Asking Santa for a chainsaw - need advice!

[quercus21]

I am partial to Husqvarna, but Stihls or Echos are good. A small bar of 12 - 14" should be good for you. I would look around at the different models, feel the weight, balance etc. Just before you make the purchase, see what it is like to start and run, the vibration, and the torque when the engine is at high rpms.
I use to use a Echo 302S with a 16" bar as a topping saw, and had 2 Homelite 1050 with a 42 & 48" bars as bucking saws. The work force of saws were Echos, 20, 24, 36" bars.
Enjoy

 

[NGT ANGL]

My Stihl is one of the smaller models that hubby gave me two Christmas' ago. Easy to handle and not too heavy.

 

[Atlchick]

Please let me recommend going in an entirely different direction:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-NLP1800-Alligator-Cordless/dp/B0019NACTG

I bought one of these two years ago at Home Depot - they're about $90. It's so light-weight. No cord to pull. No gas to mix. It'll knock out a 6" tree in seconds. With the two handles, it is much easier for me to control than a chainsaw. I bought an extra battery and keep one charging all the time.

Normally I wouldn't recommend a Black & Decker tool...but I use this 'Gator ALL the time! Can't tell you how much I love this thing!

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

My husband and I both have used Stihl chainsaws for over 25 years as we heat with wood only.

Go to a shop that sells them and try out the different sizes. A lot of stores have logs you can cut to try the saw.

From what you describe, you won't need a big saw.

 

[Avalon1984]

If this is all you will do one of those whimsy electrical ones that are small should be good enough. I have an 18in for the bigger jobs but it gets my wrists too tired and I tend to make the chain jump on that puppy, hence husband won’t let me use it without supervision even though it was my Christmas gift. I have a homelite.

 

[chickened]

I have owned a logging business for over 25 years and have tried them all. The Stihl product line is the best, they make all sizes and the reps can show you what size you need most likely an 020 to 026 20" bar with the "easy start" feature.

 

[Carols Clucks]

My friend has a Stihl "Limber" that is nice and light.

If you like the Gator by black and decker, check out your local OSH cause they had them on clearance (it was a while back though)


I use the little ryobi cordless cause I have issues using gas powered products (lung issues with the fuel not the fumes so much-can't use petro based paints either)

 

[conny63malies]

Quote:
i dont even bother asking for power tools for christmas. I go to Sears put them on layaway for myself. I use the money i save with using coupons when buying groceries to make the payments. Hubby doesnt complain as long as he gets to buy motorcycle and hunting stuff.

 

[Randy]

chickbea, is this the one you saw on tv? I saw in infomerciall about this one and they made it look pretty good. Not sure if it's $400.00 good though. You get get a top of the line small gas saw for cheaper than that. I can see how it would be handy for just limbs and saplings and stuff. The auto chain sharpening on these just blows my mind. Not fair I want that on my husky. LOL



http://www.50kparts.com/pages/CustomCatalog/Product/60633

 

[chickbea]

Wheee! Thanks everyone - I'm going to have to go out and look at all these toys! Now at least I have some directions to go in.
chickened - I don't know what the "easy start" feature is, but I want it!
Quote:
Nope...