Advice

[mikemckenzie]

Good day all from Canada. Looking for advice on a used saw for weekly cutting of firewood. 80/20 (hardwood/softwood)

 

[Stock]

Ahh here can you give us a little info, are you scrounging or felling are you cutting hard wood or soft wood what size are you looking at 4" or 4'.................................................................................................

 

[mikemckenzie]

Looking for some advice as to what brand of saw to buy, used. I plan on cutting 12"-16" circumference stumps into quarters by 16" long. I'd say 80% of my wood will be hardwood and the remainder being softwood (same sizes). Thanks

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Just curious why you would noddle rounds that small if I’m understanding correctly. How much experience do you have running a saw?

 

[sundance]

Looking for some advice as to what brand of saw to buy, used. I plan on cutting 12"-16" circumference stumps into quarters by 16" long. I'd say 80% of my wood will be hardwood and the remainder being softwood (same sizes). Thanks

Circumference? or diameter? Why would you noodle (cut into quarters) rather than split?

 

[mikemckenzie]

Circumference? or diameter? Why would you noodle (cut into quarters) rather than split?

Very new to this. With a new cottage comes new challenges and tools. Firewood is too costly when I have time to break it down on my own, I want to learn this trait as well. It will also give me something new to pass along to my kids.

 

[mikemckenzie]

Just curious why you would noddle rounds that small if I’m understanding correctly. How much experience do you have running a saw?

I'm new to this and always looking to learn new things at all times. I never settle for less and always open to new learnings.

 

[Mad Professor]

Be careful and don't hurt yourself.

It sounds like you've never split wood or used any chainsaw?

I was running chainsaws and splitting just out of grade school. My father and uncles taught me. Grandma on the woodstove when I was 5 or 6 operation/fires.

Best advice is get a mentor to show you/learn from.

 

[Seachaser]

Go to your nearest dealer. Ask about the service department. And buy the best chainsaw you can afford. They can steer you in the right direction. And get safety equipment.

 

[mikemckenzie]

Thanks folks

 

[Everett529]

What area are you from @mikemckenzie if you don't mind my asking? I'm Central myself. I'd suggest finding someone to show you the ropes.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

You can get a Echo CS-590 for $420 dollars (USD) can’t buy a better saw in that price range plus it’s got a five year warranty. As mentioned previously, get some safety gear and if possible have an experienced saw user show you the ropes. Running a chainsaw is fun, a trip to the ER (or worse) is not.

 

[KostasVolos]

I split wood since 7 years old .
Few weeks ago ,now aged 47,I
had my first splitting wood "accident".
A bit tired ,a couple of beers and didn't take long to happen .
The axe was not driven carefully,
but rather in a relaxed big arc ...

These are the SAFETY boots I was wearing that day .Steel sole plate and steel toe cap .




Just a brief touch of a moving chain from a chainsaw means that
at least 80-90 super sharp steel cutters will pass through flesh and/or bone .Just a brief touch .

Do your market research firstly for
a pair of safety boots ,a pair of safety gloves , ear ,eyes and head protection ( a helmet will cover all three ) and a pair of chainsaw chaps .

Then you can deal with chainsaws
and splitting axes .

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

Because you stipulated it has to be a used saw, the key piece of information is missing- what is your maximum budget? If you absolutely have to buy a used saw- you're going to be stuck with whatever is available at any given time, which could mean not finding any of the "best" models.

I agree with the above post about the Echo CS590 Timberwolf being the best value. They run about $420 brand new here in America with a 20" bar & chain.

 

[mikemckenzie]

I've been rebuilding small engines for 20 yrs now. From Stihl concrete saws, chainsaws to snowblower and everything between hence the used route. Outside of knowing what I do now from a motors perspective, I want to pickup a saw and prep my own firewood instead of repairing them for friends and neighbors. I work in high voltage switchgear for almost 30 years now and safety is paramount, I have seen ot all over the years. I do appreciate all the transparency. This is a great forum to meet honest people. I'm also glad to see more people wearing the proper PPE @KostasVolos.

 

[J.Van671]

You can get a Echo CS-590 for $420 dollars (USD) can’t buy a better saw in that price range plus it’s got a five year warranty. As mentioned previously, get some safety gear and if possible have an experienced saw user show you the ropes. Running a chainsaw is fun, a trip to the ER (or worse) is not.

To add to that Echo has the best warranty to deal with and has a lifetime warranty on all their coils in all their products.

 

[mikemckenzie]

To add to that Echo has the best warranty to deal with and has a lifetime warranty on all their coils in all their products.

Thanks, I do like the Echo's as well and easy to maintain

 

[J.Van671]

My local Stihl dealer also sells Echo, i personally have only Stihl products but the Echo's are nice units and definitely best bang for the buck when i comes to quality and performance.

 

[Bubster]

For a used saw for a first time user, I would suggest a 45-55 cc saw like a Stihl 025/250, Husqvarna 50, Stihl 024, Stihl 028 and there are hundreds of other good choices. A good used Husky 353 would be ideal ,but a bit pricey.

 

[mikemckenzie]

Awesome feedback and certainly valuable info to start with