Apologies for reviving an old thread. I have the same saw as the OP (a vintage 028 AV Wood Boss on 18" bar, 'Made in West Germany', so pre '89 I'd assume). The brake band snapped at the weekend, and even Platts Harris have drawn a blank, as has eBay. From what I can gather, no other brake band is compatible. I don't want to ditch an otherwise good old workhorse (mine is mid-80s!), but don't want to run it without a brake.
I'm a hobbyist woodturner, so don't need to use my saw everyday - maybe a few hours a week. So I've been happy with an reliable old saw, which I service myself, and don't need to worry about weight and fuel efficiency as an arborist might.
If no other ideas on getting a brake band, what are people's thoughts on a few saws I've seen second hand (with very limited budget of under a few hundred quid, although an 038 would be less than that): an 038 AV Super, or an MS440. If I need another saw, I'd opt for a bit more power and a 20" bar. Am I barking up the wrong tree? I have arborist friends who praise the West German 028, so I'm not against an old saw out of principle.
Thank you in advance for any advice
Rare
