got a wood stove and need a saw

[caferacer]

Hi,

I'm new here, and learning a lot. I just got a wood stove, and it's nice, warm, and cozy. I learned that i need more fire wood. I just wasn't ready for this new life style (which I enjoy a lot).

I've been gathering wood, and splitting with an electric splitter (I'm glad that I got it. I learned about it here. Thanks) for next winter.
Now I need a saw.

I work on my motorcycle and build a montainbike, and I was going to get a 024, 025 or similar, and maintain or get a refurbished Husqvarna 445 18" $216.
I found one clean 024 for $220 but its got 135psi compression. What does this mean? Do I need to change the engine or something else soon?
I'm not going to use it often; just for getting firewood and for occasional trail maintenance.
Let me know what you think.

Thanks in advance

 

[bucknfeller]

I would prefer the refurbed 445 over the 024 or 025. Now an 026 would be a different story. But that's just personal preferrance. I don't think anyone would argue about the 445 being easier to work on if you ever need to. 135psi is at the lower end of what I like to see, but it could run a very long time like that.

 

[caferacer]

I would prefer the refurbed 445 over the 024 or 025. Now an 026 would be a different story. But that's just personal preferrance. I don't think anyone would argue about the 445 being easier to work on if you ever need to. 135psi is at the lower end of what I like to see, but it could run a very long time like that.

I thought 135psi is the low side, but i'm new to this. Just curious what's your take on 026?

 

[whitedogone]

"got a wood stove and need a couple of saws"

Fixed it for ya

 

[caferacer]

"got a wood stove and need a couple of saws"

Fixed it for ya

Thanks what do you recommend?

 

[huskydude]

220 is WAY too much for a regular 024, especially with 135psi.

 

[bucknfeller]

I thought 135psi is the low side, but i'm new to this. Just curious what's your take on 026?

Well in my opinion, the 026 is one of the best firewood saws that Stihl ever made. They are a little crammed up under the hood, but they have a "Pro" saw design, and usually are a very strong saw for the weight. I know of several around here that have been cutting wood to heat homes for 20 years, and are still running very strong.

A saw that's blowing 135psi can usually be cleaned up, and re-ringed. That will usually get the comp. back up into the 150-160 range in my experience. Or it could go on and run good for a long time just the way it is. But for me, an 024 blowing 135 for $225. is not a good deal.

Of the saws you mentioned, the 445 sounds like the best deal to me.

 

[Big_Wood]

if you have the money i would recommend you go get something new. if you plan on living with a wood stove for a long time it will be easy to justify. you could also go all out and get a used rebuilt pro saw if you wanted. nmurph sells 346xp's for a good price that have been rebuilt :msp_thumbup:. if your wood is bigger you could step up to a 357/359 or even a 372 :msp_sneaky:

 

[whitedogone]

lots of options. I think if you are mech. inclined at all you could get a used pro style saw that will last a long time. The stihl 024 could work. At 135 psi it could be fine with a new set of rings, or it may need a new piston, or a new piston and cylinder. If it needs a new P&C it may not be worth it.

Just keep your eyes open for a local deal on a couple of pro style stihls, huskys, or dolmar. Most folks can cut everything with a saw around 50cc and another around 70cc. Pro style stihls would be even #'ed saws. I.E.- 024,026,028,038,044,046 or 260, 360,440,460, etc.

 

[whitedogone]

if you have the money i would recommend you go get something new. if you plan on living with a wood stove for a long time it will be easy to justify. you could also go all out and get a used rebuilt pro saw if you wanted. nmurph sells 346xp's for a good price that have been rebuilt :msp_thumbup:. if your wood is bigger you could step up to a 357/359 or even a 372 :msp_sneaky:

Good point

 

[R/C Pilot]

A lot of variables.

What size and kind of wood will you be cutting?
How much wood will you be cutting?
How much money do you want or have to spend on a saw?
What dealers do you have locally for support?
Are you able to do small engine repair work?

Think it out before you jump in.

 

[dl5205]

A few questions for you.

What is your experience level? Total noob? Fairly experienced? (I think I just channeled Jimi Hendrix alittle)

What's your budget? $1200? $200?

How big (approximately/exactly) is the biggest diameter of wood you intend to cut?

Do you have any local dealers you like?

Do you already have a brand preference?

Do you want good stuff, or just enough to get by?

 

[Big_Wood]

just prepare for one thing. once you buy a saw and use it you will have CAD and there will be no turning back. i suggest you start throwing things away to make room for saw storage

 

[moody]

First off the biggest mistake for a first time buyer is getting too small of a saw. But you're going the right route talking about an 026. You could pick up an 028 in good shape they are pretty reliable. My favorite saw is my Husqvarna 350 can be had fairly cheap and run well simple to work on. What's your budget? That'll help us and wood size and species.

 

[Trx250r180]

back when i only had one saw i picked a 60cc ,if doing 2 saws the 50-70 plan works good ,if you are cutting rounds over 12 inches the 50cc will be a little slow,a used 60cc can usually be found for similar price of the 50cc or not much more

 

[dl5205]

A flashlight forum that I sometimes frequent has a "Standard Form" that they ask you to fill out if you're going to ask "Which flashlight to get".

I thought it was Hokey at first, but it's not a bad idea, really.

 

[caferacer]

A flashlight forum that I sometimes frequent has a "Standard Form" that they ask you to fill out if you're going to ask "Which flashlight to get".

I thought it was Hokey at first, but it's not a bad idea, really.

i agree

I'm totally new to cutting
I think I want to spend around $200 for my first one but I'm flexible a bit. I don't think I'm going crazy about this but it's been fun. never know. Later, i might want a bigger one just like how I've been with my other hobbies.

I got both Stihl and Husqvarna dealers with good reviews 20miles away from me opposite directions. There is one in my town. I only hear bad things about them, and I don't want to deal with them.
I don't know how big I'm going to cut since I just started. So far 18inch from the ground.
I can fix small engines. I worked on an old Suzuki Samurai 2st 3 cylinders engine and 100cc Yamaha when I was a kid.

It seems like a refurbished Husqvarna 445 or a decent 026 are my options.

Maybe get a refurbished Husqvarna 445 for now and look for a 026 or 029 to fix up and MM for fun later.

 

[nmurph]

back when i only had one saw i picked a 60cc ,if doing 2 saws the 50-70 plan works good ,if you are cutting rounds over 12 inches the 50cc will be a little slow,a used 60cc can usually be found for similar price of the 50cc or not much more

It depends on the 50cc.

I'm guessing if you are using an electric splitter that the rounds aren't too large. Yes, an 026/350 are nice saws to begin with, and will work well for the less experienced cutter. But the king of the 50cc saws is the 346 is about as good as it gets in the 50cc range. If you are consistantly cutting trees larger than 16-18", then a larger saw will serve you better. However, a 50cc saw will slice and dice a 20" tree, it just takes a bit longer. A 50cc/70cc saw plan is ideal and will handle most wood you will like encounter. If you are in bigger wood and can only afford one saw, the 60cc is the choice. But remember, when that tree sets back on you in the cut, you're going to wish you had a second saw to cut yourself out.

 

[CTYank]

And ... for firewooding you'll likely be processing any burnable stick. 50 cc saw will get real old real quick for doing that sort of limbing. I find that I really like to grab a 35 cc or 40 cc saw for that. Way more productive on an all-day basis, real fuel-sippers too IME. 14-16" bar is plenty big for that.

Fatigue -> brain fade -> ER visit. Not Good.

 

[magictoad]

Stihl MS260 or the older 026 personaly i like the husky 346 EX, stick with either of these two makes and you won't go far wrong.