The Teles SLCS, short for Super-Lightweight Chain Saw, was a British one or two-man saw manufactured by Teles Smith Limited during the 1950s. “Super-lightweight” was relative, as the saw weighs about 68 pounds with a 24-inch bar and chain.
The machine pictured here is the later SLCS configuration powered by a 147cc Villiers Mk25C two-stroke engine. Its long swivelling guide bar, tailstock helper handle and upright engine show how manufacturers were attempting to turn traditional two-man equipment into something one operator could manage.
Teles SLCS Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Teles Smith Limited |
| Manufacturing location | London, England |
| Model | SLCS |
| Full model name | Super-Lightweight Chain Saw |
| Era | 1950s |
| Operator configuration | One or two operators |
| Engine | Villiers Mk25C two-stroke |
| Displacement | 147cc (9.0 cu. in.) |
| Cylinder configuration | Single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Bore | 55mm (2.165 in.) |
| Stroke | 62mm (2.441 in.) |
| Advertised power | 4 bhp |
| Carburetor | Villiers Junior float type |
| Ignition | Villiers flywheel magneto |
| Breaker-point gap | 0.012–0.016 in. |
| Ignition timing | 5/32 in. before TDC |
| Starter | Manual rope starter |
| Engine lubrication | Petrol-oil premix |
| Original fuel mixture | 16:1 |
| Clutch | Handlebar-controlled multi-disc type |
| Drive system | Bevel-gear transmission |
| Chain-oiling system | Gravity feed from tailstock |
| Chain pitch | 9/16 in. |
| Original chain type | Three-link scratcher chain |
| Maximum cutting length | 24 in. (61cm) |
| Guide-bar adjustment | Single-lever swivel system |
| Published weight | Approx. 68 lb (30.8 kg) |
| Construction | Sand-cast aluminum |
| Handle system | Rigid frame and helper handle |
| Anti-vibration system | None |
| Chain brake | None |
| Original color | Green enamel |
Were there 98cc and 148cc SLCS versions?
Surviving records indicate that the SLCS existed with at least two different Villiers engine specifications. However, there is not enough factory documentation available to establish a definite changeover date or a formal “Mark I” and “Mark II” designation.
The Chain Saw Collectors Corner model profile describes a 98cc SLCS, while a collector-documented 1956 SLCS is fitted with a 147cc Villiers Mk25C. The latter is frequently rounded to 148cc, although its 55 x 62mm bore and stroke produce approximately 147.3cc.
| Specification | 98cc SLCS record | 147cc SLCS record |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 98cc / approximately 6.0 cu. in. | 147cc / approximately 9.0 cu. in. |
| Commonly quoted as | 98cc | 147cc or 148cc |
| Bore × stroke | 47 × 57mm | 55 × 62mm |
| Engine | Villiers two-stroke; model not stated | Villiers Mk25C |
| Advertised output | 4 bhp | Not separately verified |
| Documented date | Model introduced around 1950 | 1956 surviving example |
| Published weight | About 68 lb with 24-inch bar | Not reliably documented |
| Operation | Two-man; usable by one operator | Same basic SLCS arrangement |
The safest conclusion is that the SLCS is recorded with both 98cc and 147cc Villiers engines. These may represent a production change, different market specifications or replacement engines fitted during the saws’ working lives. Until a period parts book or serial-number list is found, it’s unknown whether there’s a definite chronological split.
Interesting Teles SLCS Features
- The multi-disc clutch allowed the engine to idle without driving the chain.
- The guide bar could be swiveled for felling or crosscutting using a single control lever.
- The helper handle allowed a second operator to control the far end of the bar.
- The drive used a bevel-gear transmission rather than the direct sprocket arrangement found on most modern chainsaws.
- The 98cc specification lists 9/16-inch-pitch, three-link scratcher chain and a 20:1 fuel mixture.
- A 1951 Australian advertisement offered the Teles “super lightweight” with a two-foot cutting capacity.
- Period advertising claimed that the saw could crosscut a 24-inch elm log in 60 seconds.
TELES SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT petrol chain saw
SPECIFICATION. Engine: Powerful Villiers 2-stroke, developing 4 b.h.p.; Petroil lubrication. Clutch: Multi-disc type; permits idling; handlebar controls. Chain: Consists of exceptionally fast cutting teeth which can be sharpened with an ordinary mill-saw file. Capacity: Maximum cutting length 24″. Guide Bar: Easily and quickly swivelled to any cutting angle by a single lever—no lock-nut adjustment necessary.
A super-light machine for cutting medium-size timber. Light enough for one man to handle yet will cross-cut a 24″ elm in 60 seconds.
TELES ONE-MAN petrol chain saw
Its well-balanced construction, extreme lightness, new ‘double-link’ chain and powerful Villiers engine make this by far the most efficient timber cutting unit in its class.
SPECIFICATION
Engine: Powerful new Villiers 2-stroke, developing 4½ b.h.p. Foolproof carburettor swivels for felling or undercutting.
Clutch: Specially designed, of large diameter, non-slipping and positively trouble-free. Both clutch and throttle levers are conveniently placed for finger-tip control.
Chain Guide: One piece; open-ended so that saw can be used for cutting timber up to twice the machine’s standard cutting length.
Saw Chain: New type ‘double-link,’ made of tough alloy steel. Special chains can be supplied for exceptionally hard tropical timber.
Available in two cutting lengths: 18″ and 30″.
