Can anyone offer some knowledge on chainsaws? I was thinking about doing my own logging for this winter even though my window is closing fast. But what's a good chainsaw and what should I look for? I plan to split the wood with an axe. Just using the saw to cut into stumps. I'm obviously looking at gas saws. Please school away.
I own three husqvarna saws.
Two are great but the small one, not so much.
Stihl is another solid brand.
I've been cutting wood at my cabin my whole life. Two saws - 1 remington and 1 husqvarna.
I'm sure even the weekend warrior brands of saws would work just fine for you as well. My one comment is that low end saws can be hard to adjust at altitude. they may work great down here but suck in the mountains. Just be wary of that problem. Carry spare chain with you as well. A quick swap saves a ton of time over cutting with a dull chain.
You're too late for this year. It will never dry properly and burn smokey.
That said...
I have an small Echo and a larger Husqvarna. The echo has an 18" bar and is one heck of a machine. I use it 90% of the time because it is small and lightweight. I cut some good sized wood (30"+) before I bought the big saw. It's cold blooded (meaning you have to really let it warm up) and a bit light on power so I clean it regularly or it gets gummed up. I'm not a big fan of the oiler. I can't remember what it's called but it runs all the time at about the same flow. Tends to make a mess when you set it down while it's running (when you're moving logs). It has a low profile chain so you really have to watch the tension or it will jump off the bar. It's not a big deal...it's something you should watch anyway but if it does jump it typically ruins the chain.
The Husqvarna is a solid saw it just gets really heavy. It has a 24" bar and is a very solid machine. It's pretty much your standard chain saw. Cuts like crazy, sucks fuel, get the job done.
How much do you want to spend? The cheapest you're going to get out of a stihl/husqvarna/echo is in the $300-$400 range. BUT, you can get a weekend warrior saw for $100-$200 that will treat you fine. I have a friend that runs a Poulon and it's a decent, cheap machine.
I cut/burn 3-4 cords a year and heat the house entirely with wood. If you're interested I'll let you know when I go next year. You're welcome to come along. I'm always looking for help. Never hurts to have some extra muscle along. We could easily get two trucks loaded. I shoot to be done cutting in the early spring and split/stacked but early summer.
I love chainsaw talk. 😀
Also...I agree with Brad on a few things.
In the smaller (18" or less) saws I've heard the Husqvarnas aren't great. For the best quality I've heard go Stihl or Echo for the smaller saws.
I also carry a spare chain for both saws and the jig/files to sharpen both saws.
Originally I was looking at under $200. But I'm sure you get what you pay for. I was looking at an 18" craftsman. I'll see of I can find a link for it.
That would be fun to go you with Bender. I honestly have no experience in cutting wood or chopping it but I'd love to learn.
Is this your buddies machine- http://www.lowes.com/pd_182191-86886-PP ... facetInfo=
"finder_87" wrote: Is this your buddies machine- http://www.lowes.com/pd_182191-86886-PP ... facetInfo=
I think he has this one. Looks like about the same thing. Maybe the one you posted replaced it?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_98738-283-P4018 ... ain%20saws
I also sort of have an electric Craftsman saw. I long term loaned it to a friend. It cut well, the electric part just really wasn't too useful where I'm at. I used it occasionally to cut smaller stuff down to size when I got tired of the noise or the vibration of a gas saw.
Greg just dont cut your leg off.
Look at the husky 435 for 199 at amazon. 16 inch bar and its a husky.
I've owned a Craftsman and an Echo. In my experience the Echo is more reliable. Just one man's opinion.
"lj4x4" wrote: Greg just dont cut your leg off.
Best advice in the thread. 😁
"lj4x4" wrote: Greg just dont cut your leg off.
Don't worry, I've got a spare.
This brings up another question. What safety gear do you wear? Obviously where pants, boots, gloves and eye protection, but what else do I need to think about getting?
I'd buy a Red, Homelite Xl chainsaw
It comes HIGHLY recommended . . .
Purchase at your local S-Mart. . . Shop smart, shop S-Mart
I wear shorts and boots when using my saw. Not as snazzy as some S-Mart shoppers, but they get the job done.
I also wear hearing and eye protection.
Brad, your boots don't fill up with wood chips?
Sometimes, but I just clean them out...
I wear long pants, boots, ear protection, eye protection, and gloves. I've debated getting some chaps but I just haven't gotten there. I do usually go with an unbuttoned long sleeve shirt so I can show off my abs like Ash. 😀
"Bender" wrote: I wear long pants, boots, ear protection, eye protection, and gloves. I've debated getting some chaps but I just haven't gotten there. I do usually go with an unbuttoned long sleeve shirt so I can show off my abs like Ash. 😀
You Rock!
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Attached files 
Ryobi 18" chainsaw. $99..
http://home.woot.com/
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