RE: (ET) Rotary Inverter

[William Korthof <wkorthof earthlink net>]

Thare are some other factors that affect performance. 

With the electrics, the performance is greatly affected 
by the power supply. Use 200 feet of cheap #16 extension 
cord, and the motor won't have solid power available at 
under load. A good #12 or #10 cord is important to 
minimize voltage drop to the saw. 

Another factor is the quality of the chain and any 
integral sharpening device. Most of the electric saws 
are assembled for economy and generally use shorter 
bars with cheaper chains. But those items are replacable 
[read "upgradable"]. A freshly sharpened chain also makes 
a huge difference; some saws include integral sharpeners. 
I recently used my Remington saw to do some clearing 
in my yard, and it certainly didn't seem power-constricted 
even on 18" diameter cuts. But my use in sunny southern 
California is certainly not the same as others on the list...

But if your thinking of any substantial amount of use, I 
think it would make sense to choose the best electric saw 
available. 

William Korthof

>>I recently switched back to wood heat,and am thinking about buying a new
>>chain saw. I like the idea of an electric and have used a small one in 
>>the
>>past for small jobs, but am concerned about the longevity of these 
>>devices.
>>Do you have any thoughts about what to look for and what to avoid in my
>>selection?
>>
>>Thanks, Hump
>>
>
>
>>From Lee:
>
>To be honest, electrics don't hold up very well for major wood heat. If I
>got a season's wood supply out of one (6-8 ricks) I figured I was ahead.
>And they are terrible on larger stuff (12" or more), although with 
>patience
>you can cut bigger stuff. And they're slower, especially compared to a
>medium size Stihl like the "Farm Boss". Buy the biggest you can get. Of
>course the smaller gas models don't hold up too well either!
>
>So why did I use them?
>1.  Quiet (I hate noise)
>2.  Easy to start (I hate more a cranky engine)
>3.  No fumes(I don't like them either)
>4.  They are cheaper than comparable gas models (compensates some for 
>short
>life)
>
>Where are you?  What kind of wood are you cutting?  I cut mostly oak and
>hickory.  Other kinds of wood would be easier on your saw.
>
>
>
>
>