So, I shopped for a chain saw. Considering my experiences and struggles with small gas engines, I decided to go electric, especially since a 100′ extension cord can reach every nook and cranny of our lot. I’ve been fine with an electric string trimmer and an electric hedge trimmer, though the problem of dragging a cord around is a pain.

I bought this Makita to reduce a weeping cherry tree that had quit weeping and gone vertical, and I was astounded at how quickly the saw cut branches. Within 15 minutes the surrounding yard was a mass of fallen limbs. I was further astounded by how quickly I could cut the limbs into firewood lengths while they lay on the grass. It took less than two hours to go from a 20′ tree to a stack of firewood and a pile of small branches for mulching.

Two things I learned: 1) the cord remains a pain. Before I knew it, my cord was buried under fallen limbs, and it kept getting in the way as I worked. That’s the trade off with a cord, but I prefer that to a tiny gas engine which can be hard to start and care for, and 2) the chain needs frequent oil applications, and I learned to press the plunger a few times whenever I’d made a few cuts and was ready to set the saw down.

Other than that, this saw is a screaming little monster of a saw, with power to slice thick limbs (and arms) in a flash.

WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION! In my advancing years I’ve learned that good ear protection makes a noisy job more pleasant while protecting my hearing. I’ve been using a Peltor H10A for years, even for lawn mowing. The muffs are adjustable and comfortable. I’m sure there are many other good ones out there. And your eyes – you have to have something to protect them. Several times over the years a piece of this or that has pinged off my lenses while I’ve worked, and I’ve been glad my eyes weren’t the first contact.

…..Ted