Chainsaw Repair

I have the DTI TECH-TACH TT-20K, bought from Amick's (same link as Kevin provided in the first post on this topic). In fact, it may have been Kevin that suggested it in a link posted on another site.

It works well. I'm glad I got something with the quick refresh rate (0.5 sec). The recall of max RPM is also a useful feature.

One thing to look for for someone new to this: there are a lot of cheaper tachs out there that can't measure the high RPMs of a chainsaw. They may work fine on a lawnmower or generator (typically 3600 RPM max), but won't give a good reading for a chainsaw (max RPMs typically in the 12,000 - 15,000 RPM range, or higher if it's a "hot" saw).

I'm still trying to learn to tune by ear. I've been told this is a more reliable way to get a good, safe mixture setting than relying on a tach alone. I'm still no good at it. The Madsen's links on tuning help, with their audio files, but I really need to hear it live a few times from someone who can point out what's going on. For now, I try by ear, then verify with the tach.

A question for you tuning gurus: how does tuning a saw change if you have an RPM-limited ignition coil, when tuning by ear or by tach?

John Mc