1960s 3-Phase Electric Chainsaw - Stihl [Restoration]
The most powerful electric chainsaw Stihl ever made is finally in my hands. This 1960s 3-phase Stihl E-30 chainsaw is something I have been trying to find for a long time. Stihl made 4 different versions of this saw, but only one was made for the North American market.
I have an affinity for electric chainsaws as I absolutely love the torque they can provide when cutting wood, so I had to find this saw. I ended up finding one in Germany and shipping it over to Canada.
The saw was not in horrendously bad condition, as most issues were entirely cosmetic, but I needed to bring this saw back to its original glory. Everything was stripped down and repainted with the original RAL 7035 white and RAL 3000 red colours and finished with a 2K clear coat for durability. I also had to completely remake the decals for this saw as they are unique.
I tested the electric components off-camera to ensure that they are functional, but you never really know until you plug it in. I do not have 3-phase power in my workshop, so testing it before restoration was not an option, unfortunately. I ended up going to the workshop where we make the wrenches and screwdrivers for some 3-phase power, but I had to RENT an extension cord because apparently those are almost $1000 at the length that I needed for a saw with this much power.
In the end, it worked very well and is very quiet without the chain and bar on it. I was worried the oil pump would not function properly, but once up to speed it worked well. This thing EATS wood for dinner and it's so much fun to use.
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The screwdriver stab was the most relatable damn thing ever.
Family guy reference
Now that is a beautiful old chainsaw, a really nice restoration. When I saw you using bread to push the bearing up and out I had a memory from about 30 years ago when hanging out in a garage. My uncle and 2 other guys spent about 2 hours trying to get one out, I was bored and this older gentleman stopped by and asked what they were doing. They told him and he said to get me a six-pack of beer and some bread and I'll take care of it. He opened up the beer, took a swig, and started making bread balls and stuffing them in the hole, then took a steel rod and hammered it like mad and out popped the bearing. Everyone was just shaking their heads in disbelief, he just sat in the corner drinking beers and telling jokes the rest of the night.
I bet you were having a blast listening to him. I know I would.
Old bar of soap works well too.
I use grease and a close fitting shaft to pop them out quickly.
In France they do it with cheese
@@jackthompson6296 seen that done.
The old bread trick for removing a stuck bearing. Still one of my favorite mechanic hacks. Loved it.
Im a STIHL tech in the US and I am extremely jealous that you had the opportunity to work on a beautiful piece of equipment such as this. I have been waiting for so long for you to come across a piece of STIHL equipment to restore. Greatly enjoyed the video 👍
Glad you enjoyed! Oh, I have lots of other vintage Stihl saws, but none for restoration...yet!
Be Stihl my beating heart
I can believe you stihl work there, I heard they have bad benefits.
I read your comment in a German accent in my head
Make more corded devices with puny titles like "infinite electric reserve".
A 3-phase chainsaw must be the most German idea ever! I have a hard time believing this even exists, but I love it :D
2.7kW is nothing where you need 3 phases in Germany for...
@@rubberduck4966 Yeah 3ph in Europe is like 9kw total
@@DanielChristiansen 11kW
Yep, I can testify that in Germany, Austria and the swiss alps, most large houses in villages and out in the country have 3 phase sockets for wood splitters, saws and other wood-cutting machinery. Its very useful.
@@rubberduck4966 That doesn't really mean much though. There is a lot of old German 3-phase equipment that only needs a few hundred watts or under 2kw. 3phase is available almost everwhere in Germany and I personally own a lot of professional German tools and equipment from that era that runs on 3-phase. Oftentimes, the Motors themselves have only 1.5kw or there about. There is just a lot of equipment that was built with three phase Induction motors.
The Peter Griffin pain moment was brilliant. Hands down my favourite videos to watch. Keep up the excellent work.
As long as it’s not a Stewie moment. That involves global domination.
Ahh, yes, pain the most universal joke.
I see what you did there.
Nothing says "this will be fun," more than stabbing yourself with a flathead screw driver at the beginning of a project
Looked like he was going to need a "Hand Rescue" 😂
I was running this saw for about 2 hours at about a 30-50% duty cycle kzhead.infoUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and it did a great job. I used the lever for the built in sharpener to clear chip buildup out more than to actually sharpen the chain. It managed to cut some hardwood stumps much larger than it's size without bothering the neighbors with hours of 2 stroke noise.
You have 3 phase at your house?
Removing the potting on the power cable looked like a nightmare. In awe of your persistence and dedication !
I'd say somebody in the past was really worried about the cable fraying and shorting at the input connection!
@@Randon_Tain my guess was explosion proofing
Potting is a much nicer name than I would have called it after all that trouble. :D
@@Randon_TainI couldn’t see the Earth for the metal chassis, given the environment I’d say they were appropriately concerned!
They were serious about NOT allowing the wires to fray and short out. I can appreciate that. Sorry to say, that is the MOST replayed part of the video. We simpathize with your pain. Mostly.
Post Apocalyptic inventor is going to appreciate you restoring this fine old West German gear!
Another great channel!
Appreciate -->" be envious of" :)
the bread trick is great, if you have an unshielded bearing and worried about getting bread in it a bar of soap also works great. just carve it up and hammer home, can get a little slippery but dissolves in water and you can re lube the bearing
I've seen someone use mix of grease with bits of cloth rag and it worked as well.
I saw that and it blew my mind wide open.
I was convinced this was a whacky segment until the bearing popped out
@@Imkrhn I thought so too, but then it just kept going and there was no punchline.
@@marcun666 I had a seized bearing in an aluminum case and just used thick grease and a piece of bar that was almost the same diameter as the inside of the bearing, worked a treat!
Water based personal lubricant is good for installing rubber parts and it gets sticky when it dries out so not only does it not harm the rubber it helps it stay in place. Of course, having watched this channel long enough, WD40 probably is your personal lubricant.
I have heard of the "bread trick" to remove bearings in blind holes but never had an opportunity to try it since learning about it. Hard to believe it would work. This is an A+ demo of that trick working! Thanks!
I thought it was just a joke bit in the intro, then the bearing popped out and my mind exploded
He should have gotten that bread out earlier to help with all the marshmallow fluff in the beginning.
Seen it irl. Blows my mind every time.
Bread is around 35% water, which is incompressible, suspended in the dough matrix. That's why & how it works.
Bro! I felt that hand stab injury 😢everyone watching this video lived through that pain with your reaction brother. Also that box full of silocone caulk or whatever it was must have been the most satisfying thing in the world to get open. Keep up the fantastic work!
fuuuuuuuck my hand hurts too
I didn't have that reaction when I stabbed myself. I would never have been able to show the scene due to the excessive cursing. Very impressive restraint on your part dude.
You guys never saw Family Guy apparently. He was doing a spoof on that show. kzhead.info/sun/jJ2jY8ydkIx3nnA/bejne.html&ab_channel=AGoogleUser
Dude the moans hahahah Sheesh I felt ur pain But the moans Everyone’s eyes shot up while I was watching your video 😂 Imagine an ostrich pushing out their off of the ground and looking around… that’s what I saw 🤣🤣
@@pinedd42 that's not to say that there weren't a lot of curse words flowing through his mind at that time.
For when you need a chainsaw indoors...One of the most Canadian tools I've ever seen.
They were real popular on landings/log yard cutting logs to final length, trimming off damage, etc. and ran from huge diesel generators. I'm sure they saw use around mills as well. At that time you could get great power with electrons vs gasoline... as long as you didn't mind dragging around a massive power cord and being tethered to a generator or outlet.
This isn't that bad idea at all. It's not for everyone, but there's cases where gasoline isn't first optimal
Not only that, but you have to be in a place with 3 phase power. For those industrial chainsaw needs.
We got a newer electric chainsaw (1 phase), its pretty handy because you're not standing in the fumes and its quite a bit quieter, perfect for some yardwork
Not just for indoors, lol. I've got a (much smaller) electric saw and a 150 foot #12 extension cord that reaches (almost) my whole lot. When I need to go further, a relatively small generator will suffice.
Everything he does, is a work of art.
This my new favorite 80’s sitcom.
Came for the bread, stayed for the bread.
Kinky
Came to the bread
This video is inbread. Or this bread is invideo. Not sure
Came on the bread
High functioning bread tools.
I love Stihl chainsaws. I've got an old (30 years plus) 044. 10 years ago I had to replace piston - not the saw's fault, I literally went underwater with hot running saw, trying to rescue my small bridge from trees coming down the stream which suddenly became a river. These saws were made to last. Very interesting features: the chain tensioner, chain cover - oil tank. I would love to try one.
I've got both Stihl and Husqvarna gas powered. The Husqvarnas are much easier to work on IMO. Stihl is big here in Chicago with all the tree services, elsewhere, I've found nothing but Husqvarna. I live in an old section of the city with lots (pun intended) of large oaks, and many of the smaller tree companies are happy to have me bring a saw or two and a truck so they don't have to pay tipping fees or grind everything.
Damn, the trick with the bread was certainly worth the price of admission. I've always used grease and shop towels, it works but it makes a huge mess so this method looks way better.
dude, that double screwdriver to the hand, 30 seconds of pain, fast cut back to more and bigger screwdrivers was AMAZING. Been there done that - also, the thought of removing cured silicon, in that amount, just makes me want to die.
It is a testament to professionalism that he doesn't break out in the giggles during filming as often as I do watching. Edit: This episode is a rollercoaster of emotion. I just got to the part where he hurts his hand and now I feel sad.
Damn I feel old. From 3k subscribers to near 1 million. I've enjoyed every restoration no matter how big or small. This one is no exception. Congrats on your (almost) 1 million subscribers HTR🎉🎉😊
who ever had that before you loved it cause that is in great shape before the restoration
Whenever you have to install rubber over metal, a soap and water solution makes a good lubricant. Love the video.
Ok, first time ive ever seen someone remove a bearing using BREAD! Thank you for the newest bag of tricks in my tool belt.
My jaw dropped, for real
It's an old automotive pilot bearing removal trick. One of those "If you know, you know" bits of knowledge.
@@TheAggromonster I remember hearing about it when I was a kid, so perhaps fifty years back. But at the time I didn't really believe it. Then perhaps half a year back some KZheadr used that trick and I was just staring at the screen seeing the bearing be pushed out with each strike of the hammer. Blew my mind that it really worked...
@@blahorgaslisk7763 It's shocking, but it's just physics at the end of the day.
@@JqlGirl Yea, I've heard of people using grease and wet toilet paper, but using bread just feel a bit off...
Still the only intro on KZhead I don't skip lol
The bread trick. Filed for future reference. Thank you.
Yeah 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇺🇸 love your channel. 58 yr old woman watches this channel lol. Love your humor. Thanks
As we say in German: "That thing sweats quality out of every pore". What a great piece of engineering and what a great restoration. Thanks for giving it a new life!
Yeah, that wood pattern stihl plate with its custom fitting curved casting relief is just one of examples... I would steal one if i saw one laying somewhere unattended, not even joking, but i might just buy one, just ran across a comment here from a guy who states that Austrian ``Prinz`` company still makes these, likely as they bought the patent or permission to make these... I`ll have to check that ``fact`` out, but if it is true, baby boy, this bad girl will be mine by this filthy winter... I love old machines, and i love good machines(or products in general), and this merely by being a design from 60`s fits both criteria... No plastic(sight glass notwithstanding), no junk materials, no parts designed to break... The only thing that this is designed to break is any sign of resistance, or bones in your body if you manage to mishandle it, but that might just as well result in amputations, so broken bones arent a real contender in that situation... All the best!
6:18 Lol, I do the same thing -- slamming down a difficult part after removing it is always a satisfying conclusion ... and sometimes the damn thing is too difficult and you need a few extra slams
Its amazing how many parts look exactly the same as a modern model Stihl Chainsaw.
I cannot think of any time this would come in handy but that doesn't stop me from wanting one
Man, I’ve been around this channel long enough to remember when you originally posted about wanting to find one of these saws! 2017 doesn’t seem like it was 6 years ago
I remember too, i was wondering what kind of saw he was referring to, but now, i want one, and apparently Austrian ``Prinz`` company is still making these, apparently they got the licence or bought the patent... Either way, if its the same thing, im getting one by this winter... Yeah, the time eloping like this kinda makes me wanna taste the sweet kiss of high speed lead... Especially when i leave my shop and get to have a look at where the world is going... Oh, i miss the good old days when stuff like this chainsaw was the norm... Not this modern shit where the only thing that is keeping me from ending it all is love for my machines and their need for a loving operator that will keep them clean and safe in a layer of oil or grease, depending on how often i use them...
Nice restoration! I own one too and use it also in combination with an alaskan mill. The chain speed is unfortunately very low in relation to a gas powered or modern electric saw, but the torque is unbelieveable! Fun fact also: This saw is still in production by the austrian company "Prinz" which seems to have bought the license from Stihl.
Have you tried putting a larger drive sprocket on? Idk if they make them for this saw.
@@felixchetlanddevries2998 i run a 3/8LP chain pitch in the mill, but at least here in europe it is rather hard to find an off the shelf drive sprocket with more than 8 drive links. its just a hobby for me and in the mill it is acceptable. for normal cutting and also with the standard 404. pitch the saw feels strongly ripping.
Is there any advantageto using an electric chainsaw over a gas one in a mill? The only Advantage I can think of is that it's quieter, but does that matter in the noisy environment of a mill?
@@JasonWW2000 You can mill inside a building without dying from the carbon monoxide
@@JasonWW2000 Probably lower cost operation, more torque and no carbon monoxide to worry about.
hand tool rescue is one of the funniest machining/tool-related channels...and that's saying something, indeed! 🤣
First was the white mystery goop that nearly cost a thumb, then the "Beyond Thunderdome" blades of death at the base of the saw....and it was electric??! The oddities never cease! Hurrah for another fantastic restoration (and that no one lost an eye...or a finger, toe....!)
How much glue should we use to hold this together? All of it.
Love your videos, however this one seemed as if it was cut short. No Evaporust? No painting. I for one am happy to watch hour or longer videos of someone so entertaining. Never sell yourself short.
I also noticed it didn't say sponsored by evaporust at the beginning. A falling out maybe?
pretty sure on a zinc (?) casting like this if he were to leave it in evaporust there would be nothing left by the time it was done
I'll I can say is "oooooouch!!!" I know you must endure a lot to get these videos out and I guess that includes a significant amount of pain! Absolutely beautiful restoration - it looks fresh off the 1960's assembly line. I guess those Germans take really good care of their equipment or maybe the chainsaw didn't see much action. I'm glad you didn't have to go down a long tunnel of massive repair work. Really fun to see the restored saw cutting through a log!
Genius, GENIUS roller bearing removal!!!
You have amazing repairmanship skills. Never knew a 3 phase electric chainsaw even existed.
Often used in a sawmill to trim something the loggers missed. Since out logs are floated in, everything is soaking wet and shock hazard. We have hydraulic chainsaw for that.
Sense of humor spot on as always... Also that chain saw is massive it must put out a massive amount of power
That's why the shop told you not to hold it that way! But we all do it, usually withe same result. I'm impressed that you refrained from swearing but it probably hurt too much for words. Excellent resto, as always, on a really odd chainsaw. PS: that bread trick is very handy.
I don't understand how you record these videos with sound and we never hear exasperated fits of "what the hell is this?" or "are you kidding me?" or "c'moooooooooooon!" A true professional.
without pollution and noise and much torque, this is perfect.. if you work near the power line.
I love your videos man. It's so relaxing watching you bring these old tools back to life. The care and ingenuity that you put into your repairs is awesome.
Another great video Eric!! I have seen lots of saws like this here in BC. Not ones made by stihl, but 3-phase powered bucking saws in lumber mills. Interesting that the motor is designed for 60hz frequency. It may have been produced for the north american market, hence the use of red, black, white, and green conductors. Europe uses different color codes for theirs. It has quite the ghastly power factor though, lol. Don't run it for too long or the power company will make you add power factor correction to your house! haha
When you slowly moved the arbor in front of the camera, It reminded me of the scene in Spaceballs when the ship moved past.
That is a very innovative use of bread! I normally use oiled cotton balls or smöl pieces of cloth to remove the bearings. Never thought of using bread...
*_There's just something magical about watching something that was so old and broken being restored back to looking so new. Its such a thing to watch. ❤_*
Watching someone else wrench their hand always makes me smile. I know the pain and can imagine it. Great job 👏
Ok....that bread trick was mind blowing.
The new stihl battery powered chainsaws pretty amazing. So light and quiet. A Treat
They certainly were making sure there was no water ingress. "5 lbs. of silicone should do the trick!" 😂
Yea, everything on that saw was in decent shape except for that pound of silicon, or rather it looked like caulking compound. It might not be a conservation like you would do for museums but it looks darned good now.
@@blahorgaslisk7763 He always does a great job on his restorations. Right down to detailing the specification plates and stuff. I wish I had his attention to detail. I would've had to mute myself if it would have been me removing all that calk/silicone, lol.
I think the white epoxy was to keep the electric wire insulation from rubbing against the metal from all the vibration of constant use.
@@NickFromDetroit Last saw off the assembly line that day, assembling employee decided to just use up the rest of the new tube of epoxy goo. LOL
We use hydraulic chainsaw. No electrocution hazard !
That small racheting straight screwdriver looks really handy.
Qualification, Mechanic. Must be able to swear fluently in language of country of machine's manufacture and be able to ignore minor arterial bleeding. Bread trick to remove blind bearing? Pure genius. I will definitely remember that one. Wow!!!
I would have been curious to know the weight ratio of actual chainsaw vs muck, rust and white goo. I'd say when we get to 10% crap by weight, we have a serious issue. 😂 BTW, that bread thing is one of the reasons I watch this channel - the sheer ingenuity being displayed. You blew my mind, man.
Its called bread hydraulics... Also works with thick grease or soap bars... Bread offers most resistance, but at the same time, it demands least precise rod for compression, where grease and soap offer the lubricating action, but demand a better rod that fits the bearing almost like the intended shaft... Also, bread hydraulics is AvE`s term from back when in like 2015, but it accurately describes the situation...
As an aircraft mechanic, I completly understand the frustration with the silicon potting. My worst nightmare was removing the main servo plate from older 204's and 206's because the bottom was lathered with a thick "glop" of aerospace silicon. I had to make a jig that would lift the whole thing as one part since the magnesium was very brittle and couldnt be pried off the normal way. Constant heat, pain and suffering was the dish of the day.
I always look forward to the next installment.
Thank you for so accurately representing the inescapable reality of The Laborer’s Pain. Everyone that has ever worked on something has stabbed themselves with a screwdriver. So real. So raw.
Super odcinek czekam na dalsze pozdrawiam serdecznie Robert 👍👍👍🖐️🖐️🖐️🤩🤩🤩
The maintenance crew at my work would love to get their hands on a "this thing". Any idea what search keywords to use to find it? (EDIT: Scott below nailed it, a "Lisle 71200 Stud Remover". We just ordered four of them.)
stud extractor
It might be a "Lisle 71200 Stud Remover".
Two nuts with a suitable thread size. Cheaper, faster and does not spoil the thread. The stud remover spoils the thread when tightening.
@@Anrakyr Agreed that the two nut trick is cheaper and easier *if* you have the correct nuts on hand. But the time spent figuring out the correct nut size, going and finding two of that exact size and pitch, then returning to the repair area (which at our facility could be a ¼mi walk each way), and likely finding out you grabbed the wrong thing; this tool is worth it in those scenarios.
@@ShinoPuppy In the worst case scenario, the stud will break and an extractor will be needed. To quickly unscrew something round, there are special extractor sockets that cut into the top of a torn bolt or stud.
love that logo plate with the tree slice
This video should have had constant commentary. Pretty cool piece of history from a company still in business today. Good find.
white paint job looks so good! I will ask a previous question again: is that your first bucket of evapo-rust? How many have you gone through?
Evaporust is recyclable, the chemical reaction goes in a loop and you can use it again. You can also add water if you happen to get signifact evaporation. Amazing stuff.
Okay okay the bread trick was new to me and very cool, but dont think we didnt notice that you completly messed up the electrics. EXCUSE ME SIR WHERE ARE THE 5KG OF SILICONE YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO THROW FROM 5 METERS AWAY INTO THE FUSE BOX????
I find it satisfying to see something that would otherwise be dead and given a second chance, keep up the good quality work and thanks for what you do.
HOLY moley, that bread trick is AWESOME!
This thing did not look in bad shape at all. Kind of wonder if this rehab was un-necessary, and just a tune up would've gotten things working again.
love that old school 1990's style training video intro LOL
There is something deeply satisfying about that clunk as you throw the main switch
Until I read the description and saw this was a saw Sthil made, I just thought it was a crazy home-brew where someone bolted a 3 phase motor to an old saw.... bonkers!
Man, that bearing removal trick has got to be the best thing since sliced br… wait a minute
I love the random variety of things you find to restore. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
Thinking this morning ,the Canadian loon must be due a video ,and low and behold I get in from a Days graft and here he is at his perfectionist best.!!😅
*- LOTS of Power in that chain saw.*
I love that solid ka-chunk ka-chunk switch! Beautiful restoration!
The old hydraulic bread trick. Always a classic.
The bread thing... mind-blowing 🤯
You know a power tool is going to be good when it's basically a huge motor with the rest of the parts bolted to it.
Gloves man!!! My hand hurts just watching that! 😮
I am impressed with the detail you focus on. Really nice job.
Nice one, Eric. I am a tad disappointed that you didn't cram another quart of caulk back into the switch housing, though. :)
That's the way they were made,heavy and long lasting.the tools of a real man❤
Pride in work. You don't see that much anymore.
Can confidently say that I was not expecting to see the bread-bearing-puller in one of these. Such a good little trick!
Deep breaths always takes the pain away!
NGL, that trick with the bread was mind blowing. After 100's of hours watching restoration videos, even knowing exactly what he was using it for this is the first time I've seen that, and it was awesome.
In a pinch some grease and blue shop towels work also. Had to get creative on my fair share of stubborn pilot bearings
That bread trick is old school! It seems like magic, everytime.
That thing cuts like mad. It ate that apple wood like nothing. Perfection of a restoration Eric!
Thanks; I needed that information in precisely the correct manner as you so eloquently performed: like a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
Here I am again 4 months later! I remembered this vid now, cause a guy is selling a Stihl E30 here in Bulgaria! Never thought E30 will arrive in Eastern Europe. The guy is a carpenter and use the Stihl E30 for milling.
Love this chainsaw. One possible helpful bit; I noticed some struggle getting the long hand grip on. Using an air nossle with compressed air right where the rubber contacts the metal tubing creates a gap so the grip slides easily on or off.
Oh yah! Nice resto for sure bud! And she runs a treat! Now ya get the contract to cut down all the trees in Nova Scotia!
Seems to be balanced very good, I expected a massive kickback from the torque, as soon as you hit the switch! Great job, what a beast! 👍👍👍
WONDERFUL job, you smiling rascal! I like the original Stihl colors too. I've had 4 Stihl saws, a 50, a Super 45, a 440 Magnum (now) and a 261 which is mid-sized commercial that my son-in-law swiped! I really like them but I bet the 220 volt saw is a BEAR! Thanks again and A-PLUS!
really interesting project thanks for sharing this beautiful old equipment!
Didn’t expect it to be so clean when you took the chain and bar off.
That Wonder Bread bearing extraction is a thing of beauty.
Got loads of 50M mil spec 3 phase extension leads at work, had no idea they cost that much!
As I red the price tag I thought like if I invite him to come to Germany for the testing, he would pay the ticket, would plug it to my garage 3 phase, I also have the extension lead (it was about 150 € for 25m made in a local electric workshop) and would save 500 $ So glad that 3 phase is common here, I have 16 and 32 amps in my garage. Sometimes we Germans get jealous about canadians or Americans because of what is possible over there, but at least we have 3 phase in almost every home.
Gonna need a hand restoration video after this one