Just some ordinary cutting for some firewood. About 20" long and not sure as far as diameter I plan to use every time I get my hands on some logs so say once a week about $300What kind of stuff do you plan to be cutting (diameter of wood)? How often? How much? Budget?
Just something to take out the box and cut some firewood or if I see something on the side of the road. I do have a few dealers near by.Are you mechanically inclined and want to have a "project" to get going? Or just something you can take out of the box and cut firewood with? Do you have any dealers nearby you that can provide service if you need it? A good dealer can be worth more than the brand of saw by far....
Just something to take out the box and cut some firewood or if I see something on the side of the road. I do have a few dealers near by.
Thank you enjoy your weekend.Just about every saw on the market is the perfect saw for someone. Just gotta figure which "someone" you are.
First figure out the range of wood diameters you most often cut, then pick a bar length, then we can pick a saw to power it. Most firewood cutters do well with one saw in the 50 - 65 cc range, and one or two bars in the 16" - 20" range.
If you can swing the cost, the 455 or 290 would make very good single saw plans and offer very good reliability. I wouldn't go smaller than a 45cc saw, though.$300 buys a pretty big saw. But for an average cutter (buying new) and used is not an option. I would stick to the tried and true Rancher 455/Husqvarna, or Farm Boss MS290/Stihl. They are both mid 50's in the cc dept and are more than enough for the average 3-4 cord a yr cutter. They cost a little more than $300. But if you go into a good dealer, you can normally get some $$$ off and/or some free stuff (chains, oil, files, case, etc). Sometimes makes the extra cash worth it.
They both make smaller models that are less. The standard 435, 440, etc (Husqvarna) are $300 or less and the MS 180-MS 250 are also about the same.
Will do so thanks for the advice. I will get a StihlIf you don't get to cutting wood much over 18" or so, the Stihl MS250 is about the most saw $300 will buy new and does well for a lot of homeowners and "casual" firewood cutters.
I'd second the motion that checking out a MS290 or Husqvarna 455 Rancher would be very worth your while even tho they are closer to $400 than $300.
Stay outta the big box stores. They don't sell anything that's out the box reliable enough for someone who doesn't want/like to work on saws, let alone be able to actually service the saw for you in a timely manner should you have trouble.
Stick to the major brands, Echo, Dolmar, and of course Stihl and Husqvarna. You would be wise and well served to buy at a dealer you're comfortable with for parts and service rather than the best price on the saw.
Thank you DanI used a Craftsman 18" for years as an occasional saw. When it began to have issues, I bought a Stihl MS-250 about 6 months ago. I've very happy with it. Remember, an 18" bar can handle the occasional log up to 36" in diameter, if need be. Most of my cutting is 20" diameter or less.
P.S. I chose the MS250 over the Farm Boss or Wood Boss because it is significantly (for me, 2-3 pounds) lighter. It also cost $70-$130 less. Don't forget: you buy the saw, but also need a spare chain or two, some files, maybe a case for the saw, some bar lube, maybe some wedges, a dedicated gas can. Total cost is not just the price of the saw, plus tax.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/home-depot-makitas.89946/#post-1173253
Pretty generous offer.
I bought one about a year ago, and it has been perfect.
Jeff, did you have to do any work to yours at all? Im tempted by one of the Dolkitas, and thats not a bad offer at all that you posted there. I just need another chainsaw like I need a hole in the head...