Re: recommend a chain saw?

**N* S* <s*@earthlink.net>**

Nan, Here's the advice of an old girl gardener who no longer uses  
chainsaws.  Choosing a chain saw is somewhatparamount like choosing a  
trowel. Certainly quality is paramount, but so is .weight, balance and  
ease of handling.

Electric chain saws are probably fine for occasional cuts of small  
limbs. A big drawback for me is the cord as well as power.  I've cut a  
couple in my day,
though not while using a chain saw. The other is entanglement, and  
that can be dangerous when using a chain saw.

I own a gas driven Echo chain saw on a stick ( the short model) that  
was used extensively by my brother ( a cranky old Ph.D. engineer who  
only buys the best ) and he loved it so much he bought one for  
himself.  He stewards 140 acres of trees and shrubs. You need check it  
out to see if you can comfortably handle the weight.  I suggest you  
shop at an independent store where they will allow you to test drive  
the models. Big brother and I both have Stihl saws that have served us  
well for more then a decade.  (My late husband and I cleared an acre  
and a half of tree filled land to build our house in the country) We  
used a small Homelight, an aging Poulan and the Stihl. The Sthil is  
still here.  I like their safety features as well as quality.I suggest  
you compare the size cuts you plan to make and match it to the model  
size. When using a chain saw fatigue is dangerous, so it's a safey  
issue as well as comfort.  Regular sharpening and oiling  of the chain  
is a must. Best to buy a spare.

Nancy Szerlag

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