Chilly807
Elite Member
^^^ what he said ^^^ I consider myself to be fairly current on "stuff" in general, but some stuff just slips through the cracks.
Chain saws
- Thread starter dacoonz
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^^^ what he said ^^^ I consider myself to be fairly current on "stuff" in general, but some stuff just slips through the cracks.
Chilly807
Elite Member
I've never used a wedge for bucking, didn't use them at all up til a couple years ago. After using one to "correct" a tree that was leaning the wrong way and jamming a saw, I wouldn't be without a couple in my kit ever since.
For bucking, I generally make a fairly deep top cut until the saw shows the first signs of getting tight in the cut, then finish with an undercut. The difference being that I try to get the tree off the stump completely, most stuff I cut isn't as big as the one in the video. Next time I get a soggy one like that I'll try it. Learned something today, not a total loss...
Sean
For bucking, I generally make a fairly deep top cut until the saw shows the first signs of getting tight in the cut, then finish with an undercut. The difference being that I try to get the tree off the stump completely, most stuff I cut isn't as big as the one in the video. Next time I get a soggy one like that I'll try it. Learned something today, not a total loss...
Sean
murphy1244
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How do you know what size file to use? Is there a chart some where?
bp fick
Super Member
Thought it would fun to comment on the OP's first post. :laughing:
We heat with wood. We live in the far north. It's colder than a well digger's grave. Which saw to buy is a lot like asking about Ford/Chevy/Ram or Orange/Blue/Red/Green tractors.
I also like having two saws. I keep them both in tip top shape at all times. Always use fresh fuel, (don't care about the other issues nearly as much) and always use top top quality oil. Do these things and take are of it and it will not matter if you buy an echo, husquarna or sthil. Some folks get half a life time out a machine even if it's a Craftsman/Poulan while in the hands of someone else the "best" brand will be trash in half that time.
FWIW, I like my lighter saws more with each passing year. My 30 year old nephew always grabs the Big Bad saw. I just smile. It's all fine with me.
Chilly807
Elite Member
Funny he hasn't learned yet, give it a few more years! I've got an 044 Stihl (72 cc) I dearly love using, for about 15 minutes at a time. My go-to saw is an old 242 Husky (42cc) , light and cuts quick in medium sized wood.
Sean
Chilly807
Elite Member
If you mean the file for the chain, each manufacturer of chains has a recommended file size for each chain they make. It depends on the cutter size that's fitted to the chain. Oregon is usually a standard size file, Stihl is usually metric for example. I keep a 7/32 file for the 3/8 chain on my 044 Stihl, and a 3/16 file for the .325 chain on my 242 Husky. Chain pitch isn't a good indicator, as a lot of 3/8 pitch chains on consumer saws call for a 5/32 file.
The last Stihl I owned had a .325 pitch chain that needed a 5/32 file, so it's all over the map. Best bet is to consult the chain manufacturer's web site or catalog for the specific chain you have.
Sean
bp fick
Super Member
Yup. You know that's right, Sean
Shoot, in my shop are a PoulanPro,(Husky 241) a Husquarna 440 and a Stihl 290 Farm Boss. It makes no difference to me. They're all really good saws. But my go to now, at my age, is my little 440 Husquarna and when it runs out of gas, I keep right on cutting with the 241. No brand bigotry involved. I don't care what it is, just make sure it's less than 11 pounds with bar and chain. :laughing:
Let the young bucks run the big saws and buck the big pieces into the loader. I'll run the tractor.
Chilly807
Elite Member
Yep.. the bigger saw will cut circles around the small one, no question. And when they invent a chain saw that doesn't need an operator (that being me) I'll get rid of my small saws. Until then, I'll keep using the 242 Husky to fell and limb with and the 044 Stihl to buck the big stuff. Both are relatively ancient, the 242 is 1989 vintage, and the 044 is mid-90's somewhere. Good oil and a conservative mix ratio seems to keep them going.
Sean
Sean
RobertN
Super Member
Yes, but when the doo-doo hits the fan hard, and lives are on the line, that carbide chain is the way to go. We have both styles on our Engines. Carbide for structure work, regular for wildland.
Coyote machine
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Yeah, I'm not saying a carbide chain isn't a great thing, I just don't need one to cut trees, etc. I'm all for fire fighters and the work they do. My tenant, and friend next door is an assistant chief so I hear about what he goes through regularly, and the stories he tells are completely nuts! People put themselves and their families in danger without a thought toward prevention- it drives me crazy....And then the firefighters have to endanger themselves needlessly for someone who is completely clueless:confused2:
Coyote machine
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Murph, if you have a local saw store take your saw in and have them match up your saw chain to the correct file. Make a note of what your saw chain requires for each and every saw/chain you use. Get several files for each.
escavader
Veteran Member
Carbide chains can be sharpened but the diamond wheels are pricy this is why I don't sharpen them just recently was asked if I could
arrow
Super Member
Huh? I didn't come down on the guy. To the contrary, He wants to contribute. He wants to be a part of this forum and I do not want some less sensitive individual giving him **** for any future things he'd like to contribute toward. You know all too well how this place can get. I gave him info in case he did not know in a totally matter of fact method and talked about why. There was no put down or sarcasm, or berating as anyone can see too often in this place.
You and chilly totally misrepresent my intention.
catskinner
Silver Member
I usually take as little as possible to the woods to cut with:laughing:
BigE_
Platinum Member
Sorry arrow. Some things don't come across well on these forums (as you probably know by now). I guess maybe I read your post wrong. Good to know you had no bad intentions.
TomSeller
Super Member
How do you pull that cool trailer into the woods? ATV or tractor?
Last edited:
mikehaugen
Elite Member
Or mule?
catskinner
Silver Member
Tractor this time, pulled it with about everything I own.
cqaigy2
Super Member
I like that little trailer.
I own a Stihl 360 Pro w/16" bar, a 360 Pro w/20" bar and a Stihl 020T (Topper) saw, all professional models, and I've owned them since 1999! Nothing has broken. I'll use them sporadically, then for a month straight. I don't use my 020T as much as the others but it's light and cuts (14" bar) and I use it only when climbing in trees, and a little ocassional ground trimming. My go-to saw is the 360 Pro w/16" bar as it is fast and with the 20" bar it's a little slow, but cuts well and takes down some big wood. But my bigger saw, a Stihl 461 w/25" bar is a rocket - you won't need one of these. My advice is for you to assess a budget and buy the best pro level saw that you can and if $50 or so more makes a difference in getting a good sized saw, well do it. I never saw anyone get bummed out because their saw was cutting too quickly, but too slowly...now, that's an issue. I even keep them in cases and they look very, very nice as well as run top notch! Good luck....but don't buy a homeowner's saw. Just don't.
Someone once said that one million monkeys, typing on one million typewriters would eventually be able to produce a work of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the internet, we know that's not true!
Someone once said that one million monkeys, typing on one million typewriters would eventually be able to produce a work of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the internet, we know that's not true!
