On Feb 18, 7:36 pm, Fastfwd wrote:

I'm thinking a 16 inch is probably about all he needs really. I went
out to look at a few chainsaws today and I think 16 inches is a good
size. I'm not sure what size motor he might need. He's in his late
60s, so no need to get anything bigger than necessary, but nice to
have something adequate.

The way to make sure you have plenty of chainsaw is to get one with a
bar that is 2 inches longer than the biggest log you will be cutting.
If you are only cutting droppings and not felling trees, and 16 inch
just may be the ticket. If you run into anything larger, you simply
make a couple of cuts instead of one straight through.

The larger the chainsaw, the bigger the motor (hopefully) and the more
weight you have. It is important to try the heft of a chainsaw before
you buy it. If you are going to be using it for a while each session,
you don't want to get one that makes you tired. Tired = fatigue, and
fatigue makes you have accidents.
There is no such thing as a non-serious chainsaw accident.

I feel like ol' Norm here, but I am gonna do it anyway. When using a
chainsaw, make sure you have the proper safety equipment. For a lot
of us that have used chainsaw extensively for many years, it can be a
hard habit to get into, but imperative, nonetheless. Face shield,
thick gloves, heavy boots, ear protection, and chaps are great. You
will never regret any of those things if a chain breaks, the saw
slips, or you lose your footing while cutting.

I like this a lot: http://tinyurl.com/2jtv82

I also question if one of the chainsaws with
an easy start system might not be worth considering because of my
father's age.

Buddy, at ANY age the easy start is great.


I think I'm ready to pony up between $300 and $400 for a good
chainsaw. Lowe's has the Husqvarna model 345 45cc chainsaw for $289
locally. To be honest - I didn't really like the flimsy feel of the
choke on it

I have the big brother to that saw, one with 46 cc and a 24 inch
bar. http://tinyurl.com/23uu7j I am not gonna lie, it is
heavy. The bar contributes a lot to this as making sure that the
longer bar doesn't touch anything is tiring. I cut down a large live
oak tree last year, and after using it all day I was really weary.
The saw didn't beat me up, it has spring suspension on it that is
really nice and cuts the vibrations down to almost nothing. But
to cut 4 1/2 - 5 cords of wood with one of my amigos, it really wore
me out.


he doesn't need a 45cc motor? Would the MS 210 C-BE be sufficient?

45 ccs is a lot of motor for a cleanup trimmer. It would be plenty I
would think, but maybe unnecessary. Again, I would look at heft and
balance as part of this equation. You can't have too much power, but
wagging around more than you need is no fun either.

also question if the Husqvarnas have deteriorated in production
quality in recent years? Are the Stihl and Husqvarna still equal in
quality?

I think the rumor got started by folks when Husky quit making their
product and parts a "dealer only" machine. Unlike Stihl, you can buy
replacement parts and maintenance parts right on the web. Even if
your buddy can fix the Stihl with the right parts, he has to buy them
from an authorized dealer. You know what that means in regards to
pricing.

In the end, I went with Husky as we didn't have a close Stihl dealer,
and the one that is the closest charges $85 to bench the saw to look
at it, then charges Stihl labor rates (yes... different from Husky
rates since he knows he can get more) and
charges full retail for the parts.

Since I work on my own tools, it was important to me to be able to get
online and buy parts for a saw if I needed it. Not possible with
Stihl.

I think both Stihl and Husky are outstanding saws and you won't be
disappointed with either one.

These guys helped me a lot in deciding which saw to buy.

http://tinyurl.com/23uu7j

Ask for Mark Antonetti. I purchased mine from him last year, and he
was great. He is cranky, short with his answers, and the most
knowledgeable guy you can imagine about chainsaws, especially his. If
you buy from them, you get a MUCH better deal than with Lowe's as you
get a better chain bar, extra chains, etc. Throwing in their good
oil mixer was a good idea too, as it didn't add to the shipping.

I am completely satisfied with my purchase and wish I had bought a
really good chainsaw years ago, even if it is for occasional use.

Robert