Christmas Eve cutting

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Backwoods Savage

Minister of Fire
Feb 14, 2007
27,811
Michigan
Last July we had lots of trees out by the roots, broken limbs and even some trees that just split. This pin oak is one that split.

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This pin oak was growing where we cut off some pines last year. There is another one about the same size right next to it but the wind did not get to that one.

Naturally, pictures don't do this justice but this is what we have. The tree at the height where the saw rests is 5' from the ground. It is not a big tree and it surprised me that it went down. Also, being pin oak, there is a lot of work getting all the limbs off. This was made even harder because almost all the limbs were frozen to the ground so basically I had to cut a couple limbs then cut off about a foot or 2 and move that out of the way so I could move on to the next.

Most probably know how I hurt my back this fall and that the Ornery one has been after me to get a lighter saw. I was considering a Stihl 250, thinking I could use that for the small trees and for cutting up the limbs. Funny that one guy at the saw shop said he did not like the 250 because it was hard starting. First time I've heard that one. But a neighbor knew what I had been considering so today he brought his 250 for me to try. I really had not wanted to cut today to give the back a few more days rest but now I just had to get out and get busy.

The saw is lighter than the 290 for sure but I possibly could go to a lighter saw yet. Perhaps it is because I had to cut so high that it made things more difficult too. Once I got the tree limbed, the bucking of the tree really went fast and super easy. There was a full chisel chain on the saw and he had just sharpened it. I was surprised just how well it cut and how much power that little saw had.

We got only one trailer load so it was a lot of cutting for a little bit of wood but like my wife said, it is darned good wood! No picture of the trailer load but one picture has the atv and trailer in it.

So my first impression of the 250 is that it is a really good saw and not that much less power than the 290. It is about 3 lb lighter so that is a big plus. This one has a 16" bar and that is probably what I would buy if I get one. So now I've even thinking about a 201 which weighs less than 9 lb. Time will tell.
 
I have a MS 180 that I converted to a 14" .050 bar and love it for when I need to run a lighter saw. It will bury the bar in oak and cuts nice with full chisel. I received it as a gift and did not like it with the stock bar, after I switched it really turned around. I have owned it for about 7 years and the only issues it gives me are when someone doesn't choke it properly at startup the linkage jumps off the carb. I have a 250 with a 16" bar, 310 and a husky 562 both with 20" bars and I like to carry the 180 and 562 as they cover most things I get into.
 
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Nice! That's some great btu's. Can't wait to burn mine in a couple years. Little stinky when fresh split IMHO.
 
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Sav, that would probably be a good little saw for medium stuff. A couple pounds makes a big difference over several hours of cutting. Take it easy on that back, and have a Merry Christmas bud!
 
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I do most of my cutting with 2 old 025's and a newer 250. All with 16 inch bars so I can swap chains. Them saws are bullit proof. Just cant get in a big hurry. Whats the rush anyhows. The trees will still be there right?
 
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Good days work ;)

I believe tis time for you to get a good new pro model saw. You earned it many times over ;)
New ones have better power to weight performance.

Light weight; it's hard to beat Husqy's:
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/professional-chainsaws/husqvarna-proffesional-chainsaws/

338XP T, Top handle. Husqvarna 7.7lbs, 39cc , 12" to 16" bar. ;)
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/professional-chainsaws/338-xp-t/#specifications

338 xp, 8.8lbs ($499 ; equivalent to the ms201)
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/professional-chainsaws/339-xp/#specifications

MS201 is a nice saw too, (knowing you'll probably buy a Stihl ;) )
Lot more power out of the newer saws compared to the old ones. Easy start & better fuel efficiency too.
16" is $699 here:
ms201 16".jpg
 
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Nice work Denny, lots of branches there. I think I am about to go out and do some cutting or splitting, not sure just yet what I feel like. Don't need to be anywhere till 2.

Merry Christmas all, KC
 
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I have a MS 180 that I converted to a 14" .050 bar and love it for when I need to run a lighter saw. It will bury the bar in oak and cuts nice with full chisel. I received it as a gift and did not like it with the stock bar, after I switched it really turned around. I have owned it for about 7 years and the only issues it gives me are when someone doesn't choke it properly at startup the linkage jumps off the carb. I have a 250 with a 16" bar, 310 and a husky 562 both with 20" bars and I like to carry the 180 and 562 as they cover most things I get into.

Looks like that 180 is about another pound lighter than the 250. I may have a look. Cutting those limbs off at 5' high really made my shoulders hurt today.
 
Dave, I am considering going to the husky dealer just for kicks. I know of several folks who have bought saws there and all have been happy. I just had a bad experience with the guy this past summer but may go anyway and who knows? But, the Stihl dealer is a lot closer and I've dealt with this fellow for many, many moons as he is also a tire seller and a really good guy.
 
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Dave, I am considering going to the husky dealer just for kicks. I know of several folks who have bought saws there and all have been happy. I just had a bad experience with the guy this past summer but may go anyway and who knows? But, the Stihl dealer is a lot closer and I've dealt with this fellow for many, many moons as he is also a tire seller and a really good guy.

I think the MS201 is is a good light weight saw as most of Stihl saws are.
I think the 338xp is a good light weight saw as most of Husqvarna saws are.
I don't have an allegiance to one or the other. ;)

I have a Stihl dealer closer than the husqy dealer. Run a Husqy 359 saw, with a Stihl chains & other Stihl tools & stuff.
Whatever best fits me at the time.
 
Good to see you out and about Dennis. I didn't know you were in the market for a lighter saw. I would seriously look at the top handle arborist pro saws. My husky has a whole bunch of power and with a full chisel chain is great at limbing and bucking medium size stuff. You would be impressed! If you want pm me and I'll get you a price from a close friend of mine or I can drop by and while the ornery one bakes us a pie we can take it for a test drive. :)
 
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Nice work Dennis. Just the way to do it. Set a safe, steady pace, and enjoy the work! If you are not enjoying it, time to take a break from it.
 
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Thinking about cutting a bit more tomorrow. We'll see how the body feels and go from there. Expecting some company tomorrow too, one etiger. Looking forward to that meeting.
 
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JDC1, I would be interested to know how that performs and how the battery holds up. I had considered one of those just for trimming when setting tree stands. For sure that might work nicely on those dead pin oak branches as they can be tough cutting by hand.
 
Milwaukee makes great heavy duty pro tools.Bought my first Sawzall 25 yrs ago,still have the bi-metal holesaw set,pad sander,monster 1 1/2" rotary hammer used for drilling/chipping & light demo of concrete & stone & A a few other accessories.Really like the 18V Dewalt sawzall,its great for pruning stuff around the property,even used it up in a tree with great results.Batteries now are so much better & more powerful than the ones I started with in the late '80's,no comparison.
 
JDC1, I would be interested to know how that performs and how the battery holds up. I had considered one of those just for trimming when setting tree stands. For sure that might work nicely on those dead pin oak branches as they can be tough cutting by hand.

I have a rigid 18v impact driver and drill and hate them after I have used my dads Milwaukee as far as strength and battery life. He just got an 1/2" impact gun to do the lift on his land cruiser and it was able to tighten nuts past where I tightened with a ratchet. I have not used the hack zall yet but if it performs like the other tools in the M18 line I will be happy. My wife also got me a cordless skil saw and right angle drill to go with it alll. I must have been pretty good least year.
 
What about a drill. Mine petered out last week. What would you recommend?
 
Dennis, I don't think it was your drill that petered out! Lol.....:oops:

Seriously, I have the ryobi 18 volt drill. It's ok for what it is and what it will do. At work we have the Milwaukee and they are no doubt top of the line. I also read in popular mechanics where they are rated the best as well. They do cost more but I think your do for an upgrade from this pic of your previous drill!
 

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How did you get my drill Wishlist?

I'll definitely look at them. Got a few other things to take care of first.
 
18 volt DeWalt XRP.... Bar none my best Drill ever.

So good, I bought two!! ($299 MSRP)

I bought a 5 piece 18 volt DeWalt Cordless kit (XRP drill, Sawzall, circ saw, grinder, flashlight) then i bought another XRP drill for my garage.

3 speed, 1/2 bit, with Tons of torque.
 
Thinking about cutting a bit more tomorrow. We'll see how the body feels and go from there. Expecting some company tomorrow too, one etiger. Looking forward to that meeting.

Hey, there is a party and all of us weren't invited!? :(
 
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