Oregon CS1500

[Paul in France]

Hi

My Makita corded electric has a broken tensioner which must cost pence to make and fit but the factory want £70 to repair it out of warranty and I can't buy the parts.  I've been impressed with it as I've had it for about 8 years but it's not done a lot of work and at that price I may as well buy a new one.  I've looked at other budget corded saws and the Oregon seems to offer what I'm after - £120, 3 year guarantee to do occasional fairly light work close to the house and power supply.  It also claims to be self-sharpening.  I could replace the Makita at about the same price but am a bit p'd off with their repair estimate so I'm thinking of making the switch.  What does anyone think who's used either or both?

Cheers in advance for any advice.

[peatff]

Which bit is broken ? Tension slide is available on L&S for pence

[timbernut]

My daughters boyfriend bought the Oregon f cutting up outside his workshop, said it’s great, the chains same as the Powersharp ones, so if you give them 3secs @ full chat as instructed they don’t last long! Had power sharp chain on 200t for a bit was quite good having sharpener on harness when stripping dense ivy wi birds nests in!

[Paul in France]

On 03/06/2021 at 19:27, peatff said:

Which bit is broken ? Tension slide is available on L&S for pence

It's the adjusting screw mechanism - a threaded bolt with a differential type cog that you can't remove from the housing.  As you say the part must cost pence and Makita have quoted to replace the whole tensioner housing.  Dilemma - pay them £70 to get it back fixed - £20 to get it back unfixed or buy a new replacement for £100-£120 with a 3 year guarantee - or don't bother and use a bow saw 😁 and let the NHS fix me free.

[Paul in France]

On 03/06/2021 at 20:18, timbernut said:

My daughters boyfriend bought the Oregon f cutting up outside his workshop, said it’s great, the chains same as the Powersharp ones, so if you give them 3secs @ full chat as instructed they don’t last long! Had power sharp chain on 200t for a bit was quite good having sharpener on harness when stripping dense ivy wi birds nests in!

 

[Paul in France]

Thanks useful to know.