Hello all. I have most recently been to Ridgway and have been inspired. I have experience carving but with hand tools and mallet. I want to integrate chainsaw carving into my carving hobbie. I was looking at buying a Stihl MS210 to get started. Is this a good saw for starting? What chain and bar would be best? My only expereince with the chain saw is using my Craftsman to cut down firewood. You can't plunge cut with that.
same power as the 210, a little lighter. the stock chain (3/8 picco micro narrow) rips nicely, too, and carves pretty well. You can get a replacement sprocket for it, and use 1/4" pitch chain and a carving bar. For better plunge cutting, remove the back of each cutter with a file or dremel.
The MS180 by Stihl as mentioned above is a good little saw that will hold up pretty well and is cheap, around $200.00. We have two of them and have only had oiler problems with them. The dealer was able to replace the oilers for around $40.00 each but now they leak oil all the time.
I personally prefer using a Shindiawa 377 for detail because of the extreme low viberation from this saw but they are expencive, about $370. but, well worth it. We have two of them, one is rigged with a 8" dime tip with 1/4 chain, # 2 has a 12" quarter tip with 1/4 chain.
There are a few carvers that sell bars and chains. We used to but there isn't enough money in for the problems that were created from that venture.
(Carver dealers- feel free to offer your goods.)
I now just simply call 1-800-765-9357 and talk to Norm or Shawn at GB American. They sell to individuals too.
For your first carving bar, I would suggest the 12" quarter tip bar with 1/4 pitch chain.
To convert your new saw to 1/4 pitch chain you will need a new sprocket. They only cost a few bucks and are simple to change out.
The new Bar, Chain and Sprocket will set you back around $100.00 but well worth the trouble. If it were me, I'd order two chains.
Use GOOD GRADE chainsaw oil. Don't try the cheap wal-mart or auto parts place stuff.
Wear your safety stuff, all of it, all the time while that saw is running, that includes steel toed shoes too.
You can probably order a chain that will fit your present saw from GB that will allow you to plunge cut. You'll need to know the chain size and # of links.
Get the Video from Hair about sharpening chains, it's very well worth it, believe me, I carved with dull chains for nearly 20 years untill we got Hair's tape and tools.
Like Steve said, use the steps by steps, they should be somewhat helpful.
Good luck, carve safe.
wayne and lynn
This message has been edited by wayneguyer from IP address 65.144.107.142 on Mar 6, 2004 9:12 AM This message has been edited by wayneguyer from IP address 65.144.107.142 on Mar 6, 2004 9:11 AM
Hello, I dhave been carving on a part time basis for almost 2 years now, I like to believe that my saws are sharp after filing, but I am interested in getting this tape you mentioned. do you have any info on who to contact to order it, or where i could go to pick one up? Thank you
Kevin Shetrompf
Another thing to look at is regardless what brand of saw you buy,
Be Sure You Have A Good Dearler That Will SERVICE your saw...
Nothing worse than a saw that dosent work when you need it!!!
If you can afford it buy lots of them (they just cost a small bear)...
Don...
Take a certified chainsaw safety course.
@ Ridgeway Karen Tiede was offering a get started manual for $20. You might want to contact her @ -
kt@pittsboropenguins.com
FV.
I couldn't find one near the southeastern section of the USA. I doubt if I'd go to one anyway at this stage in life, I've been lucky with chainsaws, my worst injury so far was a cut caused by sharpening the chain without leather gloves on.
later
wayne
Check with your local Forestry Association .
usually listed by state name.
They usually offer safety courses for chainsaw users and or loggers.
Some states have a landowner /tree farmer training allso.
I teach chainsaw safety in Ohio.
I checked the phone listings for the State of Georgia.
Results, no forestry unit mentioned.
Next, I looked under our local county.
Results,
Toombs County Forestry Unit, 1891 Ga Highway 178-
Ph.912-526-8680.
I talked with two gentleman, both stated that they DO NOT have chainsaw safety coarses for the public.
They do however, have one class per year for the members of the Georgia Forestry Units, "not open to the public".
Please don't let this discourage any of you carvers and wannabe carvers. There may be a safety coarse in your neighborhood and I would reccomend attending.
I'm going to stop at few saw dealerships and ask if they know of any chainsaw safety coarses being offered.
(I wonder how many times they've been asked that?)
Hi,
Learning to carve with a chainsaw is a little to complicated for a quick answer.
If you can find a carver near you, try to hook up with him/her and watch and learn.
The majority of the carvers that I've met are very willing to share and teach.
Karen has a new book about to be published that sounds exciting, you can reach her at http://www.pittsboropenguins.com .
There are several other books on the market that share many hints.
Join the United Chainsaw Carvers Guild and you will get a listing of events being held nationwide/worldwide. There is a link to the Guild over on the Carving Post.
Ask any question here or on the carving post and you will get an assortment of answers, you can try them all and take your pick.
Many carvers have shared some of their cuts in step by steps here on 101. Use them in determining the
"how'd they do that"!
Good luck, carve safe.
wayne/lynn
