Chainsaw Recommendations

[happysawer]

Glad you decided on the Stihl. A really good file kit is the Stihl 2-in-1. As you can see in my sig I've a few saws. The 2-in-1 is definitely worth it.
You could probably go down to a smaller bar than 18 since you have the 20. It reads like you know how to use the saw so a couple of pointers - GET CHAPS and ear protection for everyone who will be near the saw, not just the operator (see pic)!! Think of getting a pack of felling wedges.

Is that your leg in the picture? says a lot for having chaps on right.

 

[Jo D]

Was that the Ace Hardware where you bought the chainsaw and charges $15 for sharping the chain if removed from bar?

No it was not ACE, none of the stores within like an hour or 2 away had in stock, and unable to get. This is a local place, one of 5 or 6 stores. I want to check out Tractor supply to see what they charge since they are also authorized repair shop, and then find out if sharpening is something that can void warranty if not done at authorized location because Im sure there are other places I could bring it. But then again, that could be the going rate around here

 

[Jo D]

Glad you decided on the Stihl. A really good file kit is the Stihl 2-in-1. As you can see in my sig I've a few saws. The 2-in-1 is definitely worth it.
You could probably go down to a smaller bar than 18 since you have the 20. It reads like you know how to use the saw so a couple of pointers - GET CHAPS and ear protection for everyone who will be near the saw, not just the operator (see pic)!! Think of getting a pack of felling wedges.

Goodness, I hope that wasnt your leg, rather a photo you pulled from somewhere. I will look into the felling wedges. Thank you

 

[Jo D]

Congratulations on the new saw. Do take the time to check out Baileys Online for all your related equipment. They sell safety PPE, axes, wedges, anything you could need. You mentioned $15 for chain sharpening. At Baileys you can purchase a 72 drive link full chisel chain for $18.

I will look into them. I am assuming they ship? Thanks

 

[happysawer]

No it was not ACE, none of the stores within like an hour or 2 away had in stock, and unable to get. This is a local place, one of 5 or 6 stores. I want to check out Tractor supply to see what they charge since they are also authorized repair shop, and then find out if sharpening is something that can void warranty if not done at authorized location because Im sure there are other places I could bring it. But then again, that could be the going rate around here

Sharpping ones own chain has nothing to do with the saws warranty. I sure hope Tractor Supply will give you a lot better service then where you bought your Sthil saw, that $15 cost to sharppen a chain and then if you removed it yourself shocked me and i feel they are taking advantage to people.

 

[ArlyA]

We hand file our chains here, but eventually they need to be resharpened via machine. Seems the mark up on saws is rather limited so they make there $$ via sharpening, repairs and accessories sales. I'd agree that $15 is quite high.

 

[Jo D]

Sharpping ones own chain has nothing to do with the saws warranty. I sure hope Tractor Supply will give you a lot better service then where you bought your Sthil saw, that $15 cost to sharppen a chain and then if you removed it yourself shocked me and i feel they are taking advantage to people.

They very well could be, being as they are the only local Authorized sales and repair. Ace is authorized sales. but no place within 100 miles of me had one and they werent able to get. I have to verify if they are authorized repair. Tractor Supply was Authorized repair, but dont sell. the only other local place was where we went. It wouldd appear to me they have a lock on the market

 

[happysawer]

They very well could be, being as they are the only local Authorized sales and repair. Ace is authorized sales. but no place within 100 miles of me had one and they werent able to get. I have to verify if they are authorized repair. Tractor Supply was Authorized repair, but dont sell. the only other local place was where we went. It wouldd appear to me they have a lock on the market

The good thing the Sthil chains are quality and should last many cuttings, and you can always order them direct from Sthil STIHL I would be careful buying from Amazon or on e-bay, many vendors rebrand items, like i read on Amazon where someone ordered an Oregon chain for their pole chainsaw, they received a rebranded chain not an Oregon chain they ordered.

Also most of the time all your going to need is a file touching up of chains cutting teeth, and as long as your not making just sawdust, you don't need anything done to your chain.

 

[cdaigle430]

True-but so isnt the battery ones...worse because you dont respect them like the loud, obnoxious, smelly gas cousins. However if your using it occasionally as a home owner-you cant beat the battery ones.
Especially if you already own battery tools....most have a battery chainsaw in their tools list. I have the Milwaukee M18 because I also have power tools. it was cheaper for me to buy the chainsaw - tool only since I already owned three M18 batteries.
You also dont have to worry about storing gas or stale gas or even mixing gas.....very problematic if you use occasionally.

 

[kenmbz]

I have an Echo CS-490 which I loathe. It's a pain to start, finicky as all get-out, and guaranteed to leave me with weeks of rotator cuff pain.
It was the echo that drove me to try out a Milwaukee battery powered chain saw, which works well from a power perspective but gets pinched too easily, derailing the chain.

I'm not sure what I'd buy for gas powered if I was replacing this odd duo above. If money is no object, get a Stihl. If you're less loyal to brand and more loyal to your wallet I'm not sure what to suggest I shy away from Husqvarna equipment because of the repeated customer feedback they get when they fail to honor waranty's, but hey, you can't believe everything you believe on the web. I will not buy another echo.

I've always liked how easy my Honda equipment starts, my brush cutter is always a one pull start. Don't think they make chain saws though.

Good luck, curious what you get and how you like it.

My CS-490 was finicky starting, once it coughed, you needed to take choke off.
Since I learned this , starts on third pull.
Had my shop tweak the carb and it runs stronger now since factory setup was too lean.
Running 18 and 20" bars and have taken down some massive ash with no problems. Almost three years and hundreds of hours use.

Jo D - congrats on the saw- hope it works great and lasts through all the work your family needs.