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General Boards => Off Topic => Topic started by: VALKIE on Aug 29, 2021, 05:06:53 PM

Title: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Aug 29, 2021, 05:06:53 PM
This may be off topic and even in the wrong area.

Im looking at a chainsaw for home and for when i go camping/ 4 wheel driving.

Further information
I dont do any serious 4x4 driving and probably never will.
My camping is reasonably basic, so any firewood will be smallish stuff
My property is also small with only a few light trees.
Never used a chainsaw in my life, but as a competent tradesman with virtually every type and size power tool, i am reasonably comfortable with using one.

Up until recently my reciprocating saw has sufficed, but a larger tree the other day (10 inches across) put tge reciprocating saw through hell and flattened the batteries twice.

Im not keen on petrol chainsaws, as i will be rarely using it and when i carry it it will be in the back of tge MUX.
 
Been looking at makita, ryobi, ozito and dewalt battery chainsaws.
My son lives on a farm and is no help
He want me to buy a $3000.00 chainsaw because " i might need it".

Anyone have a battery powered chainsaw?
Are they any good?
Suggestions please
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: JackDriver on Aug 29, 2021, 05:22:11 PM
Mate, I  got a cheapie Yard Force 40V battery 12" chainsaw from Mitre 10 when they were on special for a measly $250.

My chainsaw history is very similar to yours but I just love this little toy. It's obviously not for the big timber but for campfires I reckon it'd hard to beat. Easily cuts dry hardwood upto 6 inches or so diameter which is all I want for a campfire. The battery lasts long enough to cut a least 4 days worth of campfire wood and the battery charges up in 2 to 3 hours via its 240VAC charger which is plugged into my inverter as I drive to the next camp. :toothy9:

Gets my vote. :cup:
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Aug 29, 2021, 07:04:22 PM
The yardforce are about $350 at the moment.

Ive just looked at some reviews of the dewalt.
Might be what im looking at
And bonus is that i already have a few dewalt tools, same battery.

$300.00  for battery, charger and chainsaw.
A possible.

But ill see what reviews yardforce get.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: boages on Aug 30, 2021, 03:59:40 AM
I have a hikoki (hitachi) chainsaw as I have all the batteries in the world for it being a chippie.

It works fine for small items / 2 trees of decent size that were dead and it doesn't vibrate like a recipro saw.

It also feels like it's pretty safe with the kick back not being overly strong being a small battery chainsaw. If you have battery kits for the dewalt I'd go with that.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: yvesjv on Aug 30, 2021, 04:51:23 AM
Also lookup stihl chainsaws.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: OldMucks on Aug 30, 2021, 06:28:25 AM
I've got a Stihl mas120c and it's a great piece of gear. When you buy one go for something with about 40v anything with lower volts will only cut for about 5 min.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: DannyG on Aug 30, 2021, 08:43:50 AM
My mum has a little Ryobi chainsaw and to be honest its quite a good little thing.

But for $250 my little Stihl MS180 is a great little chainsaw. I know its not battery powered but it flies. I upgraded the bar and chain to a larger size once the OEM gear was worn out and now it does everything I ever need to do.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Aug 30, 2021, 08:54:32 AM
Thanks guys, I have been doing a fair bit of research and the Dewalt is looking good.

Danny G.
I have heard that the chain is an important factor, getting a good chain can improve even a basic chainsaw.
The difference is chalk and cheese.

Oldmucks
I have been looking at total cuts and time.
Its always going to be a bit of a compromise as petrol can just be refilled, but batteries run down.
But one review showed a guy chopping up an entire 30ft tree and branches into firewood, with a small Dewalt 12 inch chainsaw.
The thickest sections were only 10-12 inches, but he stated that it only took two recharges to do the whole thing.

That is impressive to me.

Yvesjv
My son warns me off Stihl, he has a few chainsaws and he hates them.
He said the two Stihl both died and were rubbish.
He is a husqvarna fan.
And he pushes his chainsaws really, really hard
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: jack-fc on Aug 30, 2021, 09:05:32 AM

I have a 36v Makita, very happy with it, excellent for camping, 2 x 18v 5ah batteries good for 4 to 5 days camp-fire wood.Handles up to 200mm diameter.
Biggest factor in my choice was already having batts and charger for other tools...
Cheers, Jack
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: WAI4WD on Aug 30, 2021, 10:21:13 AM
Im looking at a chainsaw for home and for when i go camping/ 4 wheel driving.
Exact same position as you, and my decision was: I'm staying with my recip saw with a 12" blade which does 99% of everything I need to cut. I bought an AX for anything larger. Simple, cheap, effective, easy to sharpen vs a chainsaw for those 1% moments. An AX additionally will go through any thickness, so then I don't come across a time where a tiny chainsaw is no longer good enough for those 0.001% of times.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Aug 30, 2021, 12:04:01 PM
Im looking at a chainsaw for home and for when i go camping/ 4 wheel driving.
Exact same position as you, and my decision was: I'm staying with my recip saw with a 12" blade which does 99% of everything I need to cut. I bought an AX for anything larger. Simple, cheap, effective, easy to sharpen vs a chainsaw for those 1% moments. An AX additionally will go through any thickness, so then I don't come across a time where a tiny chainsaw is no longer good enough for those 0.001% of times.

I had a good axe, but the bloody thing broke chopping down the tree i had.
Mind, the axe was over 20 years old.
I was into the second cut when the handle just cracked and the head nearly came off.

It was hard work too.
My bursitis in my shoulder was sore for days after just those few cuts.
The reciprocating saw was doing the job, but tge vibrations sent my hand numb.

I figure a small chainsaw might better fit this old body better than axes and hand saws, definitely better than the reciprocating saw, thats for sure.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: xcvator on Aug 30, 2021, 12:14:12 PM
I've got an Ego with 2 batteries (54volt)  Not cheap,but bloody good saw.With a sharp blade and a fully charged battery I have cut up half a dozen very old red gum fence posts with ease . For camping I can fill the back of the mux very quickly generally on 1 battery, battery recharges from the inverter in about a 20 minute drive. I call it my national park saw since you can't hear it from 20 or 30 meters away. Just remember to carry bar oil and a sharpening file .
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: Bob on Aug 30, 2021, 12:58:00 PM
Over the past 2-3 years I have been collecting a variety of cordless tools. I started with -
Ozito PXC 18V Drill Driver Kit at $99.00
Ozito PXC 18V Blower Kit at $99.00
Ozito PXC 18V Reciprocating Saw - Skin Only at $49.98
Ozito PXC 18V Hedge Trimmer - Skin Only at $89.00
I find the 2 batteries is ample for everything I need to do.

I was so impressed with the drill so did not hesitate going with the Ozito.

I haven't got a chainsaw and doubt i will get one but it is the Ozito PXC 250mm 18V Chainsaw Kit at $199.00 which Includes 18V 4.0Ah Battery and the 18V Fast Charger so this would give me three batteries
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: jazzeddie1234 on Aug 30, 2021, 09:42:17 PM
I agree the ozito 250mm chainsaw is awesome - especially with a huge warranty.  It is compact enough to fit behind the driver seat so I can pick up firewood on the way to a camp site.  It could cut a  10" limb but it will take a while as it trips the battery with moderate cutting pressure so you have to take it easy.  I keep the chain very sharp with a stihl file guide
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: Gav62 on Aug 31, 2021, 03:53:39 AM
I just bought a MS170 stihl goes great. $250. no battery to go flat..
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: yvesjv on Aug 31, 2021, 06:11:30 AM
Next question would be chainsaw maintenance?
petrol vs battery

I have to run the petrol stihl every 3 to 4 weeks.
The petrol has to be mixed with the oil.
The petrol must have an additive in the 5litre jerry can added to stabilise when stored for long period.
etc

No idea about thebattery chainsaws...
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: xcvator on Aug 31, 2021, 08:17:05 AM
Next question would be chainsaw maintenance?
petrol vs battery

I have to run the petrol stihl every 3 to 4 weeks.
The petrol has to be mixed with the oil.
The petrol must have an additive in the 5litre jerry can added to stabilise when stored for long period.
etc

No idea about the battery chainsaws...

My batteries just sit untill I'm going to be using the saw, then put on charge while I'm driving.
After use, remove chain ( no tools needed) clean and replace but not tight, put bar sleeve back on.
Top up bar oil.
Put saw away


No petrol,no 2 stroke oil, no mixed fuel,no mess, no noise , no smell
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Aug 31, 2021, 08:41:37 AM
Next question would be chainsaw maintenance?
petrol vs battery

I have to run the petrol stihl every 3 to 4 weeks.
The petrol has to be mixed with the oil.
The petrol must have an additive in the 5litre jerry can added to stabilise when stored for long period.
etc

No idea about the battery chainsaws...

My batteries just sit untill I'm going to be using the saw, then put on charge while I'm driving.
After use, remove chain ( no tools needed) clean and replace but not tight, put bar sleeve back on.
Top up bar oil.
Put saw away


No petrol,no 2 stroke oil, no mixed fuel,no mess, no noise , no smell

Sounds much better
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: JackDriver on Aug 31, 2021, 09:50:16 AM
Quote from: xcvator link=topic=6747.msg57926#msg57926

My batteries just sit untill I'm going to be using the saw, then put on charge while I'm driving.
After use, remove chain ( no tools needed) clean and replace but not tight, put bar sleeve back on.
Top up bar oil.
Put saw away


No petrol,no 2 stroke oil, no mixed fuel,no mess, no noise , no smell

That's exactly why I got a battery chainsaw. If I was using one all day, every day, it might be different.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: jack-fc on Aug 31, 2021, 10:27:19 AM
I have been using chainsaws for over 50 years, not professionally, just for home open fire needs ( about 10 cubic metres a year). Was very sceptical re battery chainsaws even for camping / occasional home use. Finally caved in and got a Makita ( because already had batteries n charger). For camping, I'll have the batt saw every time. If you want to go out bush to cut 1 or 2 tonnes of firewood, petrol saw is the only way. Both need to be regularly sharpened and bar oil supply meticulously maintained.
Cheers, Jack
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: Ian G on Aug 31, 2021, 05:09:02 PM
I have a petrol Stihl but thought I would try a battery type to put in the caravan for firewood so I bought an 18v AEG for approx $400, took it away a few weeks ago on the Murray, cut enough wood for 4 days and the battery still had 75% charge left, also bought a spare battery from ebay for around $40, very happy with it.
Ian
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: Bob on Aug 31, 2021, 06:15:28 PM
Regardless of which brand of battery operated chainsaw, they have to be better than petrol due to how quiet they are, especially when camping. :occasion14:
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: JackDriver on Aug 31, 2021, 07:23:47 PM
Regardless of which brand of battery operated chainsaw, they have to be better than petrol due to how quiet they are, especially when camping. :occasion14:
Absolutely  agree. :hello2:
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Aug 31, 2021, 07:38:32 PM
Well

Thats me mind made up,

A Dewalt 12 inch chainsaw to go please.

Thanks all.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: farbar on Sep 01, 2021, 03:39:55 PM
I have a small Husqvarna that I bought for camping. We can never start the damn thing. I take it in to get looked at and the repairman kicks it over and says there is nothing wrong with it. It's probably our lack of experience or knowledge but we are not chain saw experts. I'm sorry that I didn't go battery.

Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: monbeg on Sep 01, 2021, 04:23:14 PM
I bought one of these from the big green toy shop.

I already had a battery and charger so just had to add the chain oil.

Seems ok for the price and for chopping some camping firewood.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-cordless-chainsaw-skin-only_p3380992 (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-cordless-chainsaw-skin-only_p3380992)
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: veekay on Sep 01, 2021, 07:26:57 PM
Plus 1 for the Ryobi One+.
I already had a bunch of the green tools and batteries so it made sense.
I do have a light petrol Echo saw and a larger Husqvarna, but the electric ones are getting pretty good, leave no fuel smells in the car, and don't advertise your wood gathering through the whole valley.

You could also consider a silky saw if it's for occasional use, no battery or fuel needs!

-Dave.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: xcvator on Sep 01, 2021, 07:45:16 PM
Plus 1 for the Ryobi One+.
I already had a bunch of the green tools and batteries so it made sense.
I do have a light petrol Echo saw and a larger Husqvarna, but the electric ones are getting pretty good, leave no fuel smells in the car, and don't advertise your wood gathering through the whole valley.

You could also consider a silky saw if it's for occasional use, no battery or fuel needs!

-Dave.

Just had a look at them but couldn't see a key hole or on/off switch   :dontknow:
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: wj957 on Sep 01, 2021, 08:57:22 PM
Look harder, the "ON" switch is right next to the elbow grease.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: yvesjv on Sep 02, 2021, 06:37:51 AM
Went with the petrol variant due to cyclone seasons.
Last time a cyclone hit and we had to clean up the aftermath, all petrol chainsaws in and around Darwin were sold out and Bunnings had electric ones left.
They don't help much when power lines are down.  :evil6:

From the input in this thread, appears battery chainsaws are worth it as long as source of power is available ( inc solar?) and a spare is always charged.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: VALKIE on Sep 02, 2021, 08:41:41 AM
Went with the petrol variant due to cyclone seasons.
Last time a cyclone hit and we had to clean up the aftermath, all petrol chainsaws in and around Darwin were sold out and Bunnings had electric ones left.
They don't help much when power lines are down.  :evil6:

From the input in this thread, appears battery chainsaws are worth it as long as source of power is available ( inc solar?) and a spare is always charged.

AS I already own several Dewalt tools and have several "always charged" batteries.

I think I should be OK
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: Ian G on Sep 02, 2021, 04:45:49 PM
I waited 12 months for Bosch blue to bring one out so I could share batteries, lost patients and bought the AEG, the Dewalt will be a good choice.
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: wj957 on Oct 29, 2021, 11:46:06 AM
Just found this by accident.
Chainsaw attachment for your angle grinder ............ 2 tools in one.

Go to 4:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4_grBC-U80
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: yvesjv on Oct 30, 2021, 05:50:01 AM
Just found this by accident.
Chainsaw attachment for your angle grinder ............ 2 tools in one.

Go to 4:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4_grBC-U80

I like the comment to that video: "Anyone that puts a masonry bit in an angle-grinder and uses it to drill holes in wood, is probably not safe left alone with a toothbrush."  :laughing7:
Title: Re: Chainsaws.
Post by: Java on Nov 06, 2021, 07:00:15 AM
I had petrol makita
It broke i got battery makita saw
I liked it a lot now i have
36v makita saw
18v long pole saw with other attachments
And 18v small 10” saw Makita DUC254Z

Which is great for around house and camping
Also got recip saw which i mostly use to cut bamboo close to the ground

They cope with diameters of the same size as the bar
Battery lasts the same time as the oil
So swap battery top up bar oil
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