u/nxt_life

I just bought a Poulan 3400 counter vibe for $50 because I want to learn more about fixing engines, wanted to start with something small and I could use (but do not need) a cordless saw. I’ve already taken it apart and assessed what seems to be keeping it from starting, ordered the carb rebuild/fuel line kit, and have made it a personal goal to get the thing running.

However, I am very sad to say that I don’t think I should be using it once I do. It’s so old that it doesn’t have a chain break, which just makes me nervous as hell. I’ve been doing a ton of homework regarding how to prevent kickback and have been practicing proper technique with my electric saws, but still my lack of experience with gas saws makes me so uneasy. For example, will the chain move immediately when the saw starts? That’s something I did not consider, and while I feel comfortable in my ability to prevent kickback when bucking logs, I have zero experience even starting gas saws and didn’t even realize the starting process itself was such a massive safety factor. I guess I’ve only seen videos of people starting saws with chain breaks?

Anyways, what are your thoughts on non-professional use of vintage saws? I’m thinking I will just take the bar and chain off until I’ve got it running and can start it comfortably, then maybe I’ll try to sell it or experiment with the engine or something, but I obviously would like be able to cut with it and am good at learning new things.

I am currently a public school teacher in Florida and need to a job for this summer, and have really become quite fascinated with trees and chainsaws over the past few months. I’m wondering what’s the likelihood of a tree company hiring me part-time for the summer? I just figured I should check before settling for something less interesting. I’ve honestly become so into saws and trees and so fed up with my salary being so limited that I could see myself switching careers, if not at the end of this summer then probably the next (I have a ton of questions regarding that).