I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

On Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:44:10 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

Remington 12"- on a pole, but it comes off easy.

Here's a 10" for $100-- I think I got my 12" from Harbor Freight for
a little less than that.
http://www.amazon.com/Remington-41AZ...dp/B007HLJRNG/

Advantage of a 10" on that pole is weight-- That thing is unwieldy--
but damn handy.

If I wasn't interested in the pole, I'd get a 16- more for the extra
amps than the length of the bar.

I've had 2 Remington in the past decade & both are good tools, in my
opinion. I don't cut firewood but have cleaned up a lot of trees,
branches and brush with them.

Jim

On 11/17/2012 01:44 PM, wrote:


I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.

Ethanol in today's gas destroys small engines. Maybe try some TruFuel?

http://www.trufuel50.com/default.aspx

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...5-ethanol.html

wrote in message
...
I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

If you've never had the displeasure to actually use an electric chainsaw, I
would caution you that they are not the same as a gasoline saw at all. I
have a 14" Remington I bought years ago. I've always hated the balance of
it, and it's tiring to use because of the slow chain speed. It doesn't cut
smoothly like a gas model. It feels like each cutting tooth is slamming into
the wood, and makes it tedious to use (yes, even with a new, sharp chain).
Recently when I used it the chain stopped rotating, and I found upon
inspection, that the pinion gear is metal and drives the final gear which is
only nylon. The nylon gear teeth were all worn off - piece of junk.

I went down and bought a new Stihl MS 170 for $180. I'd heard all the scare
stories about the cheap Stihls being made in China (not true - Virginia
Beach, VA), and hard to start, and won't idle. But it turned out to be a
sweet little chain saw, very light - about 9 pounds with bar & chain; starts
easy, idles just fine. Perfect for occasional use.

As for the old Stihl 031AV, those are great saws with parts still available.
If you don't want to fool with it, list it on eBay and someone will snap it
up. I have a Stihl 028 WB from about 1981 that I just bought a carb kit for
on eBay for $5. Still runs good...

" wrote:
I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

You can have mine. I wasted more time trying to keep the chain adjusted.

Greg

On Nov 17, 8:58*pm, gregz wrote:
" wrote:
I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. * Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. *Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

You can have mine. I wasted more time trying to keep the chain adjusted.

Greg

I bought over time 3 identical poulan electrics at flea markets for
around 12 bucks each. to me its get the job done, when one saw quits,
hit nail or other wierd problem occurs swap saws and keep going. one
saw got stuck when the wind picked up, jammed saw so i plugged another
swa in and kept on cutting

On Nov 17, 1:44*pm, "
wrote:
maybe $100 or so?

That's the kind of decision I base more on store return policy. I'm
pretty sure I can get $100 of value out of any $100 saw I don't break
in a month.
-----

- gpsman

On Sat, 17 Nov 2012 20:10:35 -0800 (PST), bob haller
wrote:

On Nov 17, 8:58Â*pm, gregz wrote:
" wrote:
I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Â* Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Â*Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

You can have mine. I wasted more time trying to keep the chain adjusted.

Greg

I bought over time 3 identical poulan electrics at flea markets for
around 12 bucks each. to me its get the job done, when one saw quits,
hit nail or other wierd problem occurs swap saws and keep going. one
saw got stuck when the wind picked up, jammed saw so i plugged another
swa in and kept on cutting

If you're cutting 4" or less, you might want to look at one of the
"jawsaws." Amazon has reviews on a number of them.
Likewise if you have a Sawzall you can get pruning blades. I just
bought some but won't use one until the spring, so I can't say how
well they work. According to Amazon reviews they do.
My electric broke it's gearing, probably plastic. Think it was about
$50, maybe Sears. 14" Got just a little use out of it.

On Nov 17, 6:44*pm, "
wrote:
I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. * Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. *Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

I have a Bosch.
It's much lighter and safer, the chain stops instantly when you
release the trigger.
The chain tension adjuster is better than the standard chain saw as it
needs no tools.
The power is good.

One annoying thing is when you let go the trigger the chain stops
instantly but the motor runs on. (Must be some sort of clutch).
However if you press the trigger before the motor stops running,there
is a really nasty clunking/crunching noise as it re-engages. I feel
sure this must cause damage.
So you have to keep pausing to let the motor stop before you can start
again when sawing thin pieces.

The chain is narrower than the petrol chain saw and needs sharpening
more frequently.

Vic Smith wrote:


-snip-

Likewise if you have a Sawzall you can get pruning blades. I just
bought some but won't use one until the spring, so I can't say how
well they work. According to Amazon reviews they do.

they cut-- they cut well. But they are *no* replacement for even
the puniest chain saw. They get pinched easily on larger
branches, and just shake the hell out of the smaller ones.

Whether it is for tree/brush cleanup or demolition work, I'd grab my
electric chainsaw first.

If I was on the second floor and had the sawsall & kit already, I
would probably try it first.

My electric broke it's gearing, probably plastic. Think it was about
$50, maybe Sears. 14" Got just a little use out of it.

I see a lot of folks complaining about their electrics-- I've been
happy with both my Remingtons.

Though I will say there probably isn't 100 hours on the pair over the
last 10 years. But that is what they are best at. Sit on a shelf
for years, fill the chain with oil and fire up with no prep for 5
minutes- and then put them back on the shelf.

If I was going to use a chainsaw for 8 hours at a rip- or more than
3-4 times a year, I'd get another gas saw-- For my use, an electric
is ideal.

Jim

On Nov 18, 6:55*am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
Vic Smith wrote:

-snip-

Likewise if you have a Sawzall you can get pruning blades. *I just
bought some but won't use one until the spring, so I can't say how
well they work. *According to Amazon reviews they do.

they cut-- they cut well. * *But they are *no* replacement for even
the puniest chain saw. * * * They get pinched easily on larger
branches, and just shake the hell out of the smaller ones.

Whether it is for tree/brush cleanup or demolition work, I'd grab my
electric chainsaw first.

If I was on the second floor and had the sawsall & kit already, I
would probably try it first.

My electric broke it's gearing, probably plastic. *Think it was about
$50, maybe Sears. *14" *Got just a little use out of it.

I see a lot of folks complaining about their electrics-- I've been
happy with both my Remingtons.

Though I will say there probably isn't 100 hours on the pair over the
last 10 years. * * *But that is what they are best at. Sit on a shelf
for years, fill the chain with oil and fire up with no prep for 5
minutes- and then put them back on the shelf.

If I was going to use a chainsaw for 8 hours at a rip- or more than
3-4 times a year, I'd get another gas saw-- * For my use, an electric
is ideal.

Jim

That's my usage model too. I've used electric chainsaws
before and agree they are not a replacement for regular
larger cutting jobs. But around here, I typically use a
chainsaw once or twice a year for a few minutes and
that is cutting larger branches or a small tree.

I figure having the electric will allow me to do some of
the post Sandy work that needs to be done before I
can get the Stihl working again. Right now the township
is still hauling away trees we put in the street,.

And for $75, I think the
electric is a good investment, even having a gas saw.
That way, for the small stuff couple times a year, I
don't have to fire up the gas one, then deal with the
carb getting screwed from ethanol gas, etc. The gas
one will probably be less trouble that way and
available on the few occasions when I really need it.

So far, looking at reviews, it looks like there is a
Craftsman for $85 that I'd have to drive 30 miles
roundtrip to get, but could have it today. Or
very similar Poulan for $75, shipping included.
Poulan is somewhat higher rated on user reviews,
looks nicer, has oil fill on top instead of side.
Still deciding. Only thing against Poulan at this
point is I'd rather have it now. And Sears does
take stuff back locally if it blows up.....

On 11/17/2012 3:33 PM, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:44:10 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

Remington 12"- on a pole, but it comes off easy.

Here's a 10" for $100-- I think I got my 12" from Harbor Freight for
a little less than that.
http://www.amazon.com/Remington-41AZ...dp/B007HLJRNG/

Advantage of a 10" on that pole is weight-- That thing is unwieldy--
but damn handy.

If I wasn't interested in the pole, I'd get a 16- more for the extra
amps than the length of the bar.

I've had 2 Remington in the past decade & both are good tools, in my
opinion. I don't cut firewood but have cleaned up a lot of trees,
branches and brush with them.

Jim

I have to 2nd that about the unit on the pole. It works very well for
trimming those branches you just can't reach ... plus the saw comes off
for semi-portable (with cord) use.

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:55:02 -0500, Jim Elbrecht
wrote:



I see a lot of folks complaining about their electrics-- I've been
happy with both my Remingtons.

Though I will say there probably isn't 100 hours on the pair over the
last 10 years. But that is what they are best at. Sit on a shelf
for years, fill the chain with oil and fire up with no prep for 5
minutes- and then put them back on the shelf.

If I was going to use a chainsaw for 8 hours at a rip- or more than
3-4 times a year, I'd get another gas saw-- For my use, an electric
is ideal.

Jim

Exactly, it comes down to use. Cutting an occasional 2" branch if
fine, but if you are felling a few 150' oak trees and cutting it to
firewood, you need the right tool. In either case, the chains has to
be sharp.

For really light work, a battery powered reciprocating saw is even
better, no cords to drag out to the tree.

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 07:47:33 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:55:02 -0500, Jim Elbrecht
wrote:



I see a lot of folks complaining about their electrics-- I've been
happy with both my Remingtons.

Though I will say there probably isn't 100 hours on the pair over the
last 10 years. But that is what they are best at. Sit on a shelf
for years, fill the chain with oil and fire up with no prep for 5
minutes- and then put them back on the shelf.

If I was going to use a chainsaw for 8 hours at a rip- or more than
3-4 times a year, I'd get another gas saw-- For my use, an electric
is ideal.

Jim

Exactly, it comes down to use. Cutting an occasional 2" branch if
fine, but if you are felling a few 150' oak trees and cutting it to
firewood, you need the right tool. In either case, the chains has to
be sharp.

For really light work, a battery powered reciprocating saw is even
better, no cords to drag out to the tree.

If the work is *that* light, I'll have my folding pruning saw on my
belt and take those branches off in about 3 strokes. [or I'll use my
loppers]

Jim

wrote:
On Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:44:10 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

I'd be interested in any experience with various brands of
electric chainsaws. Probably going to buy one to use for
light to med cutting jobs around the house.

I have a 40 year old Stihl 031AV and it's giving me headaches.
Plus with the electric, for small jobs no need to screw around
getting the gas thing started. Looking for something to
supplement it, maybe $100 or so?

I have a Remington pole saw that detaches and is used like a regular
chain saw.
It is OK but no replacement for a real chain saw.

Pole mounted electric saws work best when used vertically. Once you get it
extended out and start working at an angle the weight becomes an issue.

I've borrowed a pole based saw to trim some branches from a second story
window. The branches extended over my roof and I wanted to clear them away.
Trust me, that saw gets awfully heavy when hanging out of the window
cutting branches at an angle. I would rest the saw on the branch, let the
weight do the cutting and then try and hang on tight while the weight tried
to send the saw to the ground. The flexibility of the fiberglass pole
didn't help as the pole flexed as the weight pulled it down.

It was an adventure but I got it done.

As others have mentioned, the electric saw is no match for gas saw. When I
need to do some pruning on branches that are easily accessible, I use my
reciprocating saw.

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 08:38:19 -0500, Jim Elbrecht
wrote:

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 07:47:33 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:55:02 -0500, Jim Elbrecht
wrote:



I see a lot of folks complaining about their electrics-- I've been
happy with both my Remingtons.

Though I will say there probably isn't 100 hours on the pair over the
last 10 years. But that is what they are best at. Sit on a shelf
for years, fill the chain with oil and fire up with no prep for 5
minutes- and then put them back on the shelf.

If I was going to use a chainsaw for 8 hours at a rip- or more than
3-4 times a year, I'd get another gas saw-- For my use, an electric
is ideal.

Jim

Exactly, it comes down to use. Cutting an occasional 2" branch if
fine, but if you are felling a few 150' oak trees and cutting it to
firewood, you need the right tool. In either case, the chains has to
be sharp.

For really light work, a battery powered reciprocating saw is even
better, no cords to drag out to the tree.

If the work is *that* light, I'll have my folding pruning saw on my
belt and take those branches off in about 3 strokes. [or I'll use my
loppers]


Well, I bought an electric chainsaw for stuff I let get too big to
lop. Even my good quality heavy duty 3' loppers aren't designed for
much more than 1-1 1/2". Depending on wood type.
I let a bunch of "weed trees" go too far in the electric company
right-of-way next to the garage, saw the electric, and had money in my
pocket. It worked well enough, but was really overkill.
Already had a couple good Fiskars pruning saws, and those would have
done it in 5 times the work and time. 5 times "not much work" still
made buying the chainsaw a questionable value.
The trees are back to 4" diameter and almost touching the power lines.
This time I'll try the Sawzall.
As already said, a lot depends on what you have to cut. I've climbed
about 10' with a pruning saw to cut branches up to about 5", but
called in the tree guys to remove a big maple.
And I don't cut firewood. Don't recall what the OP would use the saw
for. And there might be more lumberjacks in here than I know about.

On Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:12:15 -0600, "SRN" wrote:

If you've never had the displeasure to actually use an electric chainsaw, I
would caution you that they are not the same as a gasoline saw at all. I
have a 14" Remington I bought years ago. I've always hated the balance of
it, and it's tiring to use because of the slow chain speed. It doesn't cut
smoothly like a gas model. It feels like each cutting tooth is slamming into
the wood, and makes it tedious to use (yes, even with a new, sharp chain).
Recently when I used it the chain stopped rotating, and I found upon
inspection, that the pinion gear is metal and drives the final gear which is
only nylon. The nylon gear teeth were all worn off - piece of junk.


I have a 14" Remington and love it. Mine is not slow as long as I keep
the chain sharp, and the balance is not a problem. I wont tackle a 3
foot diamater tree with it, but it works just fine for trimming, and
last summer I had to cut up a tree with a 12 inch trunk that fell on my
house. It worked perfectly, except I did not cut off the trunk near the
ground and risk damaging the chain. I left about 5 feet of trunk so I
can hopefully rip the stump out with a tractor next year.

electric chainsaws never have fuel troubles, never have starting
problems and nearly always work....

and there cheap enough bought used to have several, chain gets worn,
pull out the backup saw

On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:35:42 -0800 (PST), bob haller
wrote:

electric chainsaws never have fuel troubles, never have starting
problems and nearly always work....

and there cheap enough bought used to have several, chain gets worn,
pull out the backup saw

Exactly, A chainsaw is not something I use all that often. When a gas
one sits around, it tends to get gummed up, even if the gas is dumped
out. I used to get so angry when a tree or limb would fall from a
storm, and I'd go get the gas chainsaw, only to find the damn thing
would not start. That was after running to the gas station for gas,
then hunting around for the oil mix, and mixing it. Then I spend two
hours pulling the string on the damn saw, get ****ed, cus a lot, toss
the damn saw against the fallen tree, breaking it, and finally go get
the old hand operated bow saw, and begin the tedious job of cutting it
by hand.

By the time I went thru this whole ordeal with the cahinsaw, I could
have cut a good portion of the tree with that bow saw, saved my temper
and anger, and I'm still stuck with a gallon of mixed gas which is now
useless, unless I take the saw into the repair shop, hand over a minimum
of $100, and by that time I sawed up the tree with my bow saw, and the
newly repaired gas chainsaw will sit on the shelf for another 6 months
or a year and gum up, while the mixed gas in the can goes bad.

The last time I went thru that ordeal, after spending several hundred
dollars on repairs within the last few years on that damn gas saw, I
grabbed the saw and smashed it against the concrete sidewalk. I picked
up the pieces and threw them in the garbage. Then I went a bought my
electric chainsaw, knowing I'll never own another gas chainsaw. I did
the same thing with the gas weedwhacker, and now own an electric one of
them too.

If I ever find that my electric chainsaw is not large or powerful enough
for a huge tree, I'll rent a gas one from the local rental shop for
about $25 per day. If that one dont start, let THEM fix it. And I have
found that because those rental saws are used often, they generally do
start and run. However, since I bought my electric saw, I have not yet
found any tree it could not handle, and it also doubles as a tool I use
for doing rough construction and demolition of buildings. It works like
a charm to trim off wooden posts which are too thick for a circular saw,
and it's easy to use for hacking off rafters that protrude beyond the
edge of a roof.

I honestly think small 2-cycle engines were made to drive men to rage.
Maybe they are a curse of the devil, but more likely just like most
things these days, they are made to make a fast buck for the seller, and
made to use once and toss in the trash in our disposible society.