Update on the 346XP

     Well, here it is – the dead of winter – and I’m finally getting around to updating about my experience this past year with the 346XP E-Tech that we bought last spring. I wonder if it even matters at this point as they are replacing the saw altogether with the 550XP. The 550XP is auto-tuned. This is probably the way Husqvarna will go with all of their saws eventually, well, at least the smaller ones.     
     When we first got this saw, I cussed it. I was to the point of taking it back. I never had a problem with the saw starting. It always started easily and always ran. I did have a problem with it having any power and with it running very hot. I’ve never adjusted anything, but I suppose through just being “broke in,” it has been running much better and its power has gotten much better. I also had a terrible problem with oiling the bar. I smoked the bar on this thing even though it was at its highest setting. This saw only has three oil settings on it. I took the oiler completely apart and blew everything out. I drained the oil compartment and cleaned it completely out. After I put it back together, it started oiling sufficiently. I don’t know if a piece of sawdust got in there right off the bat, or if there was a piece of dirt, or whatnot in there? Whatever the case may be, it’s oiling well now. I will say this though. I have noticed with this saw that sawdust likes to collect around the oil cap more so than other saws I have. I carry a brush and brush the cap clean every time now before opening it up to add more bar oil. I haven’t had a problem since. I’ve never had a problem with my 372. The cap stays clean on that saw.  

     I run a 20” stock bar on this 346. I run Stihl RS .325 chain on this saw. This is the first saw I’ve run with .325 chain. I love Stihl saw chain. It takes tremendous abuse and keeps cutting. It stays sharp longer than any other chain I’ve run. This is absolutely amazing chain to run on this saw. It cuts very well. This little 346XP with the Stihl RS chain cuts hickory, oak, and elm like nobody’s business. The 20” bar seems just about right. We never “bury” the bar in hardwood with this saw. We don’t cut anything much larger than ¾ of the bar length. In other words, ¼ of the bar is always sticking out of the cut. If we need to “bury” a bar, we use the 372XP with the 24” bar. This 346XP is just the handiest saw for smaller stuff. We use it in the tree tops a lot and for smaller diameter trees. It complements the 372XP wonderfully. With those two saws, cutting wood is quite enjoyable. Now I could use a 395XP for the REALLY big stuff! That day will come!     
     I’m sold on these Husqvarna XP saws. I run the Husqvarna XP 2-cycle oil in them. I take good care of them and so far, they haven’t let me down. With their Stihl chains, they are some pretty amazing cutting machines. I grew up with old Homelite saws, and while I like those old Homelites, the difference is night and day. Cutting wood with those old Homelites was work. These Huskies make it fun! I’m glad this 346XP finally woke up. I’m glad I got it to where it works for me and isn’t making me want to use it as a boat anchor. My original complaints about this saw still stand. However, it is a very good saw, one that I’m glad that I own now.