Stihl 056 AV Super Chainsaws (5 Pro Tips For Woodworkers)

In the realm of woodworking, where artistry meets functionality, the tools we wield become extensions of ourselves. We seek not just instruments, but partners in creation. The modern woodworker appreciates the sleek lines of a well-designed hand plane as much as the raw power of a chainsaw. We value efficiency, but also the intrinsic satisfaction of working with a tool that feels right in our hands, a tool that connects us to generations of craftsmen who came before. It’s about finding harmony between cutting-edge technology and time-honored traditions.

Stihl 056 AV Super Chainsaws: 5 Pro Tips for Woodworkers

The Stihl 056 AV Super. Just the name conjures images of seasoned loggers felling towering trees in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a legend, a beast of a machine that earned its stripes in the toughest conditions. While newer, more technologically advanced chainsaws have flooded the market, the 056 AV Super holds a special place in the hearts of many woodworkers, including mine.

Why? Because it’s a testament to raw power, simple design, and sheer durability. It’s a chainsaw that demands respect, but rewards skilled users with unparalleled cutting performance. If you’re lucky enough to own a Stihl 056 AV Super, or are considering acquiring one, you’re in for a treat. But this saw isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires understanding, respect, and a bit of old-school know-how.

In this article, I’ll share five pro tips gleaned from years of personal experience working with the Stihl 056 AV Super, focusing on how to maximize its potential for woodworking projects. These tips will cover everything from maintenance and modifications to safe operation and strategic cutting techniques. Let’s dive in!

1. Mastering the Art of Carburetor Tuning

The Stihl 056 AV Super, being a vintage machine, relies on a carburetor to mix air and fuel. Unlike modern electronically fuel-injected saws, the 056’s carburetor requires manual tuning to ensure optimal performance. A poorly tuned carburetor can lead to a host of problems, including difficult starting, poor idling, reduced power, and even engine damage.

Why is carburetor tuning so crucial for woodworkers?

Woodworkers often demand precise control and consistent power from their chainsaws, especially when milling lumber or carving intricate details. A properly tuned carburetor ensures a smooth, responsive throttle, allowing for accurate cuts and minimizing the risk of bogging down in the middle of a critical operation.

My Personal Experience:

I remember one particularly frustrating experience when I first started using my 056 AV Super for milling lumber. The saw would run great for a few minutes, then suddenly lose power and stall. I spent hours troubleshooting the problem, replacing fuel lines, cleaning the air filter, and even rebuilding the carburetor. Finally, I realized the issue was simply a slightly lean fuel mixture. A few minor adjustments to the carburetor screws, and the saw was running like a champ. That experience taught me the importance of understanding how the carburetor works and how to fine-tune it for optimal performance.

The Tuning Process:

The Stihl 056 AV Super carburetor typically has three adjustment screws:

L (Low Speed): Controls the fuel mixture at idle and low throttle.
H (High Speed): Controls the fuel mixture at full throttle.
LA (Idle Speed): Adjusts the engine’s idling speed.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to tuning the carburetor:

Warm-up: Start the saw and let it warm up for a few minutes. This is crucial for accurate tuning.
Idle Speed (LA): Adjust the LA screw until the engine idles smoothly without the chain moving. If the chain creeps, reduce the idle speed slightly.
Low Speed (L): Turn the L screw in (clockwise) until the engine starts to stumble or die. Then, slowly turn it out (counterclockwise) until the engine runs smoothly and responds quickly to throttle input. This is often referred to as “leaning out” the mixture.
High Speed (H): This is the most critical adjustment. With the saw running at full throttle, listen to the engine. If it sounds “four-stroking” (a burbling sound), the mixture is too rich. Slowly turn the H screw in until the four-stroking disappears and the engine runs smoothly. If the engine sounds “lean” (a high-pitched whine), the mixture is too lean. Immediately turn the H screw out to richen the mixture. Running the saw too lean at full throttle can cause serious engine damage.
Fine-tuning: After making these initial adjustments, run the saw under load (cutting wood) and fine-tune the carburetor as needed. You may need to make slight adjustments to the L and H screws to achieve optimal performance.

Data Point: A properly tuned Stihl 056 AV Super can achieve a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 15% compared to a poorly tuned saw. This translates to significant savings over time, especially for woodworkers who use their chainsaws frequently.

Safety Note: Always wear ear protection and eye protection when tuning a chainsaw. Also, be sure to keep your hands and clothing away from the moving chain.

Unique Insight: Pay close attention to the spark plug. The color of the spark plug can tell you a lot about the engine’s condition and the carburetor’s tuning. A light tan or brown spark plug indicates a properly tuned engine. A black, sooty spark plug indicates a rich mixture, while a white or gray spark plug indicates a lean mixture.

Actionable Takeaway: Invest in a good quality tachometer. This will allow you to accurately measure the engine’s RPM and ensure that it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. This is particularly important when adjusting the high-speed (H) screw.

2. Optimizing the Bar and Chain for Woodworking

The bar and chain are the heart of any chainsaw, and choosing the right combination is essential for maximizing performance and safety. For woodworking applications, the standard bar and chain setup that comes with the Stihl 056 AV Super may not always be the best choice.

Understanding Bar and Chain Characteristics:

Bar Length: The length of the bar determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut. For woodworking, a shorter bar (16-20 inches) is often preferable to a longer bar, as it provides better control and maneuverability.
Chain Pitch: The pitch of the chain refers to the distance between the rivets. The Stihl 056 AV Super typically uses a .404″ pitch chain, which is designed for heavy-duty cutting. However, for finer woodworking tasks, a .325″ pitch chain may be a better choice, as it provides a smoother cut and reduces the risk of kickback.
Chain Gauge: The gauge of the chain refers to the thickness of the drive links. The Stihl 056 AV Super typically uses a .063″ gauge chain.
Chain Type: There are several different types of chainsaw chains available, each designed for specific applications. For woodworking, a chisel chain or a semi-chisel chain is generally preferred, as they provide a clean, aggressive cut.

My Personal Experience:

I once tried to use a ripping chain on my 056 AV Super for milling lumber. While the chain cut quickly, it left a very rough surface that required a lot of sanding. I soon realized that a standard chisel chain was a better choice for this application, as it provided a smoother, more accurate cut.

Optimizing for Woodworking:

Here are some tips for optimizing the bar and chain for woodworking:

Consider a Shorter Bar: A shorter bar will make the saw more maneuverable and easier to control, especially when carving or making intricate cuts.
Experiment with Different Chain Types: Try different types of chains to see which one works best for your specific woodworking tasks. A chisel chain is generally a good all-around choice, but a semi-chisel chain may be preferable for hardwoods.
Maintain a Sharp Chain: A sharp chain is essential for efficient and safe cutting. Use a chainsaw file or a chain grinder to keep your chain sharp.
Use a Bar Oil Designed for Woodworking: Some bar oils are specifically formulated for woodworking applications. These oils are often biodegradable and contain additives that help to reduce friction and prevent sap buildup.

Data Point: Studies have shown that using a sharp chain can reduce cutting time by up to 30% and significantly decrease the risk of kickback.

Safety Note: Always wear gloves when handling a chainsaw chain. The sharp teeth can easily cut your skin.

Unique Insight: Consider using a chainsaw mill attachment to turn your Stihl 056 AV Super into a portable sawmill. This will allow you to easily mill lumber from logs, which can be a great way to save money and create custom pieces for your woodworking projects.

Actionable Takeaway: Invest in a good quality chainsaw sharpening kit. This will allow you to keep your chain sharp and in good condition, which will improve your cutting performance and extend the life of your chain.

3. Mastering Felling Cuts and Techniques

While the Stihl 056 AV Super is a capable chainsaw for felling trees, it’s crucial to understand proper felling techniques to ensure safety and efficiency. Incorrect felling techniques can lead to dangerous situations, including tree falls in unexpected directions, kickback, and personal injury.

Understanding Felling Principles:

Tree Assessment: Before felling a tree, carefully assess its condition. Look for signs of decay, leaning, or broken limbs. Also, consider the surrounding terrain and any obstacles that may be in the tree’s path.
Felling Direction: Determine the desired felling direction. This should be based on the tree’s natural lean, the wind direction, and the location of any obstacles.
Escape Route: Plan a clear escape route away from the tree, at a 45-degree angle to the intended felling direction.
The Notch: The notch is a wedge-shaped cut that is made on the side of the tree facing the desired felling direction. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter and should be angled at approximately 45 degrees.
The Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch. The back cut should be slightly higher than the bottom of the notch and should leave a hinge of uncut wood.
The Hinge: The hinge is the uncut wood between the notch and the back cut. The hinge controls the direction of the fall and prevents the tree from kicking back.

My Personal Experience:

I once witnessed a near-disaster when a logger attempted to fell a large tree without properly assessing its lean. The tree unexpectedly fell in the opposite direction from what he had intended, narrowly missing him and his equipment. This experience reinforced the importance of careful planning and execution when felling trees.

Felling Techniques with the Stihl 056 AV Super:

The Conventional Notch: This is the most common type of notch and is suitable for most trees.
The Humboldt Notch: This type of notch is used for trees with a strong lean.
The Open Face Notch: This type of notch is used for trees with a large diameter.

Data Point: Studies have shown that proper felling techniques can reduce the risk of accidents by up to 50%.

Safety Note: Always wear a hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, and chainsaw chaps when felling trees. Also, be sure to have a spotter present to warn you of any potential hazards.

Unique Insight: Consider using felling wedges to help guide the tree’s fall. Felling wedges are inserted into the back cut and hammered in to help push the tree in the desired direction.

Actionable Takeaway: Take a chainsaw safety course. This will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to safely and effectively fell trees.

4. Mastering Milling Lumber for Woodworking

One of the most rewarding uses for a Stihl 056 AV Super in woodworking is milling lumber. Turning a raw log into usable boards can be a deeply satisfying experience, and it allows you to create custom pieces that are impossible to find in stores.

Understanding Milling Principles:

Log Selection: Choose logs that are straight, free of knots, and of sufficient diameter for your desired lumber dimensions.
Milling Attachment: You’ll need a chainsaw mill attachment to guide the saw and ensure that the lumber is cut to the correct thickness. There are several different types of milling attachments available, ranging from simple clamp-on models to more sophisticated frame-based systems.
Cutting Technique: When milling lumber, it’s important to maintain a consistent cutting speed and to avoid forcing the saw. Let the saw do the work, and don’t try to push it too hard.
Drying Lumber: After milling lumber, it’s important to dry it properly to prevent warping and cracking. This can be done by air-drying or kiln-drying.

My Personal Experience:

I once milled a beautiful walnut log into lumber using my 056 AV Super and a chainsaw mill attachment. The lumber had a rich, dark color and a stunning grain pattern. I used the lumber to build a custom dining table, which is now the centerpiece of my dining room.

Milling Lumber with the Stihl 056 AV Super:

Choose the Right Milling Attachment: Select a milling attachment that is compatible with your chainsaw and that is appropriate for the size of the logs you plan to mill.
Prepare the Log: Remove any bark or debris from the log before milling. This will help to prevent damage to the saw chain.
Make the First Cut: The first cut is the most critical, as it will determine the thickness of the first board. Use a level to ensure that the first cut is straight and consistent.
Continue Milling: After making the first cut, continue milling the log, cutting boards to the desired thickness.
Stack and Sticker the Lumber: After milling the lumber, stack it in a well-ventilated area and insert stickers (thin strips of wood) between the boards to allow for air circulation.

Data Point: Milling your own lumber can save you up to 50% compared to purchasing lumber from a lumberyard.

Safety Note: Always wear a hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, and chainsaw chaps when milling lumber. Also, be sure to have a spotter present to help you move the logs and lumber.

Unique Insight: Consider using a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the lumber as it dries. This will help you to determine when the lumber is dry enough to be used for woodworking projects.

Actionable Takeaway: Start with smaller logs and gradually work your way up to larger logs as you gain experience milling lumber.

5. Prioritizing Maintenance and Longevity

The Stihl 056 AV Super is a robust machine, but it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and reduced cutting efficiency.

Understanding Maintenance Principles:

Regular Cleaning: Clean the chainsaw after each use, removing any sawdust, sap, or debris from the engine, bar, and chain.
Air Filter Maintenance: Clean or replace the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, reducing power and fuel efficiency.
Spark Plug Maintenance: Inspect and clean the spark plug regularly. A fouled spark plug can cause difficult starting and poor performance.
Chain Sharpening: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain will require more effort to cut and can increase the risk of kickback.
Bar Lubrication: Ensure that the bar is properly lubricated. A dry bar can cause excessive wear and tear on the chain and bar.
Fuel Mixture: Use the correct fuel mixture. The Stihl 056 AV Super typically requires a 50:1 fuel-to-oil ratio.
Storage: Store the chainsaw properly when not in use. Drain the fuel tank and store the saw in a dry, protected location.

My Personal Experience:

I once neglected to clean the air filter on my 056 AV Super for an extended period of time. The engine started running poorly, and I eventually had to rebuild the carburetor. This experience taught me the importance of regular maintenance.

Maintenance Tips for the Stihl 056 AV Super:

Use High-Quality Bar Oil: Use a high-quality bar oil that is designed for chainsaws. This will help to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear on the bar and chain.
Use Fresh Fuel: Use fresh fuel that is less than 30 days old. Old fuel can become stale and can cause engine problems.
Inspect the Fuel Lines: Inspect the fuel lines regularly for cracks or leaks. Replace any damaged fuel lines immediately.
Grease the Bar Sprocket: Grease the bar sprocket regularly. This will help to prevent wear and tear on the sprocket.
Check the Chain Tension: Check the chain tension regularly. A loose chain can increase the risk of kickback.
Tighten Loose Bolts: Inspect the chainsaw for loose bolts and tighten them as needed.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and repair.

Data Point: Regular maintenance can extend the life of a chainsaw by up to 50%.

Safety Note: Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance on the chainsaw.

Unique Insight: Consider keeping a maintenance log for your Stihl 056 AV Super. This will help you to track when you performed each maintenance task and will make it easier to identify any potential problems.

Actionable Takeaway: Set aside a specific time each month to perform routine maintenance on your chainsaw. This will help to ensure that it is always in good working condition.

The Stihl 056 AV Super is a powerful and versatile chainsaw that can be a valuable asset for any woodworker. By mastering the art of carburetor tuning, optimizing the bar and chain, understanding felling techniques, mastering milling lumber, and prioritizing maintenance, you can unlock the full potential of this legendary machine and create beautiful and functional woodworking projects for years to come. Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the power of the chainsaw. With proper care and attention, your Stihl 056 AV Super will be a loyal companion in your woodworking journey.

Stihl 056 AV Super Chainsaws (5 Pro Tips for Woodworkers)