"David Combs" wrote in message
...
Up here in New York state, that 2-weeks-ago (3?) snow+wind storm
took down lots of trees, and especially lots of largish branches.

I've got one that's 6.5 inches in diameter, 8.5 at a swelling;
no way I'm going to get a regular saw and try to cut that thing.

What with this crazy weather pattern we're getting into, there'll
likely be more of this kind of thing, ie more fallen branches.

None of my neighbors have a chain-saw, so I guess I'll have to
buy my own.

What I hear is that electric is not only less expensive but also
easier to start (obviously) and easier to use.

I've googled amazon for chainsaw, also saw this site:

http://www.chainsawsdirect.com/chain...aw-reviews.htm

but thought I might better come here for your advice.


A chainsaw for me would be used only once or twice a year (I hope!);
nor do I plan to cut down entire trees -- I leave that for the experts.

It's just these thick branches that fall that I need to cut up into
pieces for later disposal.


So, any suggestions?

The cheaper ones from that chainsawdirect place go for as low as
50 or 60 dollars, and up to $250 for the top rated. Something for
$100 up to $150 might be pretty good -- though they probably screw
you on the shipping for another $50 or so...

Anyway, any ideas and advice would be really helpful!

Thanks!

David

I have a little Remington. I used to have a good sized gas saw. Now I don't
have big trees in my lot and have no fireplace.

For small stuff the Remington works jus fine. It is light enough to use one
handed to trim limbs in my one oak tree.
It will handle what you are trying to do.

The usual rules apply. Keep the chain sharp. A Dremel with the right
attachment works well .
Keep the chain at the right tension. The owner's manual will show you how.
If you are going to cut stuff up that is on the ground, support the work and
never let the chain hit the ground,
And respect the tool and do not get distracted- pay attention to what you
are doing,

There're other things the manual will show you. How to undercut and how to
fell etc.

And, never lend it out. beside the borrower will be less careful than you.
You invite a liability lawsuit if a borrower gets hurt. If a neighbor wants
to borrow my saw he's politely told "sorry" but if it is an emergency I will
come and help.

I once had a neighbor who wanted to trim a tree that was dropping stuff into
his pool. He was going to climb the tree to reach the upper branches. That
was a setup for disaster. I told him I wanted no part of that project.


Charlie