MS251 Chainsaw Tips (5 Expert Hacks For Efficient Wood Processing)

MS251 Chainsaw Tips (5 Expert Hacks for Efficient Wood Processing) and a Deep Dive into Firewood Prep Costs

I’ve been there. You’re staring at a pile of logs, knowing you need firewood, but the thought of the time, effort, and especially the cost makes you want to just crank up the thermostat. We’ve all been there. But fear not! In this article, I’m going to share some expert tips on using your MS251 chainsaw more efficiently, turning that daunting wood pile into a manageable task. More importantly, I will break down all the costs associated with firewood preparation, from the initial log purchase to the final stack ready for winter, so you can budget like a pro. I’ll leverage my years of experience in the wood processing game, from felling trees to splitting logs, to share insights and actionable advice to save you time and money.

The Problem: Inefficient Wood Processing and Uncontrolled Costs

Let’s face it: wood processing, especially for firewood, can be a time-consuming and physically demanding job. It’s easy to get bogged down by inefficient techniques, leading to wasted time, increased fuel consumption, and potential wear and tear on your equipment. And without a clear understanding of the costs involved, you can quickly find yourself over budget, wondering where all your money went.

The Solution: By optimizing your chainsaw techniques, understanding your equipment, and meticulously tracking your expenses, you can transform wood processing from a chore into a manageable and even enjoyable task. You’ll not only save time and money but also gain a sense of accomplishment as you build your winter woodpile.

5 Expert Hacks for Efficient Wood Processing with Your MS251

The Stihl MS251 is a workhorse of a chainsaw, perfect for homeowners and even small-scale professional woodcutters. But even the best tool needs to be used effectively. Here are five hacks I’ve learned over the years to maximize your MS251’s efficiency:

1. Chain Sharpening: The Key to Effortless Cutting

A dull chain is your worst enemy. It forces you to apply more pressure, which slows you down, wastes fuel, and increases the risk of kickback. I can’t stress this enough: a sharp chain is paramount.

The Hack: Invest in a good quality chainsaw file and learn how to sharpen your chain properly. Alternatively, consider a chainsaw chain sharpener. I prefer hand-filing because it gives me more control.
The Technique: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct filing angle and depth. Use consistent, smooth strokes. A sharp chain should pull itself into the wood with minimal pressure.
The Benefit: A sharp chain will cut faster and smoother, reducing strain on both you and the chainsaw. You’ll use less fuel and extend the life of your chain.
Cost Implication: A file kit costs around $20-$50. Professional sharpening services average $10-$20 per chain. Learning to sharpen yourself saves money in the long run.

2. Proper Bar and Chain Lubrication: Keeping Things Smooth

Friction is the enemy of efficiency. Without proper lubrication, your chain will overheat, wear out quickly, and potentially damage the bar and sprocket.

The Hack: Use a high-quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws. I prefer bio-degradable oils for environmental reasons.
The Technique: Check the oil level frequently and top it off as needed. Adjust the oiler if necessary to ensure adequate lubrication. A good rule of thumb is that the oil should be visibly spraying from the chain while cutting.
The Benefit: Proper lubrication reduces friction, extending the life of your chain, bar, and sprocket. It also improves cutting performance and reduces the risk of overheating.
Cost Implication: Bar and chain oil costs about $10-$20 per gallon. Using the correct oil and maintaining proper lubrication is far cheaper than replacing worn-out parts.

3. Felling Techniques: Safe and Efficient Tree Cutting

While the MS251 can handle smaller trees, proper felling techniques are essential for safety and efficiency.

The Hack: Always assess the tree and its surroundings before felling. Plan your escape route and ensure there are no obstacles in the way.
The Technique: Use a proper felling notch and back cut to control the direction of the fall. Consider using wedges to prevent the tree from pinching the bar.
The Benefit: Safe and controlled felling minimizes the risk of injury and damage to property. It also makes it easier to process the wood.
Cost Implication: This is more about safety than direct cost, but injuries can lead to massive medical bills and lost work time. Invest in safety gear like a helmet, chaps, and steel-toed boots. These typically cost between $150-$300.

4. Bucking Techniques: Cutting Logs to Length

Bucking is the process of cutting felled trees into manageable lengths for firewood.

The Hack: Use a sawbuck or log cradle to support the logs while cutting. This will prevent the bar from pinching and make the job much easier.
The Technique: Cut the logs to the desired length, typically 16-18 inches for firewood. Use a consistent cutting angle to ensure even lengths.
The Benefit: A sawbuck makes bucking safer and more efficient. Consistent lengths make stacking and burning firewood easier.
Cost Implication: A basic sawbuck costs around $50-$100. You can also build your own from scrap lumber. Proper bucking techniques reduce wear and tear on your chainsaw, saving on repair costs.

5. Chainsaw Maintenance: Preventative Measures Save Money

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your MS251 running smoothly and extending its lifespan.

Source of Wood: Are you buying logs, harvesting your own trees, or scavenging fallen wood?
Wood Species: Hardwoods like oak and maple are more expensive than softwoods like pine and fir.
Equipment: Do you own a chainsaw, splitter, and other necessary tools, or will you need to rent them?
Labor: Are you doing the work yourself, or will you be hiring help?
Location: Prices vary significantly depending on your geographic location and local market conditions.
Seasonality: Firewood prices typically peak in the fall and winter when demand is highest.

I’m going to break down each cost component systematically, providing data and insights based on my experience and industry benchmarks.

1. Timber Purchase or Harvesting Costs:

This is often the biggest expense when preparing firewood.

Buying Logs: The price of logs varies dramatically depending on species, quality, and location. According to recent data from the USDA Forest Service, the average price for hardwood sawlogs in the US ranged from $400 to $800 per thousand board feet (MBF) in 2023. However, for firewood purposes, you’re often buying “pulpwood” or “firewood logs,” which are lower quality and therefore cheaper. I’ve seen prices ranging from $50 to $200 per cord for firewood logs delivered to your property.
- Example: Let’s say you purchase a cord of mixed hardwood logs for $150. This is your initial timber cost.
Harvesting Your Own Trees: If you have access to your own land, you can harvest trees for firewood. However, this still involves costs, including:
- Permits: In some areas, you may need a permit to harvest trees, even on your own property. Permit fees can range from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the location and the amount of wood you’re harvesting.
- Equipment: You’ll need a chainsaw, safety gear, and potentially other tools like a skidder or tractor to move the logs.
- Time: Your time is valuable. Consider the opportunity cost of spending hours harvesting wood instead of doing other things. I usually factor in a rate of $25-$50 per hour for my time when calculating the cost of harvesting my own wood.
- Example: You spend 10 hours harvesting a cord of wood from your property. Factoring in your time at $30/hour, that’s $300 in labor costs, plus any permit fees or equipment expenses.
Scavenging Fallen Wood: This is the cheapest option, but it’s also the most time-consuming and labor-intensive. You’ll need to search for fallen trees, cut them into manageable lengths, and haul them back to your property.
- Example: You spend 20 hours scavenging a cord of wood. At $30/hour for your time, that’s $600 in labor costs. While you didn’t pay for the wood itself, your time is a significant expense.

2. Tool Costs: Chainsaws, Splitters, and More

Your equipment is a major investment.

Chainsaw: As we discussed earlier, a good quality chainsaw like the MS251 is essential. The MS251 typically costs between $400 and $500 new. Factor in the cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement parts. I budget about $100 per year for chainsaw maintenance and repairs.
Log Splitter: A log splitter can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort required to split firewood. You can rent a gas-powered log splitter for around $50-$100 per day. Owning a log splitter is a bigger investment, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
- Example: You rent a log splitter for two days at $75/day, costing you $150.
Other Tools: You’ll also need other tools like an axe, wedges, a sledgehammer, a sawbuck, and safety gear. These can add up quickly. I estimate about $200-$300 for a basic set of hand tools.

3. Labor Costs: DIY vs. Hiring Help

Are you going it alone, or will you enlist some help?

DIY: If you’re doing all the work yourself, the main cost is your time. As I mentioned earlier, I factor in a rate of $25-$50 per hour for my time.
Hiring Help: If you hire someone to help you process firewood, you’ll need to pay them an hourly wage. The average hourly wage for a general laborer in the US is around $15-$25 per hour.
- Example: You hire someone to help you split and stack firewood for 8 hours at $20/hour, costing you $160.

4. Fuel and Consumables:

Don’t forget the ongoing costs.

Chainsaw Fuel: Chainsaws consume a significant amount of fuel. The MS251 has a fuel tank capacity of 16.9 oz. I estimate that I use about one tank of fuel per hour when cutting firewood. At a price of $4 per gallon for mixed fuel, that’s about $0.50 per hour for fuel.
Bar and Chain Oil: As we discussed earlier, proper lubrication is essential. I estimate that I use about one gallon of bar and chain oil per year.
Maintenance Supplies: You’ll need to purchase replacement parts like spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters.

5. Transportation Costs:

Getting the wood from point A to point B.

Hauling Logs: If you’re buying logs, you may need to pay for delivery. Delivery fees can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the distance and the size of the load.
Hauling Firewood: You’ll need a truck or trailer to haul the firewood from the processing area to your storage location. Factor in the cost of fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle.

6. Drying and Storage:

Proper drying is crucial for efficient burning.

Drying Time: Firewood needs to be properly dried before it can be burned efficiently. This typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the wood species and the climate.
Storage: You’ll need a dry, well-ventilated place to store your firewood. This could be a simple woodpile covered with a tarp or a more elaborate woodshed.

Case Study: Cost Analysis of Preparing One Cord of Firewood

Let’s put all of this together with a real-world example. I recently prepared one cord of mixed hardwood firewood. Here’s a breakdown of my costs:

Timber Purchase: $150 (delivered)
Chainsaw Maintenance: $20 (sharpening and oil)
Log Splitter Rental: $75 (one day)
Fuel and Consumables: $10
My Time (10 hours at $30/hour): $300

Total Cost: $555

This means that it cost me $555 to prepare one cord of firewood. This is significantly higher than the average price of firewood in my area, which is around $250-$350 per cord. However, I value the exercise, the satisfaction of doing it myself, and the quality of the wood I’m burning.

Note: This cost doesn’t include the initial cost of my chainsaw or other tools, as I already owned them. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to factor in those expenses.

Industry Benchmarks and Statistical Data

To give you a broader perspective, here are some industry benchmarks and statistical data related to firewood prices and wood processing costs:

Average Price per Cord of Firewood (US): According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price of firewood in the US ranged from $200 to $400 per cord in 2023, depending on the region and the type of wood. However, prices can be significantly higher in urban areas or during periods of high demand.
Timber Prices: As mentioned earlier, timber prices vary widely depending on species, quality, and location. The USDA Forest Service provides detailed data on timber prices by region.
Equipment Rental Fees: Rental fees for chainsaws, log splitters, and other equipment vary depending on the location and the rental company. Check with local rental companies for current rates.
Labor Costs: The average hourly wage for general laborers varies depending on the location and the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed data on wages by occupation.

Practical Tips for Cost Optimization and Budget Management

Here are some practical tips to help you optimize your costs and manage your budget when preparing firewood:

Shop Around for Logs: Get quotes from multiple suppliers before purchasing logs.
Consider Buying in Bulk: You may be able to get a discount if you buy a larger quantity of logs.
Harvest Your Own Wood (If Possible): If you have access to your own land, harvesting your own wood can save you money.
Rent Equipment Instead of Buying: If you only need a log splitter or other specialized equipment occasionally, renting is often cheaper than buying.
Do the Work Yourself (If Possible): Doing the work yourself can save you a significant amount of money on labor costs.
Maintain Your Equipment: Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your equipment.
Dry Your Firewood Properly: Properly dried firewood burns more efficiently, reducing the amount of wood you need to burn.
Stack Your Firewood Neatly: Proper stacking improves airflow, which helps the wood dry faster.
Buy Firewood in the Off-Season: Firewood prices are typically lower in the spring and summer when demand is lower.
Consider Alternative Fuels: If firewood is too expensive in your area, consider alternative fuels like wood pellets or propane.

Relevant Calculations and Formulas

Here are some relevant calculations and formulas that you may find helpful:

Calculating Volume of Logs in Board Feet: Board feet is a unit of measurement for lumber. One board foot is equal to 144 cubic inches (12 inches x 12 inches x 1 inch). The formula for calculating the volume of a log in board feet is:

(Diameter in inches – 4) squared x Length in feet / 16 * Calculating Volume of Logs in Cords: A cord is a unit of measurement for firewood. A standard cord is a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, for a total volume of 128 cubic feet. The formula for converting cubic feet to cords is:

Cubic feet / 128 = Cords * Estimating Drying Time Based on Moisture Content: The moisture content of firewood is the percentage of water in the wood. Firewood needs to be dried to a moisture content of 20% or less for efficient burning. The drying time depends on the wood species, the climate, and the storage conditions. As a general rule of thumb, hardwoods take longer to dry than softwoods. In a dry climate, firewood may dry in as little as 6 months. In a humid climate, it may take 12 months or longer.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

Preparing firewood can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to go in with a clear understanding of the costs involved. By optimizing your chainsaw techniques, maintaining your equipment, and carefully tracking your expenses, you can save time and money while enjoying the warmth of a wood-burning fire.

Here are some actionable takeaways and next steps:

Assess Your Needs: How much firewood do you need for the winter?
Evaluate Your Resources: Do you have access to your own land, or will you need to buy logs?
Create a Budget: Estimate the costs of timber, equipment, labor, fuel, and other expenses.
Shop Around for Logs and Equipment: Get quotes from multiple suppliers.
Maintain Your Chainsaw: Sharpen the chain regularly and keep it properly lubricated.
Dry Your Firewood Properly: Stack it neatly in a dry, well-ventilated location.
Track Your Expenses: Keep a record of all your costs so you can refine your budget for next year.

By following these tips, you can transform wood processing from a daunting chore into a manageable and even enjoyable task. So, grab your MS251, sharpen your chain, and get ready to build that winter woodpile! Remember, a little planning and preparation can go a long way. And who knows, you might even find that you enjoy the process as much as I do. Happy cutting!

MS251 Chainsaw Tips (5 Expert Hacks for Efficient Wood Processing)