alternative to pocket chainsaw?

S

siguy

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Aug 26, 2006
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looking at pictures of the pocket chainsaws, and looking at pictures of chainsaw replacement blades, i am seeing similarities and differences.

i am wondering if it would be possible and effective to use a normal chainsaw blade in the way that you would use a pocket chainsaw. i have doubts because of the toothier edge, and the fact that it might not work except at high speeds.

the reason that i wonder about possibly using a chainsaw blade in place of the pocket chainsaw is in a scavenging type survival situation, in a rural/country type environment looking for wood cutting tools.
 
Yea i think the toothier edge would be the biggest problem. But if you found the right one or modified one, it would probably work.
 
A normal chainsaw chain cuts in one direction only. I believe the pocket versions cut both ways. That would be a huge detriment to using standard chain.
 
puukko said:
A normal chainsaw chain cuts in one direction only. I believe the pocket versions cut both ways. That would be a huge detriment to using standard chain.
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That is exactly true. The chain saw blade only cuts one direction.

I am a big believer in the pocket chainsaw, because of the size weight and cost. That makes them a good addition to a kit.

They are very tiring to use though. I used one for a nights firewood - Yikes! I was tired. One thing you see alot of in reviews is the speed with which a given saw, blade, or axe gets through lumber. I think that's only half the story - the effort involved is a factor.

For the cost, size and weight, get a pocket chainsaw and carry it in your kit. I dont think you can do better.
 
puukko said:
A normal chainsaw chain cuts in one direction only. I believe the pocket versions cut both ways. That would be a huge detriment to using standard chain.
Click to expand...

That's because when your using a regular chainsaw, that chain is always moving one direction. No need for it to be able to cut both ways.

Depending on the particular replacement blade you go for, you can actually outprice the pocket chainsaw. Depending on the specifics, and whether it's new or used, they sell from anywhere from $5 to $20 including shipping. My pocket chainsaw cost $15, new.

Then, with the chainsaw blade, you'll still need to rig it up for handles.

I would recommend just going with a Pocket chainsaw.
 
any one know where to get one of these in canda right of the top of your head, or seen one around?
 
Mountain Equipment Co-op has the Supreme Pocket Chain Saw on their website.
Search for "chain saw".
 
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) has the Supreme Pocket Chain Saw on their website. $21.50 CAN.
Search for "chain saw".
 
Save your money. These things pack well but take way too much energy to actually cut something. Learn to make a buck saw frame from sticks and carry a swede saw blade inside your belt.

Of course you can buy one and give it a try. That's just what I found with mine. I keep mine to show students what not to buy for a survival kit. Of course they are much better than those wire things and at least they just about work.
 
I have used a normal chainsaw chain, yes it can work, but the effort is high. As noted, the only reason you would ever use these is for minimalist packing. Get a decent folding or frame saw.

-Cliff
 
North61 said:
Save your money. These things pack well but take way too much energy to actually cut something. Learn to make a buck saw frame from sticks and carry a swede saw blade inside your belt.

Of course you can buy one and give it a try. That's just what I found with mine. I keep mine to show students what not to buy for a survival kit. Of course they are much better than those wire things and at least they just about work.
Click to expand...

I started with one of the British Commando saws. When I got the Pocket chainsaw it qwas a vast improvemet. I'm not saying it's perfect, but I was pretty impresed by mine. I thought it was worth what I paid.
 
For what it's worth, I just picked up a 10" Pro-Zig saw for $14 from my local hardware store. It's the longer version of my fav pocket saw. I removed the blade and will try to get someone to make an Aluminum or titanium handle for it. These things are the cat's meow of pack saws!
 
Has anyone compared a chain saw to a Bahco Laplander saw or Fiskars pruning saw.
Its not exactly the same thing, but its s great tool :)
 
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