Hello, new member looking for some chainsaw advice please.

[jdavis]

PPE. Yes, absolutely, full set will be bought before any chainsaw is started up. Found Chainsaws and chainsaw accessories, specialising in Husqvarna chainsaws - Chainsaw Specialists online today and noted that they do kits with all the required ppe, I'm sure most other places do too. Boots (not sure between regular steelies or husky type wellies yet), trousers or chaps (need to research that too) and helmet/mask/eardefender thing plus gloves.

 

 

As mentioned above don't get chainsaw wellies...worst thing I have ever put on my feet (wasn't even using a saw at the time)! I would get a good quality boot, a decent brand is Haix. As for chaps/trousers I would definately buy trousers, more comfort and protection. If your gonna be wearing your kit regularly for extended amounts of time then you want good quality stuff that is comfy as well as safe.

 

Good luck with it all though, sounds like a good project to be taking on!

[WorcsWuss]

If you're still in west London then you're within striking distance of Honey's or Joneses.

There you can look at the gear available and they will give you fair advice on what you do and don't need.

Stihl and Husky are both good saws, as a new user with no preference just go pick a few up and choose the one you like. There are of course other brands as well but you can't go far wrong with the top 2.

For years all I had was an ms260, I climbed with it, felled and did all my logs. In reality it's plenty of saw for most jobs. Everyone raves about a bigger saw with a little bar but actually a SHARP 15 or 16 inch chain on a 50cc saw is enough for most general farm forestry.

Edited January 22, 2013 by WorcsWuss

[GardenKit]

Welcome to the forum mr_magicfingers, and welcome to Devon.

What part of this wonderful county are you hoping to call home?

[mr_magicfingers]

Don't get those wellie things ! Please , promise me . THE most uncomfortable things on gods earth .

 

Duly noted, thanks.

[mr_magicfingers]

Sorry if stating the obvious but make sure whatever boots you get they are chainsaw ones. I would get your safety gear same time as the saw so that you're set up to go for your course.

 

Saw, chainsaw boots, chainsaw trousers, helmet/visor/ear muffs, and chainsaw gloves.

Also a must, a large wound dressing. I keep one in a sealed butty bag in my pocket .

 

Now what's the difference between chainsaw boots and regular steelies please?

[mr_magicfingers]

Also if you're working solo, a whistle.

 

Good plan, thanks, also will keep phone in pocket and make sure girlfriend is somewhere nearby when I'm working. Wouldn't be felling trees alone though, just tidying up and logging previously felled stuff.

[Lyncombe-climber]

Chainsaw protection all up instead of just steel toes

[mr_magicfingers]

Welcome to the forum mr_magicfingers, and welcome to Devon.

What part of this wonderful county are you hoping to call home?

 

Yarnscombe, near Great Torrington, assuming the sale all goes through ok.

[mr_magicfingers]

Chainsaw protection all up instead of just steel toes

 

Great thanks, will try some on when buying the rest of the kit.

[mr_magicfingers]

After looking at prices of a new 550/560xp I've also looked at prices of a secondhand 346xp. On ebay they go for £200-250. There's an ex-environment agency one, checked over by a dealer for £245. Most seem to come with an 18" bar, but it seems a reasonable cost to get a spare 15" bar and chain. Effectively half the price of a new one and probably plenty of saw for my needs. Obviously buying second-hand is always a risk but a dealer checked one sounds reasonable.

 

Thoughts/suggestions on whether this is a reasonable idea. Cost isn't the most important thing in mind as there's £600 in training and £2-300 in PPE on top of the saw cost. You get a 2 year warranty with a new saw which is nice peace of mind, but I've no experience to go on with knowing if a second hand saw is a good deal.

 

Plus I do like the idea of not having computerised electronics on a saw, though that may be me being a luddite