Best Starter Saw?

[svk]

My boys (ages 8, 9, and 10) are looking forward to the "fun" part of firewooding namely using axes and saws. I started running a saw at 11 so time is getting close.

I have a small saw in my M36 but due to it's compact size and ergonomics I don't really feel comfortable using this as a "trainer". My old Husky 41 had a good feel and I wouldn't mind something like that.

Now I have heard that folks didn't have good luck with Husky 240 but the 435 is a good one? What other models should I look at? I am pretty much open on brands but after running Poulan 4218 and 5020 I was not impressed so I would not consider these.

A bonus would be a saw that used 3/8 low profile so I can keep my chain styles down to two (low profile for little saws, 3/8 for the rest) but have no problem stocking .325 if needed.

 

[Yoopermike]

Look at a dolmar ps 421. Easy as pie to start, 3/8 low pro chain.

 

[svk]

Look at a dolmar ps 421. Easy as pie to start, 3/8 low pro chain.

There is a Dolmar dealer only 12 miles from my cabin, good idea.

 

[Trx250r180]

40-50cc with a 14-16 inch bar
ms170 is a good beginner stihl ,i am not up on the other brands this size

 

[chris zautner]

stihl 024 well built saw

 

[Yoopermike]

There is a Dolmar dealer only 12 miles from my cabin, good idea.

Might I also add that I have a ps420 and 421 they are both great, lightweight saws in the wood pile, the 421 has a bit more hp.
This was the video that got me interested in the 420..

 

[svk]

,i am not up on the other brands this size

Same reason why I am asking, I know the little Huskys and that is it.

 

[svk]

Might I also add that I have a ps420 and 421 they are both great, lightweight saws in the wood pile, the 421 has a bit more hp.
This was the video that got me interested in the 420..

Looks like the EZ start similar to the new smaller Stihls?

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

My dad wouldn't even let me touch his saw when I was in high school. I was driving his 4 speed pickup by myself at 10, and that was ok to him.

 

[Trx250r180]

Same reason why I am asking, I know the Huskys and that is it.

ms170 is what my wife has for trimming stuff around the house ,easy to start ,and the pico chain stays sharp a long time .

 

[Yoopermike]

Now if your wanting to go .325 id say a husky 450. The dolly is 10.8lbs with 2.9hp the husky is also 10.8lbs but 3.2hp. think there is $50-60 difference between the two.

 

[HuskStihl]

The 445 is light, and incredibly easy to start with the purge and decomp

Don't be alarmed by the lack of PPE, we're rednecks. It's normal for us.

 

[svk]

Now if your wanting to go .325 id say a husky 450. The dolly is 10.8lbs with 2.9hp the husky is also 10.8lbs but 3.2hp. think there is $50-60 difference between the two.

I owned a 450 (great saw BTW) and wouldn't want that much HP in a starter saw. But Husky 435/440 are definitely on the radar.

 

[Yoopermike]

I owned a 450 (great saw BTW) and wouldn't want that much HP in a starter saw. But Husky 435/440 are definitely on the radar.

I understand your reasoning but you must be the 1st person I've heard say a saw has "too much hp" Id go to the Dolmar dealer and check out a new 421

 

[svk]

I understand your reasoning but you must be the 1st person I've heard say a saw has "too much hp" Id go to the Dolmar dealer and check out a new 421

Same reason why I don't want to train them with my 550...it's the same weight as most 40-50cc HO saws but I don't need them wielding the lightsaber yet LOL

 

[KenJax Tree]

I bought my 421 online for $329 to my door with a free case.

 

[KenJax Tree]

2 years olds like 550's

 

[angelo c]

I started my boys with a hand saw. Respect all tools and all instructions given by the old man and we progress to the big "electric" saw...then the real saw...the MS 180 !!!
I have them around and just give them tips and rules and see how many they "remember" ...

 

[dor-moor hands]

I started with a bow saw and a hatchet. It certainly adds character. I love my husky 450.

 

[Big_Wood]

just do what my dad did. drink beer with them and run 2 series husky's with busted chainbrakes clearing trails around the yard LOL they are getting a little old to be the same scenario but it's never to late. my dad was a mad man. i never got cut once though. that was when CAD was really set in for me.