Chainsaws

[lxskllr]

I just had an enormous tree come down in the yard, and I'm not sure my Poulan Pro is up to the task. If I were to buy a prosumer saw, is there any objective difference between Husqvarna or Stihl? I have good dealers of each near me, with the Husq dealer being within walking distance of work, but the Stihl dealers aren't far either. Is there any way to discriminate, or should I just buy on a whim. My ancestry is German(go Stihl!), but I'm also fond of Swedish culture, and I could pick up a new axe while at the store(cause why not?!). Any opinions either way, even minor differences?

 

[Greenman]

Around here, the guys who climb trees swear by Stihl, the ones on the ground claim Husky is the only way to go. The reality is that both are quality tools that will give you years of service. It really comes down to which color you like.

 

[lxskllr]

Around here, the guys who climb trees swear by Stihl, the ones on the ground claim Husky is the only way to go. The reality is that both are quality tools that will give you years of service. It really comes down to which color you like.

Thanks. I'm leaning towards the Husky cause of the dealer closeness, and reading around a bit says they tend to be slightly cheaper than a comparable Stihl. I'm starting to get acquisition paralysis. There's too many options, even within brand.

You, or anyone else, any thoughts on bar length? This is what I'm dealing with...

That's a 6' rule fully extended, and that's not the thickest part of the tree. This is well above my experience level. I'll be going around the periphery to practice up, then read up on cutting huge wood. It may end up staying where it is, and I'll slowly nibble on it over the coming years. I'm thinking I'll need a 24" bar at the minimum. Of course price goes up and up as you increase the size, but I could get just about any saw in the world for less money than it takes to have pros come in.

 

[C1]

Either brand chainsaw is good.

Concerning tree removal, a couple possibilities are to:
- Just rent a large saw
- Put an ad in the local paper - "free fire wood, but recipient is responsible to cut & haul away."

 

[Greenman]

Things get a little hairy when you start into really big timber. If you've never done it before you should think long and hard about it. A 24" chainsaw can do very serious damage in half a second, and cripple you in less than 2 seconds. Be honest with yourself and decide what you're comfortable with before attacking that tree. There is no shame in deciding a job is beyond your skill.
If you are comfortable with chain saw, I'd rent a huge one for the main part of the tree, and buy a 16" for everything else. Those big saws are to heavy to use as a daily driver.

 

[bfun_x1]

I've seen enough backwoods logging reality TV shows to know chainsaw accidents are common even with the professionals. You think your in control of the chainsaw and then you aren't. Safety gear is advised. If in doubt just search chainsaw accidents on youtube. Also be aware that a stump that size can flip back into the ground killing anyone near by.

 

[lxskllr]

Things get a little hairy when you start into really big timber. If you've never done it before you should think long and hard about it. A 24" chainsaw can do very serious damage in half a second, and cripple you in less than 2 seconds. Be honest with yourself and decide what you're comfortable with before attacking that tree. There is no shame in deciding a job is beyond your skill.
If you are comfortable with chain saw, I'd rent a huge one for the main part of the tree, and buy a 16" for everything else. Those big saws are to heavy to use as a daily driver.

My Poulan is an 18", and I've used a 20". I imagine I'd be comfortable with a 24", but above that???

I'm particular about leaving stuff on my property that came on the property, and has some use, so having other haul it off isn't an attractive option. I also don't want to rent cause I'll be working on it sporadically over the long term. I have back issues, and when my back says it's done, it can be done for a month or so.

I'm well aware of the hazards of chainsaws. The main trunk may end up staying, and I'll use it as a carving project, or take bits off at a time. Might even do it with an axe. It's certainly a good workout. Any wood will be burned in my stove.

Had my Poulan out today. It was running like crap. Might be old gas. My fuel is from last spring, so it's not a big surprise. Deciding whether or not to go to the dealer today. I'm already tired. Did a bunch of machete work earlier, and just got in from sawing.

 

[boomerang]

nm

 

[lxskllr]

Ended up getting a Stihl(Go Germany!). I either misread the page, or the hours were incorrect for the Husqvarna shop. I had to drive to the gas station that sold socialism-free fuel(no alcohol), so I stopped in the Stihl dealer, and got the MS362C with a 25" bar...

https://foardsfarmstore.stihldealer.net/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms362cm/

We've had a lot of wind around here, and I figured stocks weren't gonna get anymore plentiful, so I wanted to buy today. That's as good a way to discriminate as anything I guess. A little spendy($811), but it should be a good saw. I'll probably take it out tomorrow and give it a trial.

 

[C1]

That's one hell of a saw !

Fully loaded (powerhead with bar, chain, 20 oz fuel & 11oz oil) that thing weighs over 15 lbs (probably 16 lb) which is equivalent to a pro-bowling ball.

Could be tough on the back.

Stihl though does stress the safety aspects regarding configuration & use of its saws.

 

[highland145]

nm

No shit, you community person.

 

[bbhaag]

Ended up getting a Stihl(Go Germany!). I either misread the page, or the hours were incorrect for the Husqvarna shop. I had to drive to the gas station that sold socialism-free fuel(no alcohol), so I stopped in the Stihl dealer, and got the MS362C with a 25" bar...

https://foardsfarmstore.stihldealer.net/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms362cm/

We've had a lot of wind around here, and I figured stocks weren't gonna get anymore plentiful, so I wanted to buy today. That's as good a way to discriminate as anything I guess. A little spendy($811), but it should be a good saw. I'll probably take it out tomorrow and give it a trial.

Dude that is one hell of a saw. It should make quick work of that Oak.

 

[lxskllr]

and I could pick up a new axe while at the store(cause why not?!).

Looks like I dodged a bullet here. I've been looking at Husqvarna axes on Amazon, and it looks like they have a problem with the blades breaking I never heard of such a thing on an axe that wasn't utterly abused. In fact, my work axe is completely abused, and it just keeps on going. I found it looking for a control point with a metal detector. Dug down, and found an axe head. I've been using it ~20 years now. I don't really use it as a cutter, aside from roots and stuff in the ground. It's mostly used for driving stakes and rebar, and it's kept kinda sharpish through scraping duty on pavement. I love that axe, but it isn't suitable for woodcutting.

edit:
Check out these beauties...

https://www.helkonorthamerica.com/store/c2/Traditional_.html

I'm thinking about getting the Rheinland pack axe, or the Black Forest woodworker. That'll go well with a Stihl :^P

Also, check this out...

https://www.helkonorthamerica.com/store/c16/Gifts_&_Collections_.html

They suggest giving them as wedding party gifts. That's a really neat idea for the right group. Something a bit different than the other useless crap that's given out.

edit2:
Ordered the Black Forest woodworker! Can't wait :^)

 

[lxskllr]

That's one hell of a saw !

Fully loaded (powerhead with bar, chain, 20 oz fuel & 11oz oil) that thing weighs over 15 lbs (probably 16 lb) which is equivalent to a pro-bowling ball.

Could be tough on the back.

Stihl though does stress the safety aspects regarding configuration & use of its saws.

Update, just cause I feel like making noise :^P

Ran a tank of gas through the saw, and it really chews through some wood. You were right about the weight. The remaining fuel seems to gain mass as it gets depleted. I should write to NIST. I may be able to score a research grant to study the phenomenon :^D Oh, and it's *LOUD*. I've never used hearing protection before, but my head was ringing after 10 minutes. Had to go dig out some ear plugs.

Got a tricky part in my maple that got broken by the oak. The branch needs to be removed, but it's in some electric/telco wires. Not really entangled, and I think removing the branch at the base would turn out ok, but I want to take it down from the end just to be certain. Need to find a decent manual flexible saw to throw over the limb, and get it down. I don't have a tall enough step ladder.

I'm getting a little more enthused about the main trunk. I'm thinking of leaving it in place, and maybe cutting benches into it with my new axe that's coming. Haven't really fleshed out the idea, and I'm not particularly artsy, so it'll probably turn out like shit, but I have something to look forward to over the next year or two.

tl;dr
Everything's ok, and I still have all my parts :^P

 

[C1]

Just spotted this on eBay & might be of interest to you.

STIHL 25inch w/10 sharp 33rm3 84 dr chain 3/8 .050 Look fast ship

Current bid:
US $26.00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STIHL-25in...529595&hash=item1edb3402aa:g:90sAAOSwcedanITh

 

[lxskllr]

Just spotted this on eBay & might be of interest to you.

STIHL 25inch w/10 sharp 33rm3 84 dr chain 3/8 .050 Look fast ship

Current bid:
US $26.00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STIHL-25in...529595&hash=item1edb3402aa:g:90sAAOSwcedanITh

I'll keep my eye on it, but I suspect it'll go for more than it's worth to me. That would be a nice setup for pro, but overkill for me, though I suppose there's no law that says I can't resell some.

 

[IronWing]

Got a tricky part in my maple that got broken by the oak. The branch needs to be removed, but it's in some electric/telco wires. Not really entangled, and I think removing the branch at the base would turn out ok, but I want to take it down from the end just to be certain. Need to find a decent manual flexible saw to throw over the limb, and get it down. I don't have a tall enough step ladder.

As a man, you must find a way to deploy your new chainsaw against this challenge. Use the branches you've already cut and your new heavy duty para-cord. Post videos.

 

[lxskllr]

As a man, you must find a way to deploy your new chainsaw against this challenge. Use the branches you've already cut and your new heavy duty para-cord. Post videos.

Ya know, if I were retired, I might consider it. I probably have enough properly shaped wood to build some scaffolding. The problem is building that would take me 20* longer, than buying a $20 saw, and simply cutting it :^D

I'll use this thread for various amusments/tragedies I run into on this project. Took off work today to wait for an inspector to inspect the water heater install I had done this time last year :rollseyes: and I thought I'd split some wood. Too tired/sore to run saws today. Well, my wedges were all chewed up on the ends from splitting wood over concrete, and I didn't feel like going in the basement to use my bench grinder to fix them up, so I dug my cordless grinder out of the garage. Behold this state of the art tech!

Took me longer to find it and get it mounted than just going in the basement, but I like using manual tools. Got it at a yard sale or flea market years ago for almost nothing. Wheel's super aggressive, but that's fine for crude stuff like wedges. Got my wedges sharpened, and so far, have several rounds split. Stopping for now cause it's kicking my ass. I got pretty soft(er) over the winter.

 

[IronWing]

^ We had two of those my wife used for her blacksmithing. They work great.

Packing them with lithium grease works wonders.

 

[lxskllr]

Tree's getting smaller...

Second tank of gas I've run through the saw. From what I've read, it'll take a couple more tanks to reach maximum power. Still have a little bucking I may do tomorrow, but I'll probably split wood instead of running the saw. I need to pickup a couple more felling wedges to get into most of what remains there.

My new axe came today...

Already whacked myself in the shin :rollseyes: Dunno what I was thinking. I was limbing a maple, and cranked the axe like I was going through ironwood. It went through the maple like butter(of course), and I hit myself, but no blood.

 

[bbhaag]

Looks like it's cleaning up nicely. That pic gives a better impression of the size of the tree then your first one did. Sounds like you were fortunate with your new axe and not taking a gash to your leg.
Is that your place in the background?

 

[sdifox]

what no tnt? I am dissapoint

 

[lxskllr]

Is that your place in the background?

I wish! That's the place this subdivision was cut off of. That's a beautiful house, and lots of history. It's changed a lot over the years. It used to have a big covered porch, but a previous owner removed it. It also had unkempt boxwood mazes that would have cleaned up nicely, but were also removed. Interesting things pop out of the ground here and there. There's little concrete pools that the current owner has been slowly uncovering. Some kind of decorative thing. I'd guess they're from 20s-30s. It's also purported to have had underground railroad activity. I really should look it up. I don't know much about it considering it's literally in my backyard.

 

[lxskllr]

Trapped my Stihl twice today, and had to rescue it with the Poulan. I think it was a combination of being tired, and reading the wood wrong. I'm not too bad at figuring out what needs to be done, but it takes a long period of consideration. I'm not quick like someone who really knows what they're doing. I attacked it faster than I should have.

Everything's a muddy mess due to snow melt. It's all going slow, but I expected that. Pretty much have a routine of sawing on Saturday, and splitting/stacking Sun-Fri as weather permits. Gotta keep it organized due to the large amount of wood, and limited room.

Some thoughts on the saw...

With the caveat that I'm inexperienced, I think a 20" bar would be ideal. It bogs down sometimes with the 25", and it's a little nose heavy. It's rated for a 25", and for my purposes(One and done project) it's a good match, but for people doing this all the time in large hardwood, I think something more than 59cc would be better. Otherwise, it's been a great saw, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone that needs a lot of saw a lot of times; from enthusiastic amateur to pro. It starts easily, and has plenty of power. The antivibe system is effective, and seems to be robust. I also like the captive cover nuts, the side chain adjust, and the quick release fuel/oil caps. It has a lot of little touches that make operation as pleasant as can be for holding a screaming machine going through wood :^D

edit:
corrected sizes

edit2:
I was splitting today, and found the remains of a squirrel nest in a completely sealed limb . There was no access to the cavity from any side. Not sure how that came to be, but it was interesting to look at. I took a picture, but it doesn't look like anything. I should have had more stuff in the frame :^(

 

[KK]

I picked up an Echo 620P last week. Looked at the stihls and huskys, just didn't see the need to pay a premium for the name. I've had stihl products before and they function fine. I've also currently have Echo products, and find them to be at least on par with stihl. The 620 i got for 20% off as the local ace had their yearly sale, so it was like 450. It came with a 24" bar, I went ahead and picked up a 18" bar from amazon. Can't wait to get down to the farm this weekend to try it out.