i need a chainsaw, but what should i get?

[moron88]

a tree branch fell on our camper this morning while i was in it. i am fine but the camper... anyway, i need a chainsaw to cut the branch into manageable pieces but have no clue what to get. i have an old 14" garner plug-in electric that i feel would work if it wasnt so dull but i'd rather buy a new one that i know will work and i know they have come a long way in the past decade or so. i dont have a preference as to pug-in, cordless or gas but i do know i need inexpensive (<250 mandatory, <100 preferred; my TV also broke so i need a new one of those too) and capable of cutting 18" diameter branches. i just bought a 100' 14 gauge outdoor extension cord earlier this month for the camper so there are no added costs for plug-in models. what would you guys suggest? there is a lowes, home depot, menards and sears near by so selection is ample.

 

[camjeep3]

Do you just need it to cut that branch? 18" is rather large, I would stay away from a plug in. husqvarna and stihl are good saws, but are more expensive. our husky is probably 25 years old and we still use it. My friend is a logger and he uses stihl and some older huskys. I have used an older poulan for some lighter work and it was fine. I will say last spring I purchased a 235 husky i believe. lighter model, for doing trimming. piece of junk, would not keep the chain tight and it would not oil the bar. I returned it and the new one did the same. got my money back and just get a workout with the big saw lol.

 

[toolaholic]

I have the Husqvarna 316e 16 inch electric. Has a inertia brake if it kicks back. Real sweet saw escpially for a electric.

 

[fflintstone]

the Sthil 180C is price fixed @ $199 and is an awesome saw for the money. I love mine. I bought it with a 16" bar. for up to an 8" log it works great, above that you need a bigger saw. it is light weigh and easy for me to use. the 290 farm boss handles everything else.

 

[finn]

Bring your dull chain to a saw dealer and ask him to sharpen it. I should be under $10.

If you don't want to do that, rent an electric or gas saw from Home Depot.

You would be crazy to buy an expensive, high maintenance gas powered saw for a one use job like this, especially a Stihl or Husky.

I can almost guarantee that the next time you go to use the gas saw (in 5 years) the gas you didn't get around to drain after this job will have destroyed the soft parts in the fuel system and plugged the carburetor.

 

[marshaul]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100649...ping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-100649578&ci_gpa=pla

I bought this thing on a whim (well, I also had a tree to cut up), and was surprised by how capable it is, especially for the price. Granted, I think I paid more like $110 for the 16".

BTW, I left gas in it for a couple years after one use, and it still runs just fine. Obviously it's better to use it or drain all the gas, but worst case scenario these things aren't even an expensive investment if you do manage to ruin one.

 

[SteveCh]

Home Depot rents out chainsaws. That's the cheapest route if you aren't gonna be needing one regularly. Make sure they provide a sharp chain, you're good to go.

 

[BJ42LX]

Stihl Farm Boss is the standard.

I bought a Stihl 211 because it's smaller and lighter. And I only need it for trimming and such.

 

[383 240z]

I LOVE my echo. Bought a newer Husky from TSC before I got the echo, never liked the way it ran, when it ran. I had it in for service 2x within 2 months. They gave me another one the third time. It was the same as the first one. I got a refund and bought the Echo. 5 years, not one complaint. Keith

 

[epmills]

Sharpen the chain or rent one as already said, sounds to me like buying a new one would be a complete waste of money for you since it sounds like you never use one. With that said if you still want to blow some money, go electric in your case. If you buy a gas keep you will have to drain fuel, buy new fuel everytime you use it if it is only going to be used once a year at most.

 

[rlitman]

Gas has two advantages.
1) no cord to be too short, trip over, or cut through
2) it works after a storm when the power is out

#2 is the reason mine is gas. #1 isn't enough to discourage me from buying electric, since electric saws have no upkeep to worry about when in storage.

Mine is an attachment that runs on my string trimmer engine so I don't have to maintain another engine, but it is limited to a 12" deep cut (although I did cut down a 16" thick cherry tree by going at it from two sides).

My advice to you is to buy a file kit, and learn how to use it. It really only takes 10 minutes to sharpen a chain.

 

[netcaretaker]

Second the Stihl, starts every time, works great. Over the years I have used many and they all work well, I just like one that starts every time, and no matter how long the Stihl starts second pull.

 

[jhelrey]

Sawsall with a pruning blade... No joke! I cut up a branch with one! My neighbors thought I was crazy but oh well

 

[zkling]

Sawsall with a pruning blade... No joke! I cut up a branch with one! My neighbors thought I was crazy but oh well

I have used a circular saw on occasion. A stick is just wood after all. As long as you can cut it in a safe manner, who cares what you use?

OP, 18" dia is a pretty good size log, especially if you have to go through knots, wet, or hard wood.

A good ax can really get some work done. I have a plastic handle Fiskars that I bought on a promo when they came out. Didn't expect much from it being plastic handle and all. Let me just say that thing is a joy to use. Properly sharpened it can really reak havoic on a wood pile. Then again I am a younger guy that enjoys a physical challenge. This would definitely be cheap and easy to maintain.


If you really want a chainsaw and are slightly handy, you might be able to pick up a nice older saw that doesn't run at a garage sale or Craigslist. Usually they are just gummed up or something simple. Other than that you are probably looking at a minimum of ~$225 for a good capable new chain saw.

 

[moron88]

i guess i should elaborate. i'm 19 and still live at home. i'm starting to want to do some of the property maintenance that's been lacking for 10-15 years (my great grandpa used to do it but stopped because he got too old. he died in '05 at 99. he was born in 1905...) and there is a lot to do. the chainsaw was his. he didnt need much because it was well kept but now...

this is the second time in 3 or so years we've had a branch fall and cause damage. the first fell on the front of the house, ripping the awning off from over the front door. i figure it'll be happening again in the near future. my intention is to keep the branches over the house and garage from getting too big. there is also some thicket and small trees i'd like to clear out. i've been wanting a decent chain saw for a while and this is a good way to get my mom to pay for it

here is a picture of the branch with my hand for comparison. i wear large gloves.

as you can tell, it's quite large. i may have exaggerated at 18" but not all that much.

marshaul, thanks for the feedback. i saw that unit but i was focusing on electric based on my grandpa's opinion. i want gas for the power, he wants electric for perceived reliability. it's now between that and the ryobi p543 cordless. that has the advantage of sharing a battery pack with several other tools, specifically a string trimmer and a leaf blower. but those can come later.

 

[rlitman]

Sawsall with a pruning blade... No joke! I cut up a branch with one! My neighbors thought I was crazy but oh well

I used to do that. It's ok for branches up to around 4", but over that, the blade stroke isn't long enough to remove chips, so it bogs down.

I have used a circular saw on occasion. A stick is just wood after all. As long as you can cut it in a safe manner, who cares what you use?

Oh hell no. Circular saw blades are not made for cutting green wood. There's way too much likelihood of a nasty kickback doing this. If a sawzall blade binds up, you bend the blade. If the circular saw binds up, you get stitches.

In a pinch I'll use a bow saw, but you don't want to be doing much of that.

I'd be skeptical of anything battery powered that is inexpensive. It's got to be less powerful than a plugin saw, which is starting off kinda weak.

 

[zkling]

i guess i should elaborate. i'm 19 and still live at home. i'm starting to want to do some of the property maintenance that's been lacking for 10-15 years (my great grandpa used to do it but stopped because he got too old. he died in '05 at 99. he was born in 1905...) and there is a lot to do. the chainsaw was his. he didnt need much because it was well kept but now...

this is the second time in 3 or so years we've had a branch fall and cause damage. the first fell on the front of the house, ripping the awning off from over the front door. i figure it'll be happening again in the near future. my intention is to keep the branches over the house and garage from getting too big. there is also some thicket and small trees i'd like to clear out. i've been wanting a decent chain saw for a while and this is a good way to get my mom to pay for it

Can you provide a bit more detail. Are you looking to trim branches that are still on trees, or just cut up wood that is already on the ground? What do you plan on doing with the wood? Do you need it cut up in small segments for firewood or the like?

You're young, get a good ax and possibly a good used gas chainsaw. Then depending on your tree trimming ideas maybe a pole trimmer with saw blade.

Oh hell no. Circular saw blades are not made for cutting green wood. There's way too much likelihood of a nasty kickback doing this. If a sawzall blade binds up, you bend the blade. If the circular saw binds up, you get stitches.

Please refrain from commenting if you don't know what you are talking about.

There are MANY circular saw blades designed for wet wood, wood with nails, even metal. Have you ever seen a traditional saw mill that runs a circular blade? Or even a table saw? How is that any different? We are only talking cross cuts here. As long as you follow PROPER safety procedure it is just as safe if not safer than a chainsaw. Is it optimal, no, does it work, yes, can it be done safely, for sure.

 

[camjeep3]

If you are wanting to start taking care of the property get a gas saw. Ours will sit for a while, I pulled the carb and cleaned it and its back up and running. Most of all, be careful. very dangerous!

 

[Chuck122]

Stihl MS-260. I have one and it is small enough to be convenient yet powerful enough to do quite a bit of felling, limbing and chopping. If you don't need to use it often, get a smaller saw but if you expect to use it in the future, do yourself a favor and get the stihl.

 

[Texican]

Check Craigslist for an older Stihl, Dolmar, Husky or even Mcculloch chainsaw. Most used chainsaws I see are from people that buy them after a storm and then never use them again. I got a Stihl 028 WB for $25 bucks off of Craigslist, but I see nearly new Homelites all the time for sale in your price range.

 

[Greg_R]

a tree branch fell on our camper this morning while i was in it. i am fine but the camper... anyway, i need a chainsaw to cut the branch into manageable pieces but have no clue what to get. i have an old 14" garner plug-in electric that i feel would work if it wasnt so dull but i'd rather buy a new one that i know will work and i know they have come a long way in the past decade or so. i dont have a preference as to pug-in, cordless or gas but i do know i need inexpensive (<250 mandatory, <100 preferred; my TV also broke so i need a new one of those too) and capable of cutting 18" diameter branches. i just bought a 100' 14 gauge outdoor extension cord earlier this month for the camper so there are no added costs for plug-in models. what would you guys suggest? there is a lowes, home depot, menards and sears near by so selection is ample.

Poulan is the only "cheap" gas saw I'd consider. Are you really going to be cutting a lot of 18" material? Rent a good saw for the big job and get a nice little electric for other use. Personally I use a Sawzall for limbing trees and it works just fine.

Stihl and Husky are great but out of your budget unless you go used.

 

[marshaul]

Most of all, be careful. very dangerous!

+1

Can't stress that enough.

 

[ken w.]

I have an Echo CS-360T trim saw. It came with a 16" bar.I put a 14" bar on it so it has more balls than bar. It's nice to use,low noise and low vibration.I also have a Craftsman C-3 19.2 volt cordless saw.It has a 10" bar and is made for basic small branch trimming. I got it on clearence for $60.00 with extra chain for $4.00. It works ok for what it is.You don't have to go too fancy for home use. Just make sure you feel comfortable useing a chain saw before you use it.

 

[spotco2]

I've got a Stihl Farm Boss with a 20" bar. I've cut hundreds of tree's with it over the years and never had any problems. If it died tomorrow, I'd go get another one just like it.

With that being said, that sucker gets heavy after a couple hours. A buddy has a little Stihl with a 14" bar that's about half the weight and just tears through anything it touches.

Learn to sharpen your chain correctly and just use the saw you have now. Even if you buy one you'll still need to know the correct way to sharpen a chain. Learn how to use a file and guide and don't go pay somebody to sharpen it for you. It's a skill that every man should know, especially one that owns a chainsaw.

Your electric should do fine for just trimming up things around the house. It should do fine on that branch in the pic with a good chain. If you need something bigger, go rent one for a day and make sure it's something you are really going to be able to use before spending the cash on one.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have 26 running engines on the property right now. (read: lots of upkeep, PM/M) I've been wanting to get a bad *** Stihl chainsaw for a while...but the need has not arrised for that spending spree yet.

However, my buddy gave me a BNIB Craftsman 16" PLUG IN and LOVE that little thing. I've cut/trimmed my 20+ trees on the property twice in the last 18 months or so, and it has been great. Yea, it has a cord, but it always works-no engine maintenance- It'll cut 6" branches all day with ease. I've also cut a 14"x14" beam for my shop..went slow and no problems.

If you have a smaller size property, maybe just get a nice corded one. But like others said, if power goes out, you're screwed...(we don't have those storms out here)

Or, just go get a badass Stihl so I can live vicariously through you!

 

[Chuck122]

I know someone with a husqvarna 455 and its a nice homeowner saw.
It is very light and works well
I cannot stress how important light weight is. If a saw us heavy, you will get tired more quickly and it will be much more dangerous.
Realistically, unless you are logging professionally and use a huge bar, you do not need a very powerful saw like a ms880. It is not a "get the most powerful you can afford" kind of deal. You may think you are a grown man and can handle anything, if so more power to you, but if you cherish your limbs, get something that suits your needs

 

[moron88]

thanks for all the advise. we have a somewhat large property (i'm guessing around 3 acres) and my 100' cord barely reaches the tail end of the branch, let alone the back end of the property and there are no outlets out there either. i may take pics of all that i want to cut down and trim later today. i'll also go to the stores on Saturday to see what everyone has for rent. there is this one equipment rental store that has everything from MIG welders to telehandlers that i may visit to see about a chainsaw and a wood chipper.

on the topic of sharpening the chain, what do you guys think about electric sharpeners? i got a coupon sheet from harbor freight and one of them was for an electric chainsaw sharpener. i have had decent results with their FCAW machine, angle grinder and corded drill and i thought that might be something to look into.

 

[Chuck122]

There are 2 types of sharpening:
Touch-up: when you cut Wood and the blade starts to dull. At that point it is not damaged and a single stroke of a file will get it sharp. You can do that in the field and be done in 5 minutes
The second type is repair, when you hit sand or a rock. With a file this is a PITA to do cause you need to give it a dozen strokes per tooth, wich is loooong. This is where thé electric sharpener is golden.
Also do not forget to drop the depth gauges as you wear the chain

 

[the1nonlyjl]

If you are wanting to start taking care of the property get a gas saw. Ours will sit for a while, I pulled the carb and cleaned it and its back up and running. Most of all, be careful. very dangerous!

As this gentleman mentioned above, I am with his advice all the way. Gas>electric. I used to have electric lawn mower to cut lawn down the hill from my garage towards the backyard with different sections of electric cords. It was pain in the ***! Now with gas one, amen to the ease of mind not to worry about going over the limited area where cord is about to be pulled out from the outlet with this stupid electric one.

Its okay to use electric power tools to work on something inside of the garage or anywhere near by: driveway, front porch, backyard if outlets are all hooked up (miter saw, impact wrench, drill) but chainsaw- nay- not rational. thumb of rule- garden works- better off gas units.

 

[woody 73]

Wait until you get my bill...

On the Kalamazoo Craigslist today someone is selling a used 36cc craftsman chainsaw for $50.00 dollars (you cold get it lower) his phone number is 269-903-2255. Get on the horn as they say and pick it up.

As for the sharpening just buy a guide from HD or Lowes for $5.00 dollars and you will be set.

Stop reading and move some **** that saw will go fast.

 

[moron88]

we're broke until the 1st, or otherwise i would.


i know i typed this already but i guess i forgot to hit post
the equipment rental store has online pricing. i can get a husqvarna 18" gas chainsaw for $39 a day, a brush mower for $90 a day and a wood chipper for $135 for 4 hours. my idea is to get the chainsaw and mower the same day. i'd cut the tree and my mom would mow (she's been wanting the back yard mowed for quite some time) then a little while later we'd get the chipper to shred the blocks of wood and what ever else i cut down.

 

[woody 73]

Call the guy and offer $40.00 dollars it sure beats the rental price.

 

[Hard Times]

a tree branch fell on our camper this morning while i was in it. i am fine but the camper... anyway, i need a chainsaw to cut the branch into manageable pieces but have no clue what to get. i have an old 14" garner plug-in electric that i feel would work if it wasnt so dull but i'd rather buy a new one that i know will work and i know they have come a long way in the past decade or so. i dont have a preference as to pug-in, cordless or gas but i do know i need inexpensive (<250 mandatory, <100 preferred; my TV also broke so i need a new one of those too) and capable of cutting 18" diameter branches. i just bought a 100' 14 gauge outdoor extension cord earlier this month for the camper so there are no added costs for plug-in models. what would you guys suggest? there is a lowes, home depot, menards and sears near by so selection is ample.

For what you're wanting to do go buy the cheap Poluan Wildthing for 89.00. They cut and they are cheap. If you were wanting to cut 4-5 cord a year I'd say step up to a nice homeowner Stihl or Husky. It sounds like once you cut this branch it is going to set for a while. No need to spend alot of money on something that isn't going to get used. I have alot of chainsaws some cheapo's to some that cost close to $2000.00, there is a big difference the way a cheap throw away runs and feels to a real pro series saw but once again, if it isn't going to get used much there isn't a need to spend the $$$

 

[woody 73]

Not to sound like a broken record but some guy today in your area is selling 5 used chainsaws that need some work for $30.00 per saw, he is in the Hickory corners area.

That is very cheap for the op, pick the saw that needs the least amount of work and work on the getting it running.

 

[skulldrinker]

Didn't he say his mom was paying for it? So why is everyone trying to cheap out? The only hard decision here is what size.

 

[2oolhound]

You have a camper so wouldn't you take a chainsaw camping with you? You usually camp in the forest where trees often blow down in the wind (often across the road), you need firewood, lots of uses for a chainsaw in the woods.

As far as the blocks you have cut up just pile them and put a sign "Free Firewood" on them, they shouldn't last too long. You can even make money selling cord wood if you can find enough wood.

 

[Hard Times]

Didn't he say his mom was paying for it? So why is everyone trying to cheap out? The only hard decision here is what size.

Ya why not, go get a Husqvarna 3120 or 880 Stihl...or if vintage is your game get the 10 cube Stihl 090

 

[moron88]

we bought the camper form my grandma last august because they were hurting for money. if it wasnt for that, we would never have bought one. we dont have any vehicles with a hitch so the only camping we would have ever done is in the back yard, which is where it got crushed.

my mom isnt loaded, she works at a daycare center and is taking the summer off (last day june 7th) so money isnt overly abundant. my thought was if we called someone out to cut it they'd charge us $400+ so if i could get a suitable saw for under $250 we'd save money and if it turned out i had no use for it in a few weeks, i could sell it for a few bucks. i may ask my brother in law if he knows someone with a chainsaw.

i got to hacking at it with an axe, 8LBS sledge hammer, an old hand saw and the electric chainsaw. the axe was by far more productive. heck, the hand saw i tried did more than the chainsaw. i ran into trouble when i got to a really dense layer so i called it a day.

 

[spotco2]

Look into a descent bow saw. You're young and have plenty of energy. These things can cut a phenomenal amount of wood in a short period of time and usually you can get a good one for under $30.

 

[moron88]

Look into a descent bow saw. You're young and have plenty of energy. These things can cut a phenomenal amount of wood in a short period of time and usually you can get a good one for under $30.

hehe i wish. my energy gets sapped pretty fast. my brother in law on the other hand has more energy than a room full of 5 year olds! he went at that thing last night with an ax and it broke! twice! first the handle broke in half but he kept using it until the head broke off. then he went to another ax so now all the secondary branches are off, leaving one long log. he also got to work hacking away closer to the camper. if i spend an hour with an ax (the one we didnt use that i discovered is actually the sharpest...) hacking where he did it should break free. after that, i'll try pulling it off the camper and begin shreading it with my 20 gauge