Thread: Size Chainsaw for Firewood?

Originally Posted by rick130

OK, I wasn't going to get into the brand stuff, but I'm damned if I'd pay $1200 for a consumer grade POS 64cc saw

A Makita DCS6401 would run rings around an MS391, it's three times the saw, built to pro specs, almost half the price and built in Germany by Dolmar who have been making petrol powered chainsaws longer than Stihl (Fact, and have been owned by Makita since 1991)

For an extra $150 or so you can have a 73cc DCS7301 that runs alongside the Husky 372XP and creams the MS440 Stihl, with anti-vibe the equal of the Husky and miles ahead of the Stihl.
For another 150-200 you can have the DCS7901 which is yes, 79cc and blows the doors off an MS460 and easily beats the old MS064 (I've run them side by side, and I modified the muffler and re-tuned the 064)

The new MS441 is a really good saw, but are stupidly priced.
The MS361 has really poor air filtration, it isn't suitable for Australian timber/conditions, particularly firewood use, but I'm not sure about the new MS362.

Stihls are so ridiculously overpriced in this country it's almost immoral.

Thanks heaps for the advice on the Makita 6401. I did a heap of research on US sites and today just got one delivered for $770 from a place in South Oz. It was half the price of the equiverlant Stihl or Husky
Once this wind stops i'll be out giving it a go

Originally Posted by vogue

Thanks heaps for the advice on the Makita 6401. I did a heap of research on US sites and today just got one delivered for $770 from a place in South Oz. It was half the price of the equiverlant Stihl or Husky
Once this wind stops i'll be out giving it a go

You won't be disappointed

I'll be interested to see what chain it's supplied with.
If it's the bent over raker full chisel safety chain, get some semi-chisel loops for firewood use, and there's a little bit of art in making those safety chains cut well too, but the 'Vanguard' chain isn't too slow but isn't ideal for firewood/dirty timber use.

For chains and consumables a good mate of mine in South Oz can't be beaten for service and price.
Drop Matt a line at Riverland Saw Chain Supply and tell him Rick and Serg suggested you buy the saw on the Landy forum, he'll get a laugh out of it (he actually likes Landies, too)
Matt's number is 0438 813 459, email riverlandsawchain@gmail.com

BTW, he runs a couple of ported 7901 Dolmars (Makita's) for tree felling (as well as a worked over 390XP and 3120XP Huskies)

Congrats on the new saw, you won't be disappointed. A few tips. ONLY use fresh petrol and a hi quality 2t aircooled oil. Don't worry about the manual telling you to run the ratio at 25:1 if using non-dolmar branded oil. Mix at 50-1. If you are not familiar with tuning, take it to your local dealer. Be upfront, buy a few chains and stuff and ask to tune. Pop off the top cover and see how the air filter clicks in and out.

Only run sharp chains
Clean air filters regularly
Dump fuel and idle dry if not using for 2 weeks or more.
Run bp 98 octane (this has no ethanol)
Dont blip throttle or run at half throttle. Get use to using at full throttle and adjusting pressure with your touch.

Originally Posted by uninformed

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Dump fuel and idle dry if not using for 2 weeks or more.

[snip]

I know everyone recommends this, but I've never liked it and have never done it.
It just doesn't sit right with me when you rely on the fuel to carry your lube.

As Serg said, use good fuel, I also use BP Ultimate and use a high quality JASO FC/FD oil.
The manual will say 40:1 with non branded oil or 50:1 with Makita/Dolmar oil.
Either ratio is OK.

Either is ok as long as tune is adjusted to fuel/oil ratio

I'm not sure how idling dry will hurt. There is a film there until it stops dead. I have done it on all my stuff for a few years now. Nothing dead yet, but then again most not opened up to check???

Originally Posted by uninformed

[snip]

I'm not sure how idling dry will hurt. There is a film there until it stops dead.
[snip]

I know, but I just have this thing in my head that no fuel/lean and a two stroke =

Yeah but you wear crocs......so something isn't right already

Welcome to the DOLMARio GRIN,despite it being a Makita
Once you get your head around sharpening chain,its an art,you will love to see the chips fly off a full chisel chain,until you learn sharpening stick with the semi chisel,full chisel either cut or dont
Andrew