Has anybody had a problem with their newly purchased Craftsman 18" saw stops in the middle of cutting? If so, is this normal? B/c we don't know if this is or it's because it runs out of gas/or oil fast. Any advice or ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Stops in the middle of cutting. Meaning, when you are in the cutting phase it stops during while trying to cut. In other words, does a chainsaw normally does this when you are trying to cut something or just because it's running low on gas & oil?

stops in the middle of cutting?

What does that mean? Give more specifics. Is it a self oiler?
Have you properly adjusted the chain tension?