Since the Tool Shed is divided between power and hand tools, I wasn't sure where to post this so here it goes. What are the must haves in FHC starter kit? Here's what I've gathered from the group so far: Saw: Ideally a 2 saw plan but I think I'm leaning towards a 18" saw and do a one saw plan, seems like a good plan for my situation. I'm a Husky fan so I was thinking maybe something in the used realm of a 455, 346xp, 562/572/576xp Thoughts? Splitting: Probably won't do hydraulics at my predicted volume so I'm leaning towards the Fiskars maul - lots of praise on the x27 but if you only picked one, I think the maul? Misc: Spare chain Gas can Bar oil Falling wedges Splitting wedges File Chaps? Never used them growing up cutting wood but they seem like a good idea Stacking/moving plan- thinking the pallet system would be slick, just use a bucket loader with forks to move it around (yes, I'll be lucky to have a tractor) What else?
Where are you cutting? If on your land, a one saw plan is OK OR make it an inboard clutch setup so you can swap bars in a pinch and safely remove any widow makers. A one saw plan for me would be a 60cc saw with a 20" bar and a 25" bar or thereabouts. I like to have several spare chains, but starting on a budget 2 bars and 2 chains outta work. When you rock/ hit metal with that one chain though, you are going to understand why folks here have so many on hand. I prefer to file in my basement with a beer, not sweating in the field. PPE is a must, not a luxury. I use the hardhat/ muffs/ shield combo and a set of chaps. UncleJoe hooked me up with a nice pair, my other ones were too short. What height are you? Maybe I can pay it forward. Splitting - start with a maul, sledge, wedge, and an x27. Only 1?? Not practical but the x27 and noodle everything else. Another necessity for me is a cant hook/ peavey. Not sure how to work without one to be honest. I scratch my head when I see my buddies and their dull chains because they are too cheap to buy a cant hook. Just PM me your CC #, I'll get you set up proper
You've got a good starter list going. I'd get a helmet/w earmuffs and eye protection if you're felling trees. Gravity is not your friend when 2" limbs, or worse, come whipping down at you. A file guide for the chain and file you're using. Some extra chains over time. Most important tool in your kit is knowing when you're tired, and then stopping before you get hurt. Every time.
Something like this might be handy for the smaller jobs. I've got one saw, spare chain, couple gallons of b/c oil, 2 stroke mix, files, a couple of felling wedges that I've yet to use, and now not a lot of time to cut. I need chaps. 5 cords/year here, and I have a splitter. Knowing what I now know, a larger pro saw would be mine instead of the 455, although it works well, and has for 10 years.
Haven't done any cutting since last year. Should have had 'em well before that, but I'll have a pair before the next cutting session.
Don't forget your cell phone (for emergencies and pics, of course)! Doesn't hurt to have a buddy with you too, makes for safer operations ......
Can't add much to what's been said... All good advice... Just be safe and have fun and take plenty of pics.... Cause we like pics...
CtRider we are the same height, my original chaps are too short, they come up above my logger boots, probably best for a shorter person And forget to agree - felling wedges are a great, cheap, tool both in directional felling and bucking to prevent pinches. Get a couple sizes, I use the 6 or 8" ones the most.
The thing about chaps is, they don't do you any good sitting on the shelf: they must be worn to have any effect. So, see if you can try them on before you buy, and make sure you'll be comfortable with them. Personally, I hate chaps - I wore mine once or twice when I first got them, and then maybe a few more times in as many years. Last year, I bought some full chainsaw pants - they were a little more expensive (relatively speaking - how much would you pay for a new leg after you cut one off?), but they're more comfortable to me, and I wear them religiously now.
For the next day you may need a small bottle of Aleve or Ibuprofin or Tylenol if you do a lot of wood activities in one day. I take it as little as possible, but sometimes you need to take the edge off. Cold beer is nice at the end of the firewood work. If you like that sort of thing.
If your budget concious a CS-400. Can't beat the warranty, lots of good stuff here on how to wake them up.
One more thing.....you may want a wood stove of some sort to burn all this wood you're planning on cutting!
