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Old 03-10-2003, 10:40 PM
David W.E. Roberts
 
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Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


"Eric the Red" wrote in message
...
I asked a question about budget chainsaws and plus the searches through
newsgroups, the general opinion is don't do it they are too dangerous.

Are alligator saws a suitable alternative to a chainsaw ? I have a number

of
Leylandii that need choping up and disposing off. Max trunk size just over
12".

The only alligator saw currently available for sale that I can find is the
DeWalt 390 and at just under £200 is more expensive than a budget chainsaw
but if it is much safer then it could be money well spent.

The alligator saw looks like it could have more uses later on.

Anyone got the DeWalt or can recommend/comment on a alligator saw.


I checked back the recent postings but didn't see any warnings about dangers
of budget chainsaws.

I have a well worn B&D electric chainsaw which I have had for over 20
years - it is still on the original blade and chain although they are both
pretty worn.
I don't use it much now (once every 2 years or so) but it still does the
job.
It will cut wood to twice the blade length (i.e. as long as you can get the
end of the blade to the centre of the tree you can work your way round and
cut it down).

An Alligator saw has (I think) two reciprocating blades?
I have a B&D Scorpion with a single blade which is fine for general cutting
but wouldn't be suitable for green wood.

I think a chain saw is the answer.
The chain is quite broad, and rips out the wet wood to clear a passage for
the blade and chain into the tree.
The chain (constantly rotating) clears all the sawdust and chippings out of
the cut and throws them clear.

A 'conventional' saw would tend to clog up due to the dampness of the wood.
The reciprocating action does not clear sawdust as efficiently.
They are more suited to cutting dry wood.

If you look at a bow saw it has huge teeth with a large offset to clear the
wood from the cut and avoid clogging.

Just had a quick Google and B&Q are offering a McCulloch 14" electric
chainsaw for £80.
http://www.diy.com/bq/product/produc...ntCatId=&CATID
=182637
This should be well up to cutting through 12" trunks.

The trick with a chainsaw is to go slowly and carefully, follow all the
safety rules, be very careful not to do anything stupid, and keep the chain
at the proper tension and sharp.

If you go steadily, you should have no problems.

As with any saw (or other powered device) working up ladders requires extra
care.

Don't saw off the branch you are standing on :-)

If you are cutting down a tree (or large part of one) don't be fooled by the
way the professionals just cut and watch it fall. Ropes are very useful to
persuade branches and tree trunks to fall in the correct direction.

HTH
Dave R

P.S. Interestingly B&Q are offering both the Mac Cat 335 and 436 petrol
chainsaws for the same price - £129.98. I have always fancied a power
chainsaw because they are more flexible that the electric ones. Never bought
one because they are more expensive :-(