jloomis wrote:

I use an Echo 14" for a rough and ready all around chain saw.
House demolition to light tree falling.
Brush work, carving.......

For the VERY occasional homeowner use, I agree that Echo is a good buy.
Pick it up at a big box store. It will be far better quality than any other
offerings they have. But - it's an occasional use saw. Just keep that in
mind and all should be well.


Lightweight, inexpensive, one hand operation.

Only if it is top mounted grip. To use any traditional grip chainsaw in a
one handed manner is nothing short of stupidity. There is no control over
the bar in this configuration.


A sharp chain is is important of course....Good fuel mix a must,
little grease gun for bearing.....
Saw cover for chain.....keep air filter clean......
And a chain file and handy small guide.....easy to keep prepped.

Sharp chain - the number one qualifier for any chainsaw discussion. Too
many occasional users never learn how to sharpen a chain, how to recognize
when it needs sharpening, et. al. It takes 5 minutes to learn how to do it
properly from someone who knows, does not even require a guide, and only a
couple of oops' before you're really pretty good at being able to keep a
chain sharp enough to do good work. But - for some reason, this escapes
most people.


On the larger jobs, I use a Husqavarna. High powered, fast, and
dangerous.....

Such a shame... A Stihl would make you so much happier...


Not a home owners model either....They make 2 quality types.....
professional that tree fallers use.


Except for the very occasional user, I so agree with you! For someone who
really wants to use a chainsaw - there is no such thing as a "homeowner"
version. Get over it. Accept it. Quit arguing/thinking about it. Just
buy a good saw. It won't even cost much more than the junk that homeowners
think they're getting a good deal on. Spend the extra $50-$100 and get a
saw ferchristsakes...

Did I say that right?

--

-Mike-