Craftsman saws
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Pennsyltucky Chris
Minister of Fire
I was in the local Sears Hardware the other day picking up some replacement drill bits, and I gave the store a once over. I saw a few of their chainsaws were extremely cheap and asked the store manager about them. He told me not to buy them (I wasn't going to). I'm in there at least once a week, so he knows my face. I appreciate his honesty, and I'll take his word for it.
MDFisherman
Burning Hunk
I wouldn't waste my money on them but I am partial to huskys. They will work if u are cutting small stuff once in a while but that's about it.
If your going to use the saw to feed the stove year in and year out. Go for a quality saw, if you can afford it. They start, and run for ever with practically no issues. You get what you pay for is true with chain saws.
bigbarf48
Minister of Fire
I imagine they're probably re-badged poulans. If so, the 50cc is probably a 5020av, which really isnt a bad saw for the money
That said, I was perfectly happy with downgrading (in power) from my 5020 to an ms170 for the quality increase
That said, I was perfectly happy with downgrading (in power) from my 5020 to an ms170 for the quality increase
Beer Belly
Minister of Fire
My little 36cc 16in. Craftsman has never let me down, always fired up, and always cut what I sunk the Bar in.....not the greatest, speediest saw, but it has been dependable for the past 10 years or so.......it's now been retired to my back up saw in case I have problems with my Stihl
lindnova
Feeling the Heat
I have an old burned up poulon wild thing 18" and have a friend who had a craftsman. Almost the same saw. They are actually ok for the price and will last a while and cut ok. As far as parts or operator comfort, not so much. I broke my chain tensioner and was able to find one online. Way to much vibration to use very often.
I still wouldn't recommend them as if you cut a lot. If you cut a little and they sit and gum up it may be hard to find someone to work on it. Go with a Stihl, Husky, Josnsrude, Dolmar. Whoever has the best dealer for service and parts in your area. They have good consumer saws at reasonable prices and the service to repair them. In the end you will be happy you can have a reliable saw, get it fixed or resale when needed.
I still wouldn't recommend them as if you cut a lot. If you cut a little and they sit and gum up it may be hard to find someone to work on it. Go with a Stihl, Husky, Josnsrude, Dolmar. Whoever has the best dealer for service and parts in your area. They have good consumer saws at reasonable prices and the service to repair them. In the end you will be happy you can have a reliable saw, get it fixed or resale when needed.
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What are your intentions for the saw? That makes a big difference. Matching the tool to the job.
That's the big ?. My Craftsman (made by Poulan) 42cc/18" was bought in 1990. It had been my main for 20 years...cutting 1/2 cord of fireplace firewood and some tree trimming each year. Now, I feed 2 stoves and cut 3-4 cords per year. It's too slow and under powered for that. Have moved to Husq 55 as my main saw.
Construction quality seems pretty good...problems have been (and after 20+ years usage): Chain brake band broke. 1 of the 2 bolts holding ignition module in place had worked it's way completely out and bounced on the flywheel, busting fins. Dirty carb needed cleaning (every saw will need that).
I'd price shop around...bet you can get a Poulan 42cc/18" for much cheaper. I'd go with one again...if my usage answer was low.
2-3 trees...how tall? trunk diameter? The best measurement is how many cords you end with. Cord = split wood, tightly stacked measuring 4'x4'x8'. Or as many prefer 16" long splits...4' tall x 16" deep x 24' long.
Yeah - "trees" isn't really a useful measurement.
The reality - if you are whacking a half cord or cord per year, any old saw will do. When you start getting higher into production you will want to look at things like speed, comfort, reliability, repairs, etc. If you are looking to do this for the long haul - buy a good tool. If this is for the outdoor firepit - meh...probably doesn't matter.
The reality - if you are whacking a half cord or cord per year, any old saw will do. When you start getting higher into production you will want to look at things like speed, comfort, reliability, repairs, etc. If you are looking to do this for the long haul - buy a good tool. If this is for the outdoor firepit - meh...probably doesn't matter.
Giles
Burning Hunk
I have bought, refurbished and sold chainsaws for many years. I only deal with Stihl-Husqvarna-Echo and Makita/Dolmar.
I would guess they are worth their cost but "as a rule" they vibrate more and don't develop the power of the above mentioned saws.
As far as Sears is concerned, I haven't been in one of their stores, or Kmart in over ten years.
I don't know about Craftsman chainsaws but do know that, from my experience, that many Sears items are manufactured to Sears specifications and you must go back to Sears for parts! That way they can set their price!
I own a little Craftsman chainsaw (14" bar) that I bought at the turn of the century (really it's just 14 years old), and other than routine maintenance (I think I had to have the spark plug replaced and the carburetor cleaned a few years ago), it's been rock solid. That said, I've never used another brand, but unless this stops working someday, I probably won't? I like the idea of the vibration dampening with brand name saws, but I would not hesitate to buy another Craftsman either (and it was like $70). For the record, I don't do 'high volume' wood cutting... an occasional fall, mostly bucking and limbing.
I cut with a homey 240 for several years. I ain't gonna lie - I wished I would have bought my Stihl sooner rather than later, but that homey cut every stick of wood, reliably for a long time. I just didn't realize how tiring and slow it was till I got the MS361.
clemsonfor
Minister of Fire
I would spend $300 and get a decent used saw. You can almost step into an 036 or a husky 372 at that price
Those small saws are fine for a truckload or two a yr or branches but get something decent and you will be happy. Example buy a $350 used stihl today. Run the fool out of it for 3 years and still sell it for $300-350. Buy a $200 craftsman for $200 and use it for a few seasons and sell it for $75-100 if your lucky a few years later....?
Those small saws are fine for a truckload or two a yr or branches but get something decent and you will be happy. Example buy a $350 used stihl today. Run the fool out of it for 3 years and still sell it for $300-350. Buy a $200 craftsman for $200 and use it for a few seasons and sell it for $75-100 if your lucky a few years later....?- Status
