What Chainsaw do you run?

Bad storms + dying Willow means free firewood. I call it the giving tree.

Going to have to get the 251 out before winterizing it:

 

Why on earth would you do this "winterizing it" Fall winter and early spring is when I run my Saws the most. In the warmer times, I hate getting sticky saw chips on my sweaty body! -Oh well to each their own!

 

Typically “winterization” takes place during any season when prolonged lack of use occurs. I use a small amount of stabil in the fuel tank and run the saw until it smokes a bit and shut it down. Leave it on the rack with the tensioner loose and the bar oil full.
Leaves the fuel lines full and less likely to dry out.

 

If that is what works best for you - so be it. I - for the last 40 years of wood heating and chain saw use have never done this. Maybe in my olden days of a Poulan or cheapy Homelite I should have. Nowadays running nothing but Stihls including a 20 y/o (021) and a 17 y/o (170) , and a new 261CM, they set all summer (in my garage) and start right up. Especially the new 261 with the M-tronic system. I NEVER let them set for more than 6-8 months without running. all of the saws are given TLC during "cutting time", which is anytime I come across free/easy wood. Only time I WILL NOT cut is when it so hot and/or humid that I am sweating.
Actually I am going out tomorrow to cut some wood for Daughter and SIL in St Louis. I am waiting for them to tell me what size "SOLO" fire pit they have.

 

My little 170 got put to work this last week. I would really like to find a 440. I don't need a 440. Just want

 

Are you looking to find a used saw? If so pay no attention to the rest of this. I spent a bit extra and went to the smallest of the Professional saws -the 261CM. this is one sweet saw that has all of the power I need. My SIL has a 661CM (36 bar) and a 362CM (24 bar) so If I ever needed BIG -I have access to that. That 661 is so big and heavy with the 36 bar -I would not trust this old bod (ME) to cut with it -unless someone handed it to me -running!
If you can afford to get into the pro series -do it -you won't regret it

 

Never liked the 440 whenever I've had to use. Seems I was always adjusting the idle

 

None of that
"I was always adjusting the idle" with the M-tronic equipped models. They have a dependable start from hot or cold saw and consistent running. Some will tell you they (Stihl) have problems with the "M-tronics. Yes they did -several years back - not sure , but the probs seemed to be with their coils on these models. I am not totally sure that was it , but after doing a little "research" -this is what I concluded.

 

I’ll be running the husky 550 next weekend. Got a maple to cut up. But first need to split the wood from the summer gathering to make room!! :-/

 

This guy likes this one… must be good huh??

 

I have an MS170 for cleanup and firewood scrounging. I changed the front bar adjuster to a side adjuster from a 230(?), and added a steel dog.

BTW, wear your chaps. Always.

 

After a tuneup and sharpening at Stan's Fix It shop (usually do my own) my Husky was cutting great! Near the ground was the dreaded wire squirrel. It attacked the chain rendering it useless and ready for more sharpening. Went from cutting like hot knife through butter to cutting like dental floss vs granite. Ugh.

 

I inherited an older 170 from my father in laws "stuff". This is a great saw despite it being about 18 years old. This saw has cutting powers far exceeding its size and cost. Many times I will use it instead of my new 261CM.

 

After a few years of sharpening my chains with a basic file I finally purchased the Stihl 2 in 1 chain sharpener… WOW what a difference! I highly recommend this tool.

 

Stihl Farm Boss and the milwaukee 18v for day trips.

 

I agree with the "Stihl" sharpener, but what you show as an example IS NOT a Stihl brand!? Let us all know how you rate the life of the files contained in the unit. There are a lot of cheap -short lived files out there these days. I found some larger files for my bigger chain on my Stihl, but sadly they are a bit too big to fit in the Stihl sharpening system. I do not remember the name , but they are from Sweden, and I found them at Menards. I have been using this on my hand
If anyone finds a square file replacement for the Stihl system let us/me know. This is the file that takes down the depth guages on the chain. I am not sure they are all the same across all 3 models of the Stihl system.

 

Stihl sells replacement files. My local dealer (Ace Hardware) carries them.

Check your dealer.

 

I purchased mine also at a local Ace Hardware.
@markmizzou,
I fixed the photo. Thanks for the heads up

 

Thanks for the tip -- I will check this out after Christmas. I do know they have to be the exact size to fit in the authentic Stihl brand sharpener(s). Not sure about the other brands of sharpening jigs

 

Been thinking that I should sell my Stihl ms290 and 192tc and just get a

$83 Milwaukee M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2" Circular Saw - 2630-20 - ( MILWAUKEE ) - BARE TOOL

Milwaukee M18 saw. I only use the saws once a year for 30 minutes now…

need to see the market for used Stihls and see if it’s worth it.