Chainsaw?

[Pete Rieger]

The 180 is a good saw and later you can switch it to 1/4 pitch with a dime tip. You will want a bigger saw eventually for rapid blocking.I also have a 250 and an old 38 magnum.I started with a cheap poulan 2150 with the low kickback bar, smaller than standard but bigger than dime.The vibrations were a problem for my wrists with the poulan, not so with the stihls.

[Rwenzoski]

Hi TreeCutter, I would highly recommend the 3200 Redmax From Jamie Dorean as this is the smoothest easiest to hadnle saw on the market. I have Stihls, Echos, Huskies & now have 6 of the Redmax's & unbieased opinion at the Haliburton course I teach is the Redmax not just for being lightweight & smooth but also for the EZ start system that they have adopted & anyone with any type of problem starting a chainsaw this makes it a pleasure. Takes a little getting used to as ya don't have to yank on anyting as with normal saws, a two finger thing now! I have had less problems with these other than minor plastic wear which is easliy & permanently rectifiable, than any other saw. If you can set these up with a Sugi Hara carving bar is the best combination & I have just started running the new Stihl carving chain (with the backs of the cutters already tapered) & I am impressed with it so far! Run Canola oil & these bars & keep em maintained & they will last & last!
All you need other than this carving saw is say a 40cc to 50cc cheapo saw to get started & once ya sell a few peices buy yourself a better blocking saw. The Maple ain't bad either to carve. I used to use Pine or Spruce which is about the only softwood available here of any size & now I just do the shows & quick carves with Maple, just keep her sharp!
Mostly Maple! That is a 4' yard stick!
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more pics!
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Thanks, Robbin

[Treecutter]

I just thought I should check in. I appreciate all the advice everyone has given me. I am still interested in chainsaw carving but the cold weather here doesn't permit it (0 here today). I'm hoping my wood is seasoned enough to carve when the weather gets warmer. Stay warm.