Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Woodbender on April 13, 2013, 11:18:53 pm
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Pondering getting a chainsaw so I can cut my own wood. Don't know too much about them. Anyone have any advise on size, features, brands, new vs used? Would appreciate your thoughts
Steve
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That would be dependant on what type of wood you will be harvesting, and how big. I have everything from a stihl 066, 044, poulans a cheap saw, but I really like the little poulans for harvesting bow woods of medium size. Poulans have definate weaknesses.....one the pull start... don't try to prove your manhood here short pulls, and don't use anything other than the poulan weed eater 2 stroke oil mixes as others will clog the carb... been through this many times! >:( Get one with a 18 inch bar I prefer the "wild thing" they have more power, kinda ugly, but you won't loose it! :laugh:. If you are looking for a pro saw stick with husky, or stihl....my .02. :laugh:
VMB
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Like VBM said, Stihl and Husqvarna are great for big stuff, and the quality is unequaled. That being said, I also have 2 little Poulans that are perfect for the wood I use for most of my bows. I've also used Homelite with good results. If you have big bucks go for Stihl or Husky. If you are on a budget get a Poulan or Homelite. I bought my last Poulan at a garage sale for $2. It runs like a champ!
Dale
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I love my little homelite saw. It has cut some big trees.
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I use a bow saw to cut my wood, good ole arm power lol
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I use a bow saw to cut my wood, good ole arm power lol
+1......one Chad power :-\
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Echo 8)
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I've got a Stihl Farm Boss with a 20" bar and have been really happy with it.
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Go big. I've read osage outlaw's accounts of heroic feats with his tiny Homelite and I believe him! But I made a living cutting firewood thru high school back in the 70's. 20 inch bar minimum for me.
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After logging for over 8 years I have seen some nasty cuts or should I say rips!maybe figure in the cost of chainsaw pants,boots ,helmet and visor c/w ear muffs.
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22" Husqevarna and 18" Stihl. Don't think I would use anything else.
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Thanks folks! As little as I'll probably use it sounds like a cheaper saw might fit my needs. Though I borrowed a neighbors 34 year old Stihl to cut up an apple tree and it ran like a champ!!
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Go big. I've read osage outlaw's accounts of heroic feats with his tiny Homelite and I believe him! But I made a living cutting firewood thru high school back in the 70's. 20 inch bar minimum for me.
Slimbob, if I could afford a 20" stihl I would be using one. The 14" homelite was a Christmas gift 12 years ago so I make do with it. A sharp chain makes all the difference. Besides, if I had a powerful 20" saw I would probably end up cutting my leg off with it ;D I get into enough trouble with the little homelite. I just noticed a big saw mark on the heal of my boot the other day. No clue how that happened.
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I have a little 14" poulan that has worked beautifully so far. i think it retails for $125 and i got it from a guy off c****list for $80. Best $80 i've spent on bowmaking. Depends on how much you're willing to lay out to start with, and how much you really plan on using it. I was in a squeeze $$wise, and needed it the same day I bought it, so i got lucky. Took it right out the package, added the oil and gas, cranked'er up and cut down a bunch of elm :)
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ive used mainly stihl for years and I love them. but Ive also used husqvarna and they are nice saws too. I have a 310 stihl with 20" bar and it works great but one my favorites is a 250 stihl it works great and its alot lighter but will cut pretty big stuff too.
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osage outlaw....I've just seen you mention on several different threads this little Homelite saw. It conjures up this funny image in my mind. Sorry! As far as doing things on the cheap, right there with you, me probably even more so than you. My work bench is the first Sears Workmate I ever bought....1990 or so, my sandpaper, safety glasses and gloves are an Xmas gift every year from a friend who works for 3M, tillering string is a Dacron string I made 12-14 years ago for tillering (it just broke last week), still wieght my bows on bathroom scales (seems to work fine), and on and on. :) BTW, got a scar on my left shin that probably looks a lot like the mark on your boot. Looked worse than it was. I screamed like a girl!
No offense to all the chainsaw wielding non screaming girls obviously.
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I have a husky limbing saw with a 14 inch bar. I love it So far it has cut 15 cords of fire wood with minimal problems. I have felled a couple of trees that were in the 25 inch range and it did fine. I am 40 and have been cutting fire wood since age 13. Out of the 5 or 6 saws the two best have been husky and Jonsered. Don't skimp or when you need a saw it won't work.
Greg
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I have a stihl and like it,the trouble I have with them in my area is no one to work on it,I have 3 Eco's 16-18-20 and love them,easy to start and easy to get parts to repair,that is very important for me,I would also suggest what ever you decide on it to by it from a repeatable shop,you may pay a little more but when[and you will] you have trouble you have someone to help you out. Chain stores ant a good place to by saws.IMO. :)
Pappy
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I bought a refurbished craftsman 18" at a discount store for $80 a year and a half ago and it has served me well so far. 3 pumps on the bulb and pull the choke and it cranks within 3 pulls. Usually the first. Reviews on mine says it uses oil quicker than most and I believe them but it has been reliable. I don't cut a whole lot of wood but I have a wood burning stove in the garage and a fire pit in the back yard, and some osage in the rafters of my garage. I haven't looked at other new chainsaws but 1 feature I like about this one is you can adjust tension or replace by hand. No tools necessary. They may all do that these days though.
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My old saw with the 20" bar was a Poulan 3400 (back before they were bought out by weed eater). Lots of power! I cut a LOT of wood with that saw. My brother borrowed it and left gas in it all winter and ruined the diaphram in the carb. Try getting a carb kit for a 1985 Poulan. My next saw will be a Stihl. Do the math and get one with 3.5 or better cu in.
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Ihave a STHIL Farm Boss but I refitted it with a different sprocket to take a longer bar with a thinner blade (less friction) for resawing.
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Some of the older saws tend to have carb issues related to ethanol fuel. So keep that in mind if you go used. A sharp, good quality chain makes a huge difference.
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I put a wood stove in a couple of years ago, bought me a Stihl 295 I think it's called with the tax money I got back for the energy saving tax rebate. Should have gotten a Farm Boss, but the 295 works great for me. I also got a helmet and chainsaw chaps. I wear them every time I fire up the saw, no exceptions. Sounds like Clint could use a pair of these too. I have a buddy that uses a saw for a living and he pretty much made me promise hime that I'd wear the safety gear. It's worth the extra $$. Before that I used two 1960s Homelite, neither had a chain break, I feel a lot safer now that I have an up to date saw. Keep the tip out of the dirt is the main thing. A sharp chain makes a big difference. If you are getting dust rather than shavings, you need to sharpen your chain. I have bought another chain since too. Like Pappy said, make sure you have a service center for what ever model you buy. Stihl has several around my place. Good luck, dpg
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I knew this would be the place to ask! Thanks for all the feedback guys!!
Steve