The Disston DO-100 and DO-101 chainsaws were both manufactured by Disston in collaboration with Mercury during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Both models featured a 5.5 cubic inch (90cc) single-cylinder engine, producing 3.5 horsepower, and were designed for one-man operation. They utilized a gear reduction drive and were constructed from die-cast aluminum.
Thanks to Edward Knapp for sharing the pictures of his Disston Chainsaws.
Disston DO-100
Disston DO-100 specs:
- Produced: 1948 – 1949
- Displacement: 5.5 cu in / 90 cc
- Power: 3.5 hp / 2.6 kW
- Bore: 2.00″ / 50.8 mm
- Stroke: 1.75″ / 44.5 mm
- Drive: gear reduction
And this is Steve Lambert running the DO-100. This gives a better picture of the saw’s size!
Disston DO-101
Disston DO-101 specs:
- Produced: 1950 – 1951
- Displacement: 5.5 cu in / 90 cc
- Power: 3.5 hp / 2.6 kW
- Bore: 2.00″ / 50.8 mm
- Stroke: 1.75″ / 44.5 mm
- Drive: gear reduction
Both models were known for their complex designs and have been considered challenging to maintain and operate. The intricate engineering of these saws contributed to operational difficulties, leading to their limited production runs.
Here’s the DO-101 running.
Disston straddle chain
You will notice the unusual chain on the DO 100 and 101.
In the Vintage Chainsaw Collectors Corner group, Steve Lambert shared the following guide on sharpening and repairing the chains.
The chain used on the Disston DO-100 and DO-101 was known as a Straddle Chain.
This type of chain was unique because it featured a cutter arrangement where the teeth “straddled” the drive links, rather than being positioned traditionally like modern chainsaw chains.
- Design: The cutting teeth were placed on both sides of the chain and extended around the drive links, effectively straddling them.
- Cutting Efficiency: This design allowed for a more aggressive cutting action, making it effective for heavy-duty logging applications.
- Compatibility: The Straddle Chain was specifically designed for the Disston and Mercury saws of that era, meaning it wasn’t interchangeable with standard chains without modification.
- Rarity: Since Disston chainsaws had a relatively short production run and used a non-standard chain system, finding replacement Straddle Chains today is quite difficult.
This chain design was quite different from modern chainsaw chains, which use a more uniform arrangement of cutters and drive links. The Straddle Chain was eventually phased out in favor of more standardized chain types that were easier to manufacture and maintain.
In the same thread, Steve shared this image of the kind of chips/sawdust the chain produces.
These saws were also designed to be used as two-man saws with longer bars.
Lastly, here’s an old, vintage chainsaw ad for the Disston DA-211 and DO-101.
It was selling for $249.75 and had the description:
Disston DO 101- is the all-purpose, one man or two-man saw, no vibration, perfect balance, all-position cutting. Easy to handle.
Rail lengths, straight or bow, 15″ to 40″ with either straddle, chisel, hooded, or fast cut chains.
A couple of great vintage chainsaws!
