Thought I could get away without one. Now, I realize one is going to be necessary??? A guy I work for who is an old country boy says to get a Stihl. Is there a good, less expensive alternative? I have also read some on this forum recommending an electric. How do you use an electric out in the woods? Or are these electric chainsaws battery powered? Any recommendations, thoughts, etc will be greatly appreceated. I have found a large soft maple that was just cut in the past couple of days and need to get to it quickly!
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Chainsaw choice
- Thread starter gary7
- Start date
eye of the beholder
brand for chainsaw there are low and high end within each brand
question how big of blanks would you like to turn????????
that will govern which size and if you want low or high end chainsaw
yes gas chainsaw for the woods but it is very nice to have electric to do final shaping in basement no carbon dioide with electric unless you want to spring for that 18" band saw that i have been looking for at autions and flea markets
went to aution this weekend and they had 12" but the bidding was the same as if i were to go to lowes for a brand new one but i did get some plastic shelving and some clamps so it was a worth while trip
:cool2:
brand for chainsaw there are low and high end within each brand
question how big of blanks would you like to turn????????
that will govern which size and if you want low or high end chainsaw
yes gas chainsaw for the woods but it is very nice to have electric to do final shaping in basement no carbon dioide with electric unless you want to spring for that 18" band saw that i have been looking for at autions and flea markets
went to aution this weekend and they had 12" but the bidding was the same as if i were to go to lowes for a brand new one but i did get some plastic shelving and some clamps so it was a worth while trip
:cool2:
You could start out with a cheapie electric chainsaw. You wouldn't want to cut a cord of wood with it, but it would be good for light trimming and making roughouts.
You could also consider a small gas chainsaw. With proper usage you won't get hurt. I would recommend a "getting started" chainsaw class from your local vendor.
This has been discussed before in the forum. Do a search on chainsaw. Stihl, Echo, and Husquavarna are all reputable brands. As a result they are top dollar saws. I was given a Poulan in 2001 and I have over 300 hours on it. It works just fine. With any saw if you keep the chain teeth sharp you will get better cuts. Chainsaw tooth sharpening has also been discussed here. And there is an article on it in the Tips subforum by yours truly here
You could also consider a small gas chainsaw. With proper usage you won't get hurt. I would recommend a "getting started" chainsaw class from your local vendor.
This has been discussed before in the forum. Do a search on chainsaw. Stihl, Echo, and Husquavarna are all reputable brands. As a result they are top dollar saws. I was given a Poulan in 2001 and I have over 300 hours on it. It works just fine. With any saw if you keep the chain teeth sharp you will get better cuts. Chainsaw tooth sharpening has also been discussed here. And there is an article on it in the Tips subforum by yours truly here
DMcIvor
AAW Staff
chainsaw: the never ending saga
You could probably get at least as many opinions as there are chainsaw owners, and if you look back at that previous thread you'll find a pretty good collection. I will offer these two cents, since everyone is entitled to my opinion. 😀
I've owned three saws over the years. A Poulan my grandfather bought ca. 1982, that was actually made by Poulan and ran fine till about 1998 when I then shelved it for a few years and the diaphram dried out in the carbuerator. Replacement parts no longer available; saw went in the trash.
I replaced that Poulan with a "Poulan" from McLowe's. It ran for less than two years and about 4 cords of wood at which point the oiler stopped working. I couldn't find the receipt, "Poulan" refused to honor the warranty, I couldn't repair it, saw went in the trash.
I now own a Stihl. I have been told that Stihl is the only company still making their own saws; everyone else has been bought out. They only sell through authorized independent dealers, and the one here is a real human, personable, and stands behind everything he sells %100. When I bought the saw he entered my name and the saw's serial number into a computer database. If it ever disappears there is a record of ownership, if it breaks under warranty I don't need a receipt. In my opinion the service offered by local stores is worth the extra dollars you pay for the Stihl.
As for the electric, I would use one if someone gave me one, but I think you're better off putting your dollars into a good gas saw.
Don
You could probably get at least as many opinions as there are chainsaw owners, and if you look back at that previous thread you'll find a pretty good collection. I will offer these two cents, since everyone is entitled to my opinion. 😀
I've owned three saws over the years. A Poulan my grandfather bought ca. 1982, that was actually made by Poulan and ran fine till about 1998 when I then shelved it for a few years and the diaphram dried out in the carbuerator. Replacement parts no longer available; saw went in the trash.
I replaced that Poulan with a "Poulan" from McLowe's. It ran for less than two years and about 4 cords of wood at which point the oiler stopped working. I couldn't find the receipt, "Poulan" refused to honor the warranty, I couldn't repair it, saw went in the trash.
I now own a Stihl. I have been told that Stihl is the only company still making their own saws; everyone else has been bought out. They only sell through authorized independent dealers, and the one here is a real human, personable, and stands behind everything he sells %100. When I bought the saw he entered my name and the saw's serial number into a computer database. If it ever disappears there is a record of ownership, if it breaks under warranty I don't need a receipt. In my opinion the service offered by local stores is worth the extra dollars you pay for the Stihl.
As for the electric, I would use one if someone gave me one, but I think you're better off putting your dollars into a good gas saw.
Don
At my hobby level I'd compare very closely a Husqvarna to a Stihl. For quality I have never known a complaint on Stihl. But I have a few friends that swear by their Husqvarna. Again, I don't cut but maybe three mid-sized trees a year.
If there was no more than a 20% difference in the price, I'd go Stihl. I haven't compared them recently so I can't say.
I despise.. no make that DESPISE the Poulan Pro I have. It's a Weed Eater, literally. I cannot stand the plastic that holds it together, I've had several parts snap that I had to make major and innovative repairs to without having to buy another bottom-dweller part to replace it.
If there was no more than a 20% difference in the price, I'd go Stihl. I haven't compared them recently so I can't say.
I despise.. no make that DESPISE the Poulan Pro I have. It's a Weed Eater, literally. I cannot stand the plastic that holds it together, I've had several parts snap that I had to make major and innovative repairs to without having to buy another bottom-dweller part to replace it.
chain saw
I second Don...the Stihl is top of the line. In other words, you buy cheap, you get cheap!!!! I have used Stihl products for years, both professionally and hobby-wise. Yup, I tried the other crap..(oops, garbage!!!) to save a buck, but the bottom line is QUALITY!!!!!! You will never see a Stihl in a landfill!!!!!! And the sales reps are super, local folks who stand by the product!
That is worth a good chunk of money!!!! (Nope, they did not pay me to say this!!)
I second Don...the Stihl is top of the line. In other words, you buy cheap, you get cheap!!!! I have used Stihl products for years, both professionally and hobby-wise. Yup, I tried the other crap..(oops, garbage!!!) to save a buck, but the bottom line is QUALITY!!!!!! You will never see a Stihl in a landfill!!!!!! And the sales reps are super, local folks who stand by the product!
That is worth a good chunk of money!!!! (Nope, they did not pay me to say this!!)
I'll put in another vote for the Stihl. hey're great machines. If they still make the Farm Boss... it's the best bang for the buck in my opinion.
Remember that the bar oil should be filled every tim you put fuel in or when it sets for a while. When I worked at the John Deere dealership, we had a guy who burnt three bars up before asking what he was doing wrong. Turned out he thought bar oil was like motor oil and never needed refilled! He said he was going home to change his bar oil and I said WHAT? After a little chainsaw review... he turned red!
Remember that the bar oil should be filled every tim you put fuel in or when it sets for a while. When I worked at the John Deere dealership, we had a guy who burnt three bars up before asking what he was doing wrong. Turned out he thought bar oil was like motor oil and never needed refilled! He said he was going home to change his bar oil and I said WHAT? After a little chainsaw review... he turned red!
I have been useing chainsaws since about 1966 and I will vouch 110% for the stihl,but if you get the commercial type you will pay,but it is well worth it.Here is what you have to decide DO YOU NEED one that strong.For the average around the house use, you can get an 18" poulin at walMart for around 150.00 bucks.or the husky plus a few others that will serve you well for many years.Just don't buy the around the house type and expect to cut down a forest,it won't last.Here is a little tip on helping them give you many years of service.1st and foremost when you add oil,clean the crap off around the fill spout,ya gotta keep the dirt out or the oiler will glog up and there goes the bar and chain.2nd Don't just through it in the shed when you are done,clean and service it before you put it away and it may last you many years.Sorry about the yappin,but I have seen so many saws get dumped just because folks don't take care of em.Good luck on whatever you get.
Ken
Ken
Buy the Stihl.
Jim
Jim
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- May 16, 2005
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Consider your lathe before you buy the saw. Real good idea to have a couple more inches on the bar than the swing of your lathe, because you'll be cutting pieces along the grain of that size. Lot safer if you don't bury the nose of the bar and a lot easier to throw shavings clear rather than recut them when doing so.
Knowing the bar size will dictate a particular minimum displacement, which, if you look at most manufacturers' lines, will be a smaller difference than jumping to a "better" brand would be.
I heat with wood, so I use mine a lot , and own a Stihl. Other brands may be designed for occasional use, and will demand a bit more from the user in the way of care.
Knowing the bar size will dictate a particular minimum displacement, which, if you look at most manufacturers' lines, will be a smaller difference than jumping to a "better" brand would be.
I heat with wood, so I use mine a lot , and own a Stihl. Other brands may be designed for occasional use, and will demand a bit more from the user in the way of care.
Member
I have gone through at least 6 chain saws in my lifetime. Used to do it for a living. For what a turner does most of the saws will suffice. The main items are keep it clean, add oil everytime you add gas, do not cut into rocks or dirt. If you hit a rock, sharpen the chain and do it properly, easier said than done. A dull chain will ruin a bar.
Presently I own a 12 inch and a 20 inch. They both get a workout.
I have gone through at least 6 chain saws in my lifetime. Used to do it for a living. For what a turner does most of the saws will suffice. The main items are keep it clean, add oil everytime you add gas, do not cut into rocks or dirt. If you hit a rock, sharpen the chain and do it properly, easier said than done. A dull chain will ruin a bar.
Presently I own a 12 inch and a 20 inch. They both get a workout.
I'll jump in here and cast my vote for the Stihl as well. I've got two and they are both the farm boss. I think they still make them and I believe it is the model 029. I also agree with the local dealer being the better way to buy rather than the local "Big Box" store so you can get service. Remember that a chain saw is a fantastic tool BUT it is also VERY DANGEROUS! Do, indeed, get some instruction on their use before using one if this will be a new experience for you. And don't forget the rest of the chain say safety equipment. Price a pair of chaps and determine if your leg is worth that much to you.
3 Cents
For a turner, I'll add three saws to the list here.
The Stihl MS 260 is a very good small-mid size saw at about 11 pounds and 3-1/2hp with a 20" bar. It has excellant balance and very good power to weight numbers. I've had a Stihl 023 for 16 years and it cuts as well now as ever. The homeowner line of Stihl saws are using a wind-up spring as an easy starter. I rather think I'd give them some time in the consumer field before buying one. I had a similar starter on a lawnmower and it was great at first, but nothing but trouble later.
In that same weight class is the Husquevarna 346XP. This Husky, however, runs at 15,000 rpm! Very fast and a great saw with 20" HT bar at around $420.
Good alternative is the Husky 455 Rancher which is a 13K saw at about $320 with a 20" bar that will get you slicing n' dicing on the economy side of things.
Mark
For a turner, I'll add three saws to the list here.
The Stihl MS 260 is a very good small-mid size saw at about 11 pounds and 3-1/2hp with a 20" bar. It has excellant balance and very good power to weight numbers. I've had a Stihl 023 for 16 years and it cuts as well now as ever. The homeowner line of Stihl saws are using a wind-up spring as an easy starter. I rather think I'd give them some time in the consumer field before buying one. I had a similar starter on a lawnmower and it was great at first, but nothing but trouble later.
In that same weight class is the Husquevarna 346XP. This Husky, however, runs at 15,000 rpm! Very fast and a great saw with 20" HT bar at around $420.
Good alternative is the Husky 455 Rancher which is a 13K saw at about $320 with a 20" bar that will get you slicing n' dicing on the economy side of things.
Mark
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Get the Stihl. For us weekend warriors slabbing out bowl & platter blanks bigger saw makes it easier. So my advice is if you have a 16 inch swing lathe you need a 20" bar on your saw. I have an 18" saw and I wish it was just a bit bigger.
Frank
Frank
Husque fan here.
Got nothing bad to say about Stihl. Great saw. Just happens that the local hardware heaven down the street is a Husque dealer. I'd compare them favorably to the Stihl and, by my experience, they're not alot cheaper, if at all. Been abusing the heck out of mine for 3-4 years now and it still runs sweet. 16" bar and I've cut 30" logs with it. You'll often see me bar deep into a huge log cutting out a plug (with great care, of course).
As long as you stick with a solid brand like Stihl or Husquevarna, you'll be happy and will get your money's worth.
Start with a 16" and get a monster later on. The huge ones (24-36" bar capability) are just too much to handle for every day cutting (tired=dangerous) and the 14" is just not enough for milling logs.
Dietrich
Got nothing bad to say about Stihl. Great saw. Just happens that the local hardware heaven down the street is a Husque dealer. I'd compare them favorably to the Stihl and, by my experience, they're not alot cheaper, if at all. Been abusing the heck out of mine for 3-4 years now and it still runs sweet. 16" bar and I've cut 30" logs with it. You'll often see me bar deep into a huge log cutting out a plug (with great care, of course).
As long as you stick with a solid brand like Stihl or Husquevarna, you'll be happy and will get your money's worth.
Start with a 16" and get a monster later on. The huge ones (24-36" bar capability) are just too much to handle for every day cutting (tired=dangerous) and the 14" is just not enough for milling logs.
Dietrich
I have a Husky 61, with a 20" bar that I have had for over 20 years. Love it. I use it to cut firewood and turning wood. I also have a Stihl 51 with a 42" bar that I bought used. Another good saw - just too big to use most of the time. I would vote for either a Husky or a Stihl. I would also get a 20" - 24" bar and a large enough motor to make cutting easy. But it will cost you $300 - $400, but well worth it. Get a couple of new chains to go with it also. Learn how to sharpen it also. You get what you pay for.
Hugh
Hugh
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- May 11, 2005
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I have a Husky 350 (18" bar)and love it but as Frank mentioned a 20" bar would be perfect. I think the 455 is the best bang for the buck right now. Baileys online has great prices on them as well. I bought mine from Lowes since I had credits there.
Husky vs Stihl
I bought a Stihl 290 and upgraded to a 20" bar for $10. It was cheaper than the Husky but I think they are both good machines. You will find guys out there that swear by either one, so like most things it just a personal choice when you get to the top end. I have a Husky weedeater and love it.
On the Poulan side they used to be good saws but now are junk. I have a small 14 inch and I call it the one tank wonder. It will run fine until you have to add gas then it won't restart. For my money it between Stihl and Huskyvarna and you can't go wrong with either. Kind of like a choice between a Oneway and Stubby lathe.
Vernon
I bought a Stihl 290 and upgraded to a 20" bar for $10. It was cheaper than the Husky but I think they are both good machines. You will find guys out there that swear by either one, so like most things it just a personal choice when you get to the top end. I have a Husky weedeater and love it.
On the Poulan side they used to be good saws but now are junk. I have a small 14 inch and I call it the one tank wonder. It will run fine until you have to add gas then it won't restart. For my money it between Stihl and Huskyvarna and you can't go wrong with either. Kind of like a choice between a Oneway and Stubby lathe.
Vernon
Maybe I must have gotten lucky with my Poulan. It runs like a champ and starts on 2 pulls. I take good care of it including frequent air filter cleaning, chain maintenance, and general cleaning. Besides that I try not to abuse it but it has cut a heck of a lot of wood for me so far. Whenever I show up at a site to meet my tree trimmer buddy he gives me heck about it. But he hasn't spoken up much lately since that saw keeps up with his Echo!
I use a Solo made in Germany. 20" bar. 3.5 engine. Around $400.00. Got it from a local dealer. Works just fine. Popluar Mechanics liked it when they did a test in 2004. The Stihl came out best. Showing the link for their test. GT
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/gardening/1273816.html
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/gardening/1273816.html
I didn't see an EFCO listed as one of the test saws. I know nothing about chainsaws so asked the guy who does our tree work and he recommended the EFCO. It is made in Italy. Used to be called OLYMPIAN but had to change the name for some reason? Good saw but costs more than the one everyone likes. I have it now and I like it and I am sticking to it.
Ron
Ron
Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
The Stihl, like a quality lathe, is a high quality saw. However, unless you have a friend in the saw retail business, Stihls go for close to list price. If you need a saw that will work well with a 16" bar, there are plenty of saws in this "occasional use" column. Poulan, Stihl, Echo, lots of brands. Some almost disposable, but if it's $150, where the Stihl would be $300, would it be worth it to get the lower cost and upgrade if you get more serious?gary7 said:
Bigger saws have plenty of power, but can be very heavy for regular use and a dangerous handful.
You don't talk about the size of the log, but I would say that Husky, which is available at plenty of retailers and online at reduced prices are a great non-professional saw. Those that aren't used by loggers. (I am sure some loggers use them though)
I have a Stihl 039 which comfortably runs a 20" bar and a 30" with a sharp chain. But it works much better with the 20" bar. While you would think that the 20" bar would get you through a 40" log, it really gets you through 20" logs better. It works in a pinch on bigger, but it takes considerably more work. That saw now adays goes for about $500.
Electric saws only work well were there is electricity, and they don't have anywhere as much power or speed though wood as a comparable gas saw. But you don't want to run a gas saw in the shop, or at night when the neighbors would get, um, upset.
Steve Worcester said:
I've noticed a similar issue with gas saws - they work much better when there's gas in the tank. 😀 😀 😀
M
mkart
Guest
I own a Stihl 026pro and am picking up an 041 this weekend from my uncle. The 041 is 20 years old and runs like a champ. Whatever you buy I recommend buying the best, not biggest, you can if you goal is to cut blanks for the lathe. I cut 90% of my own blanks from trees over 16" in diameter. The 026pro will run a 20" bar fine but runs a 16" a whole lot better. What about Jonsered chainsaws. I have a friend who owns a woodmizer and does custom sawing. He owns 5 of these and they are screamers. These saws are very powerful and stand up to the abuse we put them through. I want the 041 for sawing logs over 20" in diameter.
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My $0.02
It's only 2c, so take it for what it's worth 🙂 Here's my experience with chainsaws:
I started out with a 16" Craftsman 3.5hp electric saw. I've been very impressed with this little guy's ability to chew through logs up to 20". That's not really what it's designed for, though (I burned out the motor on that 20 incher). It's perfect for logs up to about 12", and indispensible for trimming blanks in the workshop. I screw the faceplate onto the rough blank, chuck the faceplate in a vise, and go at it with the chainsaw to round it and knock of excess.
Then I went out and bought one of these:
52cc, 18" bar Husqy. Since I'm looking at making blanks in the 16" range, I needed more saw than the Craftsman, and this baby fit the bill. This thing is amazing. The vibration isolating handle is incredible. It's actually more comfortable to use than the electric. I've crosscut and ripped logs up to 20" with this bad boy, and it was asking me for more.
Yes, it was expensive. I paid around $350 at Lowes. The equivalent sized Poulan Pro was about $180. However, the Husqy has some neat features the Poulan didn't (like a compression let-off valve for easy starting), and was much more highly reviewed. I also had a $100 gift card 🙂
-Joe
It's only 2c, so take it for what it's worth 🙂 Here's my experience with chainsaws:
I started out with a 16" Craftsman 3.5hp electric saw. I've been very impressed with this little guy's ability to chew through logs up to 20". That's not really what it's designed for, though (I burned out the motor on that 20 incher). It's perfect for logs up to about 12", and indispensible for trimming blanks in the workshop. I screw the faceplate onto the rough blank, chuck the faceplate in a vise, and go at it with the chainsaw to round it and knock of excess.
Then I went out and bought one of these:
52cc, 18" bar Husqy. Since I'm looking at making blanks in the 16" range, I needed more saw than the Craftsman, and this baby fit the bill. This thing is amazing. The vibration isolating handle is incredible. It's actually more comfortable to use than the electric. I've crosscut and ripped logs up to 20" with this bad boy, and it was asking me for more.
Yes, it was expensive. I paid around $350 at Lowes. The equivalent sized Poulan Pro was about $180. However, the Husqy has some neat features the Poulan didn't (like a compression let-off valve for easy starting), and was much more highly reviewed. I also had a $100 gift card 🙂
-Joe