The Homelite Zip-6 is an 82 cc vintage model from the early ’60s when chainsaws were transitioning from 2-man behemoths to one-man machines.
It was only in 1960 – 1961 in Port Chester, New York, and is a relatively rare model today.
The saw you see pictured throughout this article has been restored by Alex, who lists his saws for sale on eBay.
HOMELITE
CHAIN SAW MODEL ZIP-6
WHEN ORDERING PARTS SPECIFY
SERIAL
No. A12702MIX THOROUGHLY 1/2 PINT
HOMELITE ENGINE OIL OR 3/4
PINT REGULAR SAE 30 OIL WITH
EACH GALLON GAS BEFORE
POURING INTO FUEL TANK.USE CHAMPION J-6J
OR HO-8A SPARK PLUG.
GAP SETTING .025”MAGNETO POINT
SETTING .015”PATENTS APPLIED FOR
HOMELITE
a division of Textron Inc.
PORT CHESTER
N. Y., U.S.A.
ZIP
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Push toggle switch “ON”.
Pull choke lever down (on left side of starter motor).
Depress air throttle trigger to prime carburetor, then clip on throttle trigger.
Pull recoil starter briskly until engine fires.
When engine fires, push choke up. Warm up engine with light throttle.
When engine runs smoothly, release throttle clip.
Don’t choke when engine is hot.
Carburetor needle setting:
High speed – 1 turn open.
Low speed – 1 turn open.OPERATE CHAIN SAW WITH PROPERLY TENSIONED CHAIN AND ADEQUATE BAR LUBRICATION.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL CAREFULLY.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement | ~82 cc (5.64 cu in.) single-cylinder, two-stroke loop-scavenged engine |
| Production years | 1960 – 1961 |
| Powerhead weight | 18 lbs (8.2 kg) dry, without bar/chain |
| Fuel mix (gas:oil) | 16:1 ratio (≈ 8 oz of oil per 1 gal gasoline) – regular fuel with Homelite 2-stroke oil |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 oz (1.33 L) – extra-large tank for long run time |
| Drive type | Direct drive (no gear reduction); centrifugal clutch |
| Chain pitch/type | 7/16″ pitch chain (Oregon 62C type); could also run .404″ chains |
| Bar length range | 12″ to 30″ guide bars (various lengths for different tasks) |
| Chain lubrication | Manual pump oiler (thumb-activated); 13 oz separate oil tank |
| Operator config | One-man saw, rigid handlebar frame (no anti-vibration mounts) |
| Safety features | No chain brake, no vibration isolation – standard for its era |
| Construction | Die-cast magnesium alloy body; Homelite Blue metallic paint finish |
| Notable design | Integrated muffler (exhaust port with screen only); Plastisol-sealed air filter for better dust protection; extremely loud exhaust |
