Best Chainsaw fror Preppers

[Skew59]

Sorry Alan but the Army lost the Husquvarnas a few years ago. Currently using Makita, even they're going through a mod phase now!

[Huorn]

Thanks for all the feedback folks.... It's a tough call but I think I'll be going for the Husqvarna XP350. I'll pick up some chain oil and 2 stroke oil as well as a spare chain or 2. What other spares would be worth keeping on hand?

I'd get a spare bar too as they don't last for ever.

H

[skinnyj]

A couple of spare spark plugs of the correct type would be a fairly cheap and sensible option.

[scoobie]

The correct profile file and guide for sharpening the chain

Spare pull start?

[bigpaul]

Dont like chainsaws, nearly lost my left leg in a chainsaw accident 35 years ago! i stick to Phillips saws and bow saws, takes a bit longer to cut the firewood but its a helleva lot safer, especially in my hands and cos as someone else said Petrol will not last for ever post SHTF!

[centralscot]

I was considering a chainsaw too, but long term I wonder if its the best solution as fuel may become unobatinable. There is also agree about the safety issues, I would stongly suggest anyone buying a chainsaw also buy the protective trousers too.

There is an alternative

http://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/aca ... ducts.html
I covert a two man saw about a 3rd of the way down this page, it requires no fuel and I am pretty sure it would outlast me.

Also if you dont want to attract attention its pretty quiet too .

[skippy]

Its not an ideal solution no ... if the SHTF then no powered tools are going to have much in the way of longevity however for short to medium term use in a crisis / power cut / etc etc then a chainsaw .. with the protective chaps... is a great tool. It makes cutting up old pallets for firewood a two minute job (watch out for nails)

Skips

[TomW]

Personally a stihl fan but have little experience of other brands so not best placed. Highly reccomend getting the appropriate safety gear though. I didn't put my trousers on once and nearly took my leg off, one warning was enough for me:)
Spares for me would be a bar, couple of chains, sparkplug, air filter, fuel filter and tools including the right files and guides. Some instruction in how to sharpen would be wise too! Perhaps one of the more experienced chainsaw users would like to do an instructional piece?

ETA: I wouldn't go with bigger than 14" guidebar unless you've got some experience. If its too big for that bar its a pretty big job! Trying to cut logs with a 24" bar could be difficult too

[skippy]

A clear guide on u tube
http://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/woodlan ... -chainsaw/

And also the other inportant thing ..... the guide bar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnj2EgSKlDs


Should get you on the right track

Skips

[the-gnole]

Mine is a 14" JCB, but don't get to use it so often these days. I used it about 6 months ago after it had sat in the shed for about 18months, took a few tries to get it going, but it ran well.