new to chainsaws...what makes a good beginner chainsaw?

Hi all,

So, I've begon scrounging for wood in my area and am having blast. Every bike ride in the woods and every trip in the car is like a scavenger hunt. It's very exciting.

I have now realized that I need a chainsaw as a lot of wood I'm finding is in log form and will need to be cut up for me to get it home. I've been watching safety videos from Stihl and am reading about safe operation.

However, I would love to hear from some wood cutting veterans about what I should be looking for on Craigslist when purchasing a used saw. Or, should I just buy a new saw to be sure I'm purchasing a safe tool.

Thanks,

Sean

 

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good advice to be had here.

What is your budget?

 

Welcome. Lukem is right. We need a budget in order to recommend anything. The size of wood you will most likely be dealing with would also help. You will find that the question you are asking is going to bring lots of different answers kind of like asking what car or truck is best.
There is nothing wrong with a used saw as long as it's not been ABused! I will let the more seasoned saw heads chime in on how to pick out a used saw.
Check out the classifieds here for a saw....lots of good saws in a variety of price ranges and the members here are way more honest than your typical craigslist seller.

 

A lot of variables here. More info would be great. Welcome as well

 

Budget plus what's the max log diameter you need to/expect to cut?

 

Thanks all.

I don't expect to be cutting anything bigger than 16-18" in diameter since I don't think I could haul/load/carry anything bigger since I'll be cutting downed branches/trees in the woods which will require a short hike to and from the truck.

I'd prefer to stay under $200 if possible but I have no idea of pricing yet. Haven't started browsing since I'm not ready to purchase anything. Just doing research right now. $200 might be unrealistic and if so then I'll have to wait a little while but knowing what I should look for would be very helpful.

 

IMHO, you will need to buy used to get a good saw. Check CL and post questions about the finds here. Good luck.

 

Thanks. Will do.

 

There's a nice Husq 55 in the classifieds. A little over 200 but would be a great firewood saw.

 

I forgot to mention the on site classifieds

 

Stihl 026

 

As a newby I favored new rather than used, as I was afraid of how abused used would be. I therefor limited myself to new, and my budget was the same as yours.

My first saw was a Poulan Pro 4218. Horrible saw, failed within 3 months. Brought it back to Lowes, and they were good enough to take it back, despite that they do not take them back after 30 days. (Lowes has me as customer for life, not just for this.)

I replaced it with a Poulan Pro 5020av, which costs about 20-$30 more than its baby brother. This saw, despite the negative response this will probably raise from others, is a good little saw. (Google for reviews from people who have actually bought one and tried it. Look at Amazon as well, the reviews are generally positive.) You can buy new at Lowes for your price point, or better yet they are often available on eBay or Amazon "manufacturer reconditioned" (with a new warranty) for less than $150.

You will find no better NEW saw that meets yours specs and in your price range. I am on my second season with it, and have felled and cut probably a dozen cords with it so far. I have no doubt that it will continue to serve my needs fine.

Greg

 

I have read good things about the Poulan 5020.
Here's some info on cheaper new saws.
http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/threads/big-box-chainsaws.3736/#post-88158

 

200 is tough for a new saw thats built well , if you can swing another 100 bucks you would probably open up your options to some better saws

 

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the info. I've got some reading to do this evening.

I can see how slippery a slope this is. Before long I'll be asking for your advice on a splitter....

 

For $200ish, I'd be looking for a used 45 to 60 cc saw and with wood that size, the closer to 60cc, the better. Clean her up, get a new chain (and a spare chain), some files, and some quality 2 cycle mix.

 

For a newbie I highly recommend a pair of chaps to go along with a saw.

 

Its hard to beat a new stihl ms 170 for a beginner saw $180.

 

The time span between me telling my wife "I don't need a splitter" and buying one was probably about 3 days.

Greg

 

Stihl o26... That wasn't hard.