About 4 years ago, I moved from Florida (upon retiring from the Air Force) to Dutch Country Pennsylvania. I love the outdoors but have never really been much of a rugged handyman type. Mainly because I've never had to be like that. I guess it's true what they say, that you are a product of your environment. Now my environment is such that those skills sure would come in handy. Especially when it comes to chainsaws. I had never used until a couple years ago - since my wife and I now have a fireplace. Three years ago, I bought a Craftsman chainsaw. After 3 or 4 uses, I couldn't cut hardly anything bigger than small tree branch. I changed chains on it 3 times and made sure the chain always had oil in it as well as making sure the chain was tight before each use. Finally, this past summer, I broke down and purchased one of the lower end Stihl chainsaws.
The first time I used the Stihl, it was on an old piece of 4"x8" lumber. The Stihl cut through it like it was butter. I used it sparingly over the next few times, on smaller sized branches and such - with no problems. Then about a month ago, I went to cut up some old dead trees for firewood and the Stihl started acting like the old Craftsman I've had a few years (though hardly got much use out of). It was taking me several minutes to cut through a relatively small tree branch, not only that but the chainsaw was smoking somewhat, sort of like the Craftsman used to.
I'm beginning to wonder if there's something I'm missing or not doing. I had the man show me how to operate the Stihl - when I purchased it. I've watched a couple dozen videos on Youtube about chainsaws (operation of and upkeep of). I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
The first time I used the Stihl, it was on an old piece of 4"x8" lumber. The Stihl cut through it like it was butter. I used it sparingly over the next few times, on smaller sized branches and such - with no problems. Then about a month ago, I went to cut up some old dead trees for firewood and the Stihl started acting like the old Craftsman I've had a few years (though hardly got much use out of). It was taking me several minutes to cut through a relatively small tree branch, not only that but the chainsaw was smoking somewhat, sort of like the Craftsman used to.
I'm beginning to wonder if there's something I'm missing or not doing. I had the man show me how to operate the Stihl - when I purchased it. I've watched a couple dozen videos on Youtube about chainsaws (operation of and upkeep of). I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
