small saws

[Bosco]

As I'm using smaller saws these days , how aggressive of a chain can I use? I'm cutting primarily Ponderosa Pine and I got LOTS of them , health problems prevent me from using a bigger saw sooo how do I make the little saw act like a big one without destroying it?

[JJinAK]

To me the key to getting the most out of any saw isn't just the "type" of chain, but rather keeping your chain sharp.  A lot of people will touch up a chain each time they fill up the gas/oil, or at the very least at the end of each day cutting.  I keep a minimum of 3 chains sharp at all times.  At the end of the day I always swap out for a sharpened chain, then I know I have a good one the next time I go cutting.

Just my two cents.

Happy cutting.

JaJ

[lxskllr]

Second a sharp chain. I hit mine every tank when cutting hardwood, and maybe every two-three when cutting softwood assuming I've kept the bar out of the dirt. It makes a good rest stop aside from keeping everything cutting well.

[maple flats]

Using a sharp chain, using a good mixing oil and using a bar no longer than what the mfgr states as max for the saw and you will not destroy the saw. I do suggest you get a small pro saw and not a homeowner's saw. I used a popular homeowner's saw for about 3-4 years , wearing one out in about a year each time before getting a pro saw. That pro saw is still going strong about 12 years and still works as good as new.
A pro saw will be lighter, spin faster and be repairable, the homeowners saws have very little that can be fixed other than a few exterior parts and the chain/bar.