Shopsmith Forums

It should be pointed out you can mix and match somewhat. I run a Husquevarna Rancher 455 with a 20 inch Husquevarna bar and replaced the chain with a Stihl full chip chain! The Stihl chain is pre-stretched and I think it makes a difference. During break-in you won't need to re-tension as often or as much.

Find a friend that likes using his chainsaw.

Keep in mind how much cutting you will actually be doing.

I have several handsaws that meet my needs for now. Not as fast but they are on hand, and I find I get less injured than a higher speed tool like a chainsaw. It's also a great upper body workout.

Next will probably be an electric chainsaw. I don't want to deal with 2 cycle engines and all the hassle that comes along with those. I'm not felling trees or bringing in cords of wood. Just trimming what I can get from the local tree professionals.

Just a different point of view.

I want to thank everyone who has provided feedback and advice. There happens to be an ACE Hardware store across the street from where I work and I just paid them a visit. I am now the owner of a MS 290 18" STIHL FARM BOSS. I had them swap out the regular chain for a more aggressive one since I will be ripping logs lengthwise to prepare blanks for wood bowls. I have a friend that has lots of oak that have fallen due to a severe drought last year and a storm with high winds last week. He will be providing me with all the oak logs I want so I will be putting the Stihl to the test for sure. I will be paying the local Woodmaster store a visit tonight to pick up some Green Wood End Sealer to prevent the logs from checking until I can get to them. Now the fun starts ( I hope ).

I think you will be happy with your purchase. Stihl saws are more expensive than the typical chainsaw brands on the market but the service you get out of it will more than make up for the extra cost. Just make sure to do the recommended maintenance, keep the chain sharpened and it will last you a lifetime.

Ooooo. And if you have any doubts about proper usage, please do consider a safety course or some sort of training. Chainsaws are very aggressive dangerous tools. You absolutely do not want to take them for granted.

Watch Texas chain saw massacre etc. and you will gain an appreciation for how dangerous they can be when pitted against one self.

Chain saw chaps are a good investment.

algale wrote:Chain saw chaps are a good investment.

I have a toy in comparison to what is being discussed here but I could not complete my yard work without my cheap chain saw and I would not use a good chain saw to do what I have to do.

I am clearing my property, one prickley pear cactus at a time, using my small, cheap Sears chain saw. If works great but when I am done I will probably have turned it into scrap.

dusty wrote:I have a toy in comparison to what is being discussed here but I could not complete my yard work without my cheap chain saw and I would not use a good chain saw to do what I have to do.

I am clearing my property, one prickley pear cactus at a time, using my small, cheap Sears chain saw. If works great but when I am done I will probably have turned it into scrap.

Before buying the Husquevarna, I used to have a "cheap" Sears chain saw. It lasted almost 12 years before died. In retrospect it was a good investment. But I was referring to chain saw "chaps." http://www.stihlusa.com/products/protec ... /blkchaps/

algale wrote:Before buying the Husquevarna, I used to have a "cheap" Sears chain saw. It lasted almost 12 years before died. In retrospect it was a good investment. But I was referring to chain saw "chaps." http://www.stihlusa.com/products/protective-and-work-wear/chain-saw-protective-apparel/blkchaps/

Very clearly you were. I should have read, shouldn't I have? My BAD.

I guess this is a little to big for what you are using it for.

V8 powered chainsaw