best electric saw?

[Babberney]

I've been using the lathe more, so I've been cutting up wood in the shop. To cut down on noise and emissions, I'd like to get a good electric saw.

I probably won't ever buy another gas saw that isn't a Stihl, but I don't know if the electrics are all that. I'll pay the $300-400 to get one if it's worth it, though I'm open to suggestions for another good electric if there's one that's cheaper. I assume I don't want a big-box cheapie for pretty much the same reason I don't want any saw from them.

thanks in advance for suggestions or input.

k

 

[Babberney]

I'm thinking maybe this one, since I have big gassers for the few times I need more length:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004TI0L

 

[Blinky]

Never used one but I've heard a lot good about the Makitas, gas and electric.

 

[BostonBull]

Stihl hands down. The MSE220 is most powerful out there. Look at what electric saws almost all ice carvers work with. There is a local sawmill here who runs this saw and wont try another.

 

[Babberney]

thanks for the input, blinky and BB. I guess I have to decide how bad I want a really good saw versus a reasonably good one.

 

[bstewert]

Keith,
You might check out the Husky 316. I borrowed one for a few years, then got my own this past summer. Started using it a lot for on the ground stuff. No smoke/gas/oil to deal with, it's quieter, and cuts as good or better than my 192T. It comes out first, if having a cord is not a problem.

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/products/chainsaws/316e-electric/

 

[Babberney]

thanks, bstewart. I don't usually consider Husky because we have historically struggled to get repairs done in my area, but I don't expect to need much repair work on an electric, so maybe I'll check it out.

 

[Waldo]

when are these companies going to start making a battery operated electric chainsaw. i remember seeing a thread around here about makita or dolmar making one but i havent heard anything since? does anyone have the skinny about that?

 

[Babberney]

They are showing up here and there now. Google it. Makita has a series of tools with interchangeable batteries, including a chainsaw with 10" bar (IIRC). I haven't tried any of them yet, except for an early one that was junk.

 

[BostonBull]

Stihl has them in Europe now, they will be released here in a month or two. Same idea, multiple tools with an interchangeable battery pack.