Ok, I'm gonna try to keep this simple.
I have an 044 w/ 20" b/c. Well used probably professionally for it's long life prior to me, don't know compression (still a bit new to this game), seems to runs strong to me for firewood use, but again, I'm not as experienced as some of you fine chainsawin' folk. I've cut about 5 cords with it so far since I got it back in May and it's never given me any real issues.
My small issue with it is that when I put it down, still running, to do something (move a log, some brush, relax for a second, etc) then pick it back up to start sawing again, it will cut off on me. Not all the time, everytime, but enough to make it annoying. It's almost like it senses when I pick the saw up and decides to cut off then...could be something to do with the movement of the saw suddenly after having sat on the ground for a bit?? Sometimes, after this happens, it takes 4-5 pulls to get it fired up. Sometimes, it will fire up on the first pull (hot) Any ideas here? Would pics of the saw help? If so, what specifically would be helpful to see...
I generally like the way it cuts, but anything bigger than 18-20" diameter seems a little slow to me (mostly hardwoods.) Trying my best to keep the chain sharp as often as possible...keep the saw cleaned out everytime I use it, etc...I keep reading that this saw should RIP with a 20" b/c and I don't really get that from it, but it's all relative.
Now, let's throw another loop into the mix. I'm very interested in having a chainsaw mill in the not so distant future. My partner and I are looking to buy wooded/partially wooded property in the next year, and I'd love to start the process of milling/kiln drying wood for lumber, or whatever AND firewood.
I'm currently thinking about selling the 044 for what I have in it to someone with more chainsaw tinkering experience/anyone who wants it and using those funds to supplement buying a bigger saw that could be dual purpose. Firewood and milling. Really looking at a cherry/rebuilt 046/460 or 064 for this. 460 too small for milling? 064 too big for general firewood saw? I don't mind the weight of the 044 at all really. I end up grabbing it more than my rebuilt 346xp simply because it's faster in most of the bigger wood I'm dealing with. 346xp has it's place too, though and I will certainly keep because it runs so well and is a great size.
...not stuck on Stihl either. I like Huskies, but don't want something sooo heavy (066, 288xp) that I won't want to pick up and cut firewood with. I'll say that most of the wood I've come across so far has been under 24", but yesterday I had the 044 buried in a 30" oak and while it certainly was fun, it seemed a bit outmatched...so it's always nice to have the option for more power without too much weight penalty.
Thoughts?
I have an 044 w/ 20" b/c. Well used probably professionally for it's long life prior to me, don't know compression (still a bit new to this game), seems to runs strong to me for firewood use, but again, I'm not as experienced as some of you fine chainsawin' folk. I've cut about 5 cords with it so far since I got it back in May and it's never given me any real issues.
My small issue with it is that when I put it down, still running, to do something (move a log, some brush, relax for a second, etc) then pick it back up to start sawing again, it will cut off on me. Not all the time, everytime, but enough to make it annoying. It's almost like it senses when I pick the saw up and decides to cut off then...could be something to do with the movement of the saw suddenly after having sat on the ground for a bit?? Sometimes, after this happens, it takes 4-5 pulls to get it fired up. Sometimes, it will fire up on the first pull (hot) Any ideas here? Would pics of the saw help? If so, what specifically would be helpful to see...
I generally like the way it cuts, but anything bigger than 18-20" diameter seems a little slow to me (mostly hardwoods.) Trying my best to keep the chain sharp as often as possible...keep the saw cleaned out everytime I use it, etc...I keep reading that this saw should RIP with a 20" b/c and I don't really get that from it, but it's all relative.
Now, let's throw another loop into the mix. I'm very interested in having a chainsaw mill in the not so distant future. My partner and I are looking to buy wooded/partially wooded property in the next year, and I'd love to start the process of milling/kiln drying wood for lumber, or whatever AND firewood.
I'm currently thinking about selling the 044 for what I have in it to someone with more chainsaw tinkering experience/anyone who wants it and using those funds to supplement buying a bigger saw that could be dual purpose. Firewood and milling. Really looking at a cherry/rebuilt 046/460 or 064 for this. 460 too small for milling? 064 too big for general firewood saw? I don't mind the weight of the 044 at all really. I end up grabbing it more than my rebuilt 346xp simply because it's faster in most of the bigger wood I'm dealing with. 346xp has it's place too, though and I will certainly keep because it runs so well and is a great size.
...not stuck on Stihl either. I like Huskies, but don't want something sooo heavy (066, 288xp) that I won't want to pick up and cut firewood with. I'll say that most of the wood I've come across so far has been under 24", but yesterday I had the 044 buried in a 30" oak and while it certainly was fun, it seemed a bit outmatched...so it's always nice to have the option for more power without too much weight penalty.
Thoughts?
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