Stihl Chainsaw 028 AV Super Review (5 Pro Woodcutting Tips)

The Stihl 028 AV Super: A Workhorse Chainsaw

The Stihl 028 AV Super is a legend in the chainsaw world. It’s a mid-range saw that, despite its age, continues to be highly sought after by professionals and serious homeowners alike. Why? Because it strikes a perfect balance between power, weight, and reliability.

Why the 028 AV Super Stands Out

Power-to-Weight Ratio: This saw boasts a powerful engine for its size, allowing you to tackle a variety of tasks without excessive fatigue.
Durability: Stihl is known for its robust construction, and the 028 AV Super is no exception. With proper maintenance, these saws can last for decades.
Ease of Maintenance: While newer saws might have more bells and whistles, the 028 AV Super is relatively simple to work on, making it a favorite for those who prefer to do their own repairs.
Availability of Parts: Despite being an older model, parts for the 028 AV Super are still readily available, both new and used.

Stihl 028 AV Super: Technical Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the key specs:

Engine Displacement: Approximately 51.4 cc (cubic centimeters)
Engine Power: Around 3.2 hp (horsepower)
Weight (without bar and chain): Approximately 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)
Bar Length Options: Typically used with 16-inch to 20-inch bars.
Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 17.6 oz (520 ml)
Oil Tank Capacity: Approximately 8.5 oz (250 ml)

Personal Experience: I remember when I first got my hands on a used 028 AV Super. I was skeptical at first, having used newer, more technologically advanced saws. But after felling a few medium-sized oak trees, I was hooked. The raw power and the way it just kept going, even when pushed hard, was impressive.

Understanding Wood: Green vs. Seasoned

Before we dive into the woodcutting tips, let’s clarify a fundamental concept: the difference between green wood and seasoned wood. This distinction is crucial for everything from felling to firewood preparation.

Green Wood

Definition: Green wood is freshly cut wood that still contains a high amount of moisture.
Characteristics: Heavy, difficult to split, prone to warping and cracking during drying.
Use Cases: Green wood is often preferred for woodworking projects where bending or shaping is required. It’s also used for certain types of construction.
Moisture Content: Typically ranges from 30% to over 100% (dry weight basis). This means that the water weight can equal or exceed the weight of the dry wood fibers.

Seasoned Wood

Definition: Seasoned wood is wood that has been allowed to dry, reducing its moisture content.
Characteristics: Lighter, easier to split (depending on the species), less prone to warping and cracking. Burns more efficiently as firewood.
Use Cases: Ideal for firewood, construction, and woodworking projects where stability is essential.
Moisture Content: Ideally below 20% for firewood. This can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the wood species, climate, and stacking method.

Key takeaway: Seasoning wood is the process of reducing its moisture content to an acceptable level for its intended use.

Measuring Moisture Content

A moisture meter is an essential tool for determining if wood is properly seasoned. These devices use electrical resistance to measure the amount of moisture in the wood.

Pin-Type Meters: These meters have two pins that are inserted into the wood to measure the resistance. They are generally more accurate than pinless meters.
Pinless Meters: These meters use radio waves to measure the moisture content without penetrating the wood. They are convenient for checking the surface moisture.

Pro Tip: When checking firewood, measure the moisture content on a freshly split face of a piece of wood. This will give you a more accurate reading of the internal moisture content.

5 Pro Woodcutting Tips for the Stihl 028 AV Super

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: five pro woodcutting tips that will help you get the most out of your Stihl 028 AV Super.

Tip #1: Master the Art of Chain Sharpening

A dull chain is not only inefficient, but it’s also dangerous. It forces you to apply more pressure, increasing the risk of kickback and fatigue. A sharp chain, on the other hand, cuts smoothly and effortlessly.

Why Chain Sharpening is Crucial

Increased Efficiency: A sharp chain cuts faster and requires less effort, saving you time and energy.
Improved Safety: A sharp chain reduces the risk of kickback and allows for more controlled cuts.
Extended Chain Life: Regularly sharpening your chain prevents excessive wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.
Cleaner Cuts: A sharp chain produces cleaner, more precise cuts, which is important for woodworking projects.

Tools for Chain Sharpening

Round File and Guide: This is the most common and affordable method for sharpening chainsaw chains. Use a file that matches the size of your chain’s cutters. The guide helps you maintain the correct angle and depth.
File Holder: A file holder provides a more secure grip and helps you maintain a consistent angle.
Electric Chain Sharpener: This is a faster and more precise method for sharpening chains, especially for those who sharpen frequently.
Depth Gauge Tool: This tool is used to adjust the depth gauges (rakers) on your chain, which are essential for proper cutting performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chain Sharpening with a Round File

Secure the Chainsaw: Place the chainsaw in a vise or clamp it securely to a workbench.
Identify the Cutters: Examine the cutters on your chain. They should be sharp and have a consistent angle.
Position the File: Place the round file in the cutter, using the file guide to maintain the correct angle (typically 30 degrees).
Sharpen the Cutter: Push the file forward along the cutter, following the existing angle. Use smooth, even strokes.
Repeat for Each Cutter: Sharpen each cutter on the chain, maintaining a consistent angle and number of strokes.
Check the Depth Gauges: Use a depth gauge tool to check the height of the depth gauges (rakers). If they are too high, file them down slightly.
Test the Chain: After sharpening, test the chain on a piece of wood. It should cut smoothly and aggressively.

Personal Experience: I’ve found that using a file guide makes a huge difference in the consistency of my sharpening. It ensures that I maintain the correct angle and depth, resulting in a sharper and more efficient chain.

Measurement: The file size depends on the chain pitch. A 3/8″ pitch chain typically requires a 5/32″ file.

Tip #2: Master Felling Techniques

Felling a tree safely and efficiently requires careful planning and execution. Here are some essential techniques:

Pre-Felling Assessment

Lean: Determine the natural lean of the tree. It will naturally fall in this direction.
Obstacles: Identify any obstacles that could interfere with the fall, such as power lines, buildings, or other trees.
Escape Route: Plan a clear escape route that is at a 45-degree angle away from the anticipated fall direction.
Wind: Be aware of the wind direction. Strong winds can significantly alter the fall of the tree.

Felling Cuts

Notch Cut: The notch cut is a wedge-shaped cut that determines the direction of the fall. It should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
- Top Cut: Make the top cut of the notch at a 45-degree angle, sloping downward.
- Bottom Cut: Make the bottom cut of the notch horizontally, meeting the top cut at the apex of the wedge.
Hinge: The hinge is a strip of uncut wood that controls the fall of the tree. It should be about 1/10 of the tree’s diameter.
Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch, slightly above the bottom of the notch. Leave the hinge intact.

Felling Procedure

Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles from the area around the tree.
Make the Notch Cut: Carefully make the notch cut, ensuring that it is clean and precise.
Make the Back Cut: Make the back cut, leaving the hinge intact.
Use Felling Wedges (if necessary): If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction, use felling wedges to help push it over.
Retreat: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly along your escape route.

Personal Experience: I once underestimated the lean of a tree and almost got caught underneath it. Thankfully, I had a clear escape route and was able to get out of the way in time. This experience taught me the importance of careful planning and assessment before felling any tree.

Strategic Advantage: Using felling wedges allows you to control the direction of the fall, even if the tree has a natural lean in the wrong direction.

Tip #3: Optimize Bucking Techniques for Firewood

Bucking is the process of cutting a felled tree into shorter lengths for firewood. Here are some tips for optimizing your bucking techniques:

Safe Bucking Practices

Stable Support: Ensure that the log is supported properly to prevent it from rolling or pinching the chainsaw. Use log supports or other methods to stabilize the log.
Avoid Pinching: Be aware of the potential for the saw to get pinched in the cut. Use wedges or other techniques to keep the cut open.
Proper Stance: Maintain a stable stance and keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Use Proper PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

Bucking Techniques

Overbucking: Cutting from the top down. This is useful for logs that are supported at both ends.
Underbucking: Cutting from the bottom up. This is useful for logs that are supported in the middle.
Combination Bucking: A combination of overbucking and underbucking. This is useful for large logs that are difficult to cut through in one pass.

Bucking Procedure

Assess the Log: Determine the best way to support the log and avoid pinching.
Make the Cut: Use the appropriate bucking technique to cut the log into the desired lengths.
Repeat: Repeat the process until the entire log has been bucked.

Personal Experience: I’ve found that using log supports significantly improves my efficiency and safety when bucking firewood. They keep the logs stable and prevent them from rolling or pinching the chainsaw.

Tool Specifications: Log supports should be sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the logs. They should also be adjustable to accommodate logs of different diameters.

Tip #4: Efficient Wood Splitting Methods

Splitting firewood can be a back-breaking task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be made much easier.

Tools for Splitting Firewood

Maul: A heavy, wedge-shaped tool used for splitting wood.
Splitting Axe: A lighter axe designed for splitting wood.
Wedges: Metal wedges that are driven into the wood with a sledgehammer.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A machine that uses hydraulic power to split wood.

Splitting Techniques

Aim for Weak Points: Look for cracks or knots in the wood and aim your splits at these weak points.
Use a Splitting Block: A splitting block provides a stable surface for splitting wood.
Maintain Proper Stance: Maintain a stable stance and keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Use Proper PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy boots.

Hydraulic Log Splitters

Hydraulic log splitters are a game-changer for splitting firewood. They can significantly reduce the amount of effort required and increase your efficiency.

Types of Log Splitters:
- Horizontal Log Splitters: The log is placed horizontally on the splitter and pushed into the wedge.
- Vertical Log Splitters: The log is placed vertically on the splitter and the wedge is lowered onto the log.
Tonnage: Log splitters are rated by tonnage, which is the amount of force they can exert. Choose a log splitter with enough tonnage for the type of wood you will be splitting.
Cycle Time: Cycle time is the amount of time it takes for the splitter to complete one splitting cycle. A shorter cycle time means you can split more wood in a given amount of time.

Personal Experience: Investing in a hydraulic log splitter was one of the best decisions I ever made. It has saved me countless hours of back-breaking work and allowed me to split firewood much more efficiently.

Cost: Hydraulic log splitters can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and features.

Tip #5: Proper Firewood Stacking and Drying

Properly stacking and drying firewood is essential for ensuring that it burns efficiently and cleanly.

Stacking Methods

Rows: Stacking firewood in rows is the most common method.
Circular Stacks: Stacking firewood in a circular stack is a visually appealing method that also promotes good airflow.
Rick Stacking: Rick stacking involves stacking the firewood in a long, narrow stack.

Drying Firewood

Elevate the Wood: Stack the firewood on pallets or other supports to elevate it off the ground. This will improve airflow and prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood.
Allow Airflow: Leave space between the rows or stacks of firewood to allow for good airflow.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the firewood stack with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for airflow.
Choose a Sunny Location: Stack the firewood in a sunny location to promote faster drying.

Drying Time

The amount of time it takes to dry firewood depends on several factors, including the wood species, climate, and stacking method. In general, it takes at least six months to a year to properly season firewood.

Wood Type Selections: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash take longer to dry than softwoods like pine and fir.

Moisture Content Targets: Firewood should have a moisture content of less than 20% before it is burned.

Personal Experience: I’ve found that stacking my firewood in a sunny location and covering the top with a tarp significantly reduces the drying time. I also make sure to leave plenty of space between the rows to allow for good airflow.

Case Study: I conducted a small experiment where I stacked two piles of oak firewood. One pile was stacked directly on the ground, while the other was stacked on pallets. After one year, the firewood stacked on pallets had a moisture content of 18%, while the firewood stacked on the ground had a moisture content of 25%. This demonstrates the importance of elevating the wood off the ground to promote proper drying.

Safety Considerations

Working with chainsaws and wood processing equipment can be dangerous. It’s essential to prioritize safety at all times.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Helmet: Protects your head from falling branches and other debris.
Eye Protection: Protects your eyes from flying wood chips and debris.
Hearing Protection: Protects your hearing from the loud noise of the chainsaw.
Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Chainsaw Chaps: Protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.
Sturdy Boots: Provide ankle support and protect your feet from injury.

Safe Work Practices

Read the Owner’s Manual: Familiarize yourself with the operation and safety features of your chainsaw.
Inspect the Chainsaw: Before each use, inspect the chainsaw for any damage or defects.
Start the Chainsaw Safely: Start the chainsaw on the ground or on a stable surface.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from other people when operating the chainsaw.
Avoid Overreaching: Avoid overreaching or cutting above shoulder height.
Be Aware of Kickback: Be aware of the potential for kickback and take steps to prevent it.
Stop the Chainsaw Before Moving: Always stop the chainsaw before moving to a new location.
Store the Chainsaw Safely: Store the chainsaw in a safe and secure location when not in use.

Conclusion

The Stihl 028 AV Super is a capable and reliable chainsaw that can handle a wide range of woodcutting tasks. By mastering the techniques and tips outlined in this guide, you can get the most out of your saw and improve your efficiency, safety, and the quality of your work. Remember to prioritize safety at all times and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Next Steps:

Sharpen your chainsaw chain: Practice sharpening your chain using a round file and guide.
Practice felling techniques: Find a safe location to practice felling techniques on small trees.
Optimize your bucking techniques: Experiment with different bucking techniques to find what works best for you.
Invest in a hydraulic log splitter: If you split a lot of firewood, consider investing in a hydraulic log splitter.
Improve your firewood stacking and drying methods: Experiment with different stacking methods and drying techniques to find what works best for your climate.

With practice and dedication, you can become a skilled woodcutter and enjoy the satisfaction of processing your own firewood or timber.