A saw for turning blanks and home use

[Roofer]

I'd like to buy a reliable saw for around $400 or less. I'll use it for limbing trees, firewood, but probably mostly for cutting logs into bowl blanks. I've gotten seriously bitten by the turning bug.

This will mostly involve rip cutting logs sections up to about 20" in diameter. I've got a Shindaiwa pole saw that I use quite a bit, but just never got around to buying a chainsaw. After cleaning up all those limbs after the ice storm with a bow saw, I'm done. Altho other than the bowl blanks, I'll mostly be an occasional user.

I've got a Stihl and a Shindaiwa dealer close by. I've bought my tractor, backpack blower and some other items from the Shin guy, but I'll go Stihl if it will get me a better saw. Things like easy start and toolless tensioning are nice, but I'd prefer to have basic features and better saw.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Wood Cutter]

Sounds like you need a Dolmar 5100S

 

[trimmmed]

Sounds like you need a Dolmar 5100S

For bowl blanking 20" ers, I don't think so.

Roofer this won't jive with your budget, but I would recommend something around 70cc. What is the swing of your lathe?

 

[Roofer]

Currently, my lathe has a 12" swing, but I'm gonna upgrade by the end of the year to a 20" or maybe a 24" if I can get it past SWMBO. I mentioned 20" diameter specifically because we're going to take down 2 silver maples and an elm this year that all about that size. That and I'm gonna get my neighbor's really old mulberry that looks like it may have a quilted trunk (drool).

I can start the cut on one side then move to the other, since I'll have to cut the pith out anyway. I know what people say about buying too little tool, but I just can't see buying a big pro chainsaw first time out. That and my darling bride will disembowel me.

I'd really prefer to stay in this ballpark, or go up a little. Don't 70cc saw go for over $700?

 

[bytehoven]

Roofer...

Welcome. I see you made over from the Garden tool forum.

If you have to stay in the $400 range, the Dolmar 5100S has been the darling saw in that price range. MSRP on the saw is $409 and they have been know to sell for as little as $350 from a well motivated dealer. My local Dolmar dealer wouldn't budge off of list. You can buy it online from a few places for around $375 shipped.

If you had a mind to pull a chain around a 24" bar, so you end up with very clean 20" sections, that's when you should start thinking about something a little bigger.

Maybe someone could comment on running a 20-24"" bar on the 5100S, possibly with a skip chain?

If you can be persuaded to invest just a wee bit more cabbage, you'll find many folks suggesting the MS361, which will pull a 24" chain no problem.

Happy shopping.

 

[vegaome]

Howdy Roofer,

Just want to mention that for your budget a good used saw could be found. Some folks don't like to buy used but it could be done. Do a search here and read about what to check for. Good luck.

v/r

Mike

 

[Ianab]

Although Shindaiwa dont get the publicity on here that the bigger brands do there is nothing wrong with their saws. They may actually be better than the 'homeowner' grade Stihls that would be in your budget.

A Shin 488 (48cc) would probably do what you need and almost fit in your budget. I see they sell it with a 20" bar, but that may be a little optimistic
An 18" might be a better choice and cut from the other side occasionally if you need to.

The Dolmar 5100 and the Stihl 361 are both great saws, but if you are happy with your local Shin dealer there is no reason not to buy one of his saws.

Take the money you save and get yourself the safety gear to go with it

Cheers

Ian

 

[Four Paws]

I am with Ianab on this one. The 488 Shindaiwa is a great saw...not quite the screamer the 5100S is, but its a stout saw that will last you. I have worked on some consumer grade Stihl's and wasn't too impressed with their design and build quality. I think your best bet would be to shop the used market. The 488 Shindaiwa, the 026/260 pro Stihl, the 353/359 Husky should all do you well. Even a Solid Jonsered 49SP or Partner 5000 would be a good pick, and well within budget.

 

[Lakeside53]

I'd be looking in the 60-70cc range also... In addition to cross cutting, you'll be doing a bunch of round quartering...

If you're budget limited, buy used... MS360, 036, 044, MS440, 038 etc would be my choices, but there's a lot to choose from out there. If you don't work on your own saws, figure out who is going to service it before you buy any brand.

If you are happy with older saws, an 041 for $200 would do a nice job...

 

[SawTroll]

I agree that this smells of a used saw of at least 60 cc, preferebly 70 cc.

 

[BLACKeR]

i understand the temptation to recomend him a larger saw. however he's not going to be cutting 10 cords of bowl blanks a year. i think the 488 shindawia is a good recomendation, or if you want bigger a husky 359. i got mine off ebay for $360 new. if your not afraid of online sales. i think you would be happier with a smaller saw that youll use a few times a year than a 70cc pro saw. its just not needed. if the time comes and your cutting big trees down once a week then buy a big saw. its going to get old dragging out your heavy $600 saw 6 times a year to cut a half dozen bowl blanks.

 

[bsjonny520sp]

5100s in action



just breakin it in
with some small stuff

stock safety chain

 

[keith c raymond]

I would look at a Makita 6401 in a Home Depot near you.These rental units can be picked up quite reasonable,depending on condition.If you cant wait to find one,I would think of a Husky 350,As it would fit the bill also.