On Feb 20, 5:24*pm, mike wrote:
I'm no expert but isn't this an "ambidextrous" chainsaw?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...8/Trail/search...

No, that's a right-handed saw. The blade is on one side of the
chassis. Also the front handle protrudes above and to the left, so
that the blade can be oriented either vertically or horizontally for
felling.

It actually looks like the very common Ningbo (factory) saw that is re-
badged by everyone and sometimes sold with an Oregon chain and bar.
They're 18" (which is long) and 46cc (which is big). They're usually
cheap at £120 and £80 is the best price I've seen on eBay. A very
capable saw, with most of the usual features of a real saw. I've got
one (Axminster) for smalll stuff, instead of the big Stihl.

Downsides? Bit on the heavy side, but not so you'd care.

Mostly though the problem is the build quality. They're not designed
for long service and they wouldn't survive it. The case will smash if
dropped. Small controls will break off if mis-handled. The triggger
linkage is usually mis-assembled from the factory and mine has been
replaced with a CNCed aluminium copy. The chain tensioner would be
nice, except that it will wear out in no time.

Spares availability is by a few of the better sellers keeping one on
the shelf and stripping it, as required. Otherwise forget it. However
chain and bars will swap easily, and sprockets probably will too.

So if you want a petrol chainsaw for not a huge amount of work, you
won't find much better without spending £160 on a S/H Stihl of similar
size.

I seem to to remember that Power Devil / Einhell use to badge a more
"in-line" electric chainsaw with a wraparound handle like a hedge
trimmer.

Chainsaws have the chain as close to one side as possible to increase
clearance. They don't come with the chain in the centre of the body
(not since the '60s). So the handedness is defined by which side the
motor doesn't stick out, with the chain cutting towards you on the
bottom.

You can't make an ambidextrous chainsaw. If you did try, with either a
really wrap-around loop handle, or else scissor handles like the
Alligator, you'd also need to reverse the motor and put the chain on
backwards.