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Posted: 10/20/2014 10:56:15 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are you saying you don't ever want to sharpen your chains with a file? I think that's a big ignorant and careless. It's VERY easy to sharpen chains. There are many online resources that show you how and it does take more than a few minutes per chain. If you were saying you don't want to take the time to sharpen them in the middle of a cutting session I agree. It's easier for me to just swap out chains real quick than it is to sharpen them. As I noted Stihl chain is regarded as the best there is. That being said, there are many that are close in quality but a significant amount cheaper. Me personally, I buy Woodland Pro chains (made by Carlton) from Baileys. Watch their specials and deals, they will often offer some pretty good deals like buy a loop of chain and get a bottle of oil free etc. Generally you can only run through about 2-3 chains for each sprocket and it's best if they wear evenly (IE rotate your chains). Any time I get a new saw I run the chains that came with it until they are done then I buy 1 new sprocket, 3 new chains, and I rotate through them until the end of their life. FWIW 3 chains and a sprocket will last the average person a lifetime. I heat my house 100% with wood and I help my brother cut wood as well. The only time I have ever bought new chains was when I got a new saw and was equipping it with 3 matched chains in the style that i like (full-chisel). Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
What I want is a link to an Amazon page for a spare. This last summer of storms in Phoenix gave my saw a bit of an extra work, and I'm not messing around with a file and sharpening that bitch.  Are you saying you don't ever want to sharpen your chains with a file? I think that's a big ignorant and careless. It's VERY easy to sharpen chains. There are many online resources that show you how and it does take more than a few minutes per chain. If you were saying you don't want to take the time to sharpen them in the middle of a cutting session I agree. It's easier for me to just swap out chains real quick than it is to sharpen them. As I noted Stihl chain is regarded as the best there is. That being said, there are many that are close in quality but a significant amount cheaper. Me personally, I buy Woodland Pro chains (made by Carlton) from Baileys. Watch their specials and deals, they will often offer some pretty good deals like buy a loop of chain and get a bottle of oil free etc. Generally you can only run through about 2-3 chains for each sprocket and it's best if they wear evenly (IE rotate your chains). Any time I get a new saw I run the chains that came with it until they are done then I buy 1 new sprocket, 3 new chains, and I rotate through them until the end of their life. FWIW 3 chains and a sprocket will last the average person a lifetime. I heat my house 100% with wood and I help my brother cut wood as well. The only time I have ever bought new chains was when I got a new saw and was equipping it with 3 matched chains in the style that i like (full-chisel). I admit to ignorant. As to the rest... remember I'm in Az. I have fairly little use for Chainsaws. I've almost got to work at it. Mine has been used a few times to cut campfire wood, and twice to deal with a dead/felled residential tree. It doesn't get big-time use, and it only gets that much use because I have the only gas chainsaw of anyone here I own (a few people have electrics). A single spare chain is probably a lifetime for me. Now, if I have to BO to Montana, I'm probably fucked. But I view that as an unlikely scenario. |
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Posted: 10/21/2014 10:35:15 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I admit to ignorant. As to the rest... remember I'm in Az. I have fairly little use for Chainsaws. I've almost got to work at it. Mine has been used a few times to cut campfire wood, and twice to deal with a dead/felled residential tree. It doesn't get big-time use, and it only gets that much use because I have the only gas chainsaw of anyone here I own (a few people have electrics). A single spare chain is probably a lifetime for me. Now, if I have to BO to Montana, I'm probably fucked. But I view that as an unlikely scenario. No problem with that... I do highly suggest you learn to sharpen a chain yourself. It's super easy to make a chain cut again if you hit something and wreck your chain if you have just a little bit of knowledge and a chain file. It may not be an expert re-sharpen job, but it may be just the ticket to get you out of a pinch. After you've learned that, it's only a matter of adding a bit more patience, practice, and knowledge (simple reading or watching youtube videos) to get you to the point that you can sharpen a chains to 90% perfect (IE, it may not cut perfect, but it cuts pretty darn good). The key to it all is simply knowing what the tooth is supposed to look like, how the teeth & rakers work in conjunction with one another, and how to stroke the file. Definitely have at least 2 chains minimum; 2 is 1, 1 is none... |
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Posted: 10/21/2014 10:24:31 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No problem with that... I do highly suggest you learn to sharpen a chain yourself. It's super easy to make a chain cut again if you hit something and wreck your chain if you have just a little bit of knowledge and a chain file. It may not be an expert re-sharpen job, but it may be just the ticket to get you out of a pinch. After you've learned that, it's only a matter of adding a bit more patience, practice, and knowledge (simple reading or watching youtube videos) to get you to the point that you can sharpen a chains to 90% perfect (IE, it may not cut perfect, but it cuts pretty darn good). The key to it all is simply knowing what the tooth is supposed to look like, how the teeth & rakers work in conjunction with one another, and how to stroke the file. Definitely have at least 2 chains minimum; 2 is 1, 1 is none... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I admit to ignorant. As to the rest... remember I'm in Az. I have fairly little use for Chainsaws. I've almost got to work at it. Mine has been used a few times to cut campfire wood, and twice to deal with a dead/felled residential tree. It doesn't get big-time use, and it only gets that much use because I have the only gas chainsaw of anyone here I own (a few people have electrics). A single spare chain is probably a lifetime for me. Now, if I have to BO to Montana, I'm probably fucked. But I view that as an unlikely scenario. No problem with that... I do highly suggest you learn to sharpen a chain yourself. It's super easy to make a chain cut again if you hit something and wreck your chain if you have just a little bit of knowledge and a chain file. It may not be an expert re-sharpen job, but it may be just the ticket to get you out of a pinch. After you've learned that, it's only a matter of adding a bit more patience, practice, and knowledge (simple reading or watching youtube videos) to get you to the point that you can sharpen a chains to 90% perfect (IE, it may not cut perfect, but it cuts pretty darn good). The key to it all is simply knowing what the tooth is supposed to look like, how the teeth & rakers work in conjunction with one another, and how to stroke the file. Definitely have at least 2 chains minimum; 2 is 1, 1 is none... Where can I learn to do so? |
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Posted: 10/21/2014 11:01:37 PM EDT
[#4]
I have an older version of this one. I've cut a lot of wood with it for over 10 years now. It's pretty much bullet proof reliability. I clean it after every use though and make sure the maintenance is done.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/440-e-series/ |
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Posted: 10/22/2014 8:18:04 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Where can I learn to do so? Husky How-To page Stihl How-To video Excellent PDF from Stihl that will really educate you on saw chain Very Valuable publication by the US Forest Service This covers a LOT more than just chains, it covers kick-back, different types of chain (with pictures and diagrams) and many other factors as well. Entire Collection of Stihl Videos The video are free online, but you can order DVDs (for a small charge) if you want them in DVD format. Unfortunately, I can't find the video that actually demonstrates how the chain passes through the wood, taking small bites as it goes. I found it VERY valuable when I was learning about saw chain... it may be hidden somewhere in all the Stihl videos but I didn't see any title that I thought sounded right for that specific video... |
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Posted: 10/22/2014 9:59:36 PM EDT
[#6]
Stihl 029
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Posted: 10/23/2014 7:58:41 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Stihl 029 |
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Posted: 10/23/2014 2:41:45 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dolmar is parent company for Makita. Thay are A damn good saw, All metal engine case to. Non of this plastic shit they call engine cases. I went Dolmar for my 50cc saw. More power and lighter than Stihl and Husky homeowner grade for only a few dollars more. I bought the little Echo for my 30cc saw. |
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Posted: 10/23/2014 8:54:58 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Stihls are good saws, but I would recommend a husqvarna Doesn't Poulan own Husqvarna? |
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Posted: 10/24/2014 6:36:09 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Doesn't Poulan own Husqvarna? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Stihls are good saws, but I would recommend a husqvarna Doesn't Poulan own Husqvarna? No. A holding company owns both. |
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Posted: 10/24/2014 10:34:06 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Doesn't Poulan own Husqvarna? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Stihls are good saws, but I would recommend a husqvarna Doesn't Poulan own Husqvarna? Husqvarna Group "owns" both http://husqvarnagroup.com/en/about/history Europe & Asia/Pacific
The business area develops, manufactures and sells forest, park and garden products to dealers and retailers in Europe and Asia/Pacific where the Asia/Pacific region represents a small share of the business area's sales. Leading brands are Husqvarna, Gardena, McCulloch, Zenoah, Jonsered and Flymo. Americas The business develops, manufactures and sells forest, park and garden products to dealers and retailers in North and Latin America. Most sales take place in the U.S. and Canada. Latin America accounts for a minor share, with Brazil being the most important market. Leading brands are Husqvarna, WeedEater and PoulanPro. |
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Posted: 10/24/2014 10:56:06 AM EDT
[#12]
Have had a few poulans, a couple huskies. Bought a Stihl 290 about 6 years ago.
It's easy to work on for a relatively mechanically dumb person (me). Whatever saw you decide on- USE IT. A saw that is actually in real use at a homestead takes a fair amount of abuse and work. Cut a couple cords of firewood yearly and you'll begin to have an idea what your saw is made of. Then make sure the saw model is not being discontinued, buy another identical one and start stocking spare parts, the SHOP manual (not the owner's manual). Have two 290's in regular use and one new one put up along with spare parts. |
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Posted: 10/27/2014 11:24:38 PM EDT
[#13]
Husqvarna owner here checking in!
I bought the 450 Rancher in 20 inch and haven't looked back. I also run a Poulan but that's a basic 14 inch thing made in Mexico. It's ok for limbing and small bucking but for felling it's not so great. That's when the Husky comes out... :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3j3-xABZ9c |
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Posted: 10/28/2014 1:35:13 AM EDT
[#14]
Just a AAR
picked up a Dolmar 35 for my Dad. He was having trouble starting the Sthil ms 170 damn stubborn thing to start.. Well nothing but a great report on the little Dolmar, Starts great has a spring assist recoil works pretty dang good. We used it to buck up about 3 chord of fire wood, Some of it was over 24" in Dia. We now have a Dolmar 35, sthil ms 170, Jonsrued 2145, and a husky 266xp pro. That little dolmar is a gas sipper it runs a dng long time and it has a helluva great oiler for the bar I swear it could feed a 24" bar no problem. 
I think I will buy another bigger Dolmar in the 6400 size, for fun. |
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Posted: 10/28/2014 7:14:54 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think I will buy another bigger Dolmar in the 6400 size, for fun. See if any of the Home Depots around you (assuming you have some around you) will be retiring any of their rental saws soon. That is the BEST way to get a good deal on the Makita (blue & gray Dolmar) 6401. That's how I got mine and it has been a fantastic saw... |
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Posted: 10/28/2014 4:59:48 PM EDT
[#16]
closest home depot is about 5 hour round trip fro my house. Lives in the sticks
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Posted: 10/28/2014 5:53:42 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
closest home depot is about 5 hour round trip fro my house. Lives in the sticks Bummer... closest one to me is 1.5 hours (completely out of my way), it took me 2 years of calling the home-depots that I occasionally drove past for work travels or for travels to visit family. Finally, after 2 years of trying, one of the home-depots had one that came up for sale and it coincided with a trip to visit family in which I was literally going to drive right past the store (just had to exit the interstate and the store was right there) a few weeks after it came up for sale. They wouldn't reserve or save it until the day that I planned to purchase it so I had to wait, and hope that nobody else was going to buy it. I called first thing the morning of my travels and they still had it. The way I had to do it was reserve it (with a credit card deposit over the phone) for a rental, then come in and they would credit the rental fee toward the purchase... It all worked out in the end and patience paid off. I got a used 64cc real-deal pro-saw for $213 out the door. It even had a new chain on it (brand new, never used). One of the best saw purchases I ever made (second only to my barely used Stihl MS170 for $75). |
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Posted: 10/28/2014 8:18:52 PM EDT
[#18]
well I called the Home depot store and they do not do rentels, I also sold my ms 170 today for a 125.00. down to 3 saws now so I should still be good LOL.
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Posted: 10/28/2014 8:55:35 PM EDT
[#19]
My SO needed some big limbs cut off a half dead tree Sunday and instead of getting out the gas chainsaw and rebuilding the gummed up carburetor cause I didn't put stabil in it...
We got out the BOECS [Bug Out Electric Chain Saw] and the Honda 2000i. The power of these small electric saws in hard dried dead wood is impressive, and they are relatively quiet too. They don't attract Zoombies from a mile and more away like gas ones... I think someone else mentioned how good the electric saws are a few months ago. |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 9:58:34 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My SO needed some big limbs cut off a half dead tree Sunday and instead of getting out the gas chainsaw and rebuilding the gummed up carburetor cause I didn't put stabil in it... We got out the BOECS [Bug Out Electric Chain Saw] and the Honda 2000i. The power of these small electric saws in hard dried dead wood is impressive, and they are relatively quiet too. They don't attract Zoombies from a mile and more away like gas ones... I think someone else mentioned how good the electric saws are a few months ago. One thing to remember about electric saws is chaps wont stop them because of the torque they produce. There are some battery powered saws, mainly the husqvarna Li line that are pretty damn nice. Think my next top handle saw will be a battery powered husky T536Li. |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 11:15:42 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
One thing to remember about electric saws is chaps wont stop them because of the torque they produce. There are some battery powered saws, mainly the husqvarna Li line that are pretty damn nice. Think my next top handle saw will be a battery powered husky T536Li. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
My SO needed some big limbs cut off a half dead tree Sunday and instead of getting out the gas chainsaw and rebuilding the gummed up carburetor cause I didn't put stabil in it...
We got out the BOECS [Bug Out Electric Chain Saw] and the Honda 2000i. The power of these small electric saws in hard dried dead wood is impressive, and they are relatively quiet too. They don't attract Zoombies from a mile and more away like gas ones... I think someone else mentioned how good the electric saws are a few months ago. One thing to remember about electric saws is chaps wont stop them because of the torque they produce. There are some battery powered saws, mainly the husqvarna Li line that are pretty damn nice. Think my next top handle saw will be a battery powered husky T536Li. Yes they develop a lot of torque. One thing I like is when you let off the trigger, they stop almost instantly. The DC motor they use might have some sort of shorting circuit that shunts the motor to almost instantly stop it, no different than a lot of battery operated power tools nowadays. Mpatch, from your avatar, do you work with saws for a living? I was using an $80 [8 years ago] Remington saw from Home Depot. The chain is very aggressive, I had it in a box, never used it, it was put away for the Bird Flu potential SHTF abt 2006.
I have used electric saws and electric pole saws some years ago when I had to cut down and get rid of a lot of trees and due to tree cutting restrictions by an HOA or something worse [ain't gonna say what, SOL and all] at the time, on a property sold, it had to be done attracting 0 attention. I took down lots trees 45 feet tall 8 feet from a building, mostly pine and fortunately had a lift and could drop them in sections. |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 11:40:17 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mpatch, from your avatar, do you work with saws for a living? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Mpatch, from your avatar, do you work with saws for a living?             |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 11:48:50 AM EDT
[#23]
Great pictures! Thanks!
Looks like you walk the walk... 
How's the compensation in your line of work? |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 11:59:09 AM EDT
[#24]
If your not planning on using the saw on a somewhat regular basis - you WILL have fuel related issues , no matter what brand saw you buy of fuel you dump in the tank.
If possible buy ethanol free fuel in a sealed can for gas powered priducts ( $7-8 per quart ) has much longer shelf life For a non Stihl or Husqvarna option ---Check out the Echo Timberwolf, 60cc metal crankcase saw - runs full size logger chain ( 72 LGX ) - great buy at around $400 For people that don't use saws at least once a month , check out new electric options from Oregon - they are leaders in the logging industry and have introduced excecllant electric saws CS-1500 - corded CS-250 cordless |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 12:12:15 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great pictures! Thanks! Looks like you walk the walk... How's the compensation in your line of work? |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 1:26:23 PM EDT
[#26]
I've got a friend in the east who has been doing it a long time, he was also a top six shooter competitor guy out your way...
He's getting older now and what you say abt the toll it takes on ones body is so true... He's quite fit and the ladies would think him a great catch...  .
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Posted: 10/29/2014 3:23:20 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If your not planning on using the saw on a somewhat regular basis - you WILL have fuel related issues , no matter what brand saw you buy of fuel you dump in the tank. If possible buy ethanol free fuel in a sealed can for gas powered priducts ( $7-8 per quart ) has much longer shelf life For a non Stihl or Husqvarna option ---Check out the Echo Timberwolf, 60cc metal crankcase saw - runs full size logger chain ( 72 LGX ) - great buy at around $400 For people that don't use saws at least once a month , check out new electric options from Oregon - they are leaders in the logging industry and have introduced excecllant electric saws CS-1500 - corded CS-250 cordless Red- Thanks for the tip on the electric saw. For my occasional use, this might fit the bill, and not kill my wallet. $129 on Amazon. |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 7:16:54 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Red- Thanks for the tip on the electric saw. For my occasional use, this might fit the bill, and not kill my wallet. $129 on Amazon. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
If your not planning on using the saw on a somewhat regular basis - you WILL have fuel related issues , no matter what brand saw you buy of fuel you dump in the tank. If possible buy ethanol free fuel in a sealed can for gas powered priducts ( $7-8 per quart ) has much longer shelf life For a non Stihl or Husqvarna option ---Check out the Echo Timberwolf, 60cc metal crankcase saw - runs full size logger chain ( 72 LGX ) - great buy at around $400 For people that don't use saws at least once a month , check out new electric options from Oregon - they are leaders in the logging industry and have introduced excecllant electric saws CS-1500 - corded CS-250 cordless Red- Thanks for the tip on the electric saw. For my occasional use, this might fit the bill, and not kill my wallet. $129 on Amazon. I bought the same saw , same price at my local dealer - I only buy oregon chains ( sold under brands Oregon , Carlton , Windsor ) Amazed at how well the saw works , capable of way more than I thought it would |
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Posted: 10/29/2014 7:26:06 PM EDT
[#29]
Is the $129 saw lithium battery powered?
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Posted: 10/29/2014 10:49:10 PM EDT
[#30]
Na, its the 110VAC version. The battery powered one looks like it's another $270.
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Posted: 10/30/2014 7:04:38 PM EDT
[#31]
After using the ac version ( with plug in cord )
I liked it enough to buy the lithium ion version - very happy so far. I have gas ( large saw) but for most jobs i find myself grabbing these 2 Oregon saws Good luck with whatever you try |
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