RE: (ET) electric chainsaw

["Steven Naugler" <snaugler earthlink net>]

Steven & other GE folks, on electric chain saws.

 

I'd recommend a new style 110 VAC chain saw.  First, they have all of the modern safety improvements that a 20+ year old saw won't have.  Second, you can find them anywhere, and can get parts easily.

 

I just bought a one generation old model 5014-NB Makita with a 14 inch bar that was an unused salemans demo as a replacment for a troublesome electric McCullough.  It is tremendously powerful, as powerful as some gas chain saws I've tried.  I was considering only top line electrics before I found the demo Makita, and they were the new style electric Makita, the electric Husqavarna, and the Milwaukee.  If I hadn't found the demo Makita, the Husqavarna would probably have been the first choice.  There are some Makita dealers that specialize in rebuilt power tools.  The one local to me had my unused demo and one rebuilt, which he may still have.  I paid about $190.  (Remember that a top line electric lists for $250 to $400, where the cheapies are $50 to $150.)

 

The older GE motor/generator style inverter is your best bet, if thats what you have.  GE also made an electronic inverter which was less powerful, and was not as good as protecting itself as the motor/generator type.  The good 110 VAC chains saws can draw a real 15 amps with a 30-40 amp inrush at start up or if you jam the chain, so if you go with an electronic inverter, make sure you have significant inrush capability and good self protection.

 

Hope this all helps,

 

--- Steven Naugler

--- snaugler earthlink net

 

----- Original Message -----

From: frankenfield

To: elec-trak cosmos5 phy tufts edu

Sent: 2/17/01 10:01:08 PM

Subject: (ET) electric chainsaw

Hello everyone,

 

I've recently acquired an I-5.  I'm looking for: A] a 36V chainsaw that was

put out for the electric tractors of this type, OR: B] the best 110V

electric that will work of the/an inverter that is available for these

tractors.

 

If I decide to go with a 110V saw will I do better with a modern solid state

inverter than with the style built back in the 70s?

 

My guess is that the 36V saws are hard to come by but work more efficiently

by getting around the use of an inverter.  Also, I'd like to get some idea

of specs for the 36V if there's one available.  How much wattage/amperage do

they pull as compared with a good contemporary 110V?  What was the longest

recommended bar for them?

 

I've been out of touch with the list for several months.  I'll  review the

archives in due time.

 

 

Thank you,

 

 

Steven Frankenfield

s frankenfield verizon net