Good homeowner firewood saw?

[barbender]

One of my buddies is looking for a new chainsaw for firewood, he wants something decent but not too much $. I've always ran Huskies and Jonsereds, in the past I would have pointed him at a Husky 350 or Jred 2150, but they have updated both of those models and I'm really not too impressed with the new ones. So that got us looking at Stihls, which I have virtually no experience with. We were looking at the MS250, how would that saw compare to a Husky 350? He's looking to spend around $300.

[gearman]

Are we talking a couple face cords or is he feeding an OWB?

[simplicityguy92]

the ms 250 is a good saw. i like mine i had it close to a year now and havent had any problems. its a fast cutting , light weight saw.

[clww]

I'd get the Stihl MS 250 through MS 290 on the top.  The 290 Farm Boss with a 20" bar should be right at $400 max.

[isawlogs]

 I have a 250 and for what it's worth it's a good little saw that starts up nice and is light. I like to use it to limb but I have also done a lot of felling with it.

[John Mc]

Just curious what your complaints were with the Husky 450? My impression was that it was a decent saw for a 50cc homeowner saw (Actually, Husky calls it a "Landowner" saw, supposedly a step up from a homeowner saw.)

[barbender]

Just curious what your complaints were with the Husky 450? My impression was that it was a decent saw for a 50cc homeowner saw (Actually, Husky calls it a "Landowner" saw, supposedly a step up from a homeowner saw.)

  Probably I was just used to the 350, one thing I didn't like was the single bar nut. It just makes me wonder how many other things they changed like that, things that are supposed to make it easier for the weekend warrior but compromise the saw, IMO. The all plastic handle looked cheap too, but the Stihl ms250 had the same set up. Maybe I should be asking if anyone is using a 450 Husky and how they are working out for them?

[Al_Smith]

Firstly you get the question of weather to buy new or used .

Now laugh and giggle if you want to but for an inexpensive firwood saw that will cut with the best of them it's hard to beat a Mac PM 610 or 650 .

They are a little heavy for 60 cc's but these things will last forever,can be purchased for under 100 dollars and will cut circles around those little 3 cube home owner Stihls or Huskys .On the other hand ,if someone feels they must purchase new I'd stay away from them .---an opinion,nothing more .

[weimedog]

This thought process opens another door..........always the Homelite's XL-12 & S-XL. I happen to think my 455 is a wonderful firewood saw. AND it used less fuel than the old ones. Since the 460 is being offered, the 455 is selling for a lot less. Refurbs are available cheap as well. A modern reliable saw with more power than the older 1970's 1980's era 60 cc saws.

Having said all that...I think the 1980's era 60-68cc Husqvarna's are the ultimate firewood saws.

[John Mc]

Ahh - I'd forgotten about the switch to the single bar nut. I've seen it on the Jonsered similar sized saws (2250), but haven't looked on the Husqvarna. The other thing I'm not a fan of is the tool-free chain tensioners. Unfortunately, both of these "features" seem to be getting more and more common on the low-to-mid range saws.

John Mc

[Al_Smith]

Well you know it just depends on your thought pattern I suppose .They rave about the 029 Stihls but I have a box full of parts from ones the tree trimmers blew up .So is it the great little saw they rave about ? Depends on how you look at it .

That said though most modern 3 cubers if properly cared for will last the average casual user quite a long time before they experiance problems .Stihl ,Husky even Poulan/Craftsman if you choose that route .

You certainly do not need an 800 dollar Stihl MS 460 or something like that to cut a few cords of firewood per year,that's for sure .

[HolmenTree]

For cutting firewood you need a saw that has a wide flat bottom. Because we all know when cutting firewood we have to set the saw down on the ground idling to move or throw that block of wood. Nothing worse then having a saw fall over on its side and the chain has not stopped to idle yet and its dulling itself in the dirt.

The Stihl 038 is the perfect saw to sit upright on the ground, plenty of grunt and plenty reliable.
I had to laugh one time when someone complained to me about how his Husqvarna 346XP would always fall over on its side when he put it down. I said to him " the slim superior handling 346 XP was not designed to sit idling on the ground, it was designed to cut wood in your hands 8 hours a day."

Get a good used Stihl 038.

Willard.

[beenthere]

For cutting firewood you need a saw that has a wide flat bottom. Because we all know when cutting firewood we have to set the saw down on the ground idling to move or throw that block of wood. Nothing worse then having a saw fall over on its side and the chain has not stopped to idle yet and its dulling itself in the dirt.

.....................

Doesn't happen if the idle is set right and/or the brake is set

.....or if the saw isn't set down unless shut off.

[weimedog]

I had to laugh one time when someone complained to me about how his Husqvarna 346XP would always fall over on its side when he put it down. I said to him " the slim superior handling 346 XP was not designed to sit idling on the ground, it was designed to cut wood in your hands 8 hours a day."

Get a good used Stihl 038.

Willard.

And I thought you were going to make another run at the side ways balance concept...its so well side ways balanced..it wants to stay that way!  (For the true nerds out there....and you KNOW who u are! A derivative of the "critically unstable" concept in fighter jet design.....)

Having said that. My 268-272's stay up right...

[Al_Smith]

  Oh leave it to Willard .Why of course an 038 would make a fine firewood saw,it's one of Stihls' finest . You certainly can't compair an 038 to an 029,they aren't even on the same page .

As I've said before I have 3 ,two mags and an Av .One of the mags has spent over 20 hard years in service for a tree company and as beat up as it is the thing still does a days work .As a matter of fact that thing is about due a little tweek so it will wear the firebird logo as a "Smitherized " saw .

[Cut4fun]

I'm with Al and others that mentioned buy a used saw. Man you know how much saw you can get for $300. 

[Al_Smith]

--not to mention how many ---

[HolmenTree]

For cutting firewood you need a saw that has a wide flat bottom. Because we all know when cutting firewood we have to set the saw down on the ground idling to move or throw that block of wood. Nothing worse then having a saw fall over on its side and the chain has not stopped to idle yet and its dulling itself in the dirt.

.....................

Doesn't happen if the idle is set right and/or the brake is set

.....or if the saw isn't set down unless shut off.

All in fun , I don't bother setting my chain brake every time I put my saw down and yes my idle speed is always set where my chain doesn't turn. But when cutting firewood I like to put the saw down quickly and not worry about the chain WHICK TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO STOP TURNING not to cut into the dirt if it should immediately fall over.
I use my wide bottomed Stihls to cut firewood .

Willard.

[HolmenTree]

 (For the true nerds out there....and you KNOW who u are! A derivative of the "critically unstable" concept in fighter jet design.....)

Walter maybe we should keep SawTroll out of this

Willard.

[roostersgt]

Go with a Stihl MS290 Farm Boss. Get a new saw with plenty of power etc.. for your needs, plus a 2 year warranty. All for less than $400. You won't be disappointed.

Steve

[isawlogs]

 If 300$ is the budget as you put it , get the ms 250 . Its about the best you can get for that kind of money.

[roostersgt]

Sorry, didn't see the budget limit. Good choice. Go with the 250 if only have $300 or so to spend.

[Cut4fun]

Stihl 028 Super with oem piston seals and carb kit.  New bar 18" 3/8 050  and used chain for less then that and a whole lot more saw.    I could keep listing used saws forever in that $200-$300 price range.

[Al_Smith]

  I sit here enjoying the afternoon sunlight,sipping a Bud and being amused at two different trains of thought here .Some advocate a new high end homeowners saw and some suggest a pro grade with a little age on it .Differences of opinion are what makes the world an interesting place to live,it's all good .

[Cut4fun]

Yep  got a bunch of ole Bud here too.      

[tyb525]

I have an 038 Mag and a newer 036, both with 20" bars, and I love them both equally. I bought them both for under $300.

I love the 036 for general firewood use, due to it's fairly light weight. I love the 038 for bigger wood and for felling, however I don't mind using it all day for firewood, it's just a little heavier.

I also have a new Husky 455 with a 20" bar, I rarely use it anymore, I guess I could never really get used to it. My brother always uses it if he helps cut, though.

[weimedog]

Walter maybe we should keep SawTroll out of this

Willard.

That is the coolest plane! where did that one come from?

[Cut4fun]

In the smiley section here under more .

[barbender]

My buddy is buying his first saw here, he wants a new one I think. Shiny I agree about the toolless tensioners, they look like something prone to break at 0° F in MN. It seems like the new homeowner husky/Jred homeowner saws are being dumbed down so they will work for the dumbest person who may by chance pick the saw up and try to cut something with it.

[isawlogs]

 I would of gladly pointed him to a good used saw if he had asked about that, but he did ask about a new saw. A hand saw will cut firewood too if one had enough time and energy to cut through the wood 

[Cut4fun]

 I would of gladly pointed him to a good used saw if he had asked about that, but he did ask about a new saw.

Somehow I missed the key word it HAD to be NEW. 

In that case my Bro really likes his MS250. 

[clww]

Go with the MS 250 then.

[downunder Trav]

The husky j,red and stihl are all good saws and will serve the proposed purpose well. I would go the 55 in the husky over the 50 though. Personally I am a stihl fan and would buy one over all other brands for numerous reasons, however for the occasional user, I would advise that you go to the dealer and pick up the saws and have a play with them and see what feels most comfortable and get the dealers to give you a rundown on what servicing you need to do. I.E. get him to show you how easy the filters are to clean and how easy or difficult it is to change chains etc. and while you are doing this get a feel for the dealer, if he seems like he is fobbing you off walk out and buy from the dealer who is willing to spend more time with you, and seems more genuinely interested in you and the product.

There are also other brands out there which are good and sometimes you will wangle a bigger saw for the same price, check out solo, dolmar/makita, EFCO/Oleo mac. These are all fairly reputable and may end up being better value for money for someone who is only cutting the family firewood for the year.

[Red 93 L1 #3383]

I love my Stihl MS 310.  I spent a little more ( $426 including tax, case, 18" bar & 2 loops on 10-1-05 ) & got a little more CC.  I have a buddy with a MS 290 & he loves that saw but the 310 has a little more power.  Both saws are running 18" bars.  My other saws are a pair of 064AV's w/ 20", 25", & 36" bars to use.  I normally get a few 24" -42" diameter 12' long logs each year to cut for firewood.  I love my new 35 ton upright log splitter.

[barbender]

The other thing I should mention is that my buddy is a complete novice, he had never even ran a saw before. That, with his stature (5'5" and 135# or so) made me push for a smaller saw. He picked up my Jred 2171 with a 24" bar and agreed. He picked up a MS250, chaps, and a helmet and he is tickled

[Just Me]

 I was 4 hours away from home and needed a saw "Now" this past weekend. I could not find a XP, so I bought a Rancher 455-20". I cut up four good size trees, big enough that I had to come in from both sides, and it seemed fine. At first it was a bit doggy, but by the third tree it was building more power. I was going to buy an XP when I got around to it, but I am going to give this saw a fair try. May as well, I already own it.

It does have two bolts on the bar, and it is not a tool less adjuster. It was $399 at Farm and Fleet.

[CabinDweller]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the MS 270. I have one and have been very pleased with it. It is a little more than $300 but you get more saw too. Ask your dealer. I haven't heard one yet that doesn't recommend the 270. My uncle cuts with a 250 and it is a great saw too.

[oakcutter]

Take a look at Efco, heard good things.

[SawTroll]

 (For the true nerds out there....and you KNOW who u are! A derivative of the "critically unstable" concept in fighter jet design.....)

Walter maybe we should keep SawTroll out of this

Willard.

Probably the best!   

........but is it has to be a "homeowner" saw, I wonder if he have considered the new MS291?

[DandB Mack]

I would go with a 250 if new, or try to find a used 260pro, or 346xp on the cheap.  I would prefer the used "pro" saws first, better resale and easier to rebuild.

[cgk60]

I have a 6 year old MS 290 and a newer MS 270 both are good saws for firewood, the 270 is smooth as silk.

[ladylake]

  Take a look at look a t a Echo CS400, just over $200 new on fleebay or a Dolmar PS 420  or PS421 just over $300 both built good with 300 hour EPA ratings.  With that nk chain and a muff modd my 40cc CS400 saws cut faster than my Rancher 55  and my 45cc Echo Cs440 and just about dead even with a 56cc Stihl MS290 that I sold.  Those CS400 saws are light and handle great, easy to use.      Steve

[backpack32]

Dolmar 5100. I got mine for $330 new 2 yrs ago. Great saw for firewood.