Bow Saws / bow bars

[Ol' Brian]

Just wondering what the consensus is on bow saws / bow bars.

I just watched a video of a bow saw in operation on Utube and found some dude selling bows on eBay... and I think that's what my back needs... I've seen pics of bow saws ever since way back when I was a little kid... but never seen one in action until that video yesterday. I really like felling and limbing trees out, but I dread bucking... just kills my back. I'd rather run the log splitter than buck logs. The bow saws look like they might be a viable solution for me. What's the general consensus on them? Most of the wood I cut is 25" or less, although I seem to get into way more 25"+ trees than I like to... hence the 372XP (got into a 42" pin oak to help out my sister-in-law's mother-in-law... still have some of that left to buck and haul out... in wheelbarrows).

What size bow would I need to handle 18-20" logs, and what size powerhead would be best to run that bow... LIke I said, not familiar with bows or their requirements... you just don't see them here in Southern Illinois.

Anyways, I just have to thank you guys for my CAD... I think I've got it bad, but it's still under control for the time being... although I keep looking at Craigslist and eBay daily now, as well as this site. I've been thinking hard about modding the muffler on my 55... somebody help me please...

I picked up a new Husky 372XP a few weeks ago, and then a few days later, found this website... which has been a Godsend for a guy who has been making do with just a single 18" Husky 55 for the past 8-10 years and cutting at least 6-8 cords a year with it. She's been a reliable saw, and still is... she's cut her fair share of wood, and a LOT of wood she was really too small to tackle probably! Got 'er done anyways. Now looking to add to my saw stable... just like guns, I'm starting to think you can't have too many saws :greenchainsaw:

 

[stihl sawing]

There is a member called Mr. Bow saw and he has a super collection, He probably knows a lot about them and can tell you anything. I'm sure he will chime in on this one when he finds it. I think Belgium has a few too.

 

[thomas72]

I really enjoy using my bow saws. The 372 would be a excellent candidate for a bow. It should pull around a 18" bow well. Just make sure you understand how to use a bow before bucking with it. Always put the two dogs against the log first then start plunging the bow. Also make sure the oilier is turned up all the way. I posted some videos of my bow saws on there which were Poulans. I am not saying I am the best with a bow saw, but look at how I rotate the bow around larger logs and how the dogs catch the logs first then the bow follows. You are right. You can never have enough saws, dirt bikes, and guns.

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[Ol' Brian]

Thanks guys! I'm looking forward to learning more about the bow saws.

 

[wfsdno]

Okay, cool looking saw but what is the point of a bow saw? Seems like kickback would be an issue.


Roger

 

[Tzed250]

20" wood is a bit much for a bow. They are designed to cut pulpwood, 16" or under. 372 w/bow would be good for 16" wood.

 

[Brian VT]

Okay, cool looking saw but what is the point of a bow saw? Seems like kickback would be an issue.

The point is that the log doesn't bind on the chain at the top of the bar.
Yes, they can be more dangerous than a conventional bar/chain.

 

[Mr. Bow Saw]

The 372 will be a very good bow saw. Here is what you need to know
abot bow saws and how to use them.

 

[Mr. Bow Saw]

 

[Mr. Bow Saw]

268 and 272 XP

Bow Saws were never used here in southren CA. I like to collect them.
Here are two old pics of abot half the Bow Saws I have now.

 

[Freehand]

Wow Bowsaw.......er ahem MR. Bowsaw...mighty fine collection.

I like to see that one on the 268.....makes me want one real bad.

 

[stihl sawing]

Told you guys he was the man when it come to bow saws.

 

[Modifiedmark]

Well I guess since I don't have a bow for any of my saws, I better start looking! Why? just because I guess..

Maybe a 306A with a bow.

 

[Ol' Brian]

Thanks guys! Mr BowSaw, that is an impressive collection you have there... And that's only HALF of it:jawdrop:??? Wow. How do you pick which one to use

How is the learning curve, if there is one, with the bows? How hard can they kick back? I'm a fairly stout guy, and I can handle anything my Husky's can dish out with their straight bars. Can you use the bottom of the bow also, as a regular straight bar, being mindful of that huge "nose"? I see that the Homelite manual posted by Mr. Bow Saw shows them being used in that fashion.

And, where can you find new ones? There is a gentleman selling them on eBay right now, but I can't find new ones anywhere else so far... I've looked on Bailey's, nothing so far, and stopped today at my dealer, who also couldn't find anything in his books.

 

[FamilyTradition]

Wow, excellent post Mr. BowSaw! I was given a Poulan 3400 CV with a bow bar by a neighbor and was really unfamiliar on how to use it safely and effectively. It needs a few parts, and from my research, it has the cc's to run such a setup fairly well. My line of work is Safety and Risk Management, so kudos on the safety aspect as well. Thanks, I needed that! Best, have a safe week. Max.

 

[Urbicide]

Bailey's used to sell them up until a couple of years ago. Give Gregg Grande a call and he can tell you the name of the place that they (Bailey's) used to procure their inventory from.

 

[mowoodchopper]

Interesting! You have got me thinking also, my back kills me bucking, I may look into a bow also!

 

[Justsaws]

I have a couple of saws with different bow bars on them and occasionally use one.

The only problem that I have is none of them are long enough to actually be real comfortable during long duration use. They are all just the right length that I have to stoop over enough to be uncomfortable for long periods of use.

I guess that what I am saying is you might want to try one before spending the $200.00+/- that it will cost for a new bow and chains.

 

[Mr. Bow Saw]

Here is a few Videos I made a year ago.

Stihl 028 Super






McCulloch 7-55





Mac 2-10 Super, Two start

 

[turtle561]

love that two start ! just what this lefty needs. i do get crossed up sometimes !