BNCraigslist Deals: Chainsaw Finds & Tips (Hidden Gem Reviews)

Imagine this: a crisp autumn morning, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, and the satisfying crackle of a fire you built yourself. That feeling is within reach, and it starts with understanding the world of wood processing. The opportunity? Scoring incredible deals on Craigslist for chainsaws and other essential tools, and turning that bargain into a winter’s worth of warmth. But it’s not just about finding a cheap chainsaw; it’s about knowing what to look for, how to use it safely, and how to transform raw wood into perfectly seasoned firewood. This guide is your key to unlocking that potential.

The Global Landscape of Wood and Firewood

Before we dive into Craigslist deals, let’s set the stage. Globally, the wood processing and firewood industries are substantial. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), global roundwood production was approximately 3.9 billion cubic meters in 2022. While a significant portion goes to industrial uses like construction and paper, a considerable amount is still used for fuel, particularly in developing countries. In developed nations, firewood remains a popular choice for supplemental heating and recreational fires.

The demand for firewood is influenced by several factors, including energy prices, environmental awareness (firewood can be a carbon-neutral fuel source when sustainably harvested), and the increasing popularity of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. This demand creates a market for both professional firewood producers and individuals looking to source their own.

BNCraigslist Deals: Your Gateway to Savings

Craigslist (or other similar online marketplaces) can be a goldmine for finding used chainsaws, axes, log splitters, and other wood processing equipment. However, it’s also a place where due diligence is paramount. You need to be savvy to snag a good deal and avoid getting burned (pun intended!).

Chainsaw Finds: Decoding the Deals

Finding a chainsaw on Craigslist requires a strategic approach. Here’s my battle-tested method:

Set Your Budget and Needs: Before you even start browsing, determine how much you’re willing to spend and what type of chainsaw you need. Are you felling large trees, primarily limbing branches, or just cutting small firewood rounds? A homeowner-grade chainsaw will suffice for occasional firewood cutting, while a professional-grade saw is necessary for more demanding tasks. I once bought a “bargain” chainsaw that was far too small for the trees I was planning to cut. Lesson learned – do your research!
Search Strategically: Use specific keywords. Instead of just “chainsaw,” try “Stihl chainsaw,” “Husqvarna chainsaw,” or “chainsaw for firewood.” Include your location to narrow down the results. I often use variations like “chainsaw near me,” “chainsaw [your city],” and even misspellings like “chainsaw” to catch listings that might have been missed.
Analyze the Listings: Don’t just look at the price. Pay close attention to the description. Look for details about the chainsaw’s age, condition, usage, and any recent maintenance. Red flags include vague descriptions, missing information, or claims that seem too good to be true. I learned this the hard way when I purchased a chainsaw described as “lightly used,” only to discover it had been heavily modified and poorly maintained.
Contact the Seller: Ask questions! Don’t be afraid to inquire about the chainsaw’s history, any known issues, and the reason for selling. Request additional photos or videos, especially of the chainsaw running. I always ask about the last time the chainsaw was serviced and if they have any maintenance records.
Inspect Before You Buy: This is crucial. Never buy a chainsaw without inspecting it in person. Bring a friend who is knowledgeable about chainsaws if you’re not confident in your own abilities. Here’s what to check:
- Overall Condition: Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or excessive wear.
- Engine: Check the engine compression by pulling the starter cord. It should feel firm and resist slightly. A weak compression could indicate worn piston rings or other engine problems.
- Bar and Chain: Inspect the bar for wear, damage, and proper lubrication. Check the chain for sharpness, damage, and proper tension. Make sure the chain brake engages properly.
- Safety Features: Ensure all safety features, such as the chain brake, throttle lock, and chain catcher, are functioning correctly.
- Start and Run: Start the chainsaw and listen to the engine. It should start easily and run smoothly without excessive smoking or unusual noises. Let it idle for a few minutes to check for any stalling or overheating.
Negotiate the Price: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Offer a lower price than the asking price, especially if you find any issues during your inspection. Be polite and respectful, but also be firm.
Safety First: Before using any used chainsaw, make sure it’s in safe working condition. Replace any worn or damaged parts, and always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps.

Case Study: My Craigslist Chainsaw Success Story

I once found a listing for a Stihl MS 290 chainsaw on Craigslist for a ridiculously low price. The seller claimed it was “slightly used” and “in good condition.” Skeptical but curious, I contacted the seller and arranged to inspect the chainsaw.

Upon inspection, I discovered that the chainsaw was indeed in excellent condition. It started easily, ran smoothly, and had no visible signs of damage. The seller explained that he had inherited the chainsaw from his father and had no use for it.

I negotiated the price down even further and ended up buying the chainsaw for a steal. After a thorough cleaning and tune-up, it became my go-to chainsaw for firewood cutting.

Hidden Gem Reviews: Beyond Chainsaws

Craigslist isn’t just for chainsaws. You can also find great deals on other wood processing tools, such as:

Axes and Splitting Mauls: Essential for splitting logs into firewood. Look for axes with sharp, well-maintained blades and sturdy handles.
Log Splitters: A real time-saver for splitting large quantities of firewood. Both hydraulic and manual log splitters can be found on Craigslist.
Wedges: Used in conjunction with an axe or splitting maul to split particularly stubborn logs.
Cant Hooks and Timber Jacks: Helpful for moving and positioning logs.

When evaluating these tools, follow a similar process as with chainsaws: inspect for damage, ask questions, and negotiate the price.

Tips for Finding Hidden Gems:

Be Patient: Finding the right deal takes time and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something immediately.
Check Regularly: New listings are posted constantly, so check Craigslist frequently.
Expand Your Search Radius: Consider searching in nearby towns or cities.
Use Saved Searches: Set up saved searches with your desired keywords and location to receive email notifications when new listings are posted.
Be Ready to Act Quickly: Good deals don’t last long. Be prepared to contact the seller and arrange an inspection as soon as possible.

Chainsaw Safety: A Non-Negotiable

No discussion about chainsaws is complete without a heavy emphasis on safety. Chainsaws are powerful tools that can cause serious injury if used improperly.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including:
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing from the chainsaw’s noise.
- Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
- Chaps: Chainsaw chaps to protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.
- Boots: Steel-toed boots to protect your feet.
- Helmet: A helmet is recommended, especially when felling trees.
Safe Operating Procedures:
- Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s operating manual.
- Maintain Your Chainsaw: Keep your chainsaw properly maintained. Sharpen the chain regularly, check the oil and fuel levels, and inspect for any damage.
- Clear the Area: Clear the area around you of any obstacles, such as branches, rocks, or debris.
- Firm Footing: Ensure you have firm footing before starting the chainsaw.
- Proper Stance: Use a proper stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.
- Avoid Cutting Above Shoulder Height: Avoid cutting above shoulder height, as this can be dangerous.
- Be Aware of Kickback: Kickback is a sudden and forceful reaction that can occur when the tip of the chainsaw bar comes into contact with a solid object. Be aware of the risk of kickback and take steps to avoid it.
- Never Cut Alone: Always work with someone else when using a chainsaw.
- Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

Wood Species and Firewood Quality: Know Your Fuel

Different wood species have different properties that affect their heat output, burning characteristics, and seasoning time.

Here’s a breakdown of some common wood species and their suitability for firewood:

Hardwoods: Generally denser and burn longer than softwoods.
- Oak: Excellent heat output, burns slowly and steadily, but can be difficult to split and takes a long time to season (12-24 months).
- Maple: Good heat output, burns well, and splits relatively easily. Seasons in 6-12 months.
- Ash: Excellent heat output, burns cleanly, and splits easily. Seasons in 6-12 months.
- Beech: Good heat output, burns well, but can be difficult to split. Seasons in 6-12 months.
- Birch: Good heat output, burns quickly, and splits easily. Seasons in 6-12 months. However, birch bark is highly flammable and can contribute to chimney fires if not burned properly.
Softwoods: Generally less dense and burn faster than hardwoods.
- Pine: Burns quickly and produces a lot of heat, but also creates more smoke and creosote. Seasons in 6-12 months. Best used for kindling or starting fires.
- Fir: Similar to pine, burns quickly and produces a lot of heat, but also creates more smoke and creosote. Seasons in 6-12 months. Best used for kindling or starting fires.
- Spruce: Similar to pine and fir, burns quickly and produces a lot of heat, but also creates more smoke and creosote. Seasons in 6-12 months. Best used for kindling or starting fires.

Key Concepts: Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood

Green Wood: Freshly cut wood that contains a high moisture content. Green wood is difficult to burn, produces a lot of smoke, and generates less heat.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to a low moisture content (ideally below 20%). Seasoned wood burns easily, produces less smoke, and generates more heat.

The Seasoning Process: Patience is a Virtue

Seasoning firewood is essential for efficient and safe burning. Here’s how to do it:

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood increases the surface area exposed to air, which speeds up the drying process.
Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and well-ventilated location. Use pallets or cinder blocks to elevate the wood.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or sheet of metal to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for air circulation.
Wait: The amount of time it takes to season firewood depends on the wood species, the climate, and the stacking method. Generally, hardwoods need to season for at least 6 months, while softwoods can season in as little as 3 months.

Data Point: Moisture Content Matters

The ideal moisture content for firewood is below 20%. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood. Moisture meters are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. I’ve found that firewood with a moisture content above 25% is significantly harder to burn and produces much more smoke.

Felling Trees Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you plan to fell your own trees for firewood, safety is paramount. This is not a task to be taken lightly. If you are not experienced in felling trees, consider hiring a professional arborist.

Assess the Tree: Inspect the tree for any signs of damage, disease, or weakness. Look for dead branches, cracks, or leaning.
Plan Your Escape Route: Before you start cutting, plan your escape route. Make sure you have a clear path away from the tree in case it falls unexpectedly.
Clear the Area: Clear the area around the tree of any obstacles, such as branches, rocks, or debris.
Make the Notch Cut: The notch cut is a wedge-shaped cut that determines the direction the tree will fall. The notch cut should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Make the Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch cut. The back cut should be slightly higher than the notch cut.
Use Wedges: If the tree is not falling on its own, use wedges to help push it over.
Retreat: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your planned escape route.

Delimbing and Bucking: From Tree to Firewood

Once the tree is on the ground, you need to delimb it and buck it into firewood-sized pieces.

Delimbing: Remove the branches from the tree trunk using a chainsaw or an axe. Be careful to avoid kickback when using a chainsaw.
Bucking: Cut the tree trunk into firewood-sized pieces using a chainsaw. The length of the pieces will depend on the size of your fireplace or wood stove. I typically cut my firewood into 16-inch lengths.

Splitting Logs: The Final Step

Splitting logs can be done manually with an axe or splitting maul, or with a log splitter.

Manual Splitting: Place the log on a chopping block and strike it with the axe or splitting maul. Use wedges to split particularly stubborn logs.
Log Splitter: Place the log on the log splitter and activate the hydraulic ram. The log splitter will split the log into two or more pieces.

Troubleshooting: Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Chainsaw Won’t Start: Check the fuel level, spark plug, and air filter. Make sure the chainsaw is properly primed.
Chainsaw Chain Keeps Coming Off: Check the chain tension and the condition of the bar and chain.
Firewood Won’t Burn: Make sure the firewood is properly seasoned.
Log is Too Difficult to Split: Use wedges or a log splitter.

Cost and Budgeting: Keeping it Affordable

The cost of preparing your own firewood can vary depending on several factors, including the cost of the wood, the cost of the tools, and the amount of time you spend on the project.

Free Wood: If you can find free wood, such as downed trees or wood scraps, you can significantly reduce your costs.
Used Tools: Buying used tools on Craigslist can save you money.
Sweat Equity: Your labor is free! The more time you spend on the project, the less money you’ll have to spend.

Case Study: A Small Workshop’s Firewood Production

A small woodworking shop I know uses their wood scraps and offcuts to produce firewood for local sale. They invested in a small log splitter and a firewood processor to increase their efficiency. They found that by selling firewood, they were able to offset some of their operating costs and reduce their waste. This is a great example of how even small businesses can benefit from wood processing.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Start Searching Craigslist: Begin your search for used chainsaws and other wood processing tools.
Gather Your Safety Gear: Make sure you have all the necessary safety gear before you start working with a chainsaw.
Find a Source of Wood: Locate a source of wood, whether it’s free wood, purchased wood, or trees you plan to fell yourself.
Start Seasoning Your Firewood: Split and stack your firewood in a sunny and well-ventilated location.

Additional Resources:

Local Arborists: If you need help felling trees, consider hiring a professional arborist.
Hardware Stores: Hardware stores sell chainsaws, axes, log splitters, and other wood processing tools.
Online Forums: Online forums are a great place to ask questions and get advice from other wood processing enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your own firewood is a rewarding and satisfying experience. It’s a way to connect with nature, save money, and enjoy the warmth of a fire you built yourself. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can safely and efficiently transform raw wood into perfectly seasoned firewood. So, get out there, find those Craigslist deals, and start preparing for a warm and cozy winter! Remember, the journey of a thousand logs begins with a single chainsaw. And with a little know-how and a lot of elbow grease, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of wood processing. Good luck, and happy splitting!