Best chain Saw , for cutting firewood.

scotsmac

Im looking small easy handle chain saw for cutting logs from dead branches for my home fire. Iv no experiance so something simple. Petrol as more easy move about. As I will only use few times per year, I dont want spend mega money, but I want something reliable and easy to use for beginner. What recommendation should I look at ?, for cutting logs, from fallen trees. UK only. 

Davesnave

Petrol saws are all 2 strokes and if they go into hibernation for half the year they can be reluctant to start again. Then there's the faffing-about with petrol and oil mixing.....

The obvious answer if you really have enough work for it is a battery saw; perhaps something from a company like Makita if you already use their rechargeable batteries for other tools. If you don't, the cost of batteries and charger can push the cost up.

As you don't want to spend mega -money, something from a company like Mountfield might be OK and one step up from unbranded.

I have a Stihl MSA200C, which is a remarkably good, reliable bit of kit, and very safe, but I have enough work to make it cheap in the long run.

Justagardener

With Dave on the battery saws just bought a stihl Msa220c I was amazed at the speed and power. It replaced the equivalent petrol model and i havent been disappointed. 

Davesnave

A second thought: if you are willing to sacrifice the convenience of being cordless, a mains powered saw in the back yard would work out much cheaper. I had a £50 Titan from Screwfix for about 5 years before it finally stripped its gears. At £10 a year it didn't owe me anything! Now I use a posher Makita, which should last somewhat longer. It's quieter and nicer to use, but the difference isn't staggering.

My static saw is attached to this:

http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/portek-log-master-saw-horse

Makes sawing up larger logs quick, safe and there's no danger of blunting the chain by touching the ground.

Don't forget basic safety kit. Even the little Stihl is capable of severing toes, or worse!

scotsmac

Thanks for some good answers. 
I here what you say on the hassle of Petrol. Ill be using it to cut logs for my home fire. I dont want spend more than £150. 
Is second hand an option ? And the to look. 

I also have to think on safety being a novice, and agree the rechargable battery is good option, its finding one thats in my price range. 

scotsmac

Bosch UniversalChain 18 Cordless Chainsaw

Would this do the job ??

Davesnave

Looks as if it's limited to branches of around 8cm  diameter and would be hard work on anything much larger.

silverwhistle

I can second the vote for a Titan corded model which I use to prep all the scrounged wood I get hold off. Can't remember where I got my helmet and my gloves came from a specialist stall at an Italian show, and I wouldn't be without them. I do make do without leggings but am very careful.

Some of the rounds I've got are a bit big for it, so I'll have to take it easy with a new chain and won't be able to use my log holder; but mine too is about 5 years now, but doesn't see the work Dave's does, I imagine.

scotsmac

Im basically needing it for cutting logs. I live in rural area, with lots big dead trees and branches lying round, that I can cut and take away. Hence something not so big, and not something for a pro. When Im in my van I can stop cut wood fill fe bags and Im good for few months.
So far I like this, 

BLACK+DECKER 36 V Lithium-Ion Chainsaw, 30 cm.

Would this do the job, or could I find a better 14in , for less money. 

Davesnave

I think no one is answering now because what you seem to be proposing is theft.

scotsmac

Theft ???
Where. My friend owns a farm with loads dead trees, and he asked me go any time. Also side my house, the council guys are chopping down a few trees, and they are more than happy me take away any logs.