basic starter saw?

[billpierce]

never tried a sugi bar, but will next time i have one needing replacement. an ms170 bought seconf hand years ago lasted me well, but i have just bought a dolmar 3410(adjustable oiler so the tip can stay very cool.) which is basically a dolmars back handle ms200. light, powerfull, pro saw. just the job so far and a good bit cheaper. but i haven't had it for ages so who knows how it will stand the test of time.

 

if i were to get robbed (touch wood.) i think i would be seriously lloking at replacing with makita dolmar echo.......shavey on here was on about ps32 dolamr carving saws which come with 1/4 oregon carving bars etc.

 

people seem to rate echos, never had one yet.

 

have fun! and def get a dime tip bar rather than one you can run on 3/8 picco. big differenc in terms of getting into tight spots.....

 

 

oh i assume you buying new? if not i also used an old stihl 010 av for a good while which was a cracking saw and cost about 65 quid. still got it, still runs, oils loads.

 

if you can afford it i would suggest buying a pro carving saw, but not totally essential

[Spruce Pirate]

if you can afford it i would suggest buying a pro carving saw, but not totally essential

 

Thanks. What exactly are the pro carving saws?

[Ukulian]

Echo CS280WES

Great little package and saves the hassle of changing sprocket for 1/4 chain. Bar comes from Rob anyway

Edited November 29, 2014 by Ukulian

[billpierce]

Thanks. What exactly are the pro carving saws?

 

typically stihls ms200/201 is popular as its light, powerfull and relatively nails. ms 150 worth a look too.....if your just getting going something like a ps32 or little echo will do you.

 

if you look at most catalogues/websites they usually make a point of telling you if its a professional saw or homeowner. however a less than 40cc saw which is pro is fairly rare- i don't know if husky do one?

 

lots of folk won't use pro saws for carving,but if your going to be doing alot i reckon in the long term its a money saver. i reckon you shouldn;t be looking for most power, but wieght is pretty key as i find you hold it at stupid angles all day and it knacks the wrists. if you need to block big bits out then it sounds like your already sorted with a larger saw.

[billpierce]

Echo CS280WES

Great little package and saves the hassle of changing sprocket for 1/4 chain. Bar comes from Rob anyway

 

looks good, it all new? let me know how it fairs.

heres by latest 3410

[geoff]

I have that little echo 280, it has done a lot of work over three years, & still going strong, its not the fastest, but its very agile, & bombproof.

[Ukulian]

looks good, it all new? let me know how it fairs.

heres by latest 3410

 

It was newish when the pic was taken! That was about 6 months ago, and it's done some hard work since. As happy with it now as I was then.

 

It should be remembered that a carving saw runs non-stop all the time you are carving, unlike other disciplines where they live in a stop/ start world. They also have to complete a mixture of ripping (harder on the saw) and crosscutting as well as everything in between.

This little saw does it without flinching and gets put to the test most weekdays

[RichieR]

I started with a little husky husky 435. It's done so much work and still going strong . I can't recommend it strongly enough

[billpierce]

also before you buy any saw check availability of 1/4 sprockets if thats what you are using (personally i cant recommend it enough.)...certain saws are harder to source 1/4 sprockets for.

[Spruce Pirate]

Thanks for all the advice, looking into the Echo 280.