I'd like your opinion/suggestion on buying a saw.

They are. 800 for the saw plus the larger top end. Figure a new 64cc has to be worth at least $100 so $700. However, people report buying them from home depot used for 250 ish. My home depot has one marked at $612 however

 

I have about $500 in this one. That's a bargain for what this thing can do. It has an OEM 7900 top end. It is outrageous for a stock saw.

 

They are a fine machine...
But a lot more than $300...

 

I have been looking at price, power, reliability, and weight. Big difference in some of the weights of these saws! Going to the professional saws it is anywhere from 13 - 20+ lbs. !!!!!!!!! 20lbs seems like a lot of weight to lug around if you are going to be working all day in the woods.

 

I can get more done with a light saw than a heavy saw that tires me out. Unless I have big rounds to cut up I grab my 550.

 

A Christmas present to yourself??

 

A Home Depot near me had 4 of them for $199 a month ago. They were there for about 3 weeks listed at $250, but after lowering them to $199 they all sold in one week. One guy bought 2 of them!

I got mine for around $250 a year ago.

 

Sorry to hijack but can you guys shut up about how great the dolkitas before I have to buy one?

If they had them for 199 her I would have bought 2 also. I keep looking but the prices at our home depot's suck on those saws.

 

I just called Home Depot and all they have are the smaller saws. No Makitas or Dolmars, only sold on-line. Largest they stock was an Echo 18". Good price on it though. CS400 $299

 

The ones they are talking about are the used saws that they sell off from the rental department when they rotate stock.

 

You are absolutely right. That's why you would need a smaller saw that is used most that is lighter than what you have and more power. If you don't plant to get a huge saw down the road, then get a 555/562 or ms361-362. They are slightly heavier than your 290 but can pull a 24" or even 28" if the need arises.

If you want a lighter saw with more power than your 290, get the 545 husky and save or sell the 290 for a larger used 70cc saw down the road. The 550xp/545 and 365 work well for my two saws. I have others but those are the two I use the most. Under 20" is the 550, over 20" diameter the 365/372.

That jonsereds 2166 is the same as the 365 XTorq and the 2172 is the same as the 372xtorq. The 365 will do you fine. No reason to spend the extra 150-200 bucks for the same saw. They are identical saws with a five minute fix to make the 365 into a 372

 

Wifey has not bought me anything yet. Or were you saying I should call it that so I can spend more! LOL

 

Sounds good to me.

 

Yeah, I missed that. To the OP, get the biggest pro, metal cased saw you can afford from a reputable brand. Then... Have at it! I wish I had that much wood to work out my saws in. I'm in the 1-5 cord/yr crowd and I own 3 pro saws (one ported) and two plastic case saws. But, heh! That's what makes me happy! To each his/her own.

 

I don't know. I paid $450 for mine and it had the original bar/chain on it.

 

That's a steal on that saw! Looks in real nice shape. Know wonder they call you the Firewood Bandit! I have been watching Craigslist around here for a long time and I never see any really nice ones for a good price. Some I have seen for a decent price but looking at the pictures I would be concerned to know weather or not it was in good running condition throughout. Tough for me to know if they ran the hell out of it.

 

Bet you wouldn't sell it for that....
Hahahahahaha!!!!!

 

I am considering several options. One is trading my MS290 in on this. http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-680


A couple of reasons. The price is good, and with the trade in of the Farm Boss I would be close to my price range. The size is good, should have good power for what I have to cut. Weight looks good.

Local shop does not have them in stock but can get me one. And will take trade in. I have not found out what they will give me for my saw yet though. Maybe Monday morning.

Others are Stihl, Makita, Dolmar, etc., but they are too expensive. Unless I just decide to spend more than I should. Which I have been known to do before.

 

I see that has manual override on the oiler along with automatic adjustable. I didn't know any saw maker still offered the manual oiler on any of their models.Grew up using saws with manual,its really nice giving that button a couple pumps on extra hard/tough/frozen stuff or pitchy pine/cedar etc.
My 2100CD has one that works like a geyser lol,all the ones on the Mac's & poulan 3400 work great also.