Chainsaws - advice please

Snap · May 2017

No, I haven't gone all Ash....

I want a petrol chainsaw, that will be used mainly for cutting up logs, and pruning trees. I know naff all about them, so appreciate any advice given.

Sambostar - I bet he knows about this stuff, but probably uses them as weapons, one in each hand.....;)

cheers

J

Budgie · May 2017

I have a Stihl chainsaw and it's great for the above. I mainly used mine for cutting sleepers and the occasional small tree. I think it's the ms181 either with a 14" or 16" bar (I think both fit the body). You can't go wrong with Stihl or Husqvarna.

Garthy · May 2017

I've got a two stroke one with a 14" bar, and apart from being high maintenance and a pain in the arse to start from cold, it absolutely terrifies me. I prefer to use an electric one although the cord is a concern. If I was buying for domestic use again I'd get a Li-On battery version.

Sporky · May 2017

My general opinion on chainsaws is that someone else should be operating them, and I should be many, many times the length of the blade away from them.

fftc · May 2017

What's wrong with a bow saw?

Any garden machinery powered by Tea and Cake is infinitely superior to that powered by dead dinosaurs!

underdog · May 2017

How often are you going to be using it? I ask as electric ones are cheaper, decent and less maintenance, obviously depending on the use.

Dominic · May 2017

Sporky said:

My general opinion on chainsaws is that someone else should be operating them, and I should be many, many times the length of the blade away from them.

That is so true ……..if you'd seen something I saw 20 years ago you wouldn't even walk past somebody using one
Terrible mess if the chain comes off !

Dominic · May 2017

Snap sai

Sambostar - I bet he knows about this stuff, but probably uses them as weapons, one in each hand.....;)

cheers

J

He can probably juggle them like cirque de soleil
Either that or he has a leather mask somewhere hidden in the truck

HAL9000 · May 2017

Sporky said:

My general opinion on chainsaws is that someone else should be operating them, and I should be many, many times the length of the blade away from them.

+1. I've read of some truly scary chainsaw accidents. As someone whose hobby is playing a guitar and thus very much values his fingers (as well as all his other bits and bobs) I agree with @Sporky that they are best operated by someone else.

FX_Munkee · May 2017

Sporky said:

My general opinion on chainsaws is that someone else should be operating them, and I should be many, many times the length of the blade away from them.

I've been properly trained to use a chainsaw and have done so on several occasions and I completely agree with you.

Sambostar · May 2017

Swear by Stihl. MS260 with a 15" bar is the standard for cross cutting, small felling and general stuff and will cut twice the bar length obviously. Get the one without the quick release on the chain tensioner bar attachment, although I got one that does have it and it hasn't broken yet.

Also have an old MS025 which is basically an older MS250, that's a good workhorse too.

I like Stihl because the parts like carbs etc are readily available as are generic piston and pots. If you get a used one that doesn't have crank case or crank seal issues it will last a long time. I'd avoid the cheaper Stihl's like the MS170 and cheaper Husqvarnas though.

Also loads of fake saws about, fairly obviously fake and the newest Stihl versions are MS 251 and MS 261.

Depends what you want it for, an old MS025 that still works good would do you.

Oh and always wear face protection and a helmet and don't cut with your body over the line of the blade, when you experience a bit of kick back at full revs you'll know why, but I think they're generally safer than circular saws.

Roland · May 2017

A lot of guitarists are scared by the idea of losing fingers, or worse. However some of us need to use chainsaws.

Personally I'd go for one of the bigger names for ease of use and reliability. 14" is big enough for pruning and firewood, and will tackle trunks with a larger diameter. The longer saws are harder use because of the weight. Personally I prefer petrol to electric. You don't have to worry about cutting the cable, trapping it under cut logs, or tripping over it. You can also use a petrol saw at the other end of the garden, or anywhere else where there isn't any electricity.

FWIW mines a 14" Stihl.

Sporky · May 2017

To expand, I am somewhat risk-averse. If you're using a chainsaw every week then you have some opportunity to get good at it. If you use one a few times a year then it seems far more sensible to pay someone who uses one every week.

Even the groundworks people I use don't like chainsaws - they subby chainsaw work out to a tree surgeon. He clearly knows what he's doing with it, dresses like he's in The Hurt Locker and acts like he's using an underfed tiger full of explosives. I trust him with a chainsaw.

Sambostar · May 2017

Rubbish

equalsql · May 2017

Make sure you get and use all the safety gear as when something goes wrong it tends to be quick and severe!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OREGON-Chainsaw-Clothing-Universal-Leggings/dp/B0151S4948/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495213072&sr=8-3&keywords=chainsaw+chaps

Snap · May 2017

Cheers fellas, good advice all round. Maybe I'll get a junior hacksaw.....;)

kaypeejay · May 2017

I recommend protecting the whole area with plastic sheeting. Wear a complete body suit, like the ones used at crime scenes, then tape your rubber gloves to the suit so nothing can get in. Always wear the hood up an keep it tight around your goggles. Dispose of the chainsaw after use somewhere inaccessible like an old filled in pit or deep shaft full of water and make sure the route has no cctv coverage.

I'm sorry, I can't help you with make and model I'm afraid.

RobDavies · May 2017

I've been using an electric B&Q effort in the garden for a couple of years but the chain blunts really quickly.

Literally, a few passes of some 5" branches and it's back to the shed to be sharpened again - I'm led to believe that the chain is a decent one (Oregon).... any ideas?

Garthy · May 2017

RobDavies said:

I've been using an electric B&Q effort in the garden for a couple of years but the chain blunts really quickly.

Literally, a few passes of some 5" branches and it's back to the shed to be sharpened again - I'm led to believe that the chain is a decent one (Oregon).... any ideas?

Chain tension?

57Deluxe · May 2017

all you need is a cross-cut like Glenn's from Life Below Zero - he takes trees down with it!

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/life-below-zero/videos/deleted-scene-glenns-new-timber-saw/

Stevepage · May 2017

If you've got the money, then go with what Sambostar said. Stihl saws are so much easier to work on when servicing and parts are so easy to get.

However if you don't have the cash or don't want second hand, I'd also recommend Echo. Father in law bought one new and I used it to reduce a mixed hedge (laurel, hawthorn, holly etc). Seems to be a decent quality saw, maybe not as rugged as a Stihl but for the price, it'll last for what you want it for.

And do make sure the tension on the chain is just right. I've seen too many people using chainsaws with the chain nearly dangling.

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Become a Subscriber!

Chainsaws - advice please

Comments