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Hi all, I've just finished and released a new 131-page eBook covering chainsaw maintenance; written specifically for the UK market it not only covers various types of machine but also the underpinning knowledge about maintenance, legislation and H&S. It should be ideal for those entering the industry or those about to take their Level 2 Award in chainsaw maintenance. You can get your copy at Free Book Cheers, Dave.

Hi, I wonder if some kind person/people can help with some basic questions. I have had the ms171 for a few years and only bought stihl chains and oil for it to date.(although that is questionable as though ebay). I was given an electric sharpener (semi auto) but not had great success with it, so have mostly sharpened by hand, but have been finding the cutting time not great for my chains. Have sent them off to get sharpened a few times, but all in all the cost of running the saw is a little higher than I would like. I use it mostly for cutting up logs for my wood burning stove as a money saver so it's very casual use. Have been searching for new chains and oil online. Just concerned about quality. So here are my questions: 1. I have seen some brands of chain for ￡6 ( archer and Holtham eg 1, 2 Or 3 Saw Chains Select The Stihl Chainsaw Model & Bar Length | eBay) and this is much cheaper than the ￡12-￡20 for the stilh. I am not concerned if they last just as long, as let's face it, if don't figure out the chain saw sharpener, I will likely balls the chain up myself sooner anyway. My concern is about the safety of the chain. Could it break? More kickback? 2. Chain oil. I have been buying 1 ltr, and found now their is also 5l which is cheaper. However I have only used stihl to date. There are loads of brands out there. Can you buy any brand? Want value for money. 3. Reputable places to buy: anyone suggests good websites or ebay shops that you can trust? 4. Chain sharpening: I tend to keep 3-4 chains so happy to post them away to sharpen. If the chain cost ￡6 no point paying ￡8 to sharpen though, but what to other people do? Final question. Do you only hand sharpen the chain on the saw? Or can you buy something to hold the chain. I tend to sharpen all at once (and change when cutting) Its a pain having to refit the chain for every sharpen. Many thanks

Hello people, i have a small chainsaw, Husqvarna 135. i know the type of chain i need for it and even the file type and angles to file.. but there is just no where online or anywhere that has the file size and usage table for my chain. The chain says 37 on the drive links (the chain is 3/8pitch, 1.3mm gauge, and 52 drive link) .. i want the kind of table you get on the back of a chain box just for reference. but that number "37" does not show up on the only two chain identification charts i can find. can anyone help me? cheers

I haven't seen anything similar so I thought I would do this out of interest. You can vote for as many as you use out of the following; 1. File guide- standard round file in a guide 2. Roller guide - Round file in a roller guide 3. Electric sharpener - Any handheld electric sharpener 4. Bench grinder - Bench mounted disc grinder 5. Powersharp - the oregon 'auto-sharpen' chain or anything similar. 6. 2 in 1 sharpener - Does the depth guages at the same time 7. Clamp on bar guide - like this 8. Other - Angle grinder, electric drill etc. 9. Freehand Let me know if I've missed anything, it should be interesting to see the results... Edit: I missed out freehand in the poll because I was too busy thinking of all the file guides. It might be added later if not just post.