I own a tree business. I am in the business of cutting down hazardous and sick trees--and what a crazy business it is. I own five chain saws ranging from tiny to massive. I can honestly say I have a love/hate relationship with the chain saw--the loudest most dangerous tool you absolutely cannot live without if you have a farm or some land.
Stihl is a German brand of chain saw that you will not find at the Home Depot. If you are some guy who owns a little land and may need to use a chain saw once a year but you are enamored of the macho image of this tool, then go down to Orchard Supply or Home Depot and get one of the crappy McCullough or Homelite's. These saws are specifically designed for the homeowner who likes to feel manly but doesn't actually need a chain saw that he may need to use a few times a month for up to five hours at a time.
If you are not a poser and really need one chain saw to last the next ten years--save your self a lot of heartache and go to your nearest authorized Stihl dealer (look in the yellow pages) and shell out for a Stihl 029. It will run you about a hundred dollars more than the crud they have at the Home Depot, but don't cry--the value is there.
Here are some tips to get you on the road to chainsaw mastery.
1. After you buy it take it home and take it apart. I am serious. You will get a scrench--a special tool that is made just for your chain saw. Use this to take the bar and chain off, figure out the chain tensioner, take the air filter off, etc. Figure out the basic parts and how they fit together BEFORE the saw is covered in woodchips and grease out in the yard.
2. Buy an extra chain. Keep this in the garage. If you throw a chain while in the middle of cutting a bunch of brush you won't have to interrupt your project to go down to the saw shop and get your chain fixed--just slap on the spare.
3. Only use Stihl brand mix and bar oil and only mix your gas in the recommended 50:1 ratio (the one shot containers make this easy). ALWAYS REFILL YOUR BAR OIL EVERY TIME YOU GAS UP. 'Nuff said.
4. Clean your air filter on a regular basis. Your saw will run better.
5. KEEP YOUR CHAIN SHARP. A dull chain is dangerous and increases operator fatigue. Remember, if you dip a running saw into the dirt for even a micro-second your saw chain can be instantly dulled. Don't be a dipper. Cut stuff that is lying on the ground with care.
6. When you put your saw away for storage pour the mixed gas out. Mix goes bad after a few months and it can rot your fuel hoses.
7. Always wear safety gear--especially ear protection and goggles!
8. Take chain saw ownership seriously and you will be rewarded for many years to come.






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