OT: I need a chain saw

[temery]

I have several trees down from a tornado, microburst, and the October storm. Time to clean up the mess.

Any suggestions?

 

[Fishy]

Get an electric one.

Less maintenance, more than adequate to handle that sort of thing. And if you manage to avoid a storm knocking down all your trees for a few years, you won't have to worry about caring for a stored gasoline engine.

 

[Gurleyman]

Sounds like you could also use a woodchipper.

Although there are only a smattering of people here who will recall that reference. Sort of like bringing up the fact that Syracuse is plucky.

 

[Cheddie]

How big are the trees? Will you be cutting anything after your yard clean-up? If it's a one-time thing, I'd think about renting a saw or seeing if you can borrow one. (Lots of people bought saws after the fall storms). If it's something you'll use again and again, I'd personally select a gas model - I've used Stihl saws for a long time and they're very dependable. Re: electric saws: usually the trees I cut aren't near outlets, and I personally don't like to deal with cords up in a tree. With my rider, trimmer, blower, tiller and other equipment, one more tank doesn't matter.

 

[Kitaman]

I would also check Craigslist in your area. Many people brought one during the storm and no longer need it. I have picked up several 'steals' in the hardware and lawn care categories. Some good people list tree trimming services as well, free quotes don't hurt.

I used a tree trimming service (via Craigslist) and they trimmed the trees, cut the wood (fireplace) and cleaned up the mess for a reasonable price. I had several people come and quote. For me that's better than having my wife go behind my tired ass showing me things I missed or imperfections.

 

[sledog]

Get a Stihl. The 18" is good for most anything.

 

[dogpause]

Fishy has the right idea, IMO.

 

[Northbound]

I just cut about 12 cords over the the past 3 weeks. I have a husq's and a Stihl's and the Stihl is a better saw for me. If this is the one time in a decade you cut wood, get someone else to do it, easier, much less dangerous, and it's relatively inexpensive and if you have a fireplace and its a hardwood thatsdown youre habing someone else cut your firewood. I like a 20" bar for normal cutting, I only go larger if I have something mammoth I'm dealing with. A small saw like a Stihl mini boss works for a lot of occasionally sawing needs actually.

I can't stress enough to be careful. When you get fatigued stop cutting.

 

[RabidHusky]

Have saw will travel...I need the wood for next winter be happy to help out for the spoils.

 

[Drumguy]

Keep in mind they're quirky. That said I use mine 2-4 times a year and it's worth getting a gas one if you have real wood to cut, electric ones are short on power. Echo and Stihl are generally the ones used by pros, generally it's not something you want to skimp on as they are dangerous as all get out, and the better ones have as many safety features as you can get. I've had 2 16" Stihls (my wife dropped the 1st off a table in the garage and broke the case) - it's a little small for big work but does most of what I need. Basically it's a one time expense since they last a long time - you need gas, engine 2 cycle oil, bar oil, and a spare chain.

I'd guess it's best to borrow one; if you buy used, make sure it has a good chain and that it works. If you livedcloser I'd let you borrow mine, pretty much only the chain wears, so as long as you have it sharpened you're not doing any disservice to the lender - they seem to operate better the more they're used to some extent.
I also have a gas hedge trimmer which as an alternative will do branches up to an inch so it can be used for cleanup as well.

btw Home depot lets you return anything within 30 days ..... hmmmm..

 

[Drumguy]

Have saw will travel...I need the wood for next winter be happy to help out for the spoils.

This is one generous offer!!!!

 

[UConner]

Just got back from a clean up for a local land trust. I have all the equipment including chaps to protect your legs. You anywhere close to Groton?

 

[Prezidint]

Get an electric one. Less maintenance, more than adequate to handle that sort of thing.

Electric saws are good, but the problem is that you tend to get the cords tangled in your skirt.

We heat solely with wood. I boil maple sap. I cut a lot of wood.

Obviously, if you're cutting a few trees and then never again, borrow or rent.

If you're going to cut a cord or less a year going forward, a 150$ saw from Home Cheapo will be fine. The golden rules for occasional-use suburbanite - keep the chain out of the dirt/metal, and run the unit dry at the end of each year to get all gasoline out. Do that, and you should be good for a long time.

If you're cutting more than a cord a year, then you should get yourself a real saw. And by "real," I mean "Stihl." There are other good ones out there (some guys swear by jonesred, e.g.). But you can't go wrong with Stihl - if it's got the Stihl name on it, it's going to work well. I've had mine for years, virtually no adjustment, starts right up, blows through a 12" log in about 3-4 seconds.

A Stihl MS170 runs about 350, and the price goes up from there.

After having cut wood with crappy chain saws for a few years, I'd say a high quality saw is a must if you plan to cut every year.

Remember safety - wear ears and eyes, never cut above chest height, always be firmly positioned when cutting, never use the saw for anything other than cutting wood (not moving brush, etc), and always, always, always have two firm hands on the saw, with one on the top, behind the chain break safety.

Have fun.

 

[Prezidint]

I just cut about 12 cords over the the past 3 weeks. I have a husq's and a Stihl's and the Stihl is a better saw for me. If this is the one time in a decade you cut wood, get someone else to do it, easier, much less dangerous, and it's relatively inexpensive and if you have a fireplace and its a hardwood thatsdown youre habing someone else cut your firewood. I like a 20" bar for normal cutting, I only go larger if I have something mammoth I'm dealing with. A small saw like a Stihl mini boss works for a lot of occasionally sawing needs actually.

I can't stress enough to be careful. When you get fatigued stop cutting.

Excellent post. I concur. I use an 18" bar on my Stihl - you don't need a long bar unless, as noted by the beast above me who cut a huge amount of wood, you are cutting truly massive trees. A skilled saw man can cut a 40" tree with an 18" bar, if need be, no problem. If you're planning on cutting 40" trees, or anything close, and you don't own a saw, then you shouldn't be planning on cutting 40" trees, or anything close.
BTW - regarding the buying used advice, above, I'd say you can pretty much ignore the chain - a brand new chain from a Stihl dealer will run you 18 to 25 bucks and will cut like a light saber. If I was buying a used saw, I'd be most interested in how it runs. Make sure it's cold when you get there - carefully touch the muffler. If it's already warmed up, then it will start much easier. If it's cold, follow whatever the cold start procedure is (check online manual). Does it start up? Do you need 12 extra pulls to get it to pop? Do you have to give it extra throttle to keep it running? A good saw will start up and be relatively warm within 30 seconds and idle by itself. When it's warm, does it idle and not konk out? When you pull the throttle, does it rev up quickly with no sputtering? Does it maintain high RPM? When you release the trigger does it immediately come off high RPM? Does the blade stop spinning relatively quickly? If all that checks out, cut a log. Does it cut straight? If not, new bars cost 30-50 bucks. Is the oiler working? If you run it at full throttle and point the tip of the saw at a surface (log) you should see oil splattering on the surface. If all that checks out, figure out what it would cost new. I'd never pay more than 50% retail for a used saw, because it's hard to know how the saw has been treated. Better to blow the coin and get a new saw, which will last the rest of your life if you treat it well.

 

[Fishy]

To sum up - if you're not a lumberjack or trying to compensate for a small penis, buy a $60 electric chainsaw.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I agree with Fishy. If you don't know enough about chainsaws to purchase one without soliciting the advice of boneyarders you likely won't ever get your money's worth out of anything but an electric one. If you need something more substantial, you would be better off hiring a professional to take care of it.

 

[Catsailor]

Electric is only good for wood the diameter of Fishy's penis.

So if you got skinny wood electric may be the way to go however lack of power is an issue and the cord is a pain and can easily get tangled around your sack if your not careful.

I do agree with the above posters recommending you hire out.... or rent if you feel capable and the tree exceeds the capabilities of an electric saw or cutting is an infrequent necessity.

Again I agree chainsaws can be very dangerous (gas or electric). Properly used they are a great tool.

If you plan to cut real trees on a regular basis a gas saw is the proper tool for the job. I've owned 3 Stihl saws in the past 30 years, very reliable. If you plan on using a saw regularly, a good one is a wise investment.

I currently use a Stihl 261 with an 18" blade for most yard work and a MacKissick 12PT Chipper/shredder. I live in a heavily wooded area. Downed trees and branches are common.

 

[Prezidint]

To sum up - if you're not a lumberjack or trying to compensate for a small penis, buy a $60 electric chainsaw.

It's perfect that "SuzyQ" liked your post. You can almost hear her thinking, "I agree with Fishy. A gas powered saw sounds scary."

I now have an image of Fishy out on his 1/4 acre yard, 100 foot 14 gauge extension cord, tennis visor, 50$ electric chain saw, working hard to keep his rhododendron and his butterfly bush in proper check.

 

[Northbound]

To sum up - if you're not a lumberjack or trying to compensate for a small penis, buy a $60 electric chainsaw.

I hear a small penis is all the rage, lots of guys have em.

 

[suzyq]

It's perfect that "SuzyQ" liked your post. You can almost hear her thinking, "I agree with Fishy. A gas powered saw sounds scary."

I now have an image of Fishy out on his 1/4 acre yard, 100 foot 14 gauge extension cord, tennis visor, 50$ electric chain saw, working hard to keep his rhododendron and his butterfly bush in proper check.

Actually I know Tom, hence my response.

 

[tzznandrew]

Freaking internet knowing what we are talking about.... Skynet's just around the corner.

 

[TRest]

Have saw will travel...I need the wood for next winter be happy to help out for the spoils.

If you are near west Hartford and have the ability to trim off a bunch of hangers on a pin oak, come on over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[UConner]

If you are near west Hartford and have the ability to trim off a bunch of hangers on a pin oak, come on over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Widow makers are for the pros or those that want to die young

 

[Robertelamin]

Widow makers are for the pros or those that want to die young

Yikes there are widow makers freaking everywhere in the Hartford area.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Actually I know Tom, hence my response.

I didn't realize that you knew him that well.