Buying a Chainsaw

2-stroke oil's a bugger to shift when it gets on your cushions.

You don't actaully pay to have your chain sharpened do you? Its a 10 min job with a file and guide.

Fair enough then. I like sharpening by hand, I find it theraputic! Have you seen the Dremmel chainsaw attachment? Not as efficient as a mounted grinder but if you have a dremmel already its only a tenner and is supposed to be very good.

I think he means one of these...

http://www.northerntooluk.com/products.asp?subcate...

Probably does a good job but flippin' expensive.

Totally correct , a specialist tool that will have your face in two in just a whisker , I don't think you can even buy one new unless you have a license nowadays , by the way anybody see Clarkson with the chainsaw on Topgear , sawed the coolwall in half , with hardly any safety gear on at all. The most dangerous thing is when only the very tip of the saw is engaged on its work and will climb very rapidly and kick towards the operator , you have been warned.

Rather foolishly anyone can buy a chainsaw. Chainsawing is massively dangerous in every aspect and I'd advise most people to steer clear.

£570 with Vat. Ouch. I've used electronic sharpeners before and they do a good job and are quicker but in my honest opinion it reduces the amount of use you get of the chain (it very quickly grinds away the teeth). I use my saw for a few hours at a time atleast 3 days a week and only have to change the chain twice a year. Which I think is pretty good. I use and wear out a new round file everytime I sharpen my chains, 6-10 strokes on each tooth and move on (depending on last use). That should be enough to put a good sharp edge on the chain. At 75p a file it does add up over a year but its the same case for electic grinders and their abrasive discs. If you have a really badly looked after chain and the teeth are all different lengths and the angles are wrong a electric grinder would be a brilliant to put them right without taking a hours. I think they definately have their benefits but if your only an occasional user I suggest sticking to a round file with guide and in terms of maintainence I would sharpen after use then take off the chain and leave it a shallow bowl of chain oil till next time (If the saw is going to be sitting for weeks/months this will be of real benefit in the long run). Just my opinion and way of doing things though. A lot of chainsawing is down to preference, going for maximum power or minimum weight or somewhere in between, sharpen after or before use, chisel or chipper chains, bar length and so on.

Sachs Dollmar, German and, allegedly, the best. Hugely expensive.

Been there done that- try getting one repaired!

Stihl is the way forward - they go forever and aftermarket support is exemplary.

(I've got a Sachs Dolmar Brushcutter - still waiting for parts for it - 7 months and ticking! none of the dealers like to touch them)