Advice needed

Hello all,
I am just out of college and renting my own place and am wanting to start building a small stock pile of wood for bonfires. There is a tree service in town that has free wood, problem is that they are too big for transport so it needs to be cut down before moving. I have very little experience with chainsaws besides cutting 6*6 lumber. I am looking for advice on what kind of chainsaw to get so I can start hoarding wood for next season. (try to keep in mind I just graduated college and can't afford a lot)

 

Colby,

Congrats on finishing school and getting your own place....and welcome to FHC.

Is cutting a little bonfire wood your only intent right now? How big is the wood available to you?

I just might have what you need.

 

Even if it's only for bonfires, hoarding wood is a good thing. My 2 cents; What fits your budget and needs. What size diameter logs? If the tree service needs the wood gone, I'd offer a case of beer to one or two of the guys there to cut it up smaller for me.

 

Welcome to the forum Colby, congrats on finishing school and moving on with your life.
Just a suggestion to give you a kick start before cutting wood and hoarding (for this years fires)
is stopping at construction sites and collecting scraps from the job. I'd stick with solid pieces only
no LVL's or plywood bc they have glue in them. The scraps are kiln dried and should be ready
to burn right away.

 

Hey Colby, congrats! and now start digging yourself out of debt!

Is the tree service wood just too long? If it is too big (like 20"+ diameter) stuff, then that is a completely other category of saw which I won't address.

My first saw was a 50cc used Husqvarna 351. Awesome saw, easy to work on, and about $200 when I bought it. A 50cc saw is about perfect for the average homeowner IMO. You can clean up stuff with it and fell pretty much any tree. I like mine wearing a 16" bar but have gone up to 20".

-> Insert PPE preach here <--

Take a look at the classifieds here. There's a very pretty 036 Pro, that is something in the low 60cc range. I will have a nice saw in a week or two up there. Take a look in your local CL for good deals. If you find something you like, come back with the ad here and we can scrutinize it for you; tell you what the weak points are on the model; and tell you how to check it over before buying.

Good luck. The only problem I have with box store Echo's are they are set way lean from the factory, so you will want to learn how to tune a chainsaw if you go that route (we can help there as well.)

 

Hey buddy, headed to mason city right meow. Keep an eye on Craigslist and you will have no problem coming up with enough wood for bonfires. There is a pallet place in Manly that always has an ad if you get desperate. A cheap skill saw from one of your pawn shops would make quick work of those.

 

The logs at the tree place vary widely in size. some I could take the way the are but mainly they are way to wide 6-10' wide or 6'+ long. Just dont have the ability to move them back to my place. not really sure on price range but couldn't be more than 300.

Thanks. I got plenty of access to scrap construction wood (family owned retail lumber yard) only problem is city ordinance not allowing burning of construction scrap.

Careful if you go to walmart. its crazy after it's mishap the other day. Like i stated in the quote above, got plenty of access to scrap construction scrap but want to start building a better pile of my own. But also didn't know there was a pallet place in manly either.

 

Yep, heading to Aldi's, avoiding Walmart. Have you checked pawnshops for saws? Stihl and Husqvarna would do you nicely. Or call around to dealers asking about used saws.

 

thats probably smart to avoid it. I went yesterday after they reopened.

I have not. had no idea what to look for, plus very little time during my work week. Work 2300-0700 and sleep during day when they are open. Might be checking around tomorrow.

 

I bought this for a first saw http://www.homedepot.com/p/Poulan-PRO-20-in-50-cc-Gas-Chainsaw-966055201/203627709?N=5yc1vZbxam - 50cc $199
Or you could get its little brother http://www.homedepot.com/p/Poulan-PRO-18-in-42-cc-Gas-Chainsaw-967185105/204665809?N=5yc1vZbxam 42cc $169
I have had mine for 1.5 year so far and not an issue

 

I've run that first saw, liked it too. It's my brothers main saw, running it to death for five years now.

 

I can only offer this Colby. MasterMech is a pro equipment guy who knows his stuff. He'll be able to help with anything you need for info on all things mechanical. If he can't (unlikely) or he's busy... he'll steer you to someone else here who can. This site is unreal... loaded with a lot of talent...

 

Ive beaten the hell outta it and it hasnt failed me yet...... Ive been trying to change that tho

 

Would the 18 in. do just as well? I believe i saw on at one of the local stores but can't remember seeing the 20.

 

They have 20s at bomgaars in algona, or at least they did. I think Menards carries it too. Whatever you do, do not buy the Wild Thing.

 

they do have the 20 at Menards in town.

 

There ya go, sport.

 

now to wait for the almighty payday again. lol

 

Tom Petty said it best-- the waiting is the hardest part.