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I've got quite a lot of branches that are 2-3" thick that need trimming and I was wondering whether a mini battery chainsaw would do the job rather than breaking out my big chainsaw. I've got Makita 18v stuff so I'd be looking for one that would take these batteries - I'm not paying Makita bare tool price though.
Anyone got one that can say whether they're any good?
Bosch one with the newer multi make compatible battery. Complements the bigger electric full sized chainsaw and the small chainsaw on a pole. Handy bit of kit
I got one with a battery and charger but paid £80 when Homebase closed.
Yeah, got a worx one with 12cm I think blade, but its enough to go through 90% stuff we encounter, and its < 2kg so easy to carry in backpack.
I have the worx saw which will do the job. £70 direct from worx with powershare battery
I have a Worx one as well, very capable little machine and that's a good price above. A scout of Aliexpress should find a converter to allow you to use Makita batteries if required
Basically any small pruning saw. (Folding)
Basically any small pruning saw. (Folding)
I have to say that I'm def leaning towards this solution now. Are they all basically the same? I'm seeing SK-5 blades mentioned as if they're better.
ive heard it said, that a reciprocating saw will do the same jobs, with much less maintanance, and no risk of it kicking back and killing you.
I've an 18V Makita chainsaw (100mm?), drill and a reciprocating saw. I have hardly used the latter and need to sell it. The chainsaw has been used an awful lot in the last 2 years, it is ridiculously effective, robust and I find it more useful than the extended chainsaw on my Stihl Combi.
Whether you decide to continue with Makita 🤷♂️
Silky Gomarto. It’s genuinely astonishing what it’ll slice through in a few seconds, and no faffage with batteries and chains/oil etc
or some ratchet loppers. I have the S&J extendable handle ones and they’re very powerful
2-3" branch is perfect Silky territory. It'll be a couple of strokes a go. We have a Big Boy which is carryable on the bike easily enough too. I think ever professional tree people tend to use Silky's in preference to a chainsaw for stuff that small.
Basically any small pruning saw. (Folding)
I have to say that I'm def leaning towards this solution now.
I have been using this one for a few years and it's been superb:
If the Amazon link doesn't work, it's a...
Bahco 396-HP Folding Pruning Saw,Silver/Black/Orange
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-396-HP-Folding-Pruning-Saw/dp/B0001IX7MY/ref=asc_df_B0001IX7MY
Out of curiosity (as I have quite a few bits of scavenged wood that will need cutting at some point), how thick a lump of wood can one of those electric chainsaws get through?
Out of curiosity (as I have quite a few bits of scavenged wood that will need cutting at some point), how thick a lump of wood can one of those electric chainsaws get through?
My 4" Makita will comfortably get through a 6" branch when tackled from both sides. Just take care not to let the chain get trapped.
+1 for the Silky, it is amazing what they will go through. If you go for the chainsaw option I would try to find something with the same size chain as your big one (if possible) so you don't need another set of sharpening tools.
Worth paying a bit extra for a Silky. Supremely effective tool.
Def a silky, get one with the outback blade as they are stronger and more robust.
That isn't saying that the original ones are weak, but the outback ones are thicker in width. they are insanely sharp and effective
I have one of these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007037558869.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.28.75ac1802sbPiXL
It is the bogo standard one, but has an oil feature. Seems to work pretty well, tho i'd say it's at least as dangerous as a normal chainsaw - when you've finished going through a log you could easily overshoot into a limb if you're not careful.
I have one of these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007037558869.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.28.75ac1802sbPiXL
It is the bogo standard one, but has an oil feature. Seems to work pretty well, tho i'd say it's at least as dangerous as a normal chainsaw - when you've finished going through a log you could easily overshoot into a limb if you're not careful.
I have the same one. It's far better than it has any right to be, but terrifies the life out of me every time I use it.
See the Koopa comes with standard PPE of thin wool gloves and breakable glasses. Both great for use with chainsaws eh? These things work until that one time they don't and you get hurt. Avoid.
Having given it a little thought I've decided to go down the Silky route* - I probably don't need another chainsaw and I can think of lots of uses for a pruning saw.
* realistically I think I'll going to go with one of the copies but with a decent blade as it's really hard to ignore the 300% price difference!
I do quite a bit of coppicing and small tree work with the Wildlife Trust. Silky is the right answer for anything that size.
See the Koopa comes with standard PPE of thin wool gloves and breakable glasses. Both great for use with chainsaws eh? These things work until that one time they don't and you get hurt. Avoid.
Yeah fair! I'm obviously using proper chainsaw PPE with them not the shite that it comes with!
I have two Silky's but am still being tempted by one of these (& some proper chainsaw gloves), trouble is there like torches, [probably] inflated wattage or no mention of it at all. There was a thread about these ages ago, where someone was letting their child use it, each to their own, but it did make me shudder.
or you can go down the rabbit hole and start wondering if something like this would be a good idea
I actively clear trails and forge new ones in mostly scrubby woodland and have persisted with hand saws for years, but for bulk work and pure work rate, the baby Works electric chainsaw I've had the last couple of years is far and away better. Like, hours saved better.
They days I carry a folding saw when out riding, and a hedge trimmer, chain saw, machete and bigger hand saw specifically in various combinations depending on my objectives on more specific trips.
* realistically I think I'll going to go with one of the copies but with a decent blade as it's really hard to ignore the 300% price difference!
Famous final words...... Silky F-180 on the way!
🙄
Good choice, the silky saws work well at clearing bracken too as the teeth grip the stalk and help it cut
Silky bigboy is well worth the money. The ability to cut upwards (due to the handle shape) is teally handy when youre working with fallen trees.
ive used the makita mini saw a bit and you can do a lot quickly but they look finicky.
i was drunk the other night and hit buy on a load of aliexpress “genuine makita” that im pretty sure is anything but. Mini chainsaw (thsts probsbly a different sticker on the koopa, powered secateurs and a 6ah battery. £50/30/20. Will report back
Famous final words...... Silky F-180 on the way!
Well done. I've used various saws that should be good but the silky is just fantastic in comparison.
Just wanted to round this off..... Silky has arrived and in true schoolboy fashion I had to go and try it out immediately 🙄
Wow! OK, I get it now. Very handy 👍
(only thing I'm a bit surprised at is that the blade doesn't lock into the handle - thought that was weird.)