Optimizing a Craftsman while saving for a "real" saw

Echo CS 590 Timberwolf. $399 for a 59.6 cc pro grade saw & unbeatable 5 year consumer warranty.

Best bang for the buck out there IMO.

 

I just read about that saw. I think it would do the trick, as well. I want to get a few options and see what I can find. If I limit it to one saw, especially if I hold out for a good used one, I may be waiting for a while.

 

+1 on CS-590 for best bang for buck in new pro saw.
Check your Home Depot - they may sell rental Makita/Dolmar 6421 for $250-300.

 

That's a lousy situation for them.

 

Luckily, they already paid for enough wood to get them through the low temperatures, and I have already started cutting. I am just glad that my new addiction actually saves money and I can help family. My wife and our bank account are happy about that, too.

 

I'll chime in with another vote for the echo 590. Great 1 saw plan right there! The 271 is a quality saw but the echo 590 is simply in a different class for the money. Even though you are cutting smaller stuff you will probably find yourself wishing you had closer to 60cc for your big saw. If your dead set on German quality vs. Japanese quality save a bit more and check out the dolmar 6100 great saw there.

Also dougand3 has a great plan too those makita/dolmar 6421s are excellent saws. You can find them by calling every home depot rental department within driving distance and asking if they have any used saws for sale.

 

I am definitely not dead set on anything. I just want a quality saw that can do what I need that won't break the bank. My local Home Depot has a Makita for sale. I am going to check into it and see which model it is. The Echo is growing on me the more I read and watch videos. You guys have been extremely helpful. I really appreciate it.

 

No problem that's what we're all here for. Lots of info out there about the home Depot Makitas. They are a popular option that won't break the bank. Good way to get a quality saw for not a lot of dough.

 

Just jumping in to suggest shopping around: that saw is $433.99 with the 20" bar direct, and $413.00 w/ free shipping from "The Mower Shop" vendor on Amazon.com - that may save some $$$ for those extras.

 

Back to your 42 cc Poulan for a minute, if I may. Been running one for a few years as a backup, and found a few things.
1. Keep the chain snug. Engine bolts to plastic cradle and bar bolts to same, more solidly than on some stihls, though (studs not threaded in.) You don't want to be tossing the chain off the bar in case of a pinch or snag.
2. Mine arrived with "Torch" POS plug. Going to NGK, A STEP COLDER, did the trick for hot restarts and avoiding glow-plug.
3. Adjusted main mixture. Needed Husqy carb tool, for a couple $. (Already had one.)
4. Replaced SOFT chain with Oregon 91VXL.

Got the saw for $94 as a refurb from VMInnovations-dot-com/. After the above, a bud with a 250 stihl pronounced the PP4218 the clear winner for A/V and get-er-done performance. (Topper: 250's bar studs thread into plastic cradle- honest.) (And ... Craftsman don't make nothing.)

Way before considering 271 stihl, I'd consider Echo 590 or Dolmar 6100. Order-of-magnitude better value, and performance. Other contenders would definitely inclued Dolmar 421 and 5105. Pro-quality, different league from homeowner stihls like the 271.

 

I'll offer a slightly contrary opinion and say that if you're rarely cutting over 14" and it's all softwood then a quality 50cc saw might be a nicer choice, especially if you're walking around with it a lot, as opposed to standing at a pile of delivered logs. The difference between a CS590 and, say, an 026 is almost three pounds. Used 026's and MS260's are plentiful.

I have a roll of 91VX, much more than I'll need anytime soon. It's the predecessor to 91VXL, almost exactly the same but with shorter teeth so you might not get as many sharpenings out of it over the long term. I can beat Frawley's price on a couple of loops, if you're interested.

 

+1
Also look at the husky 545 or jred 2252. Just recently saw a new 2252 for $385.

 

I may take you up on that. I will let you know and thanks for the offer. That is one of the reasons I love this place.

 

I agree with this almost word for word.
New plug, fuel lines filters, and chain go a very long way and then you would have a solid little 40cc back up saw and a 60cc get er done saw.
Never underestimate what someone can get done with a good running 40cc saw and a sharp chain. It just may take a little longer. I have a buddy that works a little Poulan wildthing like 10 + cords a year, up to 43" wide trees all with an 18 in bar.
He can't afford another saw but he keeps his family warm with what ever wood is around.

 

Saw a brand new Echo 590 at Home Depot today and it was even more beautiful than I imagined. I think once my tax return gets here, it may be mine. Couple more weeks to think it over.

 

Ya the echo 490 is lighter and around $350 or less. And there are good echo dealers. fordf150 is a great dealer he also has Dolmar's

 

I do alway use the smallest saw for the job. But that is also a great excuse to get another saw. Example I have a 30cc and 60cc saw (will handle all my needs without question ) but........ a great little 40 ish cc saw would be perfect to pickup where the 30 cc starts having to work.