Stihl MS 290 or Husky 455 e series Rancher?

[southbound]

nice!!

 

[chris-mcpherson]

Okay...I'll compromise and go with an 18" bar.

You have a 20inch 18 now would be a waste..

No...I haven't gotten it yet. The 20" I already have is my homeowner quality Poulan "pro". It's been just fine for basic yard work but not keeping my family warm all winter.
I plan on going in Monday to get my new toy...the 290.
Are you now recommending against an 18" or less bar?

 

[midwestcoast]

I think Jay thought that you'd already bought the saw with a 20" bar, so not to bother going & buying an 18 since having 2 bar&chain; combos around the same size is kinda redundant.
Just a thought, but if your Poulan is runnning okay you could get around a 14" bar for that & use it as a limbing & back-up saw.

 

[smokinj]

I think Jay thought that you'd already bought the saw with a 20" bar, so not to bother going & buying an 18 since having 2 bar&chain; combos around the same size is kinda redundant.
Just a thought, but if your Poulan is runnning okay you could get around a 14" bar for that & use it as a limbing & back-up saw.

yes I did think he bought it.....pull the trigger and get some tripper time already winter close. 18inch one bar probally the best route for a 290 like you said before....Thought you where ready to learn how to file the chain....lol

 

[odie-wan]

I'm new to the site but have been reading threads for a few weeks to learn from your experience. I was considering these two saws as my choice, (and a few others). I picked up a very well cared-for, used 16" Stihl 029 with hard case from Craig's List for $250. Used it a couple times and I'm very happy with it. Thanks for sharing.

Sean

 

[midwestcoast]

Congrats on the saw & welcome!

 

[HittinSteel]

I'm new to the site but have been reading threads for a few weeks to learn from your experience. I was considering these two saws as my choice, (and a few others). I picked up a very well cared-for, used 16" Stihl 029 with hard case from Craig's List for $250. Used it a couple times and I'm very happy with it. Thanks for sharing.

Sean

Welcome Sean.... you got a nice saw at a good price. If you ever want to get a little more power out of it, we can walk you through opening the muffler.

 

[odie-wan]

Thanks for the offer. I mentioned some of the threads about muffler mods to a buddy who also runs an 029 last week. He was very interested in the idea. I might do that in the future too but I want to get some time on the saw as it is. I did pick up a different chain (RSC) and will try my hand at sharpening the safety chain that came with it. I'm just enjoying it as is right now.

As a bonus, the log fairy came again the other day. She drops off ~25ft trees by my fire pit from time to time. Coincidentally, it happens mostly when my neighbor works on clearing space for a house addition. More sawdust in my future!