Yet another newbie/what to buy thread...

[CAJ]

Hi Everyone. Complete newbie here with some questions. I've done a bunch of reading through past threads, etc... but please forgive the inevitable missed items that I really should have already figured out!

I've recently moved into a house with a nice wood stove and am trying to heat mostly with wood. And I am lucky enough to have several sites where I can cut a good bit of wood - primarily trees that are already either cut or blown down at this point. Since I'd much rather work for my wood than buy it, it's time for me to buy and learn how to use a chainsaw.

Preliminary research from reading here, talking to friends in the area who have saws and advice from my local dealers has me looking for something in the 50cc range with most likely an 18" bar as a good starting point. Overall, I'm looking for something that will be good as a first saw (never used one at this point) but that will also be versatile and well enough built to last. I'd much rather buy the right tool the first time than waste my $$ on a piece of junk. That said, I'm not looking for something crazy & overkill either. When I use it, I expect to be working pretty hard for most of a day, but I'll still only use it a few times a year (~4-5cord/year). Fortunately, I have a couple friends who are quite good and have offered to help teach me. And don't worry, I already have a set of good chaps on order and won't even think of going near one without a helmet, steel toe boots (already have), etc... I've become rather attached to my limbs and would prefer to keep them intact!

I've also pretty much decided on Husqvarna as there is a dealer right around the corner from my house that seems like they'll be quite good. They've suggested the 455 which overall seems like it's likely a good fit for my needs. I know it's not the favorite around here, but overall seems like it's probably a good fit in the price/reliability/ease of use, etc... equation. That said, they've also mentioned the new 455 autotune might be a good option. And at that price, it looks to me like the 545 might be a possibility as well.

So, I guess the biggest question is whether or not the "autotune" feature is worth the extra $$ for an occasional user like myself? If so, once I've stepped up a bit in price, would I be better off going with the 545? Seems like it might be a little higher quality and a couple pounds lighter, but also a little less power.

Thoughts?
Other things I should be thinking about?
Any other "getting started with a chainsaw" advice that you want to throw out?

Thanks!

 

[struggle]

You said you would rather pay up front for quality then buy the 550XP if you want a Husqvarna.

The other saw that fits is the Stihl MS261

455 is a rancher farm use saw much like the MS291.

IF you go pro level you will not regret it one bit. IT will be money well spent up front that you will quickly recoup on saving from cutting wood to heat with.

Also if you are out cutting by yourself and face getting the saw pinched as everyone it is a very good idea to have a second saw

 

[excess650]

I have to agree with struggle. If you plan to heat your house with this saw, take his advice and buy a GOOD saw the FIRST time. Don't allow someone to talk you into something you'll later regret (MS290 in my case) when for a bit more $ you'll have a saw that you'll be satisfied with for years.

 

[struggle]

If you should get a second saw you could get by with a cheapo one like a poulan wild thing or maybe a used one off craigslist etc.

 

[jammin_with_j]

I'm not sure the price difference from your dealer on the 550xp vs the 545, but I would go 550 for the little extra you want to pay. I would go pro rather than home owner grade if you're buying new, or have you ever thought about an older used saw? I rebuilt a saw for a co-worker, 55 rancher, was real clean but had gotten straight gassed, new p/c and it was good to go. In the mean time he bought a 455 rancher, he was not as happy with the 455 as he was with his old 55. The 55 rancher would be the older model of the 455 rancher, but has a mag case and are very easy to work on. Lots of them out there and parts should still be easy to get. Takes the small mount husky bar.

Its not easy to buy a used saw sometimes, I've been burned myself, but sometimes it really pays off. Even a good used 346xp would be a good choice for what you're looking for, or even the 353. Uses the same case and carbs, just different p/c which makes a little less power (same issue for 545 vs 550xp)

But if you are going new save yourself the hastle and buy the pro grade saw. 545 might do you well, but don't sell yourself short, the 550xp sounds like the next best thing since sliced bread.

 

[moody]

I'm not a Dolmar guy but they're quality saws 5105 would fit your needs. The 545/550 are the only AT saws I haven't gotten to try the 555 is a saw if you cut more than 5 cords a year I'd say look at. All that said 550 fits your needs its light from what I've seen and heard it handles really well. But at the end of the day go test one. Ask your dealer if you can try it out. Good luck and happy shopping.

 

[mdavlee]

Personally a 555 with a 18" or 20" would be a great firewood saw. It could pull a 24" if needed.

 

[mattaggie]

I think an MS250 would be sufficient for his needs. If money is no object, get a MS261.

 

[Guido Salvage]

I think an MS250 would be sufficient for his needs. If money is no object, get a MS261.

I wouldn't want to rely on a MS250 to cut 5 cords of wood a year.

 

[northwoods18]

welcome to the sight i see you said in your post that you have a husky dealer close to your house and you are considering that brand...good choice i cut 30+plus face-cord of fire wood a year and do ALOT of my cutting with a 346xp if you decide to go the non auto tune way this would be a great saw for you...however i have run a 555 and would not hesitate to buy one...ask your dealer if you can test a couple good luck and let us know how your search ends up.

 

[northwoods18]

I wouldn't want to rely on a MS250 to cut 5 cords of wood a year.

:agree2:

 

[CAJ]

I have to admit, you guys are even quicker to suggest a bigger/more expensive saw than I had expected! Some good advice in there though.

I would much prefer to pay for quality up front. However, I also need to temper that with the fact that this is not a tool that I'm going to be using every day and the funds aren't unlimited. So, there will definitely be some compromise. Of the ones that I mentioned, the autotune 455 and the 545 were the higher budget saws that I've been considering. So the big question is whether or not it's worth that step up or if in that price range I'm better just sticking with the basic 455. I'm sure the 550XP is a great saw, but that's getting close to $200 more than I'd like to spend. Especially since the overall budget also has to include a good helmet/face shield, chaps, spare chain, etc...

From everything I've seen, it sounds like the Dolmar would be a great option. However, their closest dealer is an our away and the Husqvarna dealer is a 5min walk. There's a Sthil dealer nearby as well, but they didn't seem anywhere near as helpful. I'll take a good dealer and support over brand any day.

Used would also probably be a great option if I felt like I had the knowledge to really understand what I was buying. I certainly do that plenty with tools that I know better. In this case, I figure I'm better off buying new from the guys that I'd be having service it so that I have all the help I can get if I need it.

One thing that I forgot to mention is that we have a 455 at work. I'm planning to go out and do some cutting/learning with a friend tomorrow and will be using that saw. That'll at least give me a good chance to check it out and see how it feels. Hopefully I can then make a little more informed decision!

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[fearofpavement]

For your needs, a 455 will handle anything you're likely to encounter. Are pro saws better? Yes, for someone that uses them in their work or cuts way more firewood than 5 cords per year. I love pro saws and have a number of them. I have also done a fair amount of cutting with a 455 and see no reason why it wouldn't serve your needs for many years. More saws will come your way if you stay tuned into this site.

What kills most saws isn't too much use, it's not frequent enough use. Leave any saw (pro or homeowner grade) sitting around with old fuel it and it'll have a miserable and short life. if you take care af ANY saw, it'll last a long time. There are many of us on here hoping a saw would wear out to give us an excuse to buy a different one.

Sounds like you're going into this well informed and kudus for getting some safety gear (make sure to use it)

Keep in mind that this site is chock full of saw enthusiasts and we think everyone is or should be. Thus the natural recommendation is to recommend the saws that we have or wish we had.

You will not regret buying a pro saw as other than the money spent there is no downside. If you care for it, I also feel like you won't regret buying something less either. The 455 you mentioned is no toy. It usually comes with a 20" bar which is plenty for average firewood cutting. Learn about saws and how to use them safely. The next saw you purchase (you'll need two) you can go in a different direction.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

...I've also pretty much decided on Husqvarna as there is a dealer right around the corner from my house that seems like they'll be quite good. They've suggested the 455 which overall seems like it's likely a good fit for my needs. I know it's not the favorite around here, but overall seems like it's probably a good fit in the price/reliability/ease of use, etc... equation. That said, they've also mentioned the new 455 autotune might be a good option. And at that price, it looks to me like the 545 might be a possibility as well.

So, I guess the biggest question is whether or not the "autotune" feature is worth the extra $$ for an occasional user like myself? If so, once I've stepped up a bit in price, would I be better off going with the 545? Seems like it might be a little higher quality and a couple pounds lighter, but also a little less power.

Welcome to AS. Great that you've found a good dealer. If he's received the training in Husqvarna auto-tune technology and has the software, I'd say it's a go with an auto-tune saw. If you're heating with wood, it seems that you would be served best with one of the pro-level saws. If the dealer has good things to say about the 545, that's the one I'd suggest. Also ask the dealer what saws he owns; if he has a 50cc saw, that might be a recommendation in itself. Not a fan of older technology with low power/weight ratio like the 455. Take the dealer's advice in terms of bar length.

FWIW, we have the wood stove going 24/7 during the heating season and I sell wood on the side. When I was looking for a saw a couple of years ago, I bought the model that the repair tech owned, figuring that if he had one, there must be a good reason. It was a pro-level Stihl, and that was one of the best purchases I've made and easily worth the extra $$$ for a multitude of reasons.

 

[Dan_IN_MN]

Welcome to AS!

No matter what saw you choose, the most important thing in the cutting area is a sharp chain with depth gauges adjusted properly! It doesn't matter how much power you have if the chain is dull! Knowing how and when to sharpen is very important.

You will not go wrong buying a used saw from an established member from here on AS. Look in the stickies for the trading post. Might be a guy or two near you that may have a saw or 12 for you to try out. :msp_w00t:

Having dead dried wood is the best!

You mentioned that you've never used a saw before. I would strongly suggest either taking a class or finding someone one here that lives close that would be willing to "show you the ropes". Some of this stuff is obvious to some and some need some help getting started. These things don't care if it's wood or flesh that is fed to it. It will cut both very well!:msp_ohmy:

 

[jammin_with_j]

I see you've listed that you want to buy a helmet and related safety gear. Shop around, price locally and then look online. I buy from Bailey's and they are great. I bought my helmet on sale for about 50$ with shipping, even to go buy a helmet, ear muffs and screen locally would be more than that and they wouldn't be coming from a saw shop (industrial supplier for safety gear I find is cheaper if you have a buddy with an account or work for a business that would let you pay cash to purchase under their account).

Chains are also another thing to shop around for. I went to several different places locally to price chain, found one selling for about 18$ tax in, which I can't beat with the cost of shipping, but on the same note the saw shop wants over 20 plus tax for the same chain. Sometimes buying more than one chain gets you a deal. I know its good to have dealer support, but if you have a budget then work your best within it and get creative.

Same thing goes with the little stuff, mix oil, files, gas jugs, etc. I shop around, hardware stores, industrial supply places, even box stores for the simple things can be much cheaper than going to a saw shop for them, but I'm young and broke and this is just something to keep me busy.

To tell you the truth I only went to my dealer lately to buy Husqvarna parts, the rest of my gear I bought from about half a dozen other places. I know you may think about the cost of running around, but wait till you're in the area of the store to go look, two birds one stone.

Keep you eyes open too, for the longest time I had an old helmet from work that was in good shape, got a pair of muffs from a friend working at a mill and had to buy a screen, total cost was about 15$ so long as I didn't mind having mis matched stuff. I got files from work and used a wooden handle, an old bar wrench from a friend for free, on and on. I didn't rush out to buy stuff I just thought about it and looked around.

 

[bthompson224]

Watch it, SawTroll will try and talk you into an Echo.

 

[jammin_with_j]

I get that you only have so much to spend, but I'm tellin you don't waste your money on a plastic cased saw if you want it to last. I've got no doubt that the 455 will last for some time, but the commercial/pro grade saw will outlast it twice and you won't have to go through the hastle of figuring out what to buy a few years from now when the 455 kicks the bucket. Any good dealer will let you test out the saw, IMHO it would be real poor service to sell something to somebody having no understanding of what it is they are buying and not giving them the hands on comparison between the grades of saw. My local dealer does and they aren't a huge place, and then sell the demo's every so often.

If your dealer is letting people demo saws ask if they have any demo pro grade saws for sale. I've seen people get sweet deals on demo saws and they have been in great shape, but its up to your dealer to back the saw if you're buying that way. If you ask you may be surprised, that 550xp may be closer to your price range than you think.

 

[jh35]

I know I wont be in the norm here but I've heated primarily with wood for 13 years and have had a Husky 51 that long. Not a pro saw but I'm not sure how it compares to the newer style. It is my only saw and I have a 16" .325 setup. I cut all of my own, I'm at least 3 years ahead and cut more that gets sold or used by the in-laws. I'm sure I am an exception and I really want a good used 372 but can't justify it right now.

 

[jammin_with_j]

I know I wont be in the norm here but I've heated primarily with wood for 13 years and have had a Husky 51 that long. Not a pro saw but I'm not sure how it compares to the newer style. It is my only saw and I have a 16" .325 setup. I cut all of my own, I'm at least 3 years ahead and cut more that gets sold or used by the in-laws. I'm sure I am an exception and I really want a good used 372 but can't justify it right now.

The 51 was built more like a pro style 2XX series saw, just didn't have the heated grips and adjustable oiler (don't think they ever came with those options) but well built, same bottom end as a 55, but had the closed port cylinder instead of open port. Mag case, different grade options for air filters, etc. A great homeowner series saw, I see them around all the time, have bought and sold several myself and really liked them for the price they can be picked up for. As far as I know the 455 has plastic bottom end, don't really know much about them and I don't plan on buying one unless its dirt cheap.

I forgot to mention the 55/51 ranchers don't interchange too much (yet muffler is just like 254xp) with the 2XX series saw, its just built similar in the mechanical principals(yet different).

I make it sound like I really know nothing with that last statement.