after shopping around this saw is starting to look very good. they offer it with .325 or 3/8 chain and it's been so long since i used a chainsaw i wouldn't know the difference. not trying to get too complicated here the saw is for gathering firewood. it's a lot of tool for doing so as you can get by with far less, but it's going to be my only saw and some power is reasonable. back in the day the nicholson files were top rate and now they are overpriced branded merchandise in a blister pack and i wonder if the same has happened with chain files. which do you guys use from what supplier, and what would you recommend for a basic filing gauge. the process itself should be little problem, back in the day i filed enough chain to grasp the concept. this is a really exciting time, an IS on the way, and i am taking responsibility for my own wood.
I would recommend the 5105 over the 510. A bit more money but you get more saw. Same weight more power.
I own the 510 - bought it 2009. Has never skipped a beat and I've cut at least 25-30 cord with the saw - I highly recommend it. Haven't run a 5105 - basically the exact same saw, with a bit more power I think - would have to look at the specs again. I would buy another 510 in a heartbeat. Honestly, it could be my one saw plan for at least 80% of the wood I cut - I just like to have more saws. Great power for a light 50cc saw - they are little screamers. Price point is great too - a little over $400 and you have a professional quality saw that runs very strong bone stock. I've ran 3 different Stihl MS260's and would take the Dolly first. Haven't ran a 346xp, so can't compare there. Got get the 510 - you'll be very happy! Cheers!
i guess you can get very fussy and get the 5105, and for some the extra power means a lot. 35cc would be adequate to my needs, so 50cc should be enough with a 510. this is some casual firewood cutting and not daily logging. i have been running a jotul 500 and am getting the last spring burns out of it now with an IS coming early june. instead of burning 4 cords a year it should be something like 2/2.5/2.75 cords. it should be a very modest amount of yearly cutting, just enough to keep grounded and say you did something.
I had a 510 and was never really happy with it. Currently I have a 5105. As stated above the 5105 is more money and has more power than the 510. If you can swing the added $90 I would go with the 5105, you won't be disappointed.
If 35cc is enough you may look into the 421. It's super nice too just a shad less power and a pound lighter. However there's nothing wrong with the 510. Buy what you want and cut some wood. Dolmars are a very good saw. No matter which model you choose. It will bring you years of good service.
Agreed, they are all of good quality.. If I were to get the 510, I would set it up with an 18 or 20" bar in .325... For general firewood gathering duty, the little extra bar length really comes in handy, and the 7 pin .325 gear has no issues keeping the saw in it's happy rpm range. It will oil adequately also...
I think few read your questions. Even with the 5105, what chain size & file set up I use 3/8 x .050 chain & the Stihll & Oregon file guides for sharpening Spare file, I got a dozen from Bailey on an order 3 years ago, have 10 left in the box. Bought 2 spares files for the Sthil RS, still have them in the tool box. I bought 5 LGX & 5 LPX chain (Bailey's sale) have 4 of each still in the box. Have gone thru 1 Stihl RS & 1 LGX , have a slightly used RS in the tool box & am running an LPX on the saw. 510 is a good firewood saw, I went mid range for my firewood saw too (Husqy 359), cut 8 - 10 per year. working great for that Saw before that lasted 29 years (Husqy 61) still runs back up & camp saw I liked your statements : "the saw is for gathering firewood. " "not trying to get complicated" You're Cutting 2 - 3 cord of firewood per year , don't need a pro saw for that. the 510 will last a lifetime if taken care of
the 421 would fit the bill no question. for a few more dollars and into 50cc, you have a small logger's saw more than a farm and ranch saw. then whatever power you pick up. there's more weight but within some kind of reason. i haven't had a logger saw since the late '70s, a couple of same model stihls. i forget the model #s and remember them being thirsty. saws must have come some long way in that time. it's a silly little thing, the logging cachet, and something that tickles the fancy. for the extra fifty i am now the man. considering that some must prove the point with porsches and fast women, it's a reasonable indulgence. 35cc and less weight would have its attractions as well. the ability to snooze through heavy cuts speaks in favor of the larger unit. i am a carpenter and a cabinetmaker. the wood thing never stops. like the rest of this lot, this thing is in my blood.
