This video describes most of my ebay and auction finds.

One thing that learned with big projects like fully restoring classic trucks is take it one step at a time. I understand the loosing money part but I would just start with getting that case hole fixed first and see how that goes. If that goes well then focus on your next hardest step. Maybe do it as a slow project and you can maybe find some cheeper used parts in good shape along the way.

You must of wanted that bad Richard !!

Really can't advise you because you know better then anyone here what its going to take.   Personally I would cut my loses and part it out.  It would make an interesting series to repair it especially the welding and machining  the case repair.  I don't know how much your getting from these videos but the information your giving is worth gold.  Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.

Been there done that too Rich! Looked good then when I got the item home then I was like wtf was I thinking?! 😂

"it seemed like a good idea at the time''  is the famous last words and thinking behind most well intentioned projects until your fully into them then realize the rabbit hole you've gone down lol! I feel your conflicted pain I've done the same and probably will again, many of us have.

Yup agree with poster that said to fix the case first. would be a shame to not put such a complete and historical saw back together though.

You did good Rich👍🏻 that carb, muffler and crank alone are worth what you paid. They’re getting impossible to find!

I look for deals like that on saws that we need and can end up saving a lot of money.  For you, I think the best thing money wise is to sell it for what you have in it after you get the case fixed.

With the broken case it looks like parting it out is best. Just my opinion.

I sure hate to see a good old saw parked, but I understand it's about that bottom line. Thank you Sir.

That’s a tough one…the case repair needs doing first so a little extra time to decide. That’s assuming you would sell the case repaired.

Marriage with small engines is the YouTube channel

Time to start a "Save the 088 Fund".

I did exactly what you do now but also cut a lot. Me personally I would clean it and make a runner then put it on an Alaskan mill for a bit. Get some bonus board foot from her then advertise it for a price that's cheaper than what's out there but reflects the condition. Get some saw chips flung for free and make a profit. These are a little more stout than the new 880.

Whew!  I think someone has done gotten all the good out of that saw.  But hey, give Stihl another few months for some additional price increases and you can bump up the asking price on a rebuild! 🤣

I'd suggest getting another parts saw and making one out of two, perhaps Erika has a better case. If you can get it looking decent, do some port work, def need a better flywheel if you want to ask good money for it. Best regards.

You did alright if you can get that to 100% working order for $1000. I'm sure you factored into the equation that You'll be the one working on it. Cheapest 880 I've ever seen was 900 and it was a tremendously beat up Saw (that honestly probably needed work too, you know how purchasing a used saw goes)

Plus it'll create content for your YouTube channel. You won't lose on it

This really helps me and cost me nothing.  Thanks.

Richard, consider doing a raffle?? That's one way to make money.. The way prices are on saws I can see it only going up. If you can afford it just repair it and sit on it you will find a buyer. You definitely have good content, I'm sure somebody will hit you up for it. Take care, keep up the good work.
Jon & Kim
Michigan