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Own three chain saws if possible.

Started by aquacanis, October 01, 2011, 11:20:03 AM

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aquacanis

I thought the advice given to me about my new saw was excellent and wanted to
pass this on.  The reply to "my new saw" post was telling me that I finally got smart
and bought a small saw and work smart not hard. 
Here is what I thought about after reading this:  If you work in the woods a lot and
cut many sized trees you really should have at least two if not three saws.  Use the biggest one (probably 64cc or bigger) only when you need a big saw.  The intermediate saw for
most of your felling and a little guy like I just bought for liming and saplings. 
I now own a Makita DSC6420 "big boy" with a 20" bar, a Husky 55 rancher intermediate saw, with an18" bar, and the little 33 cc Tanaka, with a 16" bar.  I think it makes a good three saw combination to work with the smallest saw that will safely do the job and will finally let me work smarter, not harder.

T Welsh

I do tree removal for a living! be prepared is the best advise for anyone cutting. the one size fits all falls short really fast. problems arise when you least expect them! saw wont start,hit a rock,saw not big enough. it goes on and on.I take an approach like this, all my saws are ready to go. 020T with 14" bar for small stuff,044 with 24" bar for limbing and an066 with a 36" bar for felling. Its not rocket science and you always fail some where down the line. know what you are up against and go at it. bucking a 30" log with a 20" bar gets old fast,but do it with a 36" and you blow right through it. a lot of people have forgotten two little words(common sense) trust me ,we have 2 workers that have none, and I am always trying to teach them to be prepared, and they continue to amaze me at being stupid or they just do not care. a phase came to mind just now! (you cant fix stupid) best advise is to be prepared(old boy scout moto) and yes I was one! Tim

Troublermaker

I like having at least 3 saws. That way may be I would have at least 1 running saw when I was going to do some cutting.

thecfarm

Thanks to the FF I have 2 now.   ;D    One is used to cut and saw the tree up,a 372 Husky and the other one is used for limbing,a Efco 152.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Ironwood

T Welsh,

Well the good news is your NOT training your future competition, or if yo uare they wont be for long (natural selection and all) ::)

Ironwood
There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love to do, there is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.- Wayne Dyer

clww

My current 3 "favorite" saws for my side job of tree removal:
028 Wood Boss w/ 16"-20" bar
MS361 w/ 20"-24" bar
084 w/ 36"-60" bar
Many Stihl Saws-16"-60"
"Go Ask The Other Master Chief"
18-Wheeler Driver

WDH

You have to have more than one saw so that you can use one to free up the other one that you got stuck in a log  :).
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

Ironwood

I will add: Sets of twos, 394XP's, 372XP's, 338XP's/


Ironwood
There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love to do, there is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.- Wayne Dyer

mikerat

I have a argument for a fourth saw that doesn't run, I have three 36, 24, 18 and a 16 that don't run. The other day I was at my cabin and had a siatic (spelling?) nerve come loose in my leg. I was hurting real bad and crawled to the house and laid on a rug. 15 minutes later my 83 year old office worker neighbor came over and asked if I could cut up a tree that just fell across their driveway, I explained my situation and the neighbor stated that he would just cut it himself if I would let him use a smaller saw. In the 15 years I have known him I have only seen him run a mixed drink ice crusher so I was real worried, my saws were in the toolbox in the truck and the only saw that he could see in my shed was a old 021 that hadn't  run in years. I gave him the 021 and said it's a great saw good luck! He came back later and said he couldn't get it started and his wife made him call a local tree service. Thank God!

Mike

WM LT28 logrite 30,48,60 canthook, huskys and stihls, Logrite Buck Arch I have met the best people on this site!

mrcaptainbob

I like this thread! And WDH hit it for me. I used to have an 031AV but donated it to my son when I got the MS310. My son had long ago repaired the bummed and n/a coli, so it was working fine. Good for him. the 310 got severely damaged and has since been rebuilt. In the mean time, son donated the 031 back to me! At the same time, a neighbor asked me if I wanted his old 031AV!! Heck yeah! I will have that up and running in a couple months. So....two great saws already and a third on the way! I like it!

mad murdock

Another take on the 3 saw equation.  I have a 372XP for bread and butter work, a Poulan "wild thing" for light work, and detail work, and a Mac 10-10 auto that needs fixed, so when I get it going, I can use it and appreciate the Husky all the more! Don't get me wrong though, that old Mac is a good saw.  Just not as easy on the ears, or hands as the Husky.  I will keep the Mac going for old time sake, one of the first saws I ran in the woods was a Mac 10-10.  Cut a LOT of wood with it, and it still kept going.  I wish McCulloch was still in production.  Now the name is owned by some Chinese company and they sell junk under the once good name.
Turbosawmill M6 (now M8) Warrior Ultra liteweight, Granberg Alaskan III, lots of saws-gas powered and human powered :D

sablatnic

The first two saws are the hardest to get, then the rest will just come  :-)

T Welsh

Saw,s are like gun,s!! you can never have enough of them. Tim

clww

Many Stihl Saws-16"-60"
"Go Ask The Other Master Chief"
18-Wheeler Driver

NCFarmboy

Quote from: T Welsh on October 02, 2011, 07:21:31 AM
Saw,s are like gun,s!! you can never have enough of them. Tim
Long on saws 60-70 running 25-30 project, short on guns only 14.  It was easier to count guns, harder to count saws in my head.   Smallest is O&R 1hp.  largest is DolMak 6401 w/BBK with everything in between.  As stated can't have enuf!!!
Shep
Lots & Lots of Saws

maple flats

I only have 2 but will have a third next year. I have a Husky 365 with a 34" bar and a Husky 359 with a 18" and a 20" bar. Will have a good trim saw next year. The 359 gets heavy for limbing and the 365 only comes out if a 20" bar isn't long enough. I think I'll look for a 14" quality saw for trimming. I do like Huskies but will consider others too, just not a Poulan, tried them several times, too short lived.
logging small time for years but just learning how,  2012 36 HP Mahindra tractor, 3point log arch, 8000# class excavator, lifts 2500# and sets logs on mill precisely where needed, Woodland Mills HM130Max , maple syrup a hobby that consumes my time. looking to learn blacksmithing.

T Welsh

Shep, ya crazy, I am jealous now!! I have hobbies that tend to get carried away sometimes,but 60 to 70 saw,s,I would have to build another garage.(could happen) Tim

aquacanis

Well thanks for all the response.  I was in the woods for the last four days and
believe me the little 33cc saw felt real good by the end of the day.  I was felling and
trimming out in an area of nothing bigger than five inches and it sure as hell beat lugging my 55 rancher all day.  It was plenty big enough for the job at hand and I was not as
worn out at the end of the day.  I must admit you wouldn't want to cut 15 to 20 inch trees with it.  But that is not what it is made for.  Work smarter, not harder.

mad murdock

That is a fact! work smarter not harder, indeed.  I have in my hammer drawer at work, 4 different sizes of ball peen hammers, a 2 oz, a 8 oz, a 12 oz and a 20 oz.  People laugh when they see that dinky 2 oz ball peen, and jokingly ask, "what are you going to use that thing for?".  The first time they need a hammer to tap on a hard to reach bolt, or if they need to make a custom gasket or some such thing, they reply (after using it), "man, that thing is handy!  I need to get me one for my box!".  Besides the 3 chainsaws, I have 3 flavors of axes, 2 mauls and 3 different crosscut saws!  The right tool for the task at hand, makes light work all around!
Turbosawmill M6 (now M8) Warrior Ultra liteweight, Granberg Alaskan III, lots of saws-gas powered and human powered :D

Spike60

Once you've been bitten by the CAD bug, it's hard to talk about how many saws you should really have.  :D  Two is a minimum for sure though. Getting stuck, hitting a rock, broken rope. So many things can stop you from working if you only have one.

3 is nicer, and you can spread them out size wise for more versatility. The range of that spread really depends on what size wood you find yourself cutting.

Small-Medium-Large to me translates to 346-372-288, and 2153-670-930 type saws. Roughly a 50cc-70cc-90cc spread. My cutting is mostly firewood, consisting of both tops and drops from a buddy's logging sites. The larger saws are necessary to me for both bucking and  halving/quartering the larger chunks that I don't feel like lifting.

A smaller saw than a 346, if not necessary, can be a nice thing to have if you're doing lots of small work. The differences in saw weights seem to become more noticeable the longer you work. A 242XP is a real sweet saw, and small top handle jobs also have their own place.



Husqvarna-Jonsered
Ashokan Turf and Timber
845-657-6395

Mike_Barcaskey

three saws that are always in the truck
MS200
361
660

oh, did I say I have three ms200's
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

clww

That's as bad as me with three 028s!
16,18, 20" bars.
Many Stihl Saws-16"-60"
"Go Ask The Other Master Chief"
18-Wheeler Driver

T Welsh

One thing I forgot to tell you guys, that my most used saw is an older 044 that I interchange 18" 24" and 36" bars on. I like the weight of the saw, is heavy enough to let the saw head feed through while cutting and light enough to carry in the woods. after working with a good friend cutting timber for a week and trudging through the woods all day his saw ran out of gas on the next to last tree, so he grabbed mine and right away he smiled,after felling the last 2 and made the remark. why did you let me carry the 3120 all week long. I told him in case we got attacked by a bear! bars are cheaper than saw heads. so instead of buying 3 saws. buy a small and heavy duty medium saw with different bars. Tim

John Mc

OUCH! Somebody is actually carrying around a 3120 all day? (and on the east coast - no huge redwoods out here)
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

T Welsh

John Mc, Really good friend that also owns his own tree service,he is just starting out (8yrs.) and does great work, very talented and safe. I have almost 22 years on him!! he now carrys an 066 with a 36" bar and he like a surgeon with it. some of the best cuts I,ve seen! ( except mine of course )  :) Tim

John Mc

I wasn't trying to knock his skills. I'm sure he's great at what he does. I just can't see trudging through the woods with 23 pounds of saw (and that's just PHO. no fuel, oil, bar & chain). There's not much timber cutting in the east that requires 119cc / 8.4 Hp of saw (when you say trudging through the woods all day, I'm assuming he's not using it for milling, or bucking things up on the landing.) If he wasn't in great shape to start with, he will be after a couple weeks of cutting with that saw.

I'll admit, I'm at the opposite extreme. I tend to carry the lighter saws, and shorter bars. I figure I'd rather carry less weight around all day, even if it means I have to go at the occasional tree from both sides to get it down.

Sounds as though your friend is in his low 30's? Maybe I'd be lugging heavier if I were 15+ years younger. Then again, I've got some nagging neck and upper back injuries (wrestling in High School and College) that get aggravated by sawing - the heavier the saw, the worse it gets.

John Mc
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

WDH

Wrestling in High School aggravated me too.
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

T Welsh

John, I knew your were not knocking him. and yes he is in his late 30,s we where logging an old junk yard and in the back where some monster white and red oaks 36" small ends. so carrying around big saw,s was a must. and by the end of the day I was beat. his ego had a little to do with it(bigger saw syndrome) but he taught himself a lesson when he pinched his saw bucking a white oak, and had to grab mine to release his,said this thing feels like a toy,until he fired it up and ran it turned around to me and said this does everything mine does but weighs half.( all I did was smile) didnt want to bruise his ego to bad. he learned that a scalpel is better than an axe. still to this day when we work together I ask where,s the 3120? he say,s collecting dust on the bench. Tim

acco1840

Yep. Three saws. One you are using, One in the shop getting fixed and the other one somewhere between! :D

John Mc

Quote from: acco1840 on October 09, 2011, 10:30:40 PM
Yep. Three saws. One you are using, One in the shop getting fixed and the other one somewhere between! :D

What about the one stuck in the tree?
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

acco1840

Forgot about that one!! That's where you need 2 bars for the same saw.......unbolt the powerhead, leave the bar in the cut...... :D

T Welsh

Had a friend get one stuck in a tree, he came back the next day to find a bar stuck in a tree!(reminder) take the power head off. Tim

aquacanis

Yup,  I got my 55 rancher hung up about 5 years ago.  I was just beside a dirt road dead end.  I red flagged the tree and took the head off.  Last time I ever cut with one saw.  Period.  Drove 38 miles to get my other saw and had a friend come up with his saw also to
finish fell the tree.  Amazing what happens when you try to fell alone with one saw!!

Knute

3 saws is a good idea. You may get 2 stuck in the same log as I did once.

BobbyG

Being a "non-professional" I own

Husqvarna 345
Husqvarna 455
Jonsered CS2255

mad murdock

I have a couple huskys and a poulan wildthing with me most the time along with a few axes and a hand saw, just in case.  Not to mention a stable of runners in the shed, McCulloch 10-10's and other larger 10 series saws mostly. Can never have too many!!
Turbosawmill M6 (now M8) Warrior Ultra liteweight, Granberg Alaskan III, lots of saws-gas powered and human powered :D

wild262

                I have a truck load of saws myself.  But, I repair and re-sell as a sideline hobby.  Being late 50's in age, I tend to favor lighter weight saws as well.  Just makes more since.  With major back surgery and just last week knee repair, I don't run my 2094 Jonny very much.  Just when bucking big stumps, or when a friend has a big tree to drop.  Most of my personal saws are a 192 rear handle Stihl,  a ported 346OE, and a couple of 60cc saws, 555, and 1989 262xp.   Yes I have qwite a gap there between a 60 & the 95cc, but it suits my wood size just right.  Its enjoyment for me to get out in the woods to cut my firewood, use a log splitter, tinker, and cut cookies from time to time.  The way my health is going, may not have many years left. ::)

Tin Horse

At one point ,years ago I ran a Homelite 922. My only saw and could go all day. Now with 3 saws and my favorite is the Husqvarna arbourist saw. I now switch only by necessity for tree size. It's all about the weight of the saws now.
Bell 1000 Wood Processor. Enercraft 30HTL, Case 580SL. Kioti 7320.

teakwood

I have to agree with Spike. three saw is a must, 50-70-90cc is a good range.

i don't see the needs for a smaller saw than 50cc, such as my MS260, they are pretty light.

260, 361, 361, 066 is my combo, waiting for the MS462 release.
National Stihl Timbersports Champion Costa Rica 2018

teakwood



when you got 2 saws stuck you need a third saw
National Stihl Timbersports Champion Costa Rica 2018

teakwood

i don't owe saws that won't run. they get fixed quick or replaced by a new one, period!
National Stihl Timbersports Champion Costa Rica 2018

mike_belben

Praise The Lord

knuckledragger

 Im like the NCfarmboy 60-70 saws, that's an estimate. It's the nature of building fraunk-n-Steen saws. I'm not sure I'm a professional. The older I get the more I need to learn, however, I am paid for tree removal. If that is the requirement for being called a pro I may be one. The main stays for me; 064 "36, 044 "24 or 372xp "24, ms170 "16. Fraunk-n-Steen saws need at least two and sometimes three tanks of fuel run thru them before I am comfortable giving the saw away. At times I have five-six saws in the truck. Seems overkill? If you are putting food on the table or putting an offspring thru college via a chainsaw a good rule of thumb is: It's better to have a saw and not need it than need a saw and not have it.

Woodcutter_Mo

 For my personal use I have an 024 for limbing and usually toss it on the 4 wheeler when I'm checking the fences. My main 2 saws are my 455 Rancher and the 372xp. 
 About the only thing that holds me back from having more saws is the possibility of buying a newer pickup truck in the somewhat near future. If it weren't for that I'd have more saws than what I have room for.  ;D
-WoodMizer LT25
-592XP full wrap, 372XP, 550XP, 455 Rancher, RedMax GZ3500T
-Fixer-uppers/projects:
024AV, MS260, MS361, MS460, Shindaiwa 488, 394XPG

Ron Scott

I agree with the 3 saws approach. I learned some time ago that 3 saws are a must. I never go to the woods for a day's sawing with less that 3 saws in the back of the pickup. They are of varying size, small, medium and large.
~Ron

starmac

Do you guys really drop a tree, then switch to a smaller saw to limb it. I will generally carry 2 saws when I go cut, but one is a backup. The only time I ever carry 3 with me is when I want to try one out or put some time on it.
Old LT40HD, old log truck, old MM forklift, and several huskies.

Maine logger88

I usually just run my 2172s for everything and I have enough kicking around (4 or5)that I can rob parts if needed to keep going. I found that once I got used to the weight it didn't really bother me running it all day vs a smaller saw 
79 TJ 225 81 JD 540B Husky and Jonsered saws

HolmenTree

Quote from: starmac on March 25, 2018, 09:34:47 PM
Do you guys really drop a tree, then switch to a smaller saw to limb it. I will generally carry 2 saws when I go cut, but one is a backup. The only time I ever carry 3 with me is when I want to try one out or put some time on it.
Cutting your wood whether it's in the forest, in your back yard or for my example someone else's back yard: You come upon different situations of tree size or species.
If I have some smaller spruce to fell limb and buckup I'll grab the smaller saw with a shorter bar.  Bigger diameter hardwood a larger saw. Climbing is another story  :D
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

Woodcutter_Mo

 When I'm cutting firewood, alot of times I'll cut up the bulk of the larger part of the trees with the 455 and/or 372 and I may go back out later on and cut up the limb wood with the 024. And haul it out with the 4 wheeler. 

I do switch between the 455 and 372. The 372 just feels overkill for the smaller stuff so I switch to the 455. 
-WoodMizer LT25
-592XP full wrap, 372XP, 550XP, 455 Rancher, RedMax GZ3500T
-Fixer-uppers/projects:
024AV, MS260, MS361, MS460, Shindaiwa 488, 394XPG

Ianab

Quote from: starmac on March 25, 2018, 09:34:47 PM
Do you guys really drop a tree, then switch to a smaller saw to limb it. I will generally carry 2 saws when I go cut, but one is a backup. The only time I ever carry 3 with me is when I want to try one out or put some time on it.
We often deal with BIG (and usually ugly) cypress trees in old farm hedges. Things that are 4ft plus dia, and have massive branched crowns. You need a big saw to fell them of course, then limbing them is a whole other mission. The wood is great for sawlogs, and also makes good (saleable) firewood, so it's worth messing with the tops, rather than just pushing it into a burn pile. You might spend a day processing one tree, lopping the limbs into firewood lengths (some still need splitting even then). Doing this with a 50-60cc saw is a lot easier than waving a 90cc saw around all afternoon. 

I remember working with a buddy one time. I was sawing some of the better logs, and he was busting everything else down for firewood to sell. I think we had 50, 60, 80 and 120cc saws with us, and just used the most appropriate one at the time. The 3120 had a 5ft bar on it, so it wasn't really practical for limbing  :D

 
Smaller trees that might be 5 mins to limb? No I don't change saws. I'll either use the smaller saw, or limb with the bigger one as you aren't waving it around for hours on end. 
Weekend warrior, Peterson JP test pilot, Dolmar 7900 and Stihl MS310 saws and  the usual collection of power tools :)

HolmenTree

When mechanical harvesting replaced me back in my logging days, the company gave me a job at the lumber division. 
I missed the bush so I got into firewood as a side job.
Bought a 1965 Ford 800 dump truck, brand new Stihl 066-28" and timber permits to cut on crown land.

The 066 did it all in larger birch. Felling, limbing, bucking and splitting. 
That saw noodle split the 18" long rounds right on the spot where the trees felled and I threw the wood into the truck box. Delivered it to my customer with enough time to make afternoon shift at the mill.
Weekends were off at the mill with 8 hour day and afternoon shifts.
Life was good then with the 066.

Until I did my first residential tree removal job for a customer.  Then the light bulb switched on in my head.
;D
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

mike_belben

I honestly try to do nearly all limbing with a tophandle, atleast until im at major limbs.  Free hand grabs and throws while the saw hand cuts.  Its pretty fast and im never tromping around in brush piled up with both hands on a saw. Theres always that free hand to grab something if i get tipsy.

In the woods i chop stuff down quite fine at each node so it lays flat and mulches quick.  Much of this is 2" diameter or smaller.   Tophandle is fine, like being an arborist on the ground.  
Praise The Lord

Tin Horse

Quote from: mike_belben on March 25, 2018, 10:53:18 PM
I honestly try to do nearly all limbing with a tophandle, atleast until im at major limbs.  Free hand grabs and throws while the saw hand cuts.  Its pretty fast and im never tromping around in brush piled up with both hands on a saw. Theres always that free hand to grab something if i get tipsy.

In the woods i chop stuff down quite fine at each node so it lays flat and mulches quick.  Much of this is 2" diameter or smaller.   Tophandle is fine, like being an arborist on the ground.  
This method matches my work exactly! I love the top handle as described :)
Bell 1000 Wood Processor. Enercraft 30HTL, Case 580SL. Kioti 7320.

starmac

I can see switching saws if you are cutting little limbs, or using a 90 cu saw to fell. A 372 size is customary around here, and nobody messes with anything under 6 inches, so not much limb cutting at all.
Old LT40HD, old log truck, old MM forklift, and several huskies.

thecfarm

Yes,I have 2 saws on me in the woods. As I posted my 372 and the Efco. That little Efco has really done wonders for my shoulder. I really only do firewood now. Yes,I hope to be doing some logging for a building this summer. Thar Efco is a light saw and the pain in my shoulder is no where as bad now. I had no idea. :o  Most of my cutting is done with the efco now. I cut mostly small trees for firewood. I cut the big trees down with the 372,cut up logs,or the bigger wood,than grab the efco to cut the limbs off. The limbs come out for firewood too. I wished I would of got a smaller saw 30 years ago.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

hank_612

I would have 

346xp/550xp 16 or 18 x 325 limbing and light stuff.
562xp 18 or 20 x 375 
372xp/572xp 20 or 24 x 375

The 50cc is handy for hauling on the sxs, limbing, or general purpose stuff. My current 346xp would be even better with a laminate 325 bar. I run 375 on everything just because I don't feel like sharpening different chains.
The 60cc saw is my all round firewood saw and 18 inch bar covers 80% of my firewood cutting. 
I want a 70cc saw to backup my 562 and for the 20% of the firewood felling and bucking I can't do with a 18 inch bar. My father in law has a 372 and I think it is overkill for my needs but that isn't going to keep me from buying a 572xp when they come out. 
Husky 562XP   346XP    326P5X
Johnson Energy J9000     Lennox Monticito Estate
JD 3720       40 ton log splitter

John Mc

Quote from: Maine logger88 on March 25, 2018, 09:47:13 PM
I usually just run my 2172s for everything and I have enough kicking around (4 or5)that I can rob parts if needed to keep going. I found that once I got used to the weight it didn't really bother me running it all day vs a smaller saw
That worked for me when I was 30. Not so well as I'm approaching 60, especially since I don't do it regularly. If you don't do it at all for an extended period, then got at it like crazy for a week or even a few days, "Weekend Warrior Syndrome" tends to catch up to you. I don;t bounce back from that syndrome as quickly as I used to.
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

HolmenTree

Quote from: John Mc on March 28, 2018, 09:59:43 AM
Quote from: Maine logger88 on March 25, 2018, 09:47:13 PM
I usually just run my 2172s for everything and I have enough kicking around (4 or5)that I can rob parts if needed to keep going. I found that once I got used to the weight it didn't really bother me running it all day vs a smaller saw
That worked for me when I was 30. Not so well as I'm approaching 60, especially since I don't do it regularly. If you don't do it at all for an extended period, then got at it like crazy for a week or even a few days, "Weekend Warrior Syndrome" tends to catch up to you. I don;t bounce back from that syndrome as quickly as I used to.



My hands start to get soft when I take a month off work.  :laugh:
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

Rebarb

I too am pushing 60 so my back trumps any logic.

I still love to cut but now my biggest felling saw has been reduced to 50cc 18" bar......if i can't lift it, i ain't cutt'n it.

But i do carry 3 saws everytime out....38cc 14" Johnsered/ 40cc 16" Husqvarna and 50cc 18" ECHO. 

Nothing worse then pinching one and not having a rescue saw.....or worse yet and something that really pisses me off....hitting a rock.

wild262

         Sounds like were all born in the "baby boomers era"  I'll be 59 in a month.  Up till 2 yrs ago my main "go to" saw was a 60cc.  I find myself now taking out my 35-50cc saws more.  The days I feel "extra bulletproof", I work on my butt cuts, and large rounds with my 372's.  But that's not very often.    Now days for me the 60cc saw is becoming not so useful. To big for limbing, and not big enough for the other cuts.  :(

HolmenTree

Yep getting up in age does remind one self to have second thoughts more often.
Knock on wood my back has always been good but I did get some good advice years ago from a veteran fellow logger. He told me   "never wear a leather belt no matter whether your working or sitting at home.
Wear elastic suspenders or a stretchy elastic belt."
So for the last 30 years I took his advice and glad I did.
Walmart sells good ones for about $10.


 
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

straincm

Quote from: HolmenTree on March 29, 2018, 10:57:35 AMnever wear a leather belt no matter whether your working or sitting at home. Wear elastic suspenders or a stretchy elastic belt."


Is there a reason behind this? The only reason that comes to mind would be; does elastic make a better tourniquet than leather?

Banjo picker

Quote from: mike_belben on March 25, 2018, 10:53:18 PM
 Theres always that free hand to grab something if i get tipsy.



Now Mike you shouldn't be getting tipsy and then run a chain saw.   ;)  

Also if you don't have or can't take 3 saws with to the woods, at least take an extra chain and bar.  I have had to take the head off while the saw was stuck in a log before.  I also do that if I get a bar pinched taking a tree down.  Don't risk messing up a saw head.  Banjo
Never explain, your friends don't need it, and your enemies won't believe you any way.

HolmenTree

Quote from: straincm on March 29, 2018, 11:05:31 AM
Quote from: HolmenTree on March 29, 2018, 10:57:35 AMnever wear a leather belt no matter whether your working or sitting at home. Wear elastic suspenders or a stretchy elastic belt."


Is there a reason behind this? The only reason that comes to mind would be; does elastic make a better tourniquet than leather?
Pull hard enough and it will make a fine tourniquet plus endless supply of holes to lock off.
It's a no brainer when you think how a leather belt doesn't give to movement at the base of your spine. Putting all kinds of stress on your spine during regular bending, twisting etc movements. 
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

mike_belben

Quote from: Banjo picker on March 29, 2018, 11:22:04 AM
Quote from: mike_belben on March 25, 2018, 10:53:18 PM
Theres always that free hand to grab something if i get tipsy.



Now Mike you shouldn't be getting tipsy and then run a chain saw.   ;)  
Well, ive always got the 4 year old with me.  Incase i need someone to hold my beer. 
Praise The Lord

teakwood

National Stihl Timbersports Champion Costa Rica 2018

JJinAK

Great thread!  I currently have an MS362 as my "small" saw, and an MS461 as my large one.  I flip between 20" and 25" bars on the 362, and I keep a 28" on the 461.  I like a longer bar so I don't have to bend over as much.

My next saw- thanks to Willard- is going to be the 261. 
MS461
MS362

weimedog

Problem with these threads is there are a gazillion combinations that work and this is a moving target....so how about a "3 for 3". Three real to me situations with my solutions from my garage...not theoretical. LAST Year and for now.....by next year this will look a little different by a saw or two is my guess. AND my three saws usually are in these classes...primary for the task at hand (vs. small), bucking, and for fun. Except when its work, then its Primary Saw (For the job), Big saw, backup saw.

1) Working with Bob (Spike 60) OR any real work where efficiency and production matters....OFF video & OFF the farm. :)
Husqvarna 560HTSS  (UOMS), Husqvarna 390xp (JPS), A Husqvarna 372xp OE in some form, now a XPW
2) Me just Kickin back in the woods with Saw work the main reason to get out there...
Husqvarna 560HTSS (UOMS), Farmertec 660 "Farmer Jones Build" (Favorite "Just For Fun" Saw BTW), Husqvarna 562xp Stock Build or What ever Project Saw just got finished.
3) Vintage Saw & Hobby Saw / Firewood Ops
Husqvarna 560HTSS (UOMS), Jonsered 920 (HTSS), What ever Vintage Project Saw Just Got Finished...:)

NOW there is a lineage for the "Primary" saw ....BEFORE the 560 UOMS, it was a 562HTSS.
Before the 562HTSS it was a 372 with a Huztl 52mm cylinder (Cyclops)
Before "Cyclops" it was a 371/372 build, Before that it was a 920......and even further back is was a Homelite 925...

Message? Change is good. Getting Old isn't. So ever lighter and less vibrations rule the day...:)
Husqvarna 365sp/372xpw Blend, Jonsered 2171 51.4mm XPW build,562xp HTSS, 560 HTSS, 272XP, 61/272XP, 555, 257, 242, 238, Homelite S-XL 925, XP-1020A, Super XL (Dad's saw); Jonsered 2094, Three 920's, CS-2172, Solo 603; 3 Huztl MS660's (2 54mm and 1 56mm)

John Mc

If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

weimedog

HTSS Hill Top Saw Shop, UOMS Ultimate Old Man Saw. :)
Husqvarna 365sp/372xpw Blend, Jonsered 2171 51.4mm XPW build,562xp HTSS, 560 HTSS, 272XP, 61/272XP, 555, 257, 242, 238, Homelite S-XL 925, XP-1020A, Super XL (Dad's saw); Jonsered 2094, Three 920's, CS-2172, Solo 603; 3 Huztl MS660's (2 54mm and 1 56mm)

John Mc

... and where did you get your hands on a Husqvarna 560 in the US?
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

weimedog

Husqvarna 365sp/372xpw Blend, Jonsered 2171 51.4mm XPW build,562xp HTSS, 560 HTSS, 272XP, 61/272XP, 555, 257, 242, 238, Homelite S-XL 925, XP-1020A, Super XL (Dad's saw); Jonsered 2094, Three 920's, CS-2172, Solo 603; 3 Huztl MS660's (2 54mm and 1 56mm)

HolmenTree

Same way I switched my 562XP over to a 560 small 7 spline sprocket drum to run 7T 8T .325 rims and retain the large Husqvarna 9.0mm bar stud pattern to use my common Husqvarna bars and a larger oil tank over the 560XP
With the 7T .325 rim sprocket my 562 pulls a Stihl 28" 23RS chain with authority. And 16",18",20", 22",24" b/c works great for backup too. ;D
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

brianJ

The best thing to know is not to start,  Do not even try.   Addictions drive you crazy.   One chainsaw is too many.    One more chainsaw is never enough. ;D      My name is Brian and I am on probation.

mike_belben

Its all a consequence of disposable income. 
Praise The Lord

sablatnic

Quote from: brianJ on March 30, 2018, 12:47:17 PM;D      My name is Brian and I am on probation.
Inmate of the year 2017?   ;)

Woodcutter_Mo

 Well, something happened and now I have a 3rd Husky... Long story short, I added a  550XP to the mix.   ;D



 The 024 will serve light duty use and the be the 3rd saw if one of the huskys goes down.  ;)
-WoodMizer LT25
-592XP full wrap, 372XP, 550XP, 455 Rancher, RedMax GZ3500T
-Fixer-uppers/projects:
024AV, MS260, MS361, MS460, Shindaiwa 488, 394XPG

thecfarm

Holmen,don't know much about chains. But a chainsaw repair guy got me going on some 25 RS for my 50cc Efco. That chain brought that thing to life. :o He also convinced me to put something like that on my Husky. Did not really notice a big difference,but does seem to hold an edge much better. Been about 2 years since I've been running them.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

brianJ

Quote from: Woodcutter_Mo on March 30, 2018, 08:19:35 PM
Well, something happened and now I have a 3rd Husky... Long story short, I added a  550XP to the mix.   ;D



The 024 will serve light duty use and the be the 3rd saw if one of the huskys goes down.  ;)
One more is never enough.

teakwood

Quote from: Woodcutter_Mo on March 30, 2018, 08:19:35 PM
Well, something happened and now I have a 3rd Husky... Long story short, I added a  550XP to the mix.   ;D



The 024 will serve light duty use and the be the 3rd saw if one of the huskys goes down.  ;)
Get some dirt on those saws!!
National Stihl Timbersports Champion Costa Rica 2018

Woodcutter_Mo

Quote from: brianJ on March 31, 2018, 04:51:19 AM
Quote from: Woodcutter_Mo on March 30, 2018, 08:19:35 PM
Well, something happened and now I have a 3rd Husky... Long story short, I added a  550XP to the mix.   ;D



The 024 will serve light duty use and the be the 3rd saw if one of the huskys goes down.  ;)
One more is never enough.

That's a true statement  ;)

Quote from: teakwood on March 31, 2018, 08:46:43 AM
Quote from: Woodcutter_Mo on March 30, 2018, 08:19:35 PM
Well, something happened and now I have a 3rd Husky... Long story short, I added a  550XP to the mix.   ;D



The 024 will serve light duty use and the be the 3rd saw if one of the huskys goes down.  ;)
Get some dirt on those saws!!
They do but they get the ol air compressor treatment alot  :D

 
-WoodMizer LT25
-592XP full wrap, 372XP, 550XP, 455 Rancher, RedMax GZ3500T
-Fixer-uppers/projects:
024AV, MS260, MS361, MS460, Shindaiwa 488, 394XPG

wild262

Quote from: Woodcutter_Mo on March 31, 2018, 01:14:30 PM


 They do but they get the ol air compressor treatment alot  :D



Pat yourself on the back ;)  At least you clean your saws!   You ought to see what comes in my shop here sometimes. ::)    They need cleaned before you can work on them. arg-smiley

Woodcutter_Mo

Quote from: wild262 on March 31, 2018, 03:45:22 PM



Pat yourself on the back ;)  At least you clean your saws!   You ought to see what comes in my shop here sometimes. ::)    They need cleaned before you can work on them. arg-smiley
I can imagine the saw mechanics share my appreciation for a clean saw  :) 
-WoodMizer LT25
-592XP full wrap, 372XP, 550XP, 455 Rancher, RedMax GZ3500T
-Fixer-uppers/projects:
024AV, MS260, MS361, MS460, Shindaiwa 488, 394XPG

knuckledragger

1960 I came into this world at a Marine base in North Carolina. Cost my folks three dollars. I bought a 064AV in 1992. That 064 was the only saw I used, never felt the need for additional saws, mentally or physically. Now the totally restored 064 only comes out when the two foot bar on my 044 or 372xp isn't long enough to reach through the tree. It's a beast of a saw and physically demanding. Limbing with my ms170 is faster and doesn't stov me up. For that reason, yes, I'll switch saws

mike_belben

Praise The Lord

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