[woeco]

I do some roughing out of larger carvings with a gas chainsaw. I want to continue this method but will be doing most of my roughing out indoors so I am looking at electric chainsaw potential - the electric chainsaw I have used to date just doesn't cut it. I've have however come across data for the Makita 5012B that seems to fit my needs. This saw runs many times faster than the normal electric chainsaw and can be ordered with a carving package -- so it seems this saw is a good bet. Please provide feedback I'd sure appreciate it.

I know the norn is a gas saw but don't want to use a gas saw indoors.

Thanks to all !!

WOECO

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

you can also get the wheel with chainsaw teeth for your 4 inch grinder.....unless you are doing something huge.

[Mitchell]

Seems that some time in the past (one year?) we had a thread on electric chainsaws....

If I don't get too distracted, I'll try to bring it back - if it has any thing useful.

[kaiserb]

The search bar does wonders:


electric/gas

[wade clark]

I ended up getting a Jonsered Electric. It doesn't make the metalic whine that my Craftsman makes...very anoying and can't be good for your ears! I've heard the Makita has that same shreiking whine.
I would have bought the 180 Stihl electric (7 lb), but it was discontinued, and the 200 weighs 10 lbs (both aproximations). The Jonsered has an in-line design and doesn't twist sideways as it torques, like my gas Stihl does. I like the Jonsered. I don't like the Craftsman.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in any of these saws, other than that whine. In any case, wear ear (and eye, hand, leg etc) protection!
If you do a search for Superior Saw on the net, they can get you the bar, sprocket and chain for whichever saw you choose, I believe.
There's a log home building supply store on the net that sells the makita already set up for carving.
If you do a search for the Chainsaw Sculptors Forum, www.chainsawsculptors.com should get you there, and do a search for Jonsered Electric, you'll find a lot of debate on this, but you'll also find a guy named Lonnie Glines who sells the Jonsered. I bought mine from him and he was good to work with.
Even if you get a carving chainsaw, you will need a saw for blocking out your carving too! A carving saw is very low kick-back and can do nice detail, but you'll end up relying on another saw to do the rough-out work.
The 4" grinder attachment is made by King Arthur Tools and fits on a 4 or 4 1/2 angle grinder. It's called a Lancelot tool, they sell them on ebay, in several catalogs including Woodcraft Supply. It's a great tool--I love mine! There are things you can't do with it that you can with a dime tip on a chainsaw.
The good thing is, there's no such thing as too much tools!
Good luck!
Wade

[Hugh]

There's no such thing as too much tools!! my wife should see this, in printing, its got to be the truth. The chain saw disc on the grinder is GREAT for removing wood on big projects, like an eagle, or a great blue heron. I rough shaped a great blue heron in two hrs just recently. Something that might have taken me a day or two with the Foredom. I was a little leary of it at first, I found it very easy to control after using it for a few times.

[Thor]

I pulled this thread up out of the boonies so I could get a question answered that wasn't addressed and call to the attention of others some of the information already on here.
With that said....Colin, Wade and others out there who use chainsaws...
I'm really interested in learning chainsaw carving now, and gathering information to purchase a saw just for that purpose in a couple of months.
I'm a girl. The ones you have recommended seem like they would do fine for both genders, but addressing Colin especially, when you go to Chainsaw Carving Shows, have you noticed women using anything particular? The low weight is important, kickback features, safety issues, and length of bar. Any suggestions would be helpful.
The Jonsered Electric that Wade got sounds intriquing. Wade, has your wife tryed it out?
I have scoured the search on these message boards and read them all. I just want the expert opinion of folks I know and trust.
Thanks.
Thor

[wade clark]

Hi Thor,
My wife hasn't tried any of my carving tools at this time, though she's expressed interest in trying some out after we get moved.
The Jonsered is light weight and well balanced, it doesn't want to twist in your hands when you start it up like mt Stihl does. The chain is a carving chain, which is designed not to kick back. I'm pretty impressed with it. It does lose a lot of bar oil compared to my Stihl gas saws, but it's not a big deal. I'd have gone with the Makita except for the noise. I still may get one and use ear protection...I'm a typical tool nut, over 150 Ashley Iles gouges and chisels to date...I should be embarrassed to even tell that! No excuses, just an addiction! When I get my shop in Tennessee built you're all invited to come see.
The King Arthur Tools Lancelot etc are all great! Serious wood eaters great for rough-out wood removal, they really get the job done now. I think every woodcarver's toolchest should have one. That said, they're a little short on guards. They are safe with the guards that they come with or that come with your angle grinder, IF you pay constant attention to what you're doing! I think I have at least one of everything they sell and would be lost without them! I think you will love them too!
Have a great day!
Wade

[Colin_Partridge]

The electric Makita is probably the best with the carving package although I have heard great things about the Johnsored it is reputed to be the caddilac of chainsaws either or I dont think you can go wrong. BTW BobD had one at WCI I think it was a Makita they had it on trial maybe he could answer your question.
Colin

[Thor]

Thanks Wade and Colin.
I went and looked at a Makita electric and really liked it. That may be the one!
I have to wait until February or March to get one, but I'll let you know what I get.
I will also get all of the safety equipment. I'm really looking forward to it.
Thor