NFG

Hello & welcome to the forum, you'll find some good advice here from all. I bought my first saw for exactly the same reasons you post; initially firewood. I like both Stihl & Husqvarna, but there others like Echo & Shindaiwa being recommended by those with more experience than me. Its essential you learn how to look after your saw & keep it sharp, this will allow it to perform its best & allow some budget for PPE. So consider a 12 or 14 inch bar anything longer just reduces chain speed, If you choose Stihl I wouldn't bother with the CBE 'quick chain tensioner' its a bit awkward to get right or the ergo start feature, save your money. So a 181, 230 or 250 is within budget (I own a 250 & it cuts fine, & Ive also used 181s & 230s which seem best on smaller bars) If it were Huqvarna then I would like a 346xp as they really rip, I dont own one but borrowed one & very nice saw, or a 550xp which Ive also had a go with, there may be other good uns, 145, 445 etc but I havnt used them. As previous posters stated, dealer support is important, have a look around your supplier, if his workshop is a well organised hive of activity chances are youre going to get good service later on when needed. Incidentally, a good friend of mine bought a McCulloch paying the same price as a 181 or 145, unfortunately it went wrong within a very short space of time, ended up costing almost what I bought my Stihl for - doh! Just my thoughts, good luck in your search N

Hi +1 from me, Excellent post N

Hi, Here are my logs basking in the sun last August, all on paletts to improve circulation with a corrugated roof, all made with re-used timbers. N

Hi all, I'm somewhat disappointed to learn of these issues along with Stihls less than satisfactory replies when called, their shoddy response will harm long term reputation if it hasnt already. Surely the customer has a legal right under the sale of goods act for protection from poor quality - ie 'not fit for purpose'. see The Sale of Goods Act Explained | Consumer Information for overview. Unfortunately these days it seems that the unsuspecting purchasers are the 'beta testers' on a new version of anything & that is not acceptable. Just my thoughts & I hope it gets sorted out. That said, I suspect Husqvarna must be watching with interest... N

Hi, 4 in 6 months? That sounds very expensive, is this on a 250 or the later 251 & has it been reported to Stihl? - or is it blame the customer? N

Hi, your remark about the bearing noted & agree shorter bar is better. I know this isnt a pro saw, having a plastic engine case, but my son deciphered the codes stamped on the body & told me it was strong, high spec material. Ive certainly given mine plenty of use, not the same daily grind a pro would but Ive certainly cut plenty of Oak & other hardwood. Its also been revised to 251 version now, so should be more economical I think. Otherwise its something like a 261 N

Hi & welcome, +1 from me, I have the 250 with 18 inch bar, it cuts very well, would prefer a shorter bar TBH as I now have a 365 for bigger stuff. I would avoid the 'ergo start' nonsense if you buy a Stihl, IMO its a waste of time & more to go wrong. Bon chance N

Agreed, + 1 from me Jon, your story about the gas pipe still brings a smile, Happy New Year & best o luck with the skittles N

Hello & Happy New Year. There are some very good people on this site, who readily offer sound advice and good humour! Enjoy, welcome & Bon Année N

Hello, Happy New Year Firstly Im not a pro, I have a Stihl MS250 & a Husky 365 & love them both & an elderly 260 as well. No way would I consider only one saw, you need a collection in case one goes wrong. There is also a formulae to determine desired number of saws as follows: correct number of chainsaws = (current number +1) I would like to add a 460/461 &/or maybe a 660/661 with 25" bar to my collection but "Finance dept" would not approve! Oh and dont ever part with a Stihl numbered 0 anything - I would buy it without a thought! N

Surface an 'iPad replacement' Oh you do make me laugh, Ive been following Surface for some time, hoping that yes it would present a viable challenge to an iPad. Unfortunately, not, Surface has struggled to get off the shelves whilst iPads flew. Against it is a somewhat questionable hardware design & Windows 8.0 or 8.1 Windows (U turn edition) now with start button, christ they had to re-invent the obvious. Im sorry but try as I may Windows is irritating where as Apples OS just works. This is just to name a few & I for one wont be using Microsoft anything again! N

Hi Alex One thing to be aware of is that of the French authorities requirements for working, they demand (by law) you be registered with a Siret number with the appropriate insurance. Its a legal requirement for the householder to ensure that people employed on their property are registered as such & can incur large fines if not. Thats my understanding anyway, check AngloINFO France. Everything for expats living in or moving to France. for more Bon chance N

Hi Yes, we think so. Certainly glad to see it down & our neighbours also. A clear case of "gut reaction" proven. N

Hello & Happy New Year, We have a fairly large pine, which was 20m or so before the top got removed last year. It was also 'on the lean' near a road & quite a bit of overhang over our neighbours. The first pic taken about 2 years ago shows a pronounced lean although its somewhat away from the camera. There was also a black watermark at about 5-6m height, which looked like it was caused by an ingrowing branch from a fork in the tree at 5m. sorry no pic So, over the last few days we safely dismantled it using a zip wire to control descent - 2nd pic & today I cut the stump around 5m to reveal the main stem rotten almost halfway through - 3rd pic. OMG:blushing: N

Hi Theres your answer then! dont waste any more time on them & I would do likewise. N

Hello, Welcome & well done, we moved to France 3 years ago, no regrets at all. Im sure life will be challenging but rewarding in many ways & on Monday mornings you can let out an enormous fart & enjoy a few more minutes before starting your day! Bon Chance N

Hi, Interesting thread topic, My father was in the artillery, 3rd Wessex Light Medium (if I recall) fought at El-Alamein, Monte Cassino & a lot of Europe, my mother was too young. My grandmother was in the Womens Royal Auxiliary Balloon Corps (what a grand tittle!), also manned an anti aircraft gun at the end of the street. N

Hi Its actually Argon/CO2 mix which has slightly less penetration than pure CO2 in steel Happy Christmas N

Sat here giggling with my O/H saying "dont you get any ideas!" But she hasnt opened the bottle of Argon I bought her for my MIG welder yet:blushing: I got her a regulator as well so hopefully it will be OK N

Hi all Have a good Christmas & happy New Year. N

Hello Two bottles of Talisker! Happy Christmas N

Nice one - thinking of buying my O/H a rent free bottle of Argon/CO2 mix for one of her pressies so I dont feel so mean, gift wrapped an all. Hopefully she wont bash me over the head with it! N

Hi Plenty of pretenders out there but Go Pro Hero would be my choice. N

Hello, Thats some impressive flame out the chimney! good effort, well done N