Cutting trunks

#1 05-16-2003, 05:14 PM

Hello

I need to cut many trunks and I have only Hand saws.
Can you recommend to buy a power saw.
Wich are the best for a domestic use?

A Reciprocating Powered Hand Saw like this Black & Decker

Or a chainsaw like this

Thanks.

AlArchie · #2 05-16-2003, 07:20 PM

I'd suggest one of those small chainsaws (gasoline powered) as you can not only use it for cutting carving wood, but it's great to have on hand for emergencies. I've had both Mccullogh's and currently a Poulan 'wild thing' both are great little saws and hold up really well. the Mac, I had for over 20 years and sold it for 50 bucks (shoulda kept it) the Poulan is another great little saw for the last two years. Husquavarna makes some good products, too. don't get the smallest saw, one with a 16 or 18 inch bar is quite satisfactory for most purposes. I also have a small electric 14 inch bar chain saw I use inside for roughing out large carvings, and for light yard work around the old homestead.

You can get special bars and chains for chainsaw carving, too, but I have never tried that. there are some very talented chainsaw carvers around, so you may want to contact them, too!

Make sure you get a sharpening kit with the saw and learn how to use it.....a dull chainsaw is aLMOST as frustrating as a dull carving tool!

Al

#3 05-17-2003, 08:59 AM

Al, thanks for your help.

I think that I will buy a chainsaw about 16 or 18 inches in the next days.

I will comment you my experiences cutting trunks for my carvings.

Thanks.

Colin_Partridge · #4 05-17-2003, 08:36 PM

Saturno,
I agree with Al a chainsaw is probably your best bet. I have five of them but I also do a little chainsaw carving as well. I find that the chainsaw is very versitile can be used for many other things. I have a variety of saws but the lightest and for me the one I like best is my Stihl 017 it is very inexpensive and starts first pull every time. I also have a Husky with a carving blade on it and I love that little saw as well. I have heard that the Jonsored is the cadillac of saws but I have never tried one.

Colin

stevefrfla · #5 05-18-2003, 06:25 AM

Saturno: A word of caution, If you think you can get a bad cut with a gouge that slips. You 'ain't seen nothing'. Please be careful. Try and have someone experienced show you the ropes. Or get a carving suit.

.

steve

AlArchie · #6 05-18-2003, 08:21 AM

.......Most chainsaws sold today, especially the small ones that are geared toward the weekend woodsman, come equipped with anti-kickback chains, but Steve is right, give that chainsaw a LOT of respect. Hearing protection and eyewear is a MUST. Keep a tight grip on both handles (no one handed shenanigans), and don't try to reach away from you too far. The farther out the saw, the less control you have. Make sure of your footing before starting a cut. Try not to stand off balance or on one foot with the other just for support. I don't believe they are inherently any more hazardous than a table saw, but they deserve an appropiate amont of respect.

Al

Kenny_S · #7 05-18-2003, 01:32 PM

Some sound advice given! Many of seasoned chain sawers has had lapses of memory and have recieve some terrible cuts from using chain saws. I have several but Steve said it best. Have respect for those chainsaws. Safety first.

Ken

Kenny_S · #8 05-18-2003, 01:36 PM

Sorry Al, that was you who said give a lot of respect to these chain saw. Just isn't my week, for sure. One of the PC died, One car won't start. Broke a carving. OPh well, without any bad luck, I won't have any luck at all :

. At least the PC is back and the Carving is fixed.

Ken

AlArchie · #9 05-18-2003, 03:47 PM

I almost hate to admit how I've learned the hard way, but here is an example. Â*I was clearing some light brush in our back yard and reached out quite a ways with the saw in my right hand. Â*The chain caught a very flexible branch and kicked back right acrosss the inbound knuckle of my gloved left hand, still at full throttle. Â*It stung pretty bad so I tucked my thumb into my balled up fist. It was then I noticed the thumb of my glove lying on the ground in front of me. Â*Talk about scared.....it took me about a minute to work up the courage to open my fist and see what was left of my thumb. Â*

The whole thumb was still attached! Â*somehow that chainsaw had caught the leather glove and spun the thumb part right off, without giving me so much as a nick. Â*The lesson was, though, that it could well have been MY thumb, or a hand or an arm. Â*That was over thirty years ago, and I still think of that EVERY time I pick up a chainsaw!

Al