Thank you for the pointers! The Stihl shop keeps my chain sharp as well as a spare chain so I can change it. Years ago a friend borrowed it and told me he sharpened the chain. It wouldn't cut at all. I took it to the shop thinking I needed a new one and they said nope just needed to be sharpened correctly. Apparently they all sharpen on a different angle.

Now I will need to find someone who can sharpen the chain on the new saw and I should pick up a spare chain for it as well.

Spare chain is a good idea. The rate I'm going the chain will need sharpening soon. Been watching tree experts and Arborists here in Oregon who specialize in cutting down huge fir trees. They also give lessons on how to sharpen the chain and what tools are useful for the job.

This guy is hilarious 🤣
https://youtu.be/cbEpGQItsEE

I have a gas saw and a battery powered one. While it is true that the battery saw doesn't last long, this is how it works for me. I'm an old (65+) man with fingers curling from arthritis. The battery saw can cut more tree down than I can haul away in the time it takes to recharge it. I think it has a 14 in bar, and I cut a Boxwood Maple (Acer negundo) thicker than that. It took me 2 days, but I found it works me less than the gas saw would have (and my ears didn't ring). For Harry Homeowner who doesn't cut firewood for a living, my Makita saw is becoming my new best friend.

I let my Dad use my Makita battery saw. He has some trouble starting a gas saw. The power to weight ratio on the battery saw isn't very good. I have an Echo pro saw that is feather light and more powerful than the Makita 36 volt. I can do twice the work in an hour with the gas saw. Maybe electric is the answer in areas that only have soft conifers? I wouldn't want to tackle a white oak with a battery powered saw.

Hi, are you still using it? I think I know an article that will come in handy.