Chain Size For Stihl MS250 (5 Expert Tips For Firewood Prep)

Did you know that improperly seasoned firewood can reduce your wood-burning stove’s efficiency by as much as 40%? That’s a shocking waste of both fuel and money! Getting the right chain size for your Stihl MS250 and mastering firewood preparation is more than just a weekend chore; it’s an investment in efficiency, safety, and even environmental responsibility. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the woods, turning raw timber into neatly stacked firewood, I’m here to share my experience and knowledge to help you get the most out of your Stihl MS250 and create a sustainable source of heat.

Chain Size for Stihl MS250 (5 Expert Tips for Firewood Prep)

The global firewood market is a significant one, with demand driven by both residential heating and industrial applications. According to recent data, the global firewood market was valued at over $30 billion and is projected to grow steadily in the coming years. This growth underscores the importance of efficient and sustainable firewood preparation techniques.

This guide is designed to be your one-stop resource, whether you’re a seasoned woodsman or just starting out. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right chain for your Stihl MS250 to mastering the art of splitting and seasoning wood.

1. Understanding Your Stihl MS250 and Chain Selection

The Stihl MS250 is a popular choice for homeowners and small-scale firewood producers due to its balance of power, weight, and reliability. But to truly unlock its potential, you need to pair it with the right chain.

What Chain Does My Stihl MS250 Need?

The Stihl MS250 typically uses a .325″ pitch chain with a .063″ (1.6mm) gauge. The drive link count will vary depending on the bar length, but a common configuration is a 16-inch bar with 55 drive links.

.325″ Pitch: This refers to the distance between three rivets on the chain divided by two. It’s a crucial measurement for ensuring the chain fits the sprocket and bar properly.
.063″ Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the groove of the guide bar. Using the wrong gauge can damage the bar and chain.
Drive Link Count: This is the number of links that fit into the bar groove. Always double-check your bar length to confirm the correct number of drive links.

Why is the right chain size so important?

Safety: Using the wrong chain can lead to kickback, chain breakage, and other dangerous situations.
Performance: An improperly sized chain will not cut efficiently, wasting time and fuel.
Longevity: The wrong chain can wear out your bar and sprocket prematurely.

Pro Tip: Always consult your Stihl MS250 owner’s manual to confirm the correct chain specifications for your specific model and bar length.

Types of Chains for Firewood Cutting

Not all chains are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Full Chisel: These chains have square-cornered cutters and are the fastest cutting, but they dull quickly and are more prone to kickback. Best for experienced users cutting clean wood.
Semi-Chisel: These chains have rounded cutters and are more forgiving than full chisel chains. They stay sharp longer and are less prone to kickback, making them a good choice for general firewood cutting.
Low-Kickback: These chains have features designed to reduce the risk of kickback, such as bumper links or guard links. They are a good choice for beginners or anyone concerned about safety.

My Personal Experience: I’ve found that a semi-chisel chain is the sweet spot for most firewood cutting tasks. It offers a good balance of cutting speed, durability, and safety. Unless you’re a seasoned pro, I’d recommend sticking with a semi-chisel or low-kickback chain.

Keeping Your Chain Sharp

A dull chain is not only frustrating but also dangerous. It requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and fatigue.

How to Sharpen Your Chain:

Secure the Chainsaw: Place the chainsaw in a vise or on a stable surface.
Use a File Guide: A file guide helps you maintain the correct angle and depth when sharpening.
File Each Cutter: File each cutter evenly, using smooth, consistent strokes.
Check the Depth Gauges: Use a depth gauge tool to ensure the depth gauges are at the correct height.
Test the Chain: After sharpening, test the chain on a piece of wood. It should cut smoothly and aggressively.

Sharpening Frequency: How often you need to sharpen your chain depends on the type of wood you’re cutting and how often you use the chainsaw. As a general rule, sharpen your chain after every few tanks of fuel or whenever you notice it’s not cutting as efficiently.

Expert Tip: Invest in a good quality chainsaw file and file guide. It will make sharpening easier and more accurate.

2. Mastering Felling Techniques for Firewood

Felling trees safely and efficiently is crucial for firewood preparation. This is where experience and knowledge truly shine.

Assessing the Tree

Before you even start your chainsaw, take the time to assess the tree and its surroundings.

Lean: Determine the natural lean of the tree.
Branches: Identify any heavy branches that could affect the fall.
Wind: Consider the wind direction.
Obstacles: Look for any obstacles, such as power lines, buildings, or other trees.
Escape Route: Plan your escape route in case of an emergency.

Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

The Notch and Back Cut

The notch and back cut are the two primary cuts used in felling trees.

The Notch: The notch determines the direction the tree will fall. It should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
- Open Face Notch: A 90-degree notch that provides a wide opening for the tree to fall.
- Humboldt Notch: A notch with a horizontal cut at the top and an angled cut at the bottom.
- Conventional Notch: Two angled cuts forming a V-shape.
The Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch. It should be slightly above the bottom of the notch, leaving a hinge of wood.

The Hinge: The hinge controls the fall of the tree. It should be thick enough to guide the tree but thin enough to break easily when the tree falls.

Step-by-Step Felling Process:

Clear the Area: Clear any brush or debris around the base of the tree.
Make the Notch: Carefully make the notch, ensuring it’s the correct size and angle.
Make the Back Cut: Slowly make the back cut, leaving the hinge intact.
Use Wedges: If the tree doesn’t start to fall on its own, use wedges to help push it over.
Retreat Safely: As the tree falls, retreat quickly and safely along your planned escape route.

Data Point: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most logging accidents occur during felling operations. Proper training and adherence to safety procedures are essential.

My Personal Experience: I once underestimated the lean of a tree and nearly got pinned when it fell in the wrong direction. It was a valuable lesson that I’ll never forget. Always take your time and assess the tree carefully before you start cutting.

Dealing with Hangers

A “hanger” is a tree that gets caught in another tree during felling. This can be a dangerous situation.

How to Deal with Hangers:

Use a Peavey or Cant Hook: These tools can be used to roll the log and dislodge the hanger.
Use a Winch: A winch can be used to pull the hanger free.
Fell the Other Tree: In some cases, it may be necessary to fell the tree that’s holding the hanger.

Warning: Never climb a tree to dislodge a hanger. This is extremely dangerous.

3. Efficiently De-limbing and Bucking for Firewood

Once the tree is on the ground, the next step is to de-limb it and buck it into manageable lengths for firewood.

De-limbing Techniques

De-limbing involves removing the branches from the felled tree.

Work from the Base to the Top: Start at the base of the tree and work your way towards the top.
Use a Push Cut: A push cut involves pushing the chainsaw away from your body. This is generally safer than a pull cut.
Be Aware of Pinch Points: Watch out for branches that could pinch the chainsaw bar.
Cut Branches Flush: Cut the branches flush with the trunk to make splitting easier.

My Personal Experience: I’ve found that using a chainsaw with a shorter bar is helpful for de-limbing, as it’s more maneuverable.

Bucking for Firewood

Bucking involves cutting the tree into shorter lengths for firewood.

Determine the Length: Decide on the length of firewood you want to produce. A common length is 16 inches, but this can vary depending on the size of your wood-burning stove or fireplace.
Use a Measuring Stick: Use a measuring stick to ensure consistent lengths.
Support the Log: Support the log to prevent it from pinching the chainsaw bar.
Use a Bucking Saw: A bucking saw can be used to cut smaller logs.

Cutting Techniques:

Overbucking: Cutting from the top down.
Underbucking: Cutting from the bottom up.
Combination Bucking: A combination of overbucking and underbucking.

Expert Tip: Avoid cutting firewood too long. It’s better to err on the side of shorter lengths.

4. Splitting Firewood: Tools and Techniques

Splitting firewood is a crucial step in the preparation process. Properly split wood dries faster and burns more efficiently.

Choosing the Right Splitting Tool

There are several tools you can use to split firewood, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Axe: A traditional tool for splitting firewood. Requires skill and strength.
Maul: A heavier version of an axe, designed for splitting larger logs.
Splitting Wedge: Used in conjunction with a sledgehammer to split tough logs.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A powered machine that splits logs quickly and easily.

Data Point: Studies have shown that hydraulic log splitters can increase firewood production by as much as 50% compared to manual splitting methods.

My Personal Experience: I’ve used all of these tools over the years. For small-scale firewood production, an axe or maul is perfectly adequate. However, if you’re processing a large volume of wood, a hydraulic log splitter is a worthwhile investment.

Splitting Techniques

Choose a Stable Surface: Split firewood on a stable surface, such as a chopping block.
Position the Log: Position the log so that it’s stable and won’t roll.
Aim for the Center: Aim for the center of the log, or for any existing cracks.
Use Proper Form: Use proper form to avoid injury. Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
Wear Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.

Splitting Difficult Logs:

Use a Splitting Wedge: Drive a splitting wedge into the log with a sledgehammer.
Split from the Edges: Split the log from the edges, working your way towards the center.
Use a Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter can handle even the toughest logs.

Expert Tip: Split firewood when it’s green. Green wood is easier to split than dry wood.

5. Seasoning and Storing Firewood for Optimal Burning

Seasoning firewood is the process of drying it to reduce its moisture content. Properly seasoned firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.

Understanding Moisture Content

Green Wood: Wood that has been freshly cut and has a high moisture content (typically 50% or more).
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to a lower moisture content (ideally 20% or less).

Why Season Firewood?

Improved Burning Efficiency: Dry wood burns hotter and produces more heat.
Reduced Smoke: Dry wood produces less smoke, reducing air pollution and creosote buildup in your chimney.
Easier to Ignite: Dry wood is easier to ignite than green wood.

Data Point: Firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less can produce up to 50% more heat than green wood.

Seasoning Methods

Air Drying: The most common method of seasoning firewood. Involves stacking the wood in a well-ventilated area and allowing it to dry naturally.
Kiln Drying: A faster method of seasoning firewood. Involves drying the wood in a kiln.

Air Drying Best Practices:

Split the Wood: Split the wood into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for drying.
Stack the Wood Loosely: Stack the wood loosely to allow for good air circulation.
Elevate the Stack: Elevate the stack off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood.
Cover the Stack: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
Choose a Sunny and Windy Location: Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and wind.

My Personal Experience: I’ve found that stacking firewood in a single row, with the pieces slightly spaced apart, allows for the best air circulation.

How Long to Season Firewood

The amount of time it takes to season firewood depends on the type of wood, the climate, and the stacking method. As a general rule, hardwood takes at least six months to season, while softwood takes at least three months.

Signs of Well-Seasoned Firewood:

Cracks in the Ends: Well-seasoned firewood will have cracks in the ends.
Light Weight: Well-seasoned firewood will be lighter than green wood.
Dull Sound: When struck together, well-seasoned firewood will produce a dull sound.

Expert Tip: Use a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture content of your firewood.

Storing Firewood

Proper storage is essential for keeping your seasoned firewood dry and ready to burn.

Store the Wood Off the Ground: Store the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up into it.
Cover the Top of the Stack: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
Allow for Air Circulation: Allow for air circulation around the stack to prevent mold and rot.
Store Away from the House: Store firewood away from the house to prevent insect infestations.

My Personal Experience: I once stored firewood too close to my house and ended up with a carpenter ant infestation. Learn from my mistake and keep your firewood a safe distance away.

Troubleshooting Common Firewood Problems

Even with the best preparation, you may encounter problems with your firewood. Here are some common issues and how to address them.

Firewood Won’t Burn: This is usually due to high moisture content. Make sure your firewood is properly seasoned.
Firewood Smokes Too Much: This is also usually due to high moisture content. It can also be caused by burning wood that’s been treated with chemicals.
Firewood Attracts Insects: Store firewood away from the house to prevent insect infestations.
Firewood Rot: This is usually due to improper storage. Make sure your firewood is stored off the ground and in a well-ventilated area.

Costs and Budgeting for Firewood Preparation

Firewood preparation can be a cost-effective way to heat your home, but it’s important to factor in the costs involved.

Chainsaw and Equipment: The cost of a chainsaw, safety gear, and other tools.
Fuel and Oil: The cost of fuel and oil for your chainsaw.
Maintenance: The cost of maintaining your chainsaw and other equipment.
Time: The value of your time.

Saving Money on Firewood Preparation:

Buy Wood in Bulk: Buying wood in bulk can save you money.
Harvest Your Own Wood: If you have access to a wooded area, you can harvest your own wood.
Maintain Your Equipment: Regularly maintain your equipment to extend its lifespan.
Split Wood Manually: Splitting wood manually can save you money on a hydraulic log splitter.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you have a solid understanding of chain selection for your Stihl MS250 and firewood preparation techniques, here are some next steps you can take:

Practice Felling Techniques: Practice felling techniques in a safe and controlled environment.
Sharpen Your Chainsaw Chain: Learn how to sharpen your chainsaw chain properly.
Build a Firewood Stack: Build a firewood stack that promotes good air circulation.
Invest in Safety Gear: Invest in high-quality safety gear to protect yourself from injury.

Additional Resources:

Stihl Website: For information on Stihl chainsaws and accessories.
Arbor Day Foundation: For information on tree care and forestry.
Local Forestry Agencies: For information on local firewood regulations and resources.
Logging Equipment Suppliers: Baileys, Northern Tool, and Forestry Suppliers.
Drying Equipment Rental Services: Sunbelt Rentals, United Rentals.

Final Thoughts

Preparing firewood is a rewarding but demanding task. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can safely and efficiently transform raw timber into a valuable source of heat. Remember to prioritize safety, take your time, and always be learning. With practice and patience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a firewood preparation expert. Keep your chain sharp, your wood dry, and your fire burning bright!

Chain Size for Stihl MS250 (5 Expert Tips for Firewood Prep)