot on your work bench. The cylinder is usually held on with about 4 screws/bolts. The fasteners are most often installed with thread lock so they will feel like they are real tight until they break loose. Some models use star type cap screws and others use allen cap screws so check that as you don't want to the cap screws. Once loose the cylinder will pull off the piston. Usually the piston/connecting rod will slide off the crankshaft. When reassembling keep everything clean and use oil on all surfaces of the piston and cylinder. You will need some thread locker also. When you order the parts make sure you get the gaskets that you will need. It is not a bad job and can be done with normal hand tools on most engines. Unless you use your saw an a lot you might want to think about why the piston burned up. Did you have an air leak into the cylinder, didn't use enough oil?
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US $94.99
18 inch Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre figure review (1973)
The tool rest on a wood lathe is used just as the name implies, a tool shaft rests on it while the wood-turner moves the tool into the work beyond the rest. It is a simple looking device consisting of a welded T that fits into a movable base called a banjo. Yet even this simple device requires a bit of maintenance from time to time.
First of all the tool rest banjo needs to move easily along the ways of the wood lathe. While a bit of paste wax may help, it is better to do a more thorough job. Remove the banjo from the lathe and chick to see that the bottom is clean and rust free. Some turners actually like a bit of rust on the banjo and ways believing that this enables a more secure hold when tightening the banjo down. A good fit will give a secure fastening and good movement prevents frustration.
A bit of fine wet and dry sandpaper will clean off any rust. Future rust may be prevented with an application of one of the rust proofing products sold by automotive tool companies. Most will have a raw linseed oil base. Follow the manufacturer's instructions but most will tell you to just spray it on, let it rest and few minutes and wipe off the excess. I recommend against the use of products also used for loosening rusted bolts and such. The lubricants are not designed to stay but tend to evaporate in minutes or days. We want the ways and banjo to move easily with semi-yearly or yearly applications.
Make sure the tool rest fits easily into the banjo and rotates easily when the bolt is loosened. From time to time burs may occur on either the tool rest post or in the banjo hole. These are easily removed with a fine circular file. A bit of that same rust preventer will go a long way to give good movement.
Tools shafts move along the edge of the tool rest and many turners use the face to rest their hands and give direction to the tool movement. The edge can be dinged with tool shafts and should be kept clean and smooth. While it is not supposed to be sharp it should be a well defined edge. Often a well rounded sixteenth inch is desired by turners. A mill file can be used to flatten the edge, removing any dents and dings, and then can be used to define a bit of a round for a nice feel while turning. A bit of wax on the edge prevents rust, eases tool movement, and is easily redone any time a bit of wax is used to finish a piece on the lathe.
While the tool rest is a simple accessory and often overlooked because of it, simple maintenance is easy to do. It is just one of those things that make an enjoyable craft even more so.
Darrell Feltmate is a juried wood turner whose web site, Around the Woods, contains detailed information about wood turning for the novice or experienced turner as well as a collection of turnings for your viewing pleasure. You too can learn to turn wood, here is the place to start. Wondering what it looks like? There are many free videos on the site dealing with everything from sharpening to making a bowl.
There are several wood turning projects fully explained on the web site. In particular, a selection of beginner's projects may be found on the Beginner's Projects page complete with explanation and step by step photos.
