Chainsaw on a small budget

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Cornflakes

Cornflakes

Burning Hunk
Sep 19, 2014
203
Maryland
Okay, so unfortunately my chain saw budget isn't what I thought it would be after doing my taxes.

I have a $75 dollar gift card for Home Depot so i will be purchasing a saw from there.

I don't want to spend more than $225... Ideally $200 or below... I just need a saw to get me started and to help the scrounging process go a little smoother.

One from hd that stand out is the echo cs-400.

Any help deciding from what HD has to offer is greatly appreciated. (Assuming their makita rentals aren't for sale.)
 
image.jpg Just found this cs-400 locally for $175

Should I go for it??
 
Is it close enough for you to go inspect it? I'd go look at it, run it, give it a good inspection. Most here would recommend pulling the muffler off and inspect the piston for scoring. The same saw is $299 new at HD. Not sure if the cs400 comes with the same 5 year warranty my 590 did, I assume it's for all Echo saws. Doubt the warranty would transfer, could be a bargaining chip
 
D8Chumley said:
Is it close enough for you to go inspect it? I'd go look at it, run it, give it a good inspection. Most here would recommend pulling the muffler off and inspect the piston for scoring. The same saw is $299 new at HD. Not sure if the cs400 comes with the same 5 year warranty my 590 did, I assume it's for all Echo saws. Doubt the warranty would transfer, could be a bargaining chip
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The saw is near by... I could go look at it tonight. He sounds reasonable and says it's in good condition. I was going to offer him $160. Is much involved with removing the muffler?
 
Granted i got mine on black friday but i picked up a craftsman 20" for 150 that day. Its on sale again i think for 200. Its usually 279 i think. I know you wanted to use the HD card, but if you can still get it for 200 you can use the HD card for a chain file and guide and some more bar oil.

My brother has had his craftsman 18" for 12 years now. Take care of it and it should last.
 
West Norriton? Howdy neighbor. Cornflakes, I think it's a few bolts I've never personally taken one off.
 
If you are going to his house that's a bonus. If it turns out to be a POS you can go back and beat him with it lol
 
Haha. I felled 3 trees on my property with a 14". Lots of sharpening going on but got it done. It is nice to have the 20. Good deal on the freebie.
 
phatdonkey said:
Not to sidetrack, but yeah. Neighbor is right. Got any seasoned stuff i can trade you for? haha.
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I have about 1.5 ish cord in my stash yet for this year, sorry I don't have any I can trade. I gave about 1/2 cord to a guy in need that my sister works with. I should have 8+ cord ready for next year however, and I'm figuring at the rate I'm going I might burn under 4 cord this year. Sorry for the de-rail OP
 
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Cornflakes said:
Hahaha

Well turns out my father inlaw bought a saw years ago and never even started it. He said I could have it. Sweet! Hope it's not a 14 inch bar lol
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What is it? Might be able to go with a bigger bar, but you can't beat that price! Congrats ==c
Edit: I cut a LOT of wood with my MS 170 with 14" bar
 
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Never started? If that's true then that is what I call LUCK! Let us know what she is when you pick her up.
 
My father in-law sent me a photo. It may not be a stihl or a husky... But it's free, new, and will help me provide free heat for my family! I couldn't be more grateful!


image.jpg
 
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Cornflakes said:
My father in-law sent me a photo. It may not be a stihl or a husky... But it's free, new, and will help me provide free heat for my family! I couldn't be more grateful!


View attachment 152886
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Should work fine. Take then gift card and buy 2 non safety chains and some ear muffs and safety glasses. Gloves as well if you can swing it. I have been given quite a few poulans over the years that people thought were junk. Little tune up and they run fine. Usually let one bounce around in my truck so that my Stihl is not taking the abuse. Oh, I also recommend buying some high end 2 cycle oil. I prefer husqvarna xp but donot run the cheap stuff
 
What is a the difference with chain types? Non safety serving what purpose? Thanks for the tips!

Does bar oil brand make a difference?
 
For all intents and purposes, l safety chain(low kick back) are a lot slower. I could type a whole book on the way manufacturers have built chains. As far as bar oil, I run the husqvarna bar oil a well. It will also depend on what temp it is when you are cutting. Some oils are better in cold weather than others and others do better in hot weather
 
I own a cs400 and cs670, both are great saws and have never had any mechanical issues. That being said I'd still buy new and get the 5yr homeowner warranty.

Also, go straight to a saw show and get a legit chain for it. The OEM safety chain is awfull, I think i run Oregon lgx?
 
Safety chain sucks spend$15 and get a good chain. Your Poulan will thank you for some good choppers. Winter weight (10wt) for 25f and below and summer weight (30wt) for the rest of the year, although winter weight can be used year-round, summer weight gets too thick when it's cold. Run good oil (amsoil) and real gas (no ethanol) in it . It will take care of you until you can get a prosaw.
 
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