fandrover

Fair point, I guess it may be worth investing in the specific stihl sharpening file rather than what I have already. Cheers Mark

Thanks guys No offence taken at any suggestions as Im ugly enough to have become thick skinned! ;-) To answer a few questions/suggestions.... A £200 course would be great but if I could afford that I would have bought a better saw. I have followed the manual and understand it. I use the same two stroke mix as Ive always used, 1x100ml stihl oil to 1x5l can. Oil level is going down when in use and have checked as the manual says that there is a spray pattern. Checked the chain tension, its similar to how I have it on the husky and as in manual. Must admit that I neglected to make sure that the oil is reaching the end of the blade so will double check the blade,groove and roller today. I had considered that the blade may need sharpening but I would have expected it to gradually decrease in abillity rather than being great, put away for 2 weeks then pretty useless? Revs when not cutting are still pretty high but it does seem to have less grunt, even the Mrs (who is as technical as I am dainty!) says "it sounds different to last time". Obviuosly this could be in our minds due to knowing something isnt right. Thanks again guys, anymore suggestions really welcome as its irritating that I cant get the time to return it yet Mark

Hi all Strictly amateur trimmer and feller here hoping for some suggestions from all you pro and semi pro guys..... (ok enough of the silly american collage student accent ;-) ) After using my dads trusty old husky for the last 10 years I decided to treat myself to a spanking new stihl but have been dissapointed so far. I bought the new ms 181 with the 14" bar as its only for felling small trees for fire wood and despite all the comments and advice out there I still managed to flood it twice on the first weekend, dried it out both times and it cut really nicely through 12" trees, lots of grunt and light enough. Put it away for 2weeks and got it out again yesterday only to find it really weak, its getting bogged down and really struggling with even 6" branches now on 12" stuff its a joke! Also it seems to be smoking a little from the roller end of the blade when in use. Im guessing this isnt normal so asking, nah begging for help on here....please! I should take it back to dealer but Im going to be at work for next couple of weeks during thier opening times. Thanks in advance Mark