MS171 or MS181c

[Minotaur]

Just looking for a bit of advice please.

 

Just bought a few bits off a local bloke who is packing up, he never really started! I have got an MS171 & MS181c both in good condition, don't think they have seen much work. Was just going to sell them, then thought I might keep one and try a bit of carving.

 

So looking for some advice about which would be the better saw to keep.

 

Thanks and looking forward to your 'pearls of wisdom'!

 

Chris

[wisewood]

Just looking for a bit of advice please.

 

Just bought a few bits off a local bloke who is packing up, he never really started! I have got an MS171 & MS181c both in good condition, don't think they have seen much work. Was just going to sell them, then thought I might keep one and try a bit of carving.

 

So looking for some advice about which would be the better saw to keep.

 

Thanks and looking forward to your 'pearls of wisdom'!

 

Chris

 

I'd keep the 181 out of the two. I've never used one but have heard good things about them. I do have a 170 for the harrycane and i wish I'd spent more on a 181 lol.

[Goodpig]

I use a 181 with a standard bar. No complaints.

[dervishcarving]

keep the 181

the 180 beats teh 170 hands down so i would assume the 181 beats teh 171

[jamiep]

Hi Minotaur,

 

I've been using a 171 for just over 2 years and found it to be perfect for carving, hedge laying and general work that's not too demanding.

 

Carving bars and picco micro chains are easily available to fit but you may need to change the drive sprocket as well - depending on the bar you use.

 

I've not used a 181 but I believe it's a slightly upgraded but also slightly heavier model. Can't fault the 171 but you might want to consider selling one or both and having a look at the new MS150. I tried one at my local dealers and am seriously considering buying one. It's super lightweight and has a better power to weight ratio than the 171 and 181.

 

Hope that's useful info for you, all the best mate.

 

Jamie

[Minotaur]

Thanks for all the advice

[TGB]

The 181 has a different carb to boost the power, other than that they're the same. The difference in weight of the std. saws, is only .3kg or 10.6oz.

Edited February 19, 2015 by TGB

[rooster]

If you start carving you will quickly realize you will need them both.

Put a dime tip carving bar on the 171 and you are in business.

 

What do you want to be your first carving?

[Ianw6522]

I would keep them both of you can afford to, I have the same 2 saws with cannon carving bars fitted and they are spot on, sprocket change if you are going to use 1/4 pitch chain. You may also find that they both require the same starting technique, full choke from cold and they will fire on the fourth pull, choke off then, two more pulls and they will be running

Good luck , once you have carved your first piece you will be hooked .

[Minotaur]

Thanks again for the replies, much appreciated