Do I buy a battery powered chainsaw, or a battery powered reciprocating saw.
iana said
04:05 PM Jun 23, 2018
Do I buy a battery powered chainsaw, or a battery powered reciprocating saw to collect wood for a camp fire, do I just use an axe?, do people really do this, or is it just something that people just talk about. The other half has got it into her head we should buy a chainsaw. I have just sold my petrol driven chainsaw (too heavy and big to take with us) so I have the money, just waiting on your opinion.
-- Edited by iana on Saturday 23rd of June 2018 07:56:02 PM
Dave1952 said
05:29 PM Jun 23, 2018
I carry a small axe (known as a half axe) but have found in the past when free camping for extended times a small chainsaw is invaluable.
Kebbin said
05:32 PM Jun 23, 2018
It's a no brainer the chainsaw hands down unless you want to take an hour to do a 15 minute job.
yobarr said
05:37 PM Jun 23, 2018
iana wrote:
Do I buy a battery powered cahainsaw, or a battery powered reciprocating saw to collect wood for a camp fire, do I just use an axe?, do people really do this, or is it just something that people just talk about. The other half has got it into her head we should buy a chainsaw. I have just sold my petrol driven chainsaw (too heavy and big to take with us) so I have the money, just waiting on your opinion.
Hi Ian....after much consideration,I decided to buy a Bosch 36v (?) chainsaw,as I didnt want to have to carry petrol,and I have plenty of power on board to recharge the batteries.Chainsaws are much better than an axe on the big stuff,but I do also have a bow saw,which is very light and very efficient.Because I like to carry a heavy hammer just because,I bought a 3kg log splitter which is also a heavy hammer if I turn it over.Bit of an overkill,but Im with your wife if you intend to free-camp.
Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers.
iana said
05:40 PM Jun 23, 2018
From reading a past post, I thought both units cut at about the same speed --- slow. How many of you have a fire to sit by when free camping ? I guess cooking with a camp oven is another experience.
gandk said
05:59 PM Jun 23, 2018
Definitely a reciprocating saw. We used one up at our caretaking job near Broome and came home and bought one - amazing. I am only 45kg hobbit of 4'11" and I can use it one handed and it saws a thickness of approx. 10cm. Great tool.
Kim
Tony Bev said
06:04 PM Jun 23, 2018
I try to follow the sun when I free camp, Ian
It is normally a fire ban area, most places I visit
If it is not a fire ban area, then there are only ever a few fires, in each camp
In the winter time, I do not mind going into the state national parks, under the trees, and sitting by a fire
In my area, the state national parks, supply a fire pit, in every camping bay, and a supply of firewood, in the form of mill ends, when it is not a fire ban period
Up to now, I have had no need to cut wood, if I had wanted a fire
I have never seen anyone using a reciprocating saw to cut firewood
As others have said, it would be quicker with a bow saw
Desert Dweller said
06:42 PM Jun 23, 2018
Some folk think that it's not a camp unless you have a fire going.
Ask yourself, do you really need a fire to cook on & provide warmth.
An occasional sit around the campfire experience is quite pleasant.
Save the Aussie bush & use a small axe & bush mans saw.
Good exercise too.
Mike Harding said
06:44 PM Jun 23, 2018
I think I camp in more remote places than most on here but I always have a fire, you're not camping if you don't have a fire :) And in the winter in Victoria a fire is all but essential - it's the bush TV.
I suggest a small petrol chainsaw; if you can find one an Ozito 305mm bar and 24cc engine at about $125 is a terrific little saw, for camp use, I prefer it to my Stihl saw. If you're travelling in NSW then I suggest you also purchase a small bow saw as chain saws are strictly prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park so the pile of sawn firewood by your chair was cut using the bow saw and the oil marks are because the bow saw sticks a bit.
I wouldn't consider a reciprocating saw, they are for carpentry not firewood.
iana said
06:45 PM Jun 23, 2018
Thanks Tony, the reciprocating saw I am talking about is battery powered, not elbow powered. Gandk, first favorable comment so far, I can see some advantages, can be used for other jobs, can cut steel and masonary with the correct blades, no oil needed.
I have lived in fire prone areas of SA, and was quite close to the Ash Wednesday bush fires, lighting a fire dry conditions runs against my grain. How ever I do believe there is an instinctive desire in all of us to be around a fire, a throw back to the cave man days.
But the fire pits and wood provided sounds the way to go.
blaze said
07:53 PM Jun 23, 2018
battery chainsaw
cheers
blaze
Tony Bev said
08:58 PM Jun 23, 2018
The fire pits down in the south west, seem to be of a standard design, Ian
600 mm pipe, with a BBQ plate, and Billy Can type hook, both on separate swivels
You can use it as an open fire, cook a BBQ, or boil the billy/pan (if they have a handle)
The mill ends are usually Jarrah, and they leave very little ash
I thought that all reciprocating saws, were powered by something other than elbow grease, otherwise they may stop reciprocating
Chris61 said
09:12 PM Jun 23, 2018
I love a fire,just for warmth, not cooking. At present I am making my way north and will use my beer barrel firepot here ever possible. I have a small Stihl chainsaw and have the back of the Iveco full of firewood. I have oftened wondered about a battery chainsaw as I am carrying 18v Makita batteries with me. There is plenty of firewood on the side of the road, as long as you are sensible about where you get it. Photo is at Gunnedah tonight
A few comments
The last 3 chainsaws I've owned have leaked chain oil, slowly. Annoying, messy and two stroke oil needed. We travel light too due to weight restriction.
If you are healthy enough then a bow saw is most efficient and a tomahawk for the smaller stuff. Tomahawk doubles for tent peg pounding and with a hook welded on the rear top can lift the peg out with little bending.
dabbler said
12:01 AM Jun 24, 2018
If you have no other battery powered skins, look around and see what's on offer. In my case, I picked a DeWalt 56v chainsaw and impact drill, mainly because the drill was on special as a kit and the chainsaw skin had a bonus 2nd battery. The recripro choices were not as flexible and worked out substantially more.
Evernew98 said
08:03 AM Jun 24, 2018
Definitely a reciprocating saw. Have been using one for quite a few years. Just amazingly efficient. Can cut through good sized limbs of red gum with ease! I also carry a variety of blades for all sorts of jobs whilst on the road.
-- Edited by Evernew98 on Sunday 24th of June 2018 08:04:13 AM
Izabarack said
10:03 AM Jun 24, 2018
I have tried petrol chainsaw, battery chainsaw, recip saw, hand saw, axe, and hachet, on the road. Now I carry a reciprocating saw and a small hand saw. I love a fire while camping and often cook over the fire but stick to small rather than bonfire size. Main disadvantage of the petrol chainsaw is size, needing petrol, and often banned in an area. Battery chainsaw has worked quite well for me but slow. Axe and/or hachet is too much work. Cheap handsaw on special at Bunnngs are very sharp and will go halfway through a 5 inch dry gum limb easy and quick. I typically only collect a milk crate full of firewood from convenient fallen timber on the way to the next site. Recip saw is easier than the hand saw and battery fits other battery tools I carry. A range of blades for the recip saw allows its use on lots of tasks.
I have Ryobi tools but notice that the latest battery chainsaw from Stihl has a narrower chain than the Ryobi and impressed during a recent tryout at a local agricultural day.
Iza
Aus-Kiwi said
10:46 AM Jun 24, 2018
Depends ?? If your an electrical engineer, electrical fitter , or just a good handy person ? Lol
Really it depends what the Mrs wants ? Lol
Plain Truth said
10:49 AM Jun 24, 2018
iana wrote:
From reading a past post, I thought both units cut at about the same speed --- slow. How many of you have a fire to sit by when free camping ? I guess cooking with a camp oven is another experience.
Thinking of upgrading to a Battery Chainsaw.All this Redgum was cut with a Ego Battery Chainsaw.
Need it for warmth, cooking and has been said a Bush TV.
How much firewood do you really think you are going to cut? I would think for most people carrying a tomahawk or small axe to split a few larger logs is all you need. Please don't be like the people we have seen at some free camps cutting downs trees around the camp!
iana said
11:41 AM Jun 24, 2018
Plain Truth, if I show those pictures to the Missus, I won't get any peace from now on!
Izabarack, I have the Ryobi drill, and am looking at the Ryobi series of tools so that my equipment is standard, may even get the 12v charger.
The comments have been interesting, and I appeciate the input so far.
Plain Truth said
11:52 AM Jun 24, 2018
Meredith wrote:
How much firewood do you really think you are going to cut? I would think for most people carrying a tomahawk or small axe to split a few larger logs is all you need. Please don't be like the people we have seen at some free camps cutting downs trees around the camp!
That camping area is in the biggest Redgum Forest in the world,you don't have to cut trees down,they are lying down everywhere.A choice of a few tracks in of approximately 10 kms. and there is wood everywhere.
If we go along the coast we often buy wood for a fire,just adapt to the area,and would never cut down a tree for firewood.
-- Edited by Plain Truth on Sunday 24th of June 2018 11:53:41 AM
Moose2 said
12:31 PM Jun 24, 2018
Mate I have an EGO battery chainsaw. Bloody brilliant piece of gear. Also own a few petrol powered saws but the EGO is the one that goes camping. Cuts brilliantly (14" bar), light, bugger all noise and no petrol smell. So your missus is correct - get a chainsaw.
Mike Harding said
01:21 PM Jun 24, 2018
Meredith wrote:
How much firewood do you really think you are going to cut? I would think for most people carrying a tomahawk or small axe to split a few larger logs is all you need. Please don't be like the people we have seen at some free camps cutting downs trees around the camp!
Splitting logs with a small axe? I'll take a guess this is something you have never done?
The amount of wood PT has there is quite reasonable especially when camped in Vic or Tas. In the winter when the nights are 0C and below (-6C is my best) one needs a fire from rising to 10am and 4pm to bedtime. That heap of wood would do me for about three, maybe four, days, unfortunately open fires are *very* inefficient energy wise - a piece of old tin wrapped around 180 degrees of the fireplace saves a lot of energy.
PT's wood is redgum and is the best common wood possible for camp fires as its density means it burns hot and so one uses less.
Anyone who cuts a living tree down for camp firewood is an idiot. Not only is it illegal the tree is also full of water and won't burn worth a damn. Find your wood on the ground and don't be too lazy to take a walk or even drive a few kilometres from the campsite. I consider wood collection to be my main exercise of the day.
Also, keep in mind: trees grow - wood is a renewable resource and if you have ever watched the Australian bush recover from bush fire you'll realise just how fast they can do that.
Having a camp fire is fine, man has been doing it since the dawn of time, just use common sense and don't light where/when it's dangerous and don't cut living wood.
Incidentally: an excellent fire starter is a mix of 50% old engine oil and 50% kerosene. Place a paper tissue flat on the base of the firepit, build the kindling over that then pour on about 150ml of the mix and light the paper tissue. This will fire even wet wood in the Vic High Country.
Edit: PT: When was that photo of you splitting wood taken - I note from your profile you're 76 and I just hope I'm swinging a log splitter through redgum when I am that age :)
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Sunday 24th of June 2018 01:28:36 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
01:25 PM Jun 24, 2018
STRANGE as it may seem . Burning fuel ( fallen branches) under trees prevents bush fires ., Plenty of branches can be cut up . A green tree doesnāt burn well any way .
Meredith said
03:01 PM Jun 24, 2018
Mike Harding wrote:
Meredith wrote:
How much firewood do you really think you are going to cut? I would think for most people carrying a tomahawk or small axe to split a few larger logs is all you need. Please don't be like the people we have seen at some free camps cutting downs trees around the camp!
Splitting logs with a small axe? I'll take a guess this is something you have never done?
The amount of wood PT has there is quite reasonable especially when camped in Vic or Tas. In the winter when the nights are 0C and below (-6C is my best) one needs a fire from rising to 10am and 4pm to bedtime. That heap of wood would do me for about three, maybe four, days, unfortunately open fires are *very* inefficient energy wise - a piece of old tin wrapped around 180 degrees of the fireplace saves a lot of energy.
PT's wood is redgum and is the best common wood possible for camp fires as its density means it burns hot and so one uses less.
Anyone who cuts a living tree down for camp firewood is an idiot. Not only is it illegal the tree is also full of water and won't burn worth a damn. Find your wood on the ground and don't be too lazy to take a walk or even drive a few kilometres from the campsite. I consider wood collection to be my main exercise of the day.
Also, keep in mind: trees grow - wood is a renewable resource and if you have ever watched the Australian bush recover from bush fire you'll realise just how fast they can do that.
Having a camp fire is fine, man has been doing it since the dawn of time, just use common sense and don't light where/when it's dangerous and don't cut living wood.
Incidentally: an excellent fire starter is a mix of 50% old engine oil and 50% kerosene. Place a paper tissue flat on the base of the firepit, build the kindling over that then pour on about 150ml of the mix and light the paper tissue. This will fire even wet wood in the Vic High Country.
Edit: PT: When was that photo of you splitting wood taken - I note from your profile you're 76 and I just hope I'm swinging a log splitter through redgum when I am that age :)
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Sunday 24th of June 2018 01:28:36 PM
I've split plenty of wood, grew up in a house where the only heating was a wood stove. My dad cut it into big logs, but us kids had to split it. My comment wasn't related to the picture of PT's wood, but to wood in general campgrounds. And yes green wood is fairly useless for firewood, doesn't stop some idiots cutting down trees to try to use it.
Rosiebear said
08:30 PM Jun 24, 2018
Electric chainsaw. I have a Ryobi 36v chainsaw, and it is brilliant. Also have a 36v blower, uses the same battery so have 2 batteries on hand, and when the fire is down to coals throw another log on and a brief gentle blast with the blower soon brings it all to life again in double quick time. Just so quiet and light, use it in any area without disturbing anyone.
oldbloke said
08:36 PM Jun 24, 2018
For a cooking fire all I use is a bow saw and a hatchet. A short walk and some exercise does the trick. It all changes if you want a bon.fire.
Landfall said
08:10 AM Jun 26, 2018
We have both.
The most recent purchase was the reciprocating saw.
For smaller jobs (up to 4" dia) the reciprocating saw wins hands down.
For destroying the bush and environment (trees) the chain saw wins, but there is a small price in labor. You have to sharpen the chainsaw blade, adjust tension, and watch out for messy oil stains.
Aus-Kiwi said
11:14 AM Jun 26, 2018
Shhhesh . If he has a chain saw doesnāt mean heās going to flatten the forest out there . People go the nark on things these days like we donāt care or have any idea . Modern age . Go for it . One good thing is battery can be shared with other complianceās . Btw Itās STILL exercise., Enough to keep arthritis at bay it hope . Itās all about enjoying life .
Do I buy a battery powered chainsaw, or a battery powered reciprocating saw to collect wood for a camp fire, do I just use an axe?, do people really do this, or is it just something that people just talk about. The other half has got it into her head we should buy a chainsaw. I have just sold my petrol driven chainsaw (too heavy and big to take with us) so I have the money, just waiting on your opinion.
-- Edited by iana on Saturday 23rd of June 2018 07:56:02 PM
Hi Ian....after much consideration,I decided to buy a Bosch 36v (?) chainsaw,as I didnt want to have to carry petrol,and I have plenty of power on board to recharge the batteries.Chainsaws are much better than an axe on the big stuff,but I do also have a bow saw,which is very light and very efficient.Because I like to carry a heavy hammer just because,I bought a 3kg log splitter which is also a heavy hammer if I turn it over.Bit of an overkill,but Im with your wife if you intend to free-camp.
Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers.
Definitely a reciprocating saw. We used one up at our caretaking job near Broome and came home and bought one - amazing. I am only 45kg hobbit of 4'11" and I can use it one handed and it saws a thickness of approx. 10cm. Great tool.
Kim
It is normally a fire ban area, most places I visit
If it is not a fire ban area, then there are only ever a few fires, in each camp
In the winter time, I do not mind going into the state national parks, under the trees, and sitting by a fire
In my area, the state national parks, supply a fire pit, in every camping bay, and a supply of firewood, in the form of mill ends, when it is not a fire ban period
Up to now, I have had no need to cut wood, if I had wanted a fire
I have never seen anyone using a reciprocating saw to cut firewood
As others have said, it would be quicker with a bow saw
Ask yourself, do you really need a fire to cook on & provide warmth.
An occasional sit around the campfire experience is quite pleasant.
Save the Aussie bush & use a small axe & bush mans saw.
Good exercise too.
I think I camp in more remote places than most on here but I always
have a fire, you're not camping if you don't have a fire :) And in
the winter in Victoria a fire is all but essential - it's the bush TV.
I suggest a small petrol chainsaw; if you can find one an Ozito 305mm
bar and 24cc engine at about $125 is a terrific little saw, for camp
use, I prefer it to my Stihl saw. If you're travelling in NSW then I
suggest you also purchase a small bow saw as chain saws are strictly
prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park so the pile of sawn firewood
by your chair was cut using the bow saw and the oil marks are because
the bow saw sticks a bit.
I wouldn't consider a reciprocating saw, they are for carpentry not
firewood.
I have lived in fire prone areas of SA, and was quite close to the Ash Wednesday bush fires, lighting a fire dry conditions runs against my grain. How ever I do believe there is an instinctive desire in all of us to be around a fire, a throw back to the cave man days.
But the fire pits and wood provided sounds the way to go.
cheers
blaze
The fire pits down in the south west, seem to be of a standard design, Ian
I thought that all reciprocating saws, were powered by something other than elbow grease, otherwise they may stop reciprocating 
600 mm pipe, with a BBQ plate, and Billy Can type hook, both on separate swivels
You can use it as an open fire, cook a BBQ, or boil the billy/pan (if they have a handle)
The mill ends are usually Jarrah, and they leave very little ash
I love a fire,just for warmth, not cooking. At present I am making my way north and will use my beer barrel firepot here ever possible. I have a small Stihl chainsaw and have the back of the Iveco full of firewood. I have oftened wondered about a battery chainsaw as I am carrying 18v Makita batteries with me. There is plenty of firewood on the side of the road, as long as you are sensible about where you get it. Photo is at Gunnedah tonight
Definitely a reciprocating saw. Have been using one for quite a few years. Just amazingly efficient. Can cut through good sized limbs of red gum with ease! I also carry a variety of blades for all sorts of jobs whilst on the road.
-- Edited by Evernew98 on Sunday 24th of June 2018 08:04:13 AM
I have Ryobi tools but notice that the latest battery chainsaw from Stihl has a narrower chain than the Ryobi and impressed during a recent tryout at a local agricultural day.
Iza
Thinking of upgrading to a Battery Chainsaw.All this Redgum was cut with a Ego Battery Chainsaw.
Need it for warmth, cooking and has been said a
Bush TV.
Izabarack, I have the Ryobi drill, and am looking at the Ryobi series of tools so that my equipment is standard, may even get the 12v charger.
The comments have been interesting, and I appeciate the input so far.
That camping area is in the biggest Redgum Forest in the world,you don't have to cut trees down,they are lying down everywhere.A choice of a few tracks in of approximately 10 kms. and there is wood everywhere.
If we go along the coast we often buy wood for a fire,just adapt to the area,and would never cut down a tree for firewood.
-- Edited by Plain Truth on Sunday 24th of June 2018 11:53:41 AM
Mate I have an EGO battery chainsaw. Bloody brilliant piece of gear. Also own a few petrol powered saws but the EGO is the one that goes camping. Cuts brilliantly (14" bar), light, bugger all noise and no petrol smell. So your missus is correct - get a chainsaw.
Splitting logs with a small axe? I'll take a guess this is something
you have never done?
The amount of wood PT has there is quite reasonable especially when
camped in Vic or Tas. In the winter when the nights are 0C and below
(-6C is my best) one needs a fire from rising to 10am and 4pm to
bedtime. That heap of wood would do me for about three, maybe four,
days, unfortunately open fires are *very* inefficient energy wise - a
piece of old tin wrapped around 180 degrees of the fireplace saves a
lot of energy.
PT's wood is redgum and is the best common wood possible for camp
fires as its density means it burns hot and so one uses less.
Anyone who cuts a living tree down for camp firewood is an idiot. Not
only is it illegal the tree is also full of water and won't burn
worth a damn. Find your wood on the ground and don't be too lazy to
take a walk or even drive a few kilometres from the campsite. I
consider wood collection to be my main exercise of the day.
Also, keep in mind: trees grow - wood is a renewable resource and if
you have ever watched the Australian bush recover from bush fire
you'll realise just how fast they can do that.
Having a camp fire is fine, man has been doing it since the dawn of
time, just use common sense and don't light where/when it's dangerous
and don't cut living wood.
Incidentally: an excellent fire starter is a mix of 50% old engine
oil and 50% kerosene. Place a paper tissue flat on the base of the
firepit, build the kindling over that then pour on about 150ml of the
mix and light the paper tissue. This will fire even wet wood in the
Vic High Country.
Edit:
PT: When was that photo of you splitting wood taken - I note from
your profile you're 76 and I just hope I'm swinging a log splitter
through redgum when I am that age :)
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Sunday 24th of June 2018 01:28:36 PM
I've split plenty of wood, grew up in a house where the only heating was a wood stove. My dad cut it into big logs, but us kids had to split it. My comment wasn't related to the picture of PT's wood, but to wood in general campgrounds. And yes green wood is fairly useless for firewood, doesn't stop some idiots cutting down trees to try to use it.
We have both.
The most recent purchase was the reciprocating saw.
For smaller jobs (up to 4" dia) the reciprocating saw wins hands down.
For destroying the bush and environment (trees) the chain saw wins, but there is a small price in labor. You have to sharpen the chainsaw blade, adjust tension, and watch out for messy oil stains.