Chainsaw advice

[bhouse]

Morning all,

 

Because of a move to the country, I will need to cut timber for firewood.

As I don't fancy developing a right arm like Popeye's I thought a chainsaw would be helpful.

I don't need anything massively heavy duty as it will be used probably once a week for  a couple of hours. Maximum timber diameter about 40cm I should think.

Does anyone have any particular recommendations - or makes to avoid?

Or, for that matter, another solution?

Thanks!

 

[Captain Colonial]

Calling James Alexander to the boardroom please...

[alexander72]

Good Morning Mr Bhouse.

 

Firstly buy a trauma first aif kit including 2litre wound pack. keep this next to your saw horse or logging area WITHOUT FAIL.

 

I would buy Stihl, then if I had a second choice I would buy Stihl but if Stihl is too expensive I would save up and buy Stihl.....

 

Homeowner saws start at £149.00 for the 181 - a handy logging saw but not really enough grunt for refular usage on 40cm round wood.

 

I would only ever use a saw abpove the MS241 size.  This engine (head stock) can run a a variety of guide bars up to 18" which is plenty to get yourself through most wood. 

 

For speed I run a big saw (660) with a 12" guide bar for logging as it really whips through the cord.

 

To conclude, MS 211 or 241 would be plenty for you with a 16" guide bar.  I NEVER use a saw without a helmet, boots and trousers with Class 1 protection.  You only need chainsaw protection once so PLEASE consider getting some chaps or trousers.

 

Get a sharpening set (roundfiles, guide, flat file and depth guage) with you saw - give it a tickle every time you use is and a chain should last 3 years easy.

 

Finally, check safety twice before cutting once - have fun and hope the fire burns hot :-)

 

 

I buy from FR Jones Ltd, Honey Brothers or George Carr Power products - there are loads of offers on out there.

 

If you want to discuss any of the above PM me and I will call you as I can supply entire sets of equipment at trade rates.

[bhouse]

Hi James,

Thanks very much for some very comprehensive advice - particularly about the safety aspect! I'm second only to Norm in terms of the amount of damage I can inflict on myself. I once severed 3 tendons in my right hand while feeding our chickens...

 

I'll have a look at your recommendations and drop you a PM come buying time.

Brian

[Captain Colonial]

I once severed 3 tendons in my right hand while feeding our chickens...

 

    Them's big vicious chickens!  Are you sure they weren't birds of prey?  Or were you attacked by dozens of chickens at the same time?

[alexander72]

chickens are mighty lethal when they get organised......

[alexander72]

bqack on topic - anytime Bhouse.... buy once and a saw will last you a decade minimum unless some pikeys nick it off you :-)

[Norman Verona]

I have a cheap(ish) chain saw from the local Brico. It's served me well. I don't use it for cutting logs as we buy them pre-cut. I guess I use it once a year for maybe half hour.

 

However, if you're going to be cutting all your logs then I would takes James advice.

[Terry Everall]

I also use a Sthil and they are great

I wear satefy boots as well

 

I also bought a log splitter which is fantastic 

[Welly Jen]

Make sure you can reliably juggle them switched off before you try it with the chainsaws running.

Sorry, no help at all.

Jen

[alexander72]

LOL - i like that Jen

[bhouse]

Make sure you can reliably juggle them switched off before you try it with the chainsaws running.

Sorry, no help at all.

Jen

Thanks Jen - already sussed that bit. Here I am at Covent Garden in London:

 

 

Edit: Hmm. Why is that showing as a link and not an embedded video? What have I done wrong??? (Sorry, trade secret - fixed for you - Mod Squad)

[tolf]

From another tree fella:

Stihl ms241 or 261.

Never ever use the chainsaw without wearing the full safety gear. It only takes half a second to lose a limb or worse

[davidgh]

Hi Mr BHouse

 

I also live in the country. I let James and his ilk do most of the serious stuff, but I have a Stihl MS230 (presumably model before the MS231?) for maintenance work and recommend it highly.

 

Echo the bit about the safety kit. Chainsaws are terrifyingly effective things.

 

Lots of discounts normally available from agricultural factors (although probably less so at the moment because of the recent storm)

 

HTH

[Terry Everall]

Mine is Sthil MS250 and a great piece of kit