Saws, Chains, and how not to make a poor decision?

[ryjen]

This will be my first year harvesting wood, and next winter will be my first as a full time burner. As such, I have some upgrading to do to my equipment. However, I also have a ton to learn before doing so.
I currently own a Poulan Pro, 49cc with an 18" bar. I use "Oregon" chains, and have no sharpening supplies. Mainly because until now it was faster, and easier to replace the chain. My saw didn't get much use, so it worked better for me and $17 every year for a chain wasn't a big deal. However now I need some advice on saws, chains, and sharpening techniques/tools. I'm sure there are better chains I can use, that will take and hold sharpening better than what I'm using, I just don't know of them. To this point, I've shopped at the big box stores, so my knowledge base and selection is very limited.
I'm a budget minded man, so I will be looking for a used saw. Could you also offer up some tips as far as what to look for when buying used?
I'll be taking everything I can get my hands on this year. Oak, Pine, Poplar and Maple are very prominent in my area, and I'm positive I'm going to need at least a 20" bar.

Thanks!

 

[razerface]

well, if 1 chain lasted you a year,,,you did not cut any wood! First thing is learn to sharpen that chain. You get MANY sharpenings from a chain. A sharp chain cuts SOOOOOO much faster.

If you do not want to learn,,,get them sharpened at your local shop. You can have one getting sharpened while you use another,,,but I rarely get more then one day from a chain till i sharpen. I do not cut for 5 minutes though,,,,i cut all day when i do it.

Get a file and try it. Touch up your chain every couple hours,,,see how it goes. It is not really hard to do.

 

[Jags]

Well - expect a wide array of thoughts on this. I will start by suggesting that you keep the training wheels on for a season. By this I mean...a 49cc saw pulling an 18" bar shouldn't be too bad for the vast majority of stuff you are liable to get. Get a file/guide set and learn how to sharpen chains (lots of youtube videos). With these training wheels on, you will gain knowledge that may better serve you for the long term. After a season you will probably "KNOW" exactly what you want or need. If you gotta spend money...do it on PPE - chaps, boots, etc. or gear like a Peavy or cant hook. How you splitting this stuff? That might also be an area that you can improve on.

 

[gzecc]

I would suggest keeping your existing saw. Get a new chain. Bring the old chain to your local saw shop and have them sharpen it. At least this way you will know what a sharp chain is.
Learn how to maintain your saw. Use it until you know what short comings it has. In a year or two you can then consider a new or used saw if necessary. Most home users have two saws. One for small branches(lighter weight) one for bigger stuff. Its impossible to have a saw for everything. Versatility and reliability are the key.
Get some chaps, ear protection, glasses if you don't already.
Start looking at CL for saws for sale. After 6 mos you'll see things you recognize.

 

[ryjen]

Splitting with a hydraulic log splitter, powered by a 5 HP Briggs engine. Homebuilt, bought from Latino of unknown origin. There is a conversation thread on it here: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/gas-powered-log-splitter-help-needed.125226/#post-1680751

I was getting a year out of my chain because I was only using saw for a few minutes around the house, here and there.....and I didn't know any better. (Insert G.I.Joe "Knowing is half the battle here")

 

[ryjen]

Ok, so I'm good with keeping what I have. That saves money right there!
The Oregon chains that I have (I have 1 on saw, and 2 that are dull), are an ok brand?

 

[razerface]

Ok, so I'm good with keeping what I have. That saves money right there!
The Oregon chains that I have (I have 1 on saw, and 2 that are dull), are an ok brand?

they will do fine,, keep them sharp.

 

[Jags]

Oregon is a respected name and is a good bang for your buck.
Hydro splitter? Check
Capable saw for now? Check
PPE?

 

[CenterTree]

+1 on the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Do NOT be "budget minded" when it comes to protecting your body, limbs, and eyes/ears.

Get the stuff you need to be safe!

PPE is a MUST no matter what saw you run. And no matter if you are a beginner or a pro.

---------------------------------------------
1. Chaps
2. Eye wear
3. Ear plugs/muffs
4. Steel toe boots
5. Helmet (if doing felling)

6. Education (proper use of saw and cutting techniques)

 

[ryjen]

Chaps, negative.
Eye wear, Check.
Ear plugs, Check
Steel Toe boots, Check
Helmet, Negative
Education.....well, aren't we working on that one now?

 

[splitoak]

Ok..ill take a stab...
husqvarna chaps..amazon $60
Oregon semi chisel on amazon $20(dont quote me but i believe it is a 62 drive link chain)
Decent pair of work gloves
PPE is paramount....just one second could change your life forever....
coupla plastic felling wedges to stick in log cuts to keep the bar from getting pinched...
hope this helps...its definately an addiction....try to get on the three year plan and youll be set

 

[ryjen]

Yeah, I'm working as fast as I can to get to the 3 year mark. Especially considering the ice storm we just had.

 

[lindnova]

I would suggest keeping your existing saw. Get a new chain. Bring the old chain to your local saw shop and have them sharpen it. At least this way you will know what a sharp chain is.
Learn how to maintain your saw. Use it until you know what short comings it has. In a year or two you can then consider a new or used saw if necessary. Most home users have two saws. One for small branches(lighter weight) one for bigger stuff. Its impossible to have a saw for everything. Versatility and reliability are the key.
Get some chaps, ear protection, glasses if you don't already.
Start looking at CL for saws for sale. After 6 mos you'll see things you recognize.

+1 Good advice.

Spend some time here searching and you will learn what you need to know about saws & chains. I started just like you a few years ago and what I thought was a lot of wood 10 years ago is an afternoon of work now with the right equipment and knowledge. I have a northern(Oregon clone) bench grinder for resetting cutter angles occasionally - usually after hitting barbed wire, but I sharpen most of the time with files now. Youtube chain sharpening. Get some chaps. PPE is worth it.

 

[xman23]

I like you kept buying new chains. Stihl are considered to be one of the best quality chains out there. They stay sharp for a decent time. I had the round file / guide for my Stihl for years but never tried it. Thinking it was hard to do. Last year I gave it a try. Its so easy, first time the chain was so sharp. Now I'm almost addicted. I stop cutting at any hint of dullness.

For me it was easy using a Stihl chain and the correct Stihl round file diameter mounted in a frame / guide makes it all work. perfect. All I do is make the same level, angle 2 strokes on cutter. Do this on both sides and you done in 5 minutes. You do need the right file for your chain. Take a look at the You Tube videos.

If your looking at a new saw, invest in a quality saw. It's well worth it.

 

[smokinj]

I just done another monster white oak. Got about 6 cords setting next to the drive and starting to get it stack. This time I was able to snag a nice dump trailer and a bucket loader next to the splitter. Got to admit it was awesome. about 30 man hours from site to home. Back is still intact. If I had to start form scratch, I might be a pellet pig. Make a long story short save your back!

 

[rwhite]

Search the Stilh and Husky websites. That will give you an idea of saw grade (homeowner vs pro). Then search the model number on here and arboristsite to get an idea what to pay. I have ran Stihls and Huskys (only owned stihls) and both are great saws. The 026/260 are a great small saw good for up to 20" or so. I run a 20" bar on mine without any trouble. I think the 036 or similar is a great all around saw and will do what any firewood cutter could ever ask. An 044 is more saw than I need at home but if the price was right I wouldn't pass it up. The thing to overcome IMO is that a good used pro saw will run about the same price as a homeowner model that is new. Personally I would rather have a good used pro model than a new homeowner but that's just me. Oregon chain is good. JUst make sure you get the good stuff for the new saw. I don't like the low profile/low kickback chain.

The last thing I recommend is finding a good shop and getting a pro-tune on it. That will give you an idea what it should run like when you start feeling the need to monkey with it (as we all do). I have a good shop near me and I take mine in every few years and have a total tune on it. Usually runs about $100 for full clean, new plug, air filter. It come out looking new and running new. Have had the saw for 20 years and it has never failed me.