Stihl FS80 Trimmer Benefits (5 Pro Tips For Wood Processing)

I see a tremendous opportunity for individuals and small businesses to enhance their wood processing and firewood preparation operations. Many are overlooking a versatile tool that can significantly improve efficiency and reduce manual labor: the Stihl FS80 trimmer. While often associated with lawn care, this seemingly simple tool, when equipped with the right attachments and used strategically, can become an invaluable asset in various wood processing tasks. I’ve personally witnessed and experienced the transformative impact of the FS80 in my own woodlot, and I’m eager to share these insights with you.

Stihl FS80 Trimmer Benefits: 5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing

The Stihl FS80 trimmer isn’t just for trimming grass. With a few clever modifications and a bit of know-how, it can be a surprisingly effective tool for various tasks related to wood processing and firewood preparation. I’ll share five professional tips I’ve learned over the years, demonstrating how this versatile machine can save you time, effort, and even money.

1. Understanding the Stihl FS80: More Than Just a Weed Whacker

Before diving into the tips, let’s understand what makes the Stihl FS80 a suitable candidate for wood processing.

Power and Engine: The FS80 typically features a two-stroke engine, providing a good balance of power and portability. While newer models might have slightly different specs, the core principle remains the same: a reliable engine capable of handling more than just light trimming. The engine size is usually around 25cc, providing sufficient power for the tasks I will describe.
Attachment Versatility: This is where the FS80 shines. Its universal attachment system allows you to swap the standard trimmer head for various specialized tools. This adaptability is key to its usefulness in wood processing.
Lightweight and Maneuverability: Compared to chainsaws or heavy machinery, the FS80 is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver. This is particularly advantageous for tasks that require precision or working in tight spaces.
Cost-Effectiveness: Owning an FS80 already for lawn care means you can leverage it for wood processing with just the cost of attachments, making it a budget-friendly option.

Key Terms:

Green Wood: Freshly cut wood with high moisture content. It’s heavier and more difficult to split than seasoned wood.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to reduce its moisture content, making it lighter, easier to burn, and less prone to mold and decay.
Attachment System: The mechanism that allows you to connect different tools to the trimmer’s powerhead.
Two-Stroke Engine: An engine that completes a power cycle with two strokes of the piston. They are typically lighter and more powerful than four-stroke engines but require a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil.

2. Tip 1: Debarking Small Logs and Branches

One of the most tedious tasks in wood processing is debarking. Removing the bark can speed up drying, reduce insect infestation, and improve the overall quality of your wood. While specialized debarking tools exist, the FS80 with a wire brush attachment can be a surprisingly effective alternative for smaller logs and branches.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Safety First: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection. Debarking can create flying debris, so protect yourself.
Attachment Selection: Choose a wire brush attachment specifically designed for debarking. These are typically made of hardened steel wires arranged in a circular pattern. I prefer a brush with a slightly angled design, as it seems to conform better to the contours of the logs.
Speed Control: Start with a low speed setting on the FS80. This will help you control the brush and prevent it from digging too deeply into the wood.
Debarking Technique: Hold the FS80 at a slight angle to the log and move the brush along the surface, applying gentle pressure. Work in overlapping passes, gradually removing the bark.
Adjusting Pressure: If the bark is particularly stubborn, you can increase the pressure slightly. However, be careful not to damage the underlying wood.
Finishing Touches: Once the majority of the bark is removed, you can use a drawknife or other hand tool to clean up any remaining patches.

Personal Experience:

I remember one particularly wet summer where I had a large pile of small birch logs that needed to be debarked before they could be used for kindling. I tried using a drawknife, but it was incredibly time-consuming. On a whim, I decided to try the wire brush attachment on my FS80, and I was amazed at how quickly and easily it removed the bark. It saved me hours of work.

Benefits:

Saves Time and Effort: Debarking with the FS80 is significantly faster and less physically demanding than using hand tools.
Versatile: Works well on a variety of wood types and sizes.
Cost-Effective: If you already own an FS80, the wire brush attachment is a relatively inexpensive investment.

Strategic Advantage:

Debarking your wood before drying can significantly reduce the risk of insect infestation and fungal growth. This can help preserve the quality of your wood and extend its lifespan.

Measurements and Specifications:

Wire Brush Attachment: Diameter: 6-8 inches, Wire Gauge: 0.020-0.025 inches.
Log Diameter: Best suited for logs with a diameter of 2-6 inches.
Debarking Time: Varies depending on the wood type and bark thickness, but typically 2-5 minutes per log.

Case Study:

A local woodworking shop used this technique to debark small branches for rustic furniture projects. They found that the FS80 with a wire brush attachment allowed them to process the branches much faster and more efficiently than hand debarking, resulting in increased production and reduced labor costs.

Cost:

Wire brush attachment: $20-$50
FS80 (if you don’t already own one): $300 – $450

3. Tip 2: Creating Kindling and Small Firewood

Splitting small pieces of wood for kindling can be a real pain, especially if you’re dealing with tough or knotty wood. The FS80, fitted with a circular saw blade attachment, can be used to quickly and safely create kindling and small firewood pieces.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Safety First: This is crucial! Wear safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and leg protection (chaps are recommended). A circular saw blade on a trimmer is inherently dangerous, so exercise extreme caution.
Attachment Selection: Use a circular saw blade specifically designed for brush cutters or trimmers. These blades are typically made of hardened steel and have a diameter of 8-10 inches. I recommend a blade with carbide-tipped teeth for increased durability and cutting performance.
Work Area Preparation: Create a stable and level work area. A sturdy workbench or a large log can be used as a cutting platform. Ensure that the wood you’re cutting is securely supported.
Cutting Technique: Hold the FS80 firmly and start the blade at a low speed. Slowly lower the blade onto the wood, applying gentle pressure. Let the blade do the work; don’t force it.
Cutting Dimensions: Cut the wood into desired lengths for kindling or small firewood pieces. I typically aim for pieces that are 6-8 inches long and 1-2 inches thick.
Safe Handling: Always use gloves when handling the cut pieces of wood. Be aware of sharp edges and splinters.

Personal Experience:

I used to spend hours splitting kindling with a hatchet, which was tiring and often resulted in bruised fingers. After trying the circular saw blade attachment on my FS80, I was able to produce a large pile of kindling in a fraction of the time, with much less effort and a lower risk of injury.

Benefits:

Increased Efficiency: Cutting kindling with the FS80 is significantly faster than splitting it by hand.
Reduced Effort: Requires less physical exertion than using a hatchet or axe.
More Precise Cuts: Allows for more consistent and uniform kindling pieces.

Strategic Advantage:

Having a readily available supply of dry kindling can make starting fires much easier and more efficient, especially in damp or cold conditions.

Measurements and Specifications:

Circular Saw Blade Attachment: Diameter: 8-10 inches, Tooth Count: 40-80 teeth, Carbide-Tipped Teeth Recommended.
Wood Diameter: Suitable for wood with a diameter of up to 4 inches.
Cutting Speed: Adjust the speed of the FS80 to match the wood type and blade characteristics.

Case Study:

A small firewood business used this technique to create bundles of kindling for sale. They found that the FS80 with a circular saw blade attachment allowed them to produce a consistent and high-quality product, which increased their sales and profitability.

Cost:

Circular saw blade attachment: $30-$70
Safety chaps (recommended): $50 – $100

Important Safety Note: Always be extremely cautious when using a circular saw blade on a trimmer. Keep a firm grip on the FS80, wear appropriate safety gear, and never cut wood that is not securely supported. Kickback is a serious risk.

4. Tip 3: Clearing Brush and Undergrowth

Before you can even think about processing wood, you often need to clear brush and undergrowth to access the trees. The FS80, equipped with a brush blade attachment, is an excellent tool for this task.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Safety First: Again, safety is paramount. Wear safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, leg protection (chaps are highly recommended), and a face shield. Brush clearing can generate a lot of flying debris.
Attachment Selection: Choose a brush blade attachment designed for clearing thick brush and undergrowth. These blades typically have 2-4 sharp cutting edges and are made of hardened steel. I prefer a blade with a slightly curved design, as it seems to cut through brush more effectively.
Clearing Technique: Hold the FS80 firmly and swing the blade in a wide arc, cutting through the brush and undergrowth. Work in a systematic manner, clearing a path or area as needed.
Cutting Height: Adjust the cutting height to match the type of brush you’re clearing. For low-lying brush, you can hold the blade closer to the ground. For taller brush, you can raise the blade.
Obstacle Avoidance: Be careful to avoid hitting rocks, roots, or other obstacles with the blade. This can damage the blade and cause it to kick back.
Pile and Dispose: Gather the cleared brush and undergrowth into piles for disposal. You can burn it (where permitted), chip it, or compost it.

Personal Experience:

I used to dread clearing brush around my woodlot. It was backbreaking work with hand tools. The FS80 with a brush blade attachment has made this task much easier and faster. I can now clear a large area in a matter of hours, instead of days.

Benefits:

Efficient Brush Clearing: Significantly faster and easier than using hand tools.
Versatile: Can be used to clear a wide variety of brush and undergrowth.
Improved Access: Clears pathways and areas for easier access to trees.

Strategic Advantage:

Clearing brush and undergrowth can improve the overall health of your woodlot by reducing competition for resources and improving air circulation. It also reduces the risk of wildfires.

Measurements and Specifications:

Brush Blade Attachment: Diameter: 8-10 inches, Number of Cutting Edges: 2-4, Hardened Steel Construction.
Brush Diameter: Suitable for brush with a diameter of up to 2 inches.
Clearing Speed: Varies depending on the density of the brush, but typically 1-2 hours per acre.

Case Study:

A landscaping company used this technique to clear overgrown areas before planting new trees and shrubs. They found that the FS80 with a brush blade attachment allowed them to quickly and efficiently clear the areas, saving them time and labor costs.

Cost:

Brush blade attachment: $25-$60
Face shield: $20 – $40

Important Safety Note: Always be aware of your surroundings when clearing brush. Watch out for hidden obstacles, such as rocks and roots. Use a harness or shoulder strap to support the weight of the FS80 and reduce fatigue.

5. Tip 4: Trimming Branches and Limbs

Once you’ve felled a tree, you need to trim the branches and limbs before you can process the trunk into firewood or lumber. The FS80, with the appropriate attachment, can be used to trim smaller branches and limbs quickly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Safety First: Wear safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and a helmet. Falling branches can be dangerous.
Attachment Selection: You have a few options here, depending on the size of the branches you’re trimming. For smaller branches (up to 1 inch in diameter), a standard trimmer head with heavy-duty line can be used. For larger branches (up to 2 inches in diameter), a brush blade attachment or a small pruning saw attachment is recommended. I often use a small, toothed circular saw blade.
Trimming Technique: Hold the FS80 firmly and position the blade or line close to the branch you want to trim. Apply gentle pressure and let the blade or line do the work. Avoid cutting into the trunk of the tree.
Branch Removal: Once the branch is cut, carefully remove it from the area. Be aware of the weight and balance of the branch to avoid injury.
Cutting Angle: Cut branches at a slight angle to promote healing and prevent water from pooling on the cut surface.

Personal Experience:

I used to use a handsaw to trim branches, which was slow and tiring. The FS80 with a brush blade attachment has made this task much easier and faster. I can now trim a tree in a fraction of the time, with much less effort.

Benefits:

Efficient Branch Trimming: Significantly faster and easier than using a handsaw.
Versatile: Can be used to trim a wide range of branch sizes.
Improved Tree Health: Proper trimming promotes tree health and prevents disease.

Strategic Advantage:

Trimming branches and limbs promptly after felling a tree can reduce the risk of insect infestation and fungal growth. It also makes the trunk easier to handle and process.

Measurements and Specifications:

Trimmer Line Diameter: 0.095-0.105 inches for heavy-duty trimming.
Brush Blade Attachment: Diameter: 8-10 inches, Number of Cutting Edges: 2-4, Hardened Steel Construction.
Pruning Saw Attachment: Bar Length: 6-8 inches, Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch low profile.
Branch Diameter: Suitable for branches with a diameter of up to 2 inches (depending on the attachment).

Case Study:

An arborist used this technique to trim branches from trees in a residential area. They found that the FS80 with a pruning saw attachment allowed them to trim the branches quickly and efficiently, without disturbing the surrounding vegetation.

Cost:

Heavy-duty trimmer line: $10-$20 per spool
Pruning saw attachment: $60 – $120

Important Safety Note: Always be aware of your surroundings when trimming branches. Watch out for falling branches and other hazards. Use a ladder or other elevated platform to reach higher branches safely.

6. Tip 5: Preparing Ground for Firewood Stacking

A well-prepared ground surface is essential for proper firewood stacking. It prevents the wood from absorbing moisture from the ground and promotes air circulation, which helps the wood dry faster. The FS80, fitted with a dethatching or cultivating attachment, can be used to prepare the ground quickly and easily.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Safety First: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
Attachment Selection: Choose a dethatching or cultivating attachment designed for preparing soil. These attachments typically have a series of tines or blades that loosen and aerate the soil.
Ground Preparation Technique: Hold the FS80 firmly and move the attachment over the area where you want to stack firewood. Apply gentle pressure and let the tines or blades loosen the soil.
Leveling the Surface: Use a rake or shovel to level the surface and remove any rocks or debris.
Adding Drainage: If the area is prone to flooding, consider adding a layer of gravel or sand to improve drainage.

Personal Experience:

I used to stack firewood directly on the ground, which resulted in the bottom layer of wood becoming damp and moldy. After using the dethatching attachment on my FS80 to prepare the ground, I noticed a significant improvement in the drying time and overall quality of my firewood.

Benefits:

Improved Drainage: Prevents the wood from absorbing moisture from the ground.
Increased Air Circulation: Promotes faster drying and reduces the risk of mold and decay.
Level Surface: Makes stacking firewood easier and more stable.

Strategic Advantage:

Properly preparing the ground for firewood stacking can significantly improve the quality and longevity of your firewood.

Measurements and Specifications:

Dethatching/Cultivating Attachment: Width: 8-12 inches, Tine/Blade Depth: 1-2 inches.
Ground Preparation Area: Prepare an area that is slightly larger than the intended firewood stack.
Gravel/Sand Layer: If adding drainage, use a layer of gravel or sand that is 2-4 inches thick.

Case Study:

A firewood retailer used this technique to prepare the ground for their firewood stacks. They found that it helped them to reduce spoilage and improve the overall quality of their product, which increased customer satisfaction and sales.

Cost:

Dethatching/Cultivating attachment: $40 – $80
Gravel/Sand: Varies depending on the quantity needed.

Important Note: This technique works best on relatively loose soil. If the soil is heavily compacted, you may need to use a larger tiller or rototiller.

Conclusion: The FS80 – A Versatile Tool for the Woodlot

The Stihl FS80 trimmer, often overlooked as a mere lawn care tool, can be a valuable asset in wood processing and firewood preparation. By utilizing the right attachments and techniques, you can significantly improve efficiency, reduce manual labor, and enhance the quality of your wood products. From debarking logs and creating kindling to clearing brush and preparing the ground for firewood stacking, the FS80 offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for a variety of tasks. Remember to always prioritize safety and use the appropriate protective gear when operating any power tool.

Next Steps:

Assess Your Needs: Identify the specific tasks in your wood processing or firewood preparation operation where the FS80 could be helpful.
Choose the Right Attachments: Select the appropriate attachments based on your needs and the size and type of wood you’re working with.
Practice and Experiment: Take the time to practice using the FS80 and its attachments in a safe and controlled environment. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Maintain Your Equipment: Regularly clean and maintain your FS80 and its attachments to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Stay Safe: Always prioritize safety and use the appropriate protective gear when operating the FS80.

By following these tips and taking the time to learn how to use the FS80 effectively, you can unlock its full potential and transform your wood processing and firewood preparation operation. I hope my experiences and insights have been helpful. Happy wood processing!

Stihl FS80 Trimmer Benefits (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing)