Well you guys got me. I went to a local Stihl dealer this morning and picked up a MS180 with a substitute 16 inch bar for 209 + 10 setup + tax. Saw and 6 pack of premix 245 OTD. Runs great so far. Thanks for all the advice.
Congrats! You got a nice saw that'll hold up to a lot of work if cared for. Some of this has been said already.
1. Always use fresh mix at 40:1 or 50:1, avoiding ethanol (we have non-ethanol high octane at the pump in Minnesota).
2. If you don't have non-ethanol gas available, and since you may not use it much, be ready to dump your gas and store the saw empty if it's going to sit for extended periods of time. The alcohol will break down fuel lines, and fuel left for a long time like that can gumb up the carb.
3. Keep your chains sharp. Notice I said chains, not chain. Pick up an extra so you can keep cutting if you hit a rock or accidentally bury the chain in the ground. Either learn to sharpen them yourself (lots and lots of threads about that here) or have the dealer do it. A sharp chain makes life much easier on your bar and your engine.
4. Go slowly and carefully always, but especially as you start learning your saw and what it can and can't do. When you feel yourself tiring, quit for a rest or for the day. Tired sawyers have more accidents.
5. Personal Protection Equipment (the so-called PPE), is a great thing. For $50, your Stihl dealer will sell you a combo hardhat/mesh face shield/ear muff unit that may look a little goofy but does a great job protecting you. Many of us shell out the extra $75 or so for a good pair of Kevlar safety chaps. Your Stihl dealer has those, too, or you can go to Bailey's (one of our ArboristSite sponsors) and order a pair online from them. I use Labonville chaps and like them quite a bit. PPE isn't just for the pro, either.
Have fun with the saw. Post pictures here whenever you feel like it. We love our candid saw photography, and as the longtime creamsicle lover I am, I never get tired of nice pics of them.
