First Chainsaw

[TurtleWoods72]

2 hours ago, Steven P said:

Yes, get it running and someone off ebay will take it. Conversely I might have just been lucky.

Be careful with eBay. They have modified their consumer protection policies to the point where a buyer merely had to suggest foil play on the sellers part and eBay will refund them, with little or no chance of the item being sent back.

 

Havent had this experience myself but got reading a long thread of complaints which I visited over another matter. Seems you need to basically make a small documentary filming yourself showing the saw running, packing it (could be tricky if it’s still hot) and taking it to the post office. Obviously less risky for non mechanical or electrical items such as a door stop or a set of coasters, but I’d be very dubious of using them for saws etc. As a buyer, crack on! 
 

[Peter 1955]

On 08/12/2025 at 23:52, Muddy42 said:

not jesting but its difficult to prove either way unless you can time travel? Lifespan depends on hours of use, style of use, maintenance and a bit of chance.

 

I used to just go for pro saws but even they can fail. Ive recently realised that there is value in having a small cheap saw as part of the collection. I can lend it out and if it fails it doesnt matter as much.

 

I too had a 028 that lasted 20 years until there was an issue with the crank and seals, and an 088 that is still going but I think larger engines always tend to last longer. Im not convinced today’s MS saws are as tough as the 0-somethings , but we’ll see. My piston is already a bit scored after 3 years and Ive had to replace a lot of parts.

 

 

Okay, serious from the off here. I pretty much agree entirely with you. I have an MS 250 that I have hated from day one. Unless it's my son, or his boss that's the hire/borrow saw. If it dies, I wouldn't shed many tears, it owes me nothing. 

Re newer saw reliability, well I really don't expect my current ones to even come close to matching my 0 series for lifespan, it's the nature of the beast. 

As for what the OP should buy, he's had every recommendation from £50 to £1500 ( well he would have done, if I'd suggested the MSA 300 as a battery saw )! 🤣 🤣 One of us must be right!

[Steven P]

46 minutes ago, Peter 1955 said:

One of us must be right!

 

Always the problem with these types of questions the world over, what does "best" mean to the OP - is the saw for personal use, perhaps cutting to length split firewood, 6' from a power supply, or does he want to use it professionally. Though from the answers above, and the £600 budget there are only a coupe of choices. Perhaps need the OP to come back with more info what the intended use is to go from there. I doubt now that they will be back though, been too long ignoring the thread.

Edited 3 hours ago by Steven P

[TurtleWoods72]

46 minutes ago, Steven P said:

 

Always the problem with these types of questions the world over, what does "best" mean to the OP - is the saw for personal use, perhaps cutting to length split firewood, 6' from a power supply, or does he want to use it professionally. Though from the answers above, and the £600 budget there are only a coupe of choices. Perhaps need the OP to come back with more info what the intended use is to go from there. I doubt now that they will be back though, been too long ignoring the thread.

I’m guessing he’s wondered into a shop somewhere and the salesman has settled it for us, by telling him “what saw is best” for our intrepid hero.