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Old 03-10-2003, 08:44 PM
Eric the Red
 
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Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

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.

Eric.


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Old 03-10-2003, 09:03 PM
Nick Maclaren
 
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Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

In article ,
Eric the Red wrote:
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".


I can't answer that, but what is your current bowsaw like? With a
decent sized bowsaw, and a good blade, you might be amazed at the
speed you can cut through even a 12" log. I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.

With a small bowsaw, or a bad blade, it would be a horrible job.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.
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Old 03-10-2003, 10:39 PM
David W.E. Roberts
 
Posts: n/a
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 :-(



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Old 03-10-2003, 10:40 PM
David W.E. Roberts
 
Posts: n/a
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 :-(



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Old 03-10-2003, 11:07 PM
David Hill
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

My Neighbour has a chainsaw bought from Liddles cheep, and he has been
cutting 18 insh OAK with it with no problems, but then he has used a chain
saw for years, and knows not to force the pace of cutting.
He recons its one of his best buys.
You just have to watch for their offers, they have it about once a year, and
they had them last winter

--
David Hill
Abacus nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk





  #6   Report Post  
Old 04-10-2003, 02:46 AM
Mark B
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b


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Old 04-10-2003, 02:46 AM
Mark B
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b


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Old 04-10-2003, 02:49 AM
Mark B
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b


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Old 04-10-2003, 02:57 AM
Mark B
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b


  #10   Report Post  
Old 04-10-2003, 02:58 AM
Mark B
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b




  #11   Report Post  
Old 04-10-2003, 03:10 AM
NWalch
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

I'm cutting up some railway sleepers to use as retaining walls. I've
been using a circular saw with a bow saw to finish the middle bit.
This works well but its hard work as you have to turn the sleeper over
4 times per cut and they are very heavy.

I dont want a chain saw as its too dangerous but I wondered if an
alligator saw would do the job easier and safer. Would it give me a
straight cut.

Regards


Nick
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Old 04-10-2003, 09:04 AM
Franz Heymann
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?


"David W.E. Roberts" wrote in message
...


[snip]

I checked back the recent postings but didn't see any warnings about

dangers
of budget chainsaws.

I had a budget chain saw fifteen years ago. The chain kept flying off.
When it came whizzing past me, six inches from my face, I decided that
chainsaws were not for me, and I took it to the dump. And yes, I did
maintain it properly and I did oil it thoroughly when in use.

[snip]

Franz


  #13   Report Post  
Old 04-10-2003, 09:34 AM
Eric the Red
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

My reason for not wanting to cut up the trunks has nothing to do with
strength or age more to do with time.

As you say it would be possible to cut them up with a bow saw over a FEW
weekends. I do not really have that much time to spare as I have lots of
other jobs to do round the house before winter starts. Getting the trees all
cut up and disposed of in one day would be well worth the cost of the saw to
me.

Eric

"Mark B" wrote in message
...

I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b




  #14   Report Post  
Old 04-10-2003, 09:34 AM
Eric the Red
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

David, thanks for your comments on the suitability of the alligator saw. I
did see the McCulloch in B&Q as was considering it. Think I'll pop down
there this afternoon and see if they have any left.

Eric


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Old 04-10-2003, 09:34 AM
Eric the Red
 
Posts: n/a
Default Alligator saw - valid alternative to chainsaw ?

My reason for not wanting to cut up the trunks has nothing to do with
strength or age more to do with time.

As you say it would be possible to cut them up with a bow saw over a FEW
weekends. I do not really have that much time to spare as I have lots of
other jobs to do round the house before winter starts. Getting the trees all
cut up and disposed of in one day would be well worth the cost of the saw to
me.

Eric

"Mark B" wrote in message
...

I am no athlete, am 55+,
and am weak in the arms, but would have no difficulty in disposing
of half a dozen leylandii that size with one in a few weekends.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.



Well Eric, there's your answer.
Invite Nick over for the week-end!

mark b




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