Occasional user looking for good saw

[Dodge1999]

I am going to purchase a saw within the next month. I have a maculough that is hardly worth starting(if it would). I plan on partially heating my house with wood. I have two questions for all you experts. 1. What is the best saw you would recommend for a novice at a reasonable price? 2. Has anyone ever used a heatilator constitution high eff. fireplace?, If So, how do you like it?

Thanks for your time

 

[computeruser]

Welcome to the site!

Preliminary question: what will you be cutting? Size, species, quantity, frequency? This will make a huge difference in making suggestions for what sort of saw to start with, especially if you're aiming to get by with a single good saw. Let us know a bit more about your needs and how you plan to use the saw, and you'll get better answers.

 

[Indiana John]

Oh, no! Here we go again...................... I'll recommend a Stihl, somebody else will say a Husky, then the Dolmar fans will kick in........ :deadhorse:

 

[sawinredneck]

Welcome to AS!

Yes, what are you cutting?

 

[hornett22]

go to a multi line dealer and see what help they can offer.

you have a budget i assume.i'd stick with a brand you can get good service at a resonable distance.you may pay a little more for something at one place but when you need assistance that money will be a mute point when they get you up and running again or have a good parts selection. also factor in the availability and selection of maintenance supplies such as chain and oil.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

What model McCulloch you got???

For the occasional user, ID recommend an Echo CS-440.

 

[Just Mow]

Don't buy the Echo. It They produce very little power compared to the other saws you will be hearing about as well as being cheaply made.

 

[WayneOhio1]

Husky55 Rancher

I have a 55 Rancher runs great is there a way i can open the muffler out so it has more power? how do i do that explain ?

 

[troutfisher]

I am going to purchase a saw within the next month. I have a maculough that is hardly worth starting(if it would). I plan on partially heating my house with wood. I have two questions for all you experts. 1. What is the best saw you would recommend for a novice at a reasonable price? 2. Has anyone ever used a heatilator constitution high eff. fireplace?, If So, how do you like it?

Thanks for your time

Welcome!! How big are the trees yer cuttin' ?

 

[troutfisher]

I have a 55 Rancher runs great is there a way i can open the muffler out so it has more power? how do i do that explain ?

Welcome to AS! If you use the "search" feature, and type in "muffler mod" you will find lots of info.

 

[A. Stanton]

I would advise you to buy the Stihl 029 Farm Boss. You can get a new one with the case for about $330.00. I ran one for nearly 8 years with no problem what so ever.

 

[blis]

Welcome to the site!

Preliminary question: what will you be cutting? Size, species, quantity, frequency? This will make a huge difference in making suggestions for what sort of saw to start with, especially if you're aiming to get by with a single good saw. Let us know a bit more about your needs and how you plan to use the saw, and you'll get better answers.

+1

The average wood size will be biggest deciding factor when looking for one single saw for felling, bucking and limbing...

 

[Dodge1999]

Wow

I plan on cutting a couple cords a year Mostly Oak 14" dia. Max. I would like to spend $200-$300 if possible. Thanks for all your input already.

 

[computeruser]

I plan on cutting a couple cords a year Mostly Oak 14" dia. Max. I would like to spend $200-$300 if possible. Thanks for all your input already.

OK, there's really only one choice, then: Husqvarna 350, 16" bar. This would be a great saw for the use you have in mind, and you should be able to get your hands on one for about $300 give or take a few bucks. This saw weighs 10.5 lbs or thereabouts, is nimble and well-balanced, has good anti-vibration and air filtration, and will last you a good many years with proper upkeep.

 

[Dok]

I cut similar wood and the Husky 350 works great. I have the 20" bar and would recommend an 18", the 20" tends to bog down in larger cuts. You get air injection, which means less filter cleaning, adjustable oiler, and a decompression valve. I have had mine for 4 yrs and not a problem. It is a lot of saw for the money. I cut 7-12 cords of oak a year with it.
Brad

 

[sawinredneck]

I've cut more wood than I can imagine with my 350, I would by another in a heartbeat!! Great saws!! Best bang for the buck IMHO!!!

 

[chowdozer]

I've cut more wood than I can imagine with my 350, I would by another in a heartbeat!! Great saws!! Best bang for the buck IMHO!!!

Eleven more and you'll have a 361!!!

 

[sawinredneck]

Eleven more and you'll have a 361!!!

Eleven more and another $250ish to boot:deadhorse:

 

[Griffbm3]

Enjoy the 350

The Husky 350 seems to be a really great saw for the money/weight/power ratio. I was let down by a 455/20" combo, so I agree with running the 350 with a 16 or 18" combo. Oak is fun, and trying to cut it while its green before it dries up on you can be even more fun.

And since the paramedic in me needs to say this, last week I "nipped" my chaps. Real glad I had them on. If you don't own a good pair, get some. I love heating with wood, real satisfying. Don't know about the newer heatilator products. I have a 50 year old one in my house that was very effective before putting in the woodstove.

Good luck and be careful, keep your blood, your brain likes it...

 

[farmermike]

I'd go with a husky 350 as well. Friend has one, for the money excellant saw. Won't quite keep up with my 346, but all in all an great buy.