My first chainsaw

[aurelius wood]

I've read enough chainsaw threads to not expect a unanimous response to this but here goes! I'm fortunate enough to live in a village surrounded by woods and have access to any windfall. For the past 3 winters I have managed to accrue enough fuel with a 30" bow saw. Cutting to 30" - 40" lengths depending on weight then cutting to 10" lengths back at home with an electric Makita chainsaw mounted on a metal saw horse, then splitting with a maul and yes, it keeps me fit!

 

 

I've been reluctant to buy a chainsaw until now as I had to justify it would pay for itself but the next offering is a huge big beech limb so after a bit of research, I've plummed on a Stihl MS211 with a 16" bar for £279 which had a promotion which threw in a Stihl hatchet and Stihl timber log horse worth a combined £77 (allegedly). Helmet with defenders/visor and gloves also bought for additional £24. So an expensive day for me but the beech tree alone should cover half of the costs straightaway. Can't wait to stock the log racks up for next winter now!

Hoping I've made a good choice.

[Lunner]

I bought exactly the same saw for pretty much the same purpose, only thing is it perhaps lacks a bit of power when cutting through stuff the full length of the bar. Apart from that can't fault it

 

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[Daveo]

I also brought a 211 for dealing with my firewood requirements it's great for getting the logs in to suitable sizes ready for chopping, not really used it out in the field yet, but I'm sure it will do me for my small needs

[TGB]

Flipping heck that's tidy stacking. You don't work for the.Habitat catalogue by any chance?

 

Nice saw for firewood. You mention the added PPE but if you haven't already got some, I d add a pair of either chainsaw trousers or chainsaw chaps, (trousers are easier to work in). As mentioned, wood with a dia. the full length of the std. 16" bar, may be a little slower going. But if you're not cutting that size often, it should be fine. When it comes to replacing the bar, (if you think you can get by with something a bit shorter) getting the optional 14" bar would be worth considering. It's the ideal length for the saw.

[aurelius wood]

Hi TGB

I do like a neat stack! my neighbour often asks me to not burn them as he likes the look of them

Yep trousers are definitely on the list as well as fuel can/mixer

Do you recommend a 14" bar because the revs will stay high whereas the motor will struggle to maintain revs with a 16" on thicker logs?

[TGB]

Not sure I'd feel at ease knowing the neighbour is gaining an unnamed pleasure from ogling a neat stack. Each to their own.

 

As to a 16" to 14" replacement. Yep. That's the reason why. However, I wouldn't consider it until the bar really needs replacing. No point paying out if you don't need to. Besides, doesn't sound like you're cutting day-in-day-out, so a little slower once in a while should be bearable.

Edited October 12, 2016 by TGB

[aurelius wood]

Gotcha

Thanks for the advice

By the way, the neighbour has a log burner too so when I catch him looking, I tell him each log is numbered, just in case he gets any ideas.

[aurelius wood]

Well today was the christening of the MS 211 and I was very impressed

After using a bow saw for a few years I couldn't believe how quickly the logs accumulated! I have a small box trailer and in 15mins cutting, I had 3 trailer loads!. I'll be back tomorrow morning after the school run to have another session. The beech limb has fallen over a river which is running low at present but once the rains kick in, it will be inaccessible