Stihl MS 200 Chainsaw Guide (5 Pro Tips For Woodcutters)

The crisp autumn air bit at my cheeks as I surveyed the downed oak, a giant felled by the recent storm. Its thick trunk, easily three feet in diameter, lay like a slumbering beast, promising a winter’s worth of warmth. This wasn’t just firewood; it was a project. A project that, if executed poorly, could turn into a back-breaking slog and a pile of uneven, unusable wood. But, having wrestled with countless logs over the years, I knew the key to success wasn’t just brute strength. It was strategy. And one of my favorite tools for these medium-sized jobs? My trusty Stihl MS 200. This isn’t just a chainsaw; it’s an extension of my arm, a finely tuned instrument that, when wielded with skill and knowledge, can transform a fallen tree into a stack of neatly seasoned firewood. Today, I’m sharing my top 5 pro tips for using the Stihl MS 200 to conquer your woodcutting projects, gleaned from years of experience in the field. So, grab your gear, and let’s get started.

Stihl MS 200 Chainsaw Guide: 5 Pro Tips for Woodcutters

Tip 1: Master the Art of the Bore Cut: Your Secret Weapon for Controlled Felling and Bucking

Bore cutting is more than just a fancy technique; it’s a fundamental skill that will dramatically improve your control, safety, and efficiency when felling or bucking timber. Think of it as creating a hinge point that dictates where the wood will fall or split.

What is a Bore Cut?

Essentially, a bore cut involves plunging the tip of your chainsaw bar into the wood to create a controlled cut from the inside out. This is in contrast to a conventional cut, where you start at the edge of the wood and cut straight through.

Why Use a Bore Cut?

Felling: When felling a tree, a bore cut allows you to create a hinge that controls the direction of the fall. You can strategically weaken one side of the tree, ensuring it falls in the desired direction, away from hazards like power lines or structures.
Bucking: Bucking (cutting a felled tree into manageable lengths) can be dangerous, especially with logs under tension. A bore cut allows you to relieve this tension in a controlled manner, preventing the bar from getting pinched and reducing the risk of kickback.
Precision: Bore cuts offer unparalleled precision, especially when working with valuable timber or intricate cuts.

How to Execute a Perfect Bore Cut with Your Stihl MS 200:

Safety First: Ensure you have a solid stance, wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and that the chain brake is engaged when positioning the saw.
Pilot Cut: Make a small notch on the side of the log where you intend to plunge the bar. This will help guide the saw and prevent it from skipping.
Controlled Plunge: With the chain brake disengaged and the saw running at a moderate speed, carefully plunge the tip of the bar into the pilot cut. Use the bumper spikes (if your saw has them) to maintain stability.
Pivot and Cut: Once the bar is fully inserted, pivot the saw to create the desired cut. Maintain a smooth, consistent motion.
Leave a Hinge: When felling, be sure to leave a hinge of uncut wood to control the direction of the fall. The size of the hinge will depend on the size of the tree and the desired angle of fall.

My Personal Experience:

I recall a particularly challenging felling job where a large oak was leaning precariously towards a neighbor’s shed. A conventional felling cut would have been disastrous. By using a bore cut to create a precise hinge, I was able to guide the tree safely away from the structure, avoiding what could have been a costly and stressful situation.

Data Point: According to the Forest Resources Association, proper felling techniques, including bore cuts, can reduce logging accidents by up to 30%.

Tip 2: Chain Sharpening: The Key to Unleashing Your Stihl MS 200’s Potential

A dull chain is not only inefficient; it’s also dangerous. It forces you to work harder, increases the risk of kickback, and produces ragged, uneven cuts. Keeping your chain sharp is paramount for both performance and safety.

Why Sharpen Your Chain?

Increased Efficiency: A sharp chain cuts through wood effortlessly, reducing the amount of time and effort required to complete your tasks.
Improved Safety: A dull chain is more likely to bind or kick back, increasing the risk of injury.
Better Cut Quality: A sharp chain produces clean, even cuts, which are essential for firewood preparation and other woodworking projects.
Reduced Saw Wear: A sharp chain puts less strain on your saw’s engine, extending its lifespan.

How to Sharpen Your Chain Like a Pro:

Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a chainsaw file (correct size for your chain), a file guide, a depth gauge tool, and a vise to hold the saw securely.
Secure the Saw: Place the saw in a vise, ensuring the chain is easily accessible.
Identify the Correct File Angle: Refer to your chainsaw’s manual for the recommended file angle. This is crucial for achieving optimal cutting performance.
File Each Cutter: Using smooth, consistent strokes, file each cutter from the inside out. Maintain the correct file angle and depth. It typically takes 3-5 strokes per cutter.
Check and Adjust Depth Gauges: Use the depth gauge tool to check the height of the depth gauges (the small metal tabs in front of each cutter). If they are too high, file them down slightly.
Repeat for All Cutters: Repeat the process for all the cutters on the chain, ensuring they are all sharpened to the same degree.
Test the Chain: After sharpening, test the chain on a piece of wood. It should cut smoothly and aggressively.

My Personal Experience:

I once spent an entire afternoon struggling to buck a large oak log with a dull chain. The saw was bogging down, the cuts were uneven, and I was exhausted. After finally taking the time to properly sharpen the chain, the difference was night and day. The saw sliced through the wood like butter, and I finished the job in a fraction of the time. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson of prioritizing chain maintenance.

Data Point: Studies have shown that a sharp chain can increase chainsaw cutting speed by up to 50%.

Tip 3: Optimizing Your Fuel Mix: Unleashing the Power of Your Stihl MS 200

The Stihl MS 200, like most two-stroke engines, requires a precise mixture of gasoline and oil to run properly. Using the wrong fuel mix can lead to poor performance, engine damage, and a shortened lifespan for your saw.

Why Fuel Mix Matters:

Lubrication: Two-stroke oil provides essential lubrication for the engine’s internal components, reducing friction and wear.
Cooling: The oil also helps to cool the engine, preventing overheating.
Performance: The correct fuel mix ensures optimal combustion, maximizing power and efficiency.
Engine Longevity: Using the correct fuel mix will significantly extend the life of your engine.

How to Mix Fuel for Your Stihl MS 200:

Use High-Quality Gasoline: Opt for gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher. Avoid using gasoline with ethanol, as it can damage the engine.
Use High-Quality Two-Stroke Oil: Use a premium two-stroke oil specifically designed for air-cooled engines. Stihl Ultra HP oil is a good choice.
Follow the Correct Ratio: The recommended fuel-to-oil ratio for the Stihl MS 200 is typically 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact ratio.
Measure Accurately: Use a measuring container to ensure you are using the correct amounts of gasoline and oil.
Mix Thoroughly: Pour the gasoline and oil into a clean fuel can and shake vigorously to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.

My Personal Experience:

Early in my woodcutting days, I made the mistake of using a cheap, generic two-stroke oil. The saw ran poorly, smoked excessively, and eventually started to lose power. A mechanic informed me that the oil had caused excessive carbon buildup in the engine. Since then, I’ve always used high-quality oil and followed the recommended fuel mix ratio, and my saws have performed flawlessly.

Data Point: Engine manufacturers recommend using premium two-stroke oil to extend engine life by up to 30%.

Tip 4: Mastering Proper Maintenance: Extending the Life of Your Stihl MS 200

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Stihl MS 200 running smoothly and reliably. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and a shortened lifespan for your saw.

Essential Maintenance Tasks:

Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter regularly to ensure proper airflow to the engine. A clogged air filter can reduce performance and cause engine damage.
Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it as needed. A fouled spark plug can cause starting problems and poor performance.
Chain Lubrication: Ensure the chain is properly lubricated at all times. Insufficient lubrication can cause the chain to overheat and wear prematurely.
Bar Maintenance: Clean the bar groove and check the bar rails for wear. A damaged bar can cause chain problems and reduce cutting efficiency.
Fuel Filter Replacement: Replace the fuel filter periodically to prevent debris from clogging the fuel system.
Cooling Fin Cleaning: Keep the cooling fins on the engine clean to prevent overheating.
Regular Inspection: Inspect the saw regularly for loose screws, leaks, or other signs of damage.

My Personal Experience:

I’ve seen countless saws fail prematurely due to neglect. Simple tasks like cleaning the air filter and lubricating the chain are often overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in the long run. I make it a habit to perform a quick maintenance check after each use, and my saws have always been reliable.

Data Point: Regular maintenance can extend the life of a chainsaw by up to 50%.

Tip 5: Strategic Wood Stacking: Seasoning Your Firewood for Optimal Burning

Cutting the wood is only half the battle. Properly seasoning (drying) your firewood is essential for efficient burning and minimizing creosote buildup in your chimney.

Why Season Firewood?

Increased Heat Output: Dry firewood burns hotter and more efficiently than green wood.
Reduced Smoke: Dry firewood produces less smoke, making it more pleasant to burn and reducing air pollution.
Less Creosote Buildup: Dry firewood produces less creosote, a flammable substance that can accumulate in your chimney and increase the risk of a chimney fire.
Easier to Light: Dry firewood is much easier to light than green wood.

How to Stack Firewood for Optimal Seasoning:

Choose a Sunny and Windy Location: Select a location that receives plenty of sunlight and is exposed to wind. This will help to dry the wood quickly.
Elevate the Wood: Stack the wood on pallets or other supports to elevate it off the ground. This will improve airflow and prevent moisture from wicking up from the ground.
Stack Loosely: Stack the wood loosely to allow for good air circulation. Avoid stacking the wood too tightly.
Leave Space Between Rows: Leave a few inches of space between rows of wood to further improve airflow.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for ventilation.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the wood. Firewood is considered seasoned when its moisture content is below 20%.

My Personal Experience:

I used to stack my firewood in a haphazard pile in a shady corner of my yard. The wood took forever to dry, and it burned poorly. After learning the importance of proper stacking, I started stacking my wood in a sunny, windy location on pallets, and the difference was remarkable. The wood dried much faster, burned hotter, and produced less smoke.

Data Point: Seasoned firewood can produce up to 25% more heat than green firewood.

A Case Study: Optimizing Firewood Production for a Small Workshop

Let’s consider a small woodworking workshop that supplements its income by selling firewood. Initially, their process was inefficient:

Sourcing: Relying on opportunistic purchases of logs from various sources, leading to inconsistent wood types and sizes.
Processing: Using a single, outdated chainsaw and manual splitting tools.
Seasoning: Stacking wood haphazardly, resulting in slow and uneven drying.
Marketing: Limited to local word-of-mouth.

The Transformation:

Strategic Sourcing: The workshop established relationships with local logging companies to secure a consistent supply of hardwood logs (primarily oak and maple) at favorable prices. They negotiated contracts that included specifications for log size and quality.
Tool Upgrade: They invested in a Stihl MS 200 chainsaw (specifically chosen for its balance of power and maneuverability) and a hydraulic log splitter. This significantly increased their processing speed.
Workflow Optimization: They implemented a systematic workflow:
- Log Delivery and Sorting: Logs are delivered and sorted by type and size.
- Bucking: Logs are bucked into standard lengths using the Stihl MS 200.
- Splitting: Logs are split using the hydraulic splitter.
- Stacking: Wood is stacked in a designated seasoning area, following the principles outlined above (sunny location, elevation, loose stacking).
Seasoning Monitoring: They used a moisture meter to track the drying process, ensuring the wood was properly seasoned before sale.
Marketing and Sales: They created a simple website and used social media to promote their firewood. They also offered delivery services to local customers.

The Results:

Increased Production: Firewood production increased by 40% due to the improved tools and workflow.
Reduced Labor Costs: The hydraulic splitter significantly reduced the amount of manual labor required, freeing up time for other tasks.
Improved Quality: Properly seasoned firewood resulted in higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Increased Revenue: The increased production and improved quality led to a significant increase in revenue.

This case study demonstrates how strategic planning and the use of appropriate tools, like the Stihl MS 200, can transform a small firewood operation into a profitable business.

Addressing Common Challenges

Even with the best strategies, wood processing and firewood preparation can present challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

Minimizing Wood Waste: Careful planning and precise cutting techniques can minimize wood waste. Use smaller pieces for kindling or other projects.
Dealing with Difficult Logs: Logs with knots or irregular shapes can be challenging to split. Use wedges or a hydraulic splitter to overcome these obstacles.
Working in Confined Spaces: When working in tight spaces, prioritize safety and use smaller, more maneuverable tools.
Managing Time Constraints: Create a realistic schedule and prioritize tasks to ensure you meet your deadlines.
Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Have a backup plan in case of rain or snow.

Current Trends and Best Practices

The wood processing and firewood industry is constantly evolving. Here are a few current trends and best practices:

Sustainable Harvesting: Prioritize sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the long-term health of our forests.
Using Electric Chainsaws: Electric chainsaws are becoming increasingly popular due to their quiet operation and lack of emissions.
Automated Wood Processing Systems: Automated systems are being developed to streamline the wood processing process.
Selling Kiln-Dried Firewood: Kiln-dried firewood is becoming increasingly popular due to its low moisture content and consistent quality.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The Stihl MS 200 is a versatile and reliable chainsaw that can be a valuable asset for any woodcutter. By mastering the techniques and strategies outlined in this guide, you can unlock its full potential and tackle your woodcutting projects with confidence. Remember to prioritize safety, maintain your equipment, and always strive for efficiency.

Next Steps:

Review your current woodcutting practices: Identify areas where you can improve your efficiency and safety.
Invest in the right tools: Make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job, including a sharp chainsaw, a hydraulic splitter, and a moisture meter.
Practice your skills: Spend time practicing your cutting techniques and sharpening your chain.
Join a local woodcutting group: Connect with other woodcutters to share tips and learn from their experiences.

With a little planning, practice, and the right tools, you can transform your woodcutting projects from a chore into a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Now, get out there and make some firewood!

Stihl MS 200 Chainsaw Guide (5 Pro Tips for Woodcutters)