WV Wood Burner
ArboristSite Lurker
I have been lurking and reading posts for quite some time and had decided that the 361 was the saw needed for working up my annual supply of firewood for the OWB. I have not had a saw in good working order for some time, but that has not stopped my father-in-law from cutting our wood in addition to his supply for his fireplace insert.
Next winter's supply has already started coming in and it is time to find the right saw and do my share of cutting, bucking, splitting, and stacking. Father-in-law's most recent delivery has caused me to reconsider the 361. I believe that the large pieces are referred to as rounds, and I have read some members recommend that the method to use in preparing them for splitting is to quarter them while on edge as they are in the picture (off the trailer of course!).
The rounds are approximately 24" to 26", so I am thinking that a 28 inch bar would be best to make short work of them. Granted, these pieces do not come in everyday, but you can't be too picky about the size of your free wood!
The 441 obviously comes to mind, but the 460 might also be worth considering. A 650 or beyond would seem to be more than what is needed to handle the occasional big round or two.
The Stihl dealer had what appeared to be a well-used (paint worn off, plastic side panel cracked with hole) 440 come in on a trade yesterday or the day before, but I do not want to worry with a well-used saw needing extra maintenance. I am looking for a saw that, if treated properly, will be reliable for many years to come. He has not yet broken it down and so could not quote a price. Although I am leaning against a used saw, I might consider it based upon the praise I've seen here for the 440. Any suggestions on what might be a reasonable price given the risk of a used saw?
What do you think? 361, 441, 460 or well-used 440?
Also, I believe my father-in-law has a 026 or 028, and he uses only a 16 inch bar. If I were to go with two bars, what would you recommend to compliment his 16 inch?
Chain?
Thank you for your help with this post and for all of the help you have given others!
P.S. Anyone care to guess how much wood is here in terms of cords?
Next winter's supply has already started coming in and it is time to find the right saw and do my share of cutting, bucking, splitting, and stacking. Father-in-law's most recent delivery has caused me to reconsider the 361. I believe that the large pieces are referred to as rounds, and I have read some members recommend that the method to use in preparing them for splitting is to quarter them while on edge as they are in the picture (off the trailer of course!).
The rounds are approximately 24" to 26", so I am thinking that a 28 inch bar would be best to make short work of them. Granted, these pieces do not come in everyday, but you can't be too picky about the size of your free wood!
The 441 obviously comes to mind, but the 460 might also be worth considering. A 650 or beyond would seem to be more than what is needed to handle the occasional big round or two.
The Stihl dealer had what appeared to be a well-used (paint worn off, plastic side panel cracked with hole) 440 come in on a trade yesterday or the day before, but I do not want to worry with a well-used saw needing extra maintenance. I am looking for a saw that, if treated properly, will be reliable for many years to come. He has not yet broken it down and so could not quote a price. Although I am leaning against a used saw, I might consider it based upon the praise I've seen here for the 440. Any suggestions on what might be a reasonable price given the risk of a used saw?
What do you think? 361, 441, 460 or well-used 440?
Also, I believe my father-in-law has a 026 or 028, and he uses only a 16 inch bar. If I were to go with two bars, what would you recommend to compliment his 16 inch?
Chain?
Thank you for your help with this post and for all of the help you have given others!
P.S. Anyone care to guess how much wood is here in terms of cords?