New Tools

[87kawzl]

The new saw starts ez and cuts well. Primer bulb (loved those since the first mower that I found the feature on), 2 pulls on full choke, turn choke off then 1 more pull and it hits high idol. Let it sing at that rpm for 1 min then blip the throttle and it settles into aits normal idol. Need to pick up a second chain and a file setup. I have the first set for my small Stihl saw but read good reviews about the second type. Anyone use the newer Stihl file in the second image?

 

[R. J.]

After all these years my STIHL still starts easy. If you don't do as you said it won't start. Never touch the throttle.

 

[ZLrider]

For the record I HATE primer bulbs. Nowhere near as handy as a choke lever. On a mower anyhow. If your carb is a bit off or a bit dirty you can often compensate for it with a partial choke. This means you can actually mow your damned grass instead of spending your day dicking around. It could just be I have bad luck, but I've honestly had 10x as much trouble with the push mowers with the bulb than the choke lever types.

 

[87kawzl]

I get it RJ, there's nothing as good as the Stihl...

I am not a brand specific fan boi. I have a Stihl saw and weed wacker too, along with husky blower and new saw. I also have a Subaru, Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Pontiac, HD, 2 Yamaha and a Kaw... really don't care what badge is on anything. I get what I feel there is value in and expect what I purchase to last a long time with proper maintenance.

I asked about files because my chain gets touched up almost every time I use my saw, the file I have is too small for the new chain and I was wondering if anyone had anything to say about the guided files that take care of the raker at the same time.

 

[87kawzl]

ZLrider, most of the new small engine stuff has gotten away from the infinitely variable choke levers. The new saws have computer controlled carbs that hook to computers to update firmware

 

[R. J.]

As I said before STIHL and HUSKY are equal in performance and reliability. Everytime you see the pros cutting after a storm they are using a STIHL or HUSKY. I've never sharpened my own chains. ACE charges $4 to do one. I always keep four or so chains on hand.

 

[R. J.]

Here are the new tools that I got for XMASS this year. DeWalt radio, $230. CRAFTSMAN 9000 lumens lights, $100. DeWalt compact router, $190. DeWalt oscillating tool, $140._________________________________________________________

 

[R. J.]

My Son Jared and I went halfs on a DeWalt battery powered 18 " chain saw. Model # DCCS672B. $330. 20V/60V flex volt 9 amp hr battery. $170. It will be a back up for my STHIL 18 " 250 Woodsman. If it goes down during a Hurricane the Sthil Dealer gets slammed with saws. Some people wait three months for their saw. A Sthil 18 " saw set up would of been about $760. My 18 " Woodsman was $400 out the door.

 

[87kawzl]

Added a "roller guide file", 3 new chains, chainsaw grease gun, safety gloves and chaps, cause healing from a saw injury can't be fun.

Then the power went out due to a big windstorm last weekend. Out for 3 days, only big boy generator on the shelf came from you know where. Ran good and throttles down on low loads. Now I need a cord and switch to feed the box. Was definitely an unexpected pile of cash tossed down for the generator, added the 2yr warranty.

 

[R. J.]

So what's the apron/chaps made of. Kevlar?

 

[87kawzl]

Apron design PPE: With 8 layers of breathable warp knit chainsaw protection
600 denier Oxford shell: Adjustable in the waist up to 46", 36" length which is adjustable with top snaps
UL classified: Offering excellent protection from saw chains and other cutting equipment

I think the filling wads up the chain to the casing, stopping the chain from spinning. Hope I never have to find out. Gloves have a similar patch of material on the back of the left hand, will use regular work gloves for splitting/chucking/stacking.

 

[R. J.]

I bought a new USA made EMPIRE 6' level from Ebay. $45 shipped. The yellow PITTSBURGH harbor freight one is off a bit. I have a EMPIRE 4' I bought 30 years ago. A 2' Stanely fat max that I got from LOWES. ___________________________________________________________

 

[87kawzl]

Guy I work with who lives in a crooked house said a 4' level was THE WORST gift his wife ever bought him

 

[R. J.]

That is true unless the thing you are using it for is less than 8 ft. When we done are fence we used our lazer level. First to level the ground. Then to set the buckets in the ground and to put the first row of the 15 ft planks at the base of the posts. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-330-...-Level-with-Plumb-Points-with-Case/1000478649 . The longest section of the fence is 180 ft.

 

[R. J.]

For XMAS last year my Son Jonathan bought me this WEELER Delta gun cleaning stand. It works really good. When doing an M 4/AR 15/AR 10 upper it is best to tie the upper down to the stand. https://www.academy.com/p/wheeler®-engineering-delta-series-ar-armorers-vice .

 

[R. J.]

I bought a new SIMPSON pressure washer powered by HONDA. Motor is a GTX 270 cc 4000 PSI 3.5 GAL per minute. It has a manual choke and a manual throttle which is better than the auto controls on my 2 TROYBUILTS and the CRAFTSMAN that I owned. Each lasted six years or so.

 

[R. J.]

I bought this 18 inch RYOBI pressure washer surface cleaner from HOMEDEPOT for $200 shipped. It's rated at 4200 PSI. It has duel tips and four stainless steel casters. Also the height is adjustable. It is very easy to maneuver. My SIMPSON pressure washer is rated at 4000 PSI. This RYOBI surface cleaner was my only option that I was able to find. My driveway is 20 ft wide and 45 feet long. It would take over an hour to pressure wash my driveway with a standard yellow jet tip. Using the RYOBI surface cleaner it took only 20 minutes. I also done my back porch and side walk.

 

[wuputt]

That is a great find RJ! I had a home improvement business for years, I wore out too many pressure washers doing driveways and roofs. This would have cut my time down immensly on those jobs!

 

[R. J.]

I done my entire house and the other things mentioned above in 90*/90% humidity weather. It wiped me out.

 

[paulfun]

Looks like it would work great with my big pressure washer if I ever get/ find the right parts to fix it but would it work with my small one at 2300 psi till then? Or do they make one for smaller units?