1) I always like Husqvarna when I was in college. I did a lot of tree climbing then and although the small newer climbing ones had a little plastic on them they were well built. I used mostly Stihl when I did wildfire and trail crew work. I like them and they were mostly or all metal. I kinda liked Husqvarna a little more back in the day. It used to be a toss up between what was better. It used to be like comparing Lincoln and Miller welders, fist fights would breakout. Now, in 2011, what is better? Is the jury stihl out? (ha ha that was a joke, get it still and Stihl) I am really sad that BOTH have plastic all over them including the FRONT handles? (I am currently looking at the MS290, MS250 and Husky 455)
Holding cubic centimeters constant, what is a better saw if buying new. (I am just chopping felling and bucking firewood <2'dbh. No climbing anymore. Might build a small mill with it someday, yes i know it is too small)
2) On both the Stihl (290 & 250) and the Husky (455) I looked at today the handles had little shock absorber that allowed them to flex. (The husky flexed a little more than the 290, i think) Is this to reduce vibration stress on a gloveless hand or is this to prevent the plastic handles from shattering? That was meant as a joke. But seriously I would hate to loose ANY control of the saw. I have used homelites and craftmen with a similar system and I just don’t like it compared to a SOLID preferably METAL handle. I can’t feel what is going on when doing fine work and I can’t control the blade when pruning. I guess it would maybe be nice when bucking firewood… maybe?
2a- Can these shock systems be screwed tight by replacing the spring(husky) or rubber shocks (stihl) with washers or something?
2b- If I do that will it put too much stress on the plastic handles?
2c- Does anyone sell an after market metal version of the handle (I think I know the answer to this one)?
2d- Am I being cranky? Will I get used to it and find they work better when they are made of plastic and wabaly?
3) I always support local. I never buy from national chain stores. However, I have a gift certificate for sears that would bring the Husqvarna price down a bunch (thus the MS250 vs Husk455 comparison). Let’s say I buy the Husqvarna 455 at Sears and it poops out or I need work done while still under the warranty. Can I bring it to a local Husqvarna approved shop and have warranty work done there or must it be shipped? Or must i deal with SEARS because that has been a miserable experience in the past.
I will post the milling questions in the mill section.
Holding cubic centimeters constant, what is a better saw if buying new. (I am just chopping felling and bucking firewood <2'dbh. No climbing anymore. Might build a small mill with it someday, yes i know it is too small)
2) On both the Stihl (290 & 250) and the Husky (455) I looked at today the handles had little shock absorber that allowed them to flex. (The husky flexed a little more than the 290, i think) Is this to reduce vibration stress on a gloveless hand or is this to prevent the plastic handles from shattering? That was meant as a joke. But seriously I would hate to loose ANY control of the saw. I have used homelites and craftmen with a similar system and I just don’t like it compared to a SOLID preferably METAL handle. I can’t feel what is going on when doing fine work and I can’t control the blade when pruning. I guess it would maybe be nice when bucking firewood… maybe?
2a- Can these shock systems be screwed tight by replacing the spring(husky) or rubber shocks (stihl) with washers or something?
2b- If I do that will it put too much stress on the plastic handles?
2c- Does anyone sell an after market metal version of the handle (I think I know the answer to this one)?
2d- Am I being cranky? Will I get used to it and find they work better when they are made of plastic and wabaly?
3) I always support local. I never buy from national chain stores. However, I have a gift certificate for sears that would bring the Husqvarna price down a bunch (thus the MS250 vs Husk455 comparison). Let’s say I buy the Husqvarna 455 at Sears and it poops out or I need work done while still under the warranty. Can I bring it to a local Husqvarna approved shop and have warranty work done there or must it be shipped? Or must i deal with SEARS because that has been a miserable experience in the past.
I will post the milling questions in the mill section.
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