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stacky1 · Apr 13, 2009, 08:47 AM

Hi. I am thinking about getting a chain saw for my dad for his birthday but I have no idea what kind or size of one or where I should get it. I don't want the most expensive one but I would like a cheapish one that works reasonably good. It would mostly be used for cutting down small-ish trees and cutting up logs for bonfires. Thanks for any suggestions anyone has!

ballengerb1 · Apr 13, 2009, 08:51 AM

How old is your dad and has he ever used a chain saw before. This is a safe saw for limbs and small trees . Amazon.com: Black & Decker Alligator Lopper 4.5-AMP Electric Chain Saw #LP1000: Home Improvement

stacky1 · Apr 13, 2009, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

How old is your dad and has he ever used a chain saw before. This is a safe saw for limbs and small trees . Amazon.com: Black & Decker Alligator Lopper 4.5-AMP Electric Chain Saw #LP1000: Home Improvement

My dad is just ovr 50 and yes he has used a chain saw many times before, he does a lot of outside work and I thought this would make it easier

ballengerb1 · Apr 13, 2009, 11:21 AM

I am older than your dad and own both gas and electric saws. I am considering the Gator because of its safety and convenience. If dad does yard work and trims trees and makes firewood this unit might not be convenient since its 120v.

21boat · Apr 13, 2009, 12:17 PM

Hay Stacky and Bal.

I never had any good luck with electric chainsaws, it seems to kick chains too much and underpowered, not to mention not to usable cord situation

Still have on old 1979 John Deere 24" saw with echo motor in it and runs fantastic if weight isn't an issue.

I use Husqvarna saws now.

My theory is get a good small saw and not junk and will last forever. Here is a good saw for the weight factor (7.7 lbs)and not to expensive

Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment - HUSQVARNA 338 XP® T

For Christmas here is a chainsaw blade sharpener that I use and works perfect.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

stacky1 · Apr 13, 2009, 03:50 PM

Thanks for the advice, so just a couple more questions, what is a good lengh (I think that's what it is) for the saw? And do you think that gas or electric is better? I was looking here at this site beause I have a farm and fleet near me. Which do you think is best? Thanks!

Blain's Farm and Fleet : Search Results for chain saw

ballengerb1 · Apr 13, 2009, 03:56 PM

Electric is a bit more for the weekend warrior who isn't going into the woods so go gas. Stihl is great as is Husqvarna, neither is cheap but cheap usually gets you in trouble down the road.

21boat · Apr 13, 2009, 04:32 PM

What I feel is a perfect length is 16" saw and no less then 14"

I'm a firm believer in sthil saws and Husqvarna, saws .

I use Sthil saws for most all my concrete cutting and they hold up the longest compared to our Partner saws. Of course there is a big diff in price. Don't know much about Poulan except my buddy borrows my husk saw because his doesn't always start.

Poulan reminds me of the old cheap Mc cullan saws which were built cheap and vibrated the nuts loose to keep the bar on the saw.

I guess what Bal and I are trying to say is think long term. Nothing worse then getting out there and the saw won't start. Half of the cuss words were invented over chain saws and weed wackers not starting which brings me to the gas oil mix.

Follow brake in instructions of the saw. Look at the recommend octane for the gas end. As the saw gets older use HI Test gas in it. This is the no 1 reasons for hard starts and dirty plugs. I use Hi test gas in ALL my 2 cycle saws and lawn mowers etc. Its amazing how well it starts and uses less fuel to run and how long the plugs last. I have done comparables in the concrete saws that we run all day at times straight. Also the lawn mower in rpms and time of cuts.

I run that john deer echo motor chain saw for 30 years on and off. A good chain saw can last a life time so to speak.