Chain saw reccomendations

[humbug]

Ok..the high price of heating my home has finally made me decide to switch to putting in a wood stove.
We used to heat with wood when I was growing up. I have used a chainsaw before, but not since I was in high school. I need to get a chainsaw. I am just not sure what brand or kind to get.
Any recommendations? The trees that I will be cutting will not have a base of over two feet and will probably not be more than fifty feet tall. Most people need about four or five cords of wood every winter here.

Any advice??

[kawalekm]

Here's a picture of an fallen oak I had to cut up this spring

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/kawalekm/Sawingthefallenoak.jpg


I was using a 45cc Homelite with a 20" bar, but trying to cut the trunk was a chore. I picked this saw up at Home Depot, choosing the biggest saw they sold. I would say it was barely adequite for cutting through the trunk of the tree. As I was cutting, I really really wished I had bought a bigger saw! The trunk to the right of the photo is still uncut, because I was too exhausted at that point to cut any more. The motor was definately too wimpy to get the job done, and I could easily stall the motor in the cut if I let it bite in too quickly. You'd be much better off from the start if you pay more up-front for a bigger saw like a 24" Stilh or a Huscavarna.

Michael

[desdawg]

If you are going to be using it a lot spend a little more and get a good quality saw. See what you have available for local dealers so when you need some kind of parts or service it will be readily available. Stihl and Husquavarna are two good brands. I have both but Stihl is a little more pricey IMO. I think you are going to want a minimum of 50cc and an 18" or 20" bar and chain.

[DM]

I agree, get a Husqvarna or Stihl.... And if you want a saw that will last the rest of your firewood cutting days, buy one of there pro models as they both make cheaper homeowner models too.

The pro saws are build of better materials and have out lasted any homeowner saw i've bought in the past...

Go for the brand with the BEST DEALER close to you!!

I saw out quite a few logs as i have a sawmill and heat my shop with the slab wood. I've had very good service out of the Husky saws i own...

DM

http://www.fototime.com/5CD8FAD4CDFD5C8/standard.jpg

[humbug]

Thanks for the reccomendations and info guys. Now I need to go shopping. I am hoping to get one at a decent price since it is summer and not many people are buying them.
Hmmmmm...A blonde with a chainsaw...this could get interesting. :o :o ;D ;D