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Chain Saw Chat

13468914

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭wayoutwest


    Managed to get hold of a Husky 154 se that wasn't starting .Gave it a clean out and replaced missing idler screw and replaced starter cover with a 254 one. Had it compression tested, and it was only very slightly below what its meant to be -so was delighted, considering that it is 35 years old (1984) - It's basically an early version of the 254 XP.20181014_094648.jpg
    I have an 18 year old 365 Special that I use for everything and thought that the 154 might be good for smaller stuff and delimbing if it had a smaller bar - it presently has a 16" bar with .325 chain.The 365 has a 3/8 chain, plus i have a 3/8 easyfile....so was thinking of getting a 3/8 chain on a 13" bar (+ 3/8 drive sprocket ?). Is this a good idea, or should i stick to a .325 chain (on 13" bar) ?.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,085 ✭✭✭bogman_bass


    Seem to be a good few zomax saws around here now. Anybody any experience of them?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,280 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Seem to be a good few zomax saws around here now. Anybody any experience of them?

    Chinese made saws, I believe.
    I'd buy a Makita/Echo/Oleo-Mac before a Zomax.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 194 ✭✭huntsman77


    Brother has a zomax zm5010 bought from local lad that does all the small engine repairs round here. Said he can get any parts for it and walbro carb in them as good as any. It's easy start and impressive power wise hasent done big pile of work but 3 year old trouble free.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,085 ✭✭✭bogman_bass


    That was the big thing that interested me that the guy selling them said he could have parts next day. I knowthey’re Chinese but seem much better than what you normally get from there.
    However got a good deal on an oleo-mac GSH-510


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 15 Stan.


    Best deal online or collection in Cork City for Aspen?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭invicta


    Stan. wrote: »
    Best deal online or collection in Cork City for Aspen?

    Around €23/5l
    Can’t see it being sold online due to its volatility!


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 15 Stan.


    Bought some online today.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭invicta


    Stan. wrote: »
    Bought some online today.

    Will the courier companies handle it?
    I thought they have a policy on inflamable or dangerous goods???


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 15 Stan.


    Fastway will be delivering it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,280 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    invicta wrote: »
    Will the courier companies handle it?
    I thought they have a policy on inflamable or dangerous goods???

    They have no problem delivering shotgun and rifle cartridges.
    Last time a I bought some, the driver couldn't find the house, so left a voice mail telling me they were inside the door of the local Centra........


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭ganmo


    ganmo wrote: »
    Ordered a black and decker battery powered one for about 120 so we’ll see how I get on

    I finally got some action out of this saw over the weekend.
    the battery lasts about half an hour which is grand for me, 6 hour recharge time though.

    one major issue i have with it is it has no automatic oiler


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 449 ✭✭SCOL


    Just out of interest where can I buy shotgun and rifle cartridges online ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,280 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    SCOL wrote: »
    Just out of interest where can I buy shotgun and rifle cartridges online ?
    Most sports stores with an online presence will sell online, or more precisely, over the phone.
    I rang up to enquire about prices, agreed a deal and then had to text on photos of my licence ( both sides) plus photos of my passport and driving licence.
    When these had been recieved, I rang back with my debit card details. Debit card would need to match the ID name, address and details, as would (should) the delivery address .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,126 ✭✭✭tabby aspreme


    I need to get some bits for the saw, is there much difference between the quality of Stihl, and Oregon cutting bars and chain


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭wayoutwest


    I need to get some bits for the saw, is there much difference between the quality of Stihl, and Oregon cutting bars and chain

    Not sure about bars, but a tree surgeon once told me that the oregon chains were softer and easier to shapen - Stihl chains were harder, stay sharp for longer but take longer to file.
    He used nothing but Japanese made Sugihara bars.....they are expensive but meant to be very hard wearing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 699 ✭✭✭niallam


    JayZeus wrote: »
    Perfect for holding a door open or for those other occasions when you don’t need a working chainsaw.

    Junk saw. Try to find a used 340, 345 or 350 if money is tight.

    Never had an issue with my 236? Cuts fine, won’t take down a 24” oak easily but for someone doing small firewood it’s fine. I paid €120 ex vat from the UK
    I’d rather a cheap branded new saw over most 2nd hand ones and over any of the Chinese zenoah copies.

    I also have a 550xp and 365x-torq but a cheap little saw like the 236 always has a place ;)


  • Posts: 3,637 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    niallam wrote: »
    Never had an issue with my 236? Cuts fine, won’t take down a 24” oak easily but for someone doing small firewood it’s fine. I paid €120 ex vat from the UK
    I’d rather a cheap branded new saw over most 2nd hand ones and over any of the Chinese zenoah copies.

    I also have a 550xp and 365x-torq but a cheap little saw like the 236 always has a place ;)

    You have a 550 and 365, so you know the 236 doesn’t deserve a Husqvarna decal. It’s cheap and nasty electrolux junk, no better than any €100 chinese saw.

    As something to lend to someone you don’t like, it’s perfect. Why would anyone with a 550xp want to use a 236?

    As Dougal would say, “That’s mad, Ted’.


  • Posts: 3,637 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    wayoutwest wrote: »
    Managed to get hold of a Husky 154 se that wasn't starting .Gave it a clean out and replaced missing idler screw and replaced starter cover with a 254 one. Had it compression tested, and it was only very slightly below what its meant to be -so was delighted, considering that it is 35 years old (1984) - It's basically an early version of the 254 XP.20181014_094648.jpg
    I have an 18 year old 365 Special that I use for everything and thought that the 154 might be good for smaller stuff and delimbing if it had a smaller bar - it presently has a 16" bar with .325 chain.The 365 has a 3/8 chain, plus i have a 3/8 easyfile....so was thinking of getting a 3/8 chain on a 13" bar (+ 3/8 drive sprocket ?). Is this a good idea, or should i stick to a .325 chain (on 13" bar) ?.

    Smashing saw Tim. Stick with .325 on it IMHO. I have 16” bars for my 254 and find it’s just about perfect for limbing and small firewood use. It’ll pull full size 3/8 but the saw’s built to take .325 and with the right chain you’ll be well pleased I’m sure.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭wayoutwest


    JayZeus wrote: »
    Smashing saw Tim. Stick with .325 on it IMHO. I have 16” bars for my 254 and find it’s just about perfect for limbing and small firewood use. It’ll pull full size 3/8 but the saw’s built to take .325 and with the right chain you’ll be well pleased I’m sure.

    Cheers JayZeus. I had a use for it the other day - clearing up a garden that was littered with fallen Ash limbs.Had the 16" bar +.325 chain that it came with- was smiling at the aggressive lively power it had + lighter than the 365 (by a kilo or two)) - total pleasure to use and not a problem with starting it (hot or cold). It stands me at €150 ,which is €100 less than a new 236, that I was going to buy.
    I think you are right about keeping 16"" bar and .325 - it felt like a nice light, fast setup + good reach without being unwieldy. The bar is in great condition , but the chain is halfway - what make/type of chain would you recommend i get for limbing/small firewood ?

    ---wayoutwest (not Tim !)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 699 ✭✭✭niallam


    JayZeus wrote: »
    You have a 550 and 365, so you know the 236 doesn’t deserve a Husqvarna decal. It’s cheap and nasty electrolux junk, no better than any €100 chinese saw.

    As something to lend to someone you don’t like, it’s perfect. Why would anyone with a 550xp want to use a 236?

    As Dougal would say, “That’s mad, Ted’.


    I use it as a ‘rescue’ saw only. If I ever do get the 550 pinched it will get me out of a hole, I don’t bring the 365 too many places with me as it’s not the most nimble for tight spots :)
    Also if I ever suspect there’s barbed wire grown into a tree I use the 236... see, every saw has its use ;)


  • Posts: 3,637 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    niallam wrote: »
    I use it as a ‘rescue’ saw only. If I ever do get the 550 pinched it will get me out of a hole, I don’t bring the 365 too many places with me as it’s not the most nimble for tight spots :)
    Also if I ever suspect there’s barbed wire grown into a tree I use the 236... see, every saw has its use ;)

    You make some good points :)
    wayoutwest wrote: »
    Cheers JayZeus. I had a use for it the other day - clearing up a garden that was littered with fallen Ash limbs.Had the 16" bar +.325 chain that it came with- was smiling at the aggressive lively power it had + lighter than the 365 (by a kilo or two)) - total pleasure to use and not a problem with starting it (hot or cold). It stands me at €150 ,which is €100 less than a new 236, that I was going to buy.
    I think you are right about keeping 16"" bar and .325 - it felt like a nice light, fast setup + good reach without being unwieldy. The bar is in great condition , but the chain is halfway - what make/type of chain would you recommend i get for limbing/small firewood ?

    ---wayoutwest (not Tim !)

    Sorry. Always getting you two mixed up. :o

    Oregon 20BPX (1.3mm/.050") or 21BPX (1.5mm/.058") is what I've used for years now on the smaller husky saws (<65-70cc). Usually use 15, 16 and 18" bars depending on what saw and what I'm at. I know there's probably 'better' choices but I've always found it easy to get, fairly durable and easy to sharpen with a few licks and back to work again.

    I have a few 13" 1.3mm GB sprocket nose bars bought for a good price for small firewood work and my husky dealer suggested I try the X-Cut SP33G (I had to look that up!) and I've been very pleased with it. Only in 1.3mm size at the moment but plenty of length options. Made in Sweden at a newly built Husqvarna facility, designed and developed in house. It's good to see that kind of thing being done these days but the thing that struck me about it as a chain is that it's very well finished and seems to hold an edge about as well as Stihl RSC which is what I'd put on the bigger saws. Most of what I'm cutting with it is 6-10" diameter birch crotches and bends and some pine and spruce tops that have been dragged in the dirt on their way out, now needing to be cut to an easy to handle size to feed into a Hakki Pilke saw/splitter. Plenty of sand and grit and the bars and chains are holding up well. That keep me happy to pass on the recommendation if you can get that chain locally yourself.

    Anyway, small bar and .325's the right stuff. I should have said, that saw with a small sprocket nose bar and good oiling will easily spin a chain on an 8 tooth drive sprocket, if you wanted it and you're up to working at pace safely.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭wayoutwest


    JayZeus wrote: »
    You make some good points :)



    Sorry. Always getting you two mixed up. :o

    Oregon 20BPX (1.3mm/.050") or 21BPX (1.5mm/.058") is what I've used for years now on the smaller husky saws (<65-70cc). Usually use 15, 16 and 18" bars depending on what saw and what I'm at. I know there's probably 'better' choices but I've always found it easy to get, fairly durable and easy to sharpen with a few licks and back to work again.

    I have a few 13" 1.3mm GB sprocket nose bars bought for a good price for small firewood work and my husky dealer suggested I try the X-Cut SP33G (I had to look that up!) and I've been very pleased with it. Only in 1.3mm size at the moment but plenty of length options. Made in Sweden at a newly built Husqvarna facility, designed and developed in house. It's good to see that kind of thing being done these days but the thing that struck me about it as a chain is that it's very well finished and seems to hold an edge about as well as Stihl RSC which is what I'd put on the bigger saws. Most of what I'm cutting with it is 6-10" diameter birch crotches and bends and some pine and spruce tops that have been dragged in the dirt on their way out, now needing to be cut to an easy to handle size to feed into a Hakki Pilke saw/splitter. Plenty of sand and grit and the bars and chains are holding up well. That keep me happy to pass on the recommendation if you can get that chain locally yourself.

    Anyway, small bar and .325's the right stuff. I should have said, that saw with a small sprocket nose bar and good oiling will easily spin a chain on an 8 tooth drive sprocket, if you wanted it and you're up to working at pace safely.

    Great info JayZeus -thanks........ although I didn't understand the last bit about small sprocket nose bar/ 8 tooth drive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭wayoutwest


    JayZeus wrote: »
    Perfect for holding a door open or for those other occasions when you don’t need a working chainsaw.

    Junk saw. Try to find a used 340, 345 or 350 if money is tight.

    After googling lots of reviews on the 236 - it seems like its a cheaply made, plastic saw but works fine for occasional use and for the money, its ok.......kind of top of range junk.

    JayZeus - you might have been a little harsh on the 236......now if you want a PROPER doorstop, then one of these little beauty's might suit ya.

    Self-assembly-chai_2987518b.jpg

    1000 of them seized by UK customs, describing them as 'very dangerous'. Apart from being an offensive colour, the list of faults included - chainbrake not working under correct pressure and kill switch taking 5 seconds to cut the engine.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,773 Mod ✭✭✭✭blue5000


    blue5000 wrote: »
    Does anyone know where to get a coil for an early 90's Jonsered. I am confused by ebay's offerings with a wide range of prices from 7 to 40 odd quid. Is a 7.99 coil from Hong kong worth a gamble?
    JayZeus wrote: »
    No. On the gamble.

    What’s the part number or saw model and serial number? I might have what you need.

    Thanks Neks and JayZeus, got it fixed locally after

    If the seat's wet, sit on yer hat, a cool head is better than a wet ar5e.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,409 ✭✭✭Sami23


    Looking for advice please.
    Where would be the best online shop to buy some chainsaw PPE especially the Helmet at good value.
    TIA


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭invicta


    You can currently get the pants, helmet and gloves in the one box for €139 in any Husqvarna dealers-all ‘genuine’ husqvarna gear


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 699 ✭✭✭niallam


    Sami23 wrote: »
    Looking for advice please.
    Where would be the best online shop to buy some chainsaw PPE especially the Helmet at good value.
    TIA

    Look at Englebert Strauss in Germany.
    I’m 6’8” and off the shelf stuff never fits, they literally do their clothes by the length and width and they’re great value and very good fitting stuff.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,561 ✭✭✭Melodeon


    niallam wrote: »
    I’m 6’8” and off the shelf stuff never fits...
    I'm reminded of a forestry event I was at a good few years ago where the organisers had a draw for a pair of chainsaw trousers.
    The roundiest man I've ever seen won!
    He appeared to be about 5 foot tall and about the same around the midriff.
    The guy from the PPE importer/agency was last seen frantically searching through their catalogue to see if they did chainsaw trousers in 60" waist/24" inseam :D

    On a more serious note, for PPE to be effective, it must be used.
    PPE that is uncomfortable, awkward, poorly-fitting, or a hindrance is much more likely to be unused or discarded.
    Trousers that strangle the nether regions when you crouch down or bend over, or a helmet that gives you a headache or that constantly falls off or that you can't see out of properly, or boots that pinch your heel or that make a painful crease across your toes when you walk, are all a waste of time and money no matter how expensive or well regarded the brand name.

    My brother used to be trying to buy chainsaw boots online, and eventually had to give in and go to a proper bricks-n-mortar shop where he could try them on and do a walkabout test.
    He used to be half crippled after an hour or two, and now doesn't know himself with properly fitting boots.

    TLDR: Get PPE that fits and is comfortable for YOU.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭00wyk


    I've recently moved back to Ireland after a stint stateside. I used to work an estate in Waterford, but have now moved in with my wife's family in Bray. Does anyone know if someone can use an experienced sawman/groundsman in North Wicklow?
    Thanks in advance!


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  • Posts: 3,637 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    00wyk wrote: »
    I've recently moved back to Ireland after a stint stateside. I used to work an estate in Waterford, but have now moved in with my wife's family in Bray. Does anyone know if someone can use an experienced sawman/groundsman in North Wicklow?
    Thanks in advance!

    Welcome back and best of luck on the job hunt.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 40 Chestvalve


    00wyk wrote: »
    I've recently moved back to Ireland after a stint stateside. I used to work an estate in Waterford, but have now moved in with my wife's family in Bray. Does anyone know if someone can use an experienced sawman/groundsman in North Wicklow?
    Thanks in advance!

    What tickets have you?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭00wyk


    Chestvalve wrote: »
    What tickets have you?
    Just the 30 and 31 for certs. Most of my experience is logging stateside and on a large estate in Waterford. I'm too old for climbing. Mostly good for felling and groundwork.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,441 ✭✭✭have2flushtwice


    When I'm cutting with my saw, something is going wrong with the cuts. If I cut into the trunk at 90 degrees to the ground, it sometimes curves a bit. Then when I go to do the second cut to form the wedge that falls out, the cut curves again. And then the two cuts don't meet and sometimes the saw gets tight as the bar is straight but the cut isn't.
    Any idea what's going wrong? I'm not new to using a saw but this has happened more and more lately.
    Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 573 ✭✭✭timfromtang


    Hi flush twice,
    I'd say its likely a bar and chain problem.
    Especially on smaller saws if all the bits are not right she wont cut right.


    To cure the problem you can try these....


    Dress the bar making sure the top edges of the chain groove are square and flat across (bar dressing tool, or draw file).


    Check the chain groove carefully, is it wide anywhere, is it the correct width, is is still deep enough? Check the nose sprocket carefully too. Is the bar perfectly straight and untwisted (test by laying the bar on a flat surface and testing for rocking when you press the corners and edges, test with the bar laying on both sides).


    Sharpen the chain PERFECTLY making sure all teeth are the same length and angle, that the correct size file is used, and that the rakers depth and shape is correct.


    Reinstall chain and bar and test, remove the chain and turn the bar over and test again.
    To test cut two biscuits from the end of a log of similar size to the timber you encountered the problem with, one downwards, the other upwards using the top of the bar, cut at full revs.


    Did your saw cut straight on both tests?
    Did your saw still cut crooked on one or both tests?


    crooked on both -> look at chain and groove on bar again carefully
    Crooked on one -> look at both edges of the bar and find the difference which is causing the problem.


    hope this helps
    tim


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭stock>


    Tim from tang has put up a excellent post but if you are having difficulty edging the chain I'd suggest you get a new one and try it if the same issues are there then it's a bar issue if not your chain is incorrectly sharpened.
    Are you free filing? or are you using a machine?
    If you are free hand get one of these..........................
    cs-x-3-2-rgb.png

    https://www.pferd.com/int-en/products/files/sharpening-files/chain-saw-sharpeners-chain-sharp/chain-sharp-cs-x-chain-saw-sharpeners/pos-packaging/pos-packaging/cs-x-3-2/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 573 ✭✭✭timfromtang


    oops that reminds me.......... another thing to inspect for is wear, especially uneven wear on the underside of the chain, both where it rubs on the bar and the condition of the drive links.......
    if in doubt replace the chain,

    if replacing the chain examine the sprocket, typically you'd fit a new one of those about every five chains or so,
    when she's tickety boo shell cut like a charm.
    tim


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,518 ✭✭✭893bet


    When I'm cutting with my saw, something is going wrong with the cuts. If I cut into the trunk at 90 degrees to the ground, it sometimes curves a bit. Then when I go to do the second cut to form the wedge that falls out, the cut curves again. And then the two cuts don't meet and sometimes the saw gets tight as the bar is straight but the cut isn't.
    Any idea what's going wrong? I'm not new to using a saw but this has happened more and more lately.
    Thanks.

    Bar groove is wide I would bet. Most likely as a result of using a blunt chain and leaning on it over time.

    I have concluded it’s best to let a professional edge the saw. Then be careful not to cut a nail, wire or earth in error.

    The saw should eat through the timber on the weight of itself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,441 ✭✭✭have2flushtwice


    Last time I got my chain filed professionally it was 8 quid. Unreal difference. He gave me a few tips and I bought two files, 2euro each. Put them into my Stihl file and tried but couldn't match his sharpness.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 563 ✭✭✭robclay26


    am looking at a Husqvarna 445 with 18” bar, anybody got any reviews on them? They any good ?
    Cheers


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭stock>


    If it has the spannerless chain adjustment leave it where it is, chain will keep loosening at least it did on the one I had..............................................


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 563 ✭✭✭robclay26


    stock> wrote: »
    If it has the spannerless chain adjustment leave it where it is, chain will keep loosening at least it did on the one I had..............................................

    Interesting, one I’m looking at has a screw driver tensioning


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭stock>


    So has it got a single nut to hold the bar...............


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,423 ✭✭✭pburns


    stock> wrote: »
    If it has the spannerless chain adjustment leave it where it is, chain will keep loosening at least it did on the one I had..............................................

    I haven't experienced that too bad so far. However they can sometimes feel a bit brittle when you want to remove the gear cover & a bit of brute force required.

    I'm a bit of an amateur tho in comparison to most on this thread...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭Heavy handed


    Have a old Stihl 020av top handler saw coming to me at the end of the week. Needs a few little bits but there’s a part in after that’s long been discontinued by Stihl and can’t find one online either and it’s the black handle grip. I’ll try get a pic up later if I can. Does anyone have an old 020 lying about for parts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 251 ✭✭Thepillowman


    Have a old Stihl 020av top handler saw coming to me at the end of the week. Needs a few little bits but there’s a part in after that’s long been discontinued by Stihl and can’t find one online either and it’s the black handle grip. I’ll try get a pic up later if I can. Does anyone have an old 020 lying about for parts.

    Check out huztl.net good for bits and pieces .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭Heavy handed


    Check out huztl.net good for bits and pieces .

    Just had a look thought that website. Unfortunately the only part they carry to suit my saw is a fuel pick up line. Looks like the little 020av is a bit on the old side for most parts


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,192 ✭✭✭TeaBagMania


    edit: Neka beat me to it :)

    dont forget to check ebay north america too


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