Chainsaw massacre
Discussion
I've had a chainsaw for a good few years now and probably use it two to 3 times a year...
I'd suggest if you are going to buy one, go for a relatively short bar, a 14" bar should be sufficient for most jobs around the garden.
I bought a new Stihl one about 5 years back from http://www.mincost.co.uk/forest-garden-garden-mach... and it is so easy to start, normally 1st or 2nd pull.
I also invested in an electric chain sharpener as it makes life so easy.... and a sharp chain is a must !!
IIRC it's something like this.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Silverstorm-678...
I'd suggest if you are going to buy one, go for a relatively short bar, a 14" bar should be sufficient for most jobs around the garden.
I bought a new Stihl one about 5 years back from http://www.mincost.co.uk/forest-garden-garden-mach... and it is so easy to start, normally 1st or 2nd pull.
I also invested in an electric chain sharpener as it makes life so easy.... and a sharp chain is a must !!
IIRC it's something like this.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Silverstorm-678...
I'd go for a leccy one too. Cheep and cheerful like http://www.toolfinder.co.uk/garden-tools/garden-ma...
You can always get a V8 one later if you enjoy using it and find you are doing it more.
I'd recommend getting someone to show you how to use it, takes the pain out of learning.
You can always get a V8 one later if you enjoy using it and find you are doing it more.
I'd recommend getting someone to show you how to use it, takes the pain out of learning.
I work on a system of extremes.
I either buy the best so it will last, or I buy the cheapest and don't worry if it breakers.
I bought my chainsaw from B&Q.
An own brand one and it cost less to buy than it was to hire one.
I use it a few times a year and lend it out occasionally.
I've never sharpened a chain - I just bought a new one for £15.
I treat it like crap, it's already paid for itself many times over.
I either buy the best so it will last, or I buy the cheapest and don't worry if it breakers.
I bought my chainsaw from B&Q.
An own brand one and it cost less to buy than it was to hire one.
I use it a few times a year and lend it out occasionally.
I've never sharpened a chain - I just bought a new one for £15.
I treat it like crap, it's already paid for itself many times over.
I've had a few and many have broken - this seems random between expensive and cheap ones - so I'd advise buying one locally so you can take it back if there's a problem.
I've used the entry level stihl and Husky and the Husky 135 is far better - a bargain at circa £200 - I expect mine to last 10+ years and unlike cheaper makes the parts will be available.
I've used the entry level stihl and Husky and the Husky 135 is far better - a bargain at circa £200 - I expect mine to last 10+ years and unlike cheaper makes the parts will be available.
I would recommend McCulloch. They are Husky, but a bit cheaper. The label with the serial number says Husqvarna on it. I have a CS400T, which has been faultless. Starts first or second pull every time, including after 5 winter months in the shed.
Whatever you get, use a good quality 2 stroke oil, not the cheap junk you see sometimes, and be fussy about mixing accurately. It makes the world of difference to how the engine starts and runs. Sharpen your chain after each use, doesn't take long with a proper file. Keep the chain oil tank topped up, your chain will die a quick death if you use it dry.
Whatever you get, use a good quality 2 stroke oil, not the cheap junk you see sometimes, and be fussy about mixing accurately. It makes the world of difference to how the engine starts and runs. Sharpen your chain after each use, doesn't take long with a proper file. Keep the chain oil tank topped up, your chain will die a quick death if you use it dry.
blueST said:
use a good quality 2 stroke oil, not the cheap junk you see sometimes, and be fussy about mixing accurately.
Very good advice - I tried some Ryobi oil - saw ran terribly - drained it and replaced with stihl and it was fine.Fresh fuel too - if it's a month old - replace it
Buy a special 1 litre mixing bottle - like this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/2-stroke-Oil-Fuel-Mixing-B...
They're idiot proof
I have a couple of decent petrol ones, but fancied an electric one, so two weeks ago, I bought a "Clarke" one from Machine Mart for around £90.
It is brilliant, extremely powerful and really easy to adjust the chain tension with one screw. Goes through (small) trees like a hot knife through butter.
It has an oregon chain bar too...
It is brilliant, extremely powerful and really easy to adjust the chain tension with one screw. Goes through (small) trees like a hot knife through butter.
It has an oregon chain bar too...
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