Chainsaws

Ange,

The bloke at Bunnings put me off the Talon, said it was Chinese made and they get a lot back. I was interested in it at $194, seemed a bargain. Made me think an extra $75 could be a good investment.

Any problems with your's.

Cheers,

Jim.

No problems at all with mine, and yes the bloke was right about getting many back, he was refering to the first lot that hit the shelves. They were shocking. But they really have sorted out the problems now. But saying that Jim, all models have problems. I see it as luck of the draw really. But like all my stuff, i look after it and dont abuse it. Its cheaper that way in the long run.
WHatever you decide, good luck

Thanks Ange.

I bought a 16inch Ryobi a couple of years ago and am very happy with it. It has cut many trailer loads. I also have found that the Talon 16 inch is exactly the same apart from colour. The mower shops sell another exactly the same under the MTB (I think) brand and some internet research at the time found a McCulloch 16inch model exactly the same. The mower shop told me that all 4 brands are rebadged McCullochs. Prices have dropped over the last couple of years. Other brands with good reputations are of course Stihl (I saw one for $399 last weekend - 14inch I think) Poulan is very well made I'm told by a repairer who has had years of experience. Small petrol engines seem to be getting cheaper by the day - I saw a generator at Bunnings for $98!!

Good point Bob but I don't plan to use it at any unreasonable times. Maybe 5 or 10 minutes in the middle of the day, well away from campsites so as not to upset anyone.

On the weekend we struggled to get a decent fire going for the camp oven. the wood we gathered was to small and burnt away too quickly. I was standing looking at a pile of logs around 4-5 inches thick which were to big for the tomahawk, and I kept thinking, if only I had a chainsaw.

Cheers,

Jim.

Thanks Stew,

What's a CRT agent?

Cheers,

Jim.

Hmm,

Maybe the bow saw is a better alternative. How long is it and how quick does it get through a log?

jim.

600mm, very quick

I agree the bow saw is a great option, and you sleep well afterwards too.

How quick does it go through a log?

Depends how hard you push it. I know a guy who would be as quick with a bow saw as most people are with a chainsaw. Personally I am a lot slower but how often do you need it.

I always use the drag and break principal for firewood collection and have never had a problem. Even when building up a bed of coals for the camp oven if you build the fire properly you can get the job done with light stuff.

The main reason I have been encouraged to carry a chainsaw was to remove fallen logs from the track. Never had to do that either. I carry a large axe 'cause I've got one and I have hardly ever used that either.

Just my 2c
Duncs

I forgot to mention that we use a Husqvarna at work. Not sure of the model but it is a real big one. Bloody heavy.

Thanks Jack,

Great feedback.

When you say a "simple bush saw", what exactly is this and where do you get one? The idea of of different blades for different wood sounds great.

Thanks,

Jim.

Hi Jim:

I *think* they are commonly called a bow saw - normally there is a release on the handle which takes the tension off the blade to allow you to change them, then pull the handle back to get the tensiion back into them.

If you like I can photograph mine (looks pretty tatty, but still cuts) and a pic of each of the blades. I get the good Sandvick blades every time. Not that expensive.

I have a bit of plastic tubing that I fit the blades into (attached to the saw) so that it does not tangle/cut stuff up in my tool box, nor my fingers as I am ratting around trying to find it. Give me an email and I can get the pics for you tomorrow (when the sun comes up).

Jack

Sorry - forgot to mention that you can get them from almost any hardware store. But the important thing is to make sure you have the correct blades. After that the cutting is dead easy.

Jack

Mate,

Only a half a ton? Jenny reckons I could drop a forrest, that's why she won't sleep in the same bed as me.

Get's better after a few brews, the wilderness could be in danger.