I'm in Monkton, VT...log in Lincoln.
I'm gonna have to go with the 1 saw plan for now. I know that eastern hardwood needs a big saw, but I also don't feel like luggin' too much around the woods for the fellin...so it's a balancing act. Is this thinking right?
Have some time off tomorrow morning. So it's time to hit the saws. I'm gonna check out the Stihl dealer (at least give the tractor seller a chance) and look at the 361, 280, 270. I have a lot of questions about their service (30 minutes away) and the vibe system. Then I'm headed to the local guys (where the loggers go) and I'll try some HUskys & Johnnyreds. I have to say I like the look of that 2156. So Johnnyreds are just a different color, eh? No difference in quality from the Huskys?
Thanks for all the help.
I can't advise on your hardwoods, no experience, I think Birch would rate as a middle wood in soft, middle and hard category.
The anti vibration on the MS270/280 is perfect. Absolute no vibration what so ever, simply non existent.
I did have a bit of a problem getting used to the movement initially, I never had used a saw that had any anti vibration. I realized a while back that I don't notice it at all now. The give or movement was not bad, just felt odd to me. Someone who grew up on saws with a anti vibration system would probably not have noticed noticed.
I did query Stihl the 270/280 and pricing. They are new generation saws with an improved anti vibration system (and carburetor system is also upgraded, though I don't think mine was at the time).
When I went to see the Stihl dealer, I described my use, not what I wanted.
Being local, he knew the saws cutting capabilities in our wood.
I put it something like this.
I am going to be cutting firewood off stacked piles.
There will be little limbing involved.
Its going to be a combination birch and spruce (spruce is getting into real low grade wood for firewood, though Cottonwood and aspen are below it). Spruce is sort of ok wood, but you use a lot, two to one to Birch.
I will be cutting at least part of the time in winter, wood can be frozen as low as 0. I want a light as possible because I will be climbing in and around stacks of logs, rooting out Birch if I can get it. Piles are not neat and tidy.
Thats the sort of mission statement or cutting profile the sales guy needs.
You do need to be sure he is a wood cutter himself (mine was) so we could talk on the same level, and use his superior knowledge of the product line.
I was tickled in that he was willing to sell me an MS250 for $80 less, or the MS270 if I wanted to pay the higher price. He did not push me.
I went with the one size above what would do the job rule and got the MS270. That was a good move, at time I push it real hard.
eh?
opcorn:
