Chain saw problem

[Ian_Edwards]

I've just been given a small chainsaw, apparently bought in about 2021 and never used.
I think it will be useful for roughing out and cutting up timber, where I'm normally use a cross cut hand saw.
It looks like the chain is too big for bar, even when the tensioner is maxed out the chain falls off the bar.
There's no model number on the saw, but after a bit of internet searching it looks like it is Mensela CS-L2 6 inch, 18v, lithium chain saw.




I've been looking for a new chain, or a chain plus a new bar (thinking it is more likely to be compatible).
But I find the sizing of the chain confusing. The saw is advertised as a 6" saw, this the working length of the saw.
The total length of the chain is more like 9". There seems to be a lot of confusion between the working length of the chain saw and the actual length of the chain.
Does anyone know how to specify a replacement chain, or chain and matching bar?

 

[Cardinal]

Cannot you remove the bar and extend the slot a little?

 

[greeny]

They also do an 8" version. Do you have the 8" chain by mistake?
https://www.onbuy.com/gb/p/mensela-...kc0n7Tw1VGpfvLm-u37EsL_6FN3DjTGRoCmpwQAvD_BwE

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Cannot you remove the bar and extend the slot a little?

There's not a lot of metal left, I'd have to take a least 15mm out to to tighten the chain and give some room for adjustment.

They also do an 8" version. Do you have the 8" chain by mistake?
https://www.onbuy.com/gb/p/mensela-...kc0n7Tw1VGpfvLm-u37EsL_6FN3DjTGRoCmpwQAvD_BwE

Although I might be able to fit an 8" bar and chain, the combination I have a the moment isn't an 8" chain saw. The 8" saw in your link is a totally different unit, and a new product, which probably wasn't available in 2021.
An 8" chain that Might work with the existing bar, because the chain measured from the tip to the drive sprocket is about 9", with the adjuster fully extended.

 

[thinwater]

I don't think they are intended for anything larger than a 2-inch limb, and only if it is dead softwood, like in the video. I doubt it can push through a thick plank and may not have the duty cycle for a long cut. Just sayin. A good circular saw has many times more power.
chainsaw
I wouldn't invest anything in that. It strikes me as a toy.

 

[William_H]

I have got a similar tiny battery powered chain saw. I have used it a lot for pruning shrubs etc. It is a bit difficult to accurately locate the cut as the chain can tend to bounce sideways. I think I need a new chain but can not help in selecting which one. Chainsaw Chain Replacement Kit And Blade Guide Fits For 4/6/8 Inch Chainsaw | eBay might help
I later got a reciprocating saw https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=ryobi+reciprocating+saw&sort=BoostOrder which I find more useful. I especially like the fact that I can plunge the recip. saw into dirt to cut roots. It is a little easier to locate the cut. Though not as precise as hand saw. The recip saw does come with hack saw type metal cutting blades which are great. ol'will

 

[wonkywinch]

I can count on the fingers of one hand how many chainsaw accidents I've had.

 

[Neeves]

This thread makes a refreshing changer from anchors.

We have a similar chain saw, it came with a bag of replacement chains and, annoyingly, the manufacturer sends new chains once a month to customers (who are based in China). Its not clear how long this largesse lasts.

The chain saw has so many safety features it took us some time to work out how to use it (switch it on ).

Ours came with a 2m pole, saw at one end, controls at the other. Its exceptionally useful trims the fig tree, avocado and cuts through the big branches on the mango tree - like a knife through butter. Chops up the branches that fall from the gum trees.

I cannot realistically think of many marine applications.....

Refurbishing, below the high water mark, a local Tuna boat in Manta


Edit And no mention of anything related to PBO, yachts - or anything any member here is likely to need any advice.

For completeness this is the hull repair




Jonathan.

Now the caulking is different - it often merits a thread - for those with teak decks

 

[Refueler]

I have a couple of mini Chainsaws .. and they are BRILLIANT !

I first saw in use with the Arborist who serves my forest of trees .... he has a Stihl mini 8" .....

I'm a cheapskate and bought online Chinese ... the first is similar to OP's .. it relied too much on plastic where the bar fits in and main holding nut is ... it was only 40 euros - so no big deal ..
The second I bought - looks like a normal chainsaw - but agin is 8" .. even has an oil tank to feed the bar. That has a simple clear rubbersied plastic thumb pump - similar to what you prime gasoline tools with.
Again only cheap .. about 60 euros ... but what a tool ... even the roofing guys asked to borrow it as it was far more handy than the saws they had ...
Both cut up to 4" tree limbs ... OK - specs say about 2" is design max .. but they do cut bigger without problem.

As I understand - the 8" chains are failrly universal - unlike the main chainsaws where tooth number and pitch is different brand to brand .. to OP - I would go on Ali Express or Banggood and buy chain to fit .. they are cheap enough ...

TBH - the whole saw and batterys are cheap enough !! You don't have to buy Makita / Bosch / Stihl etc.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

I've just been given a small chainsaw, apparently bought in about 2021 and never used.
I think it will be useful for roughing out and cutting up timber, where I'm normally use a cross cut hand saw.
It looks like the chain is too big for bar, even when the tensioner is maxed out the chain falls off the bar.
There's no model number on the saw, but after a bit of internet searching it looks like it is Mensela CS-L2 6 inch, 18v, lithium chain saw.


View attachment 186807

I've been looking for a new chain, or a chain plus a new bar (thinking it is more likely to be compatible).
But I find the sizing of the chain confusing. The saw is advertised as a 6" saw, this the working length of the saw.
The total length of the chain is more like 9". There seems to be a lot of confusion between the working length of the chain saw and the actual length of the chain.
Does anyone know how to specify a replacement chain, or chain and matching bar?

Any good? 8" pops up in advert but also 6" if you look down side.
https://www.temu.com/ul/kuiper/un9....DhQWup-ZpN5QCKdDDrMOtb33RRbb4z4BoCMl8QAvD_BwE

 

[Refueler]

I think it will be useful for roughing out and cutting up timber, where I'm normally use a cross cut hand saw.

The wood you see stacked to the leff was all done with my 8" mini battery chainsaw ... and that's only about 1/4 of the whole it did that week ...

 

[DinghyMan]

Bought one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C3H5F4Q3?th=1 a while ago, then bought a second just for the two batteries, they come with two batteries and two chains so the spares are worth more than the whole kit

They are surprisingly good, have used them on up to about 10" live wood, took loads of our trees down and a massive conifer for the daughter

They look like toys, and probably have a short life, but for the money do a decent job - and I am used to using proper ones for work and just wanted a battery one for our garden

 

[Metalicmike]

Why would you want a chainsaw on a boat, don't we carry enough crap that someday might be useful.

 

[thinwater]

Why would you want a chainsaw on a boat, don't we carry enough crap that someday might be useful.

Boarders?

 

[Neeves]

Just look at the pictures......If you have a wooden yacht a chan saw can be useful, if not essential. Some would be lost without one.

Why would you want a chainsaw on a boat,

There was a recent thread, or drift to a thread, about abandoning a yacht in mid ocean (or wherever). It was discussed that the yacht might be scuttled (as some yachts might not actually sink). Depends on the yacht, (the chain saw) and the location - chain saw does come to mind - much better than an angle grinder.

don't we carry enough crap that someday might be useful

Speak for yourself, we had a focus on weight reduction - cut the toothbrushes in half, down sized the rode and carried essentials - like a bread maker and local malt whisky (the latter has a higher alcohol content than wine or beer).

Jonathan

 

[NormanS]

Why would you want a chainsaw on a boat, don't we carry enough crap that someday might be useful.

Our previous boat was a 60ft converted MFV. We had a multi fuel stove aboard, so always carried a chainsaw for cutting up logs.
We now have a more modern set up, but I miss the foraging for free fuel. Something to do with "hunter/gatherer" instinct.

 

[PetiteFleur]

A local chainsaw dealer will probably be able to supply & fit a new shorter chain.

 

[thinwater]

A lot of interesting points.

Having done a fair bit of tree work, most arborists carry a Silky Saw (or equivalent) for everything smaller than about 1 1/2 inches, even when they have a chainsaw on their belt. They cut like lightening, WAY faster than the hand saws you know, and are often easier to use than the chain saw. They are also very good on a pole (special mounting)--the weight of the pole is enough to make them cut fast. They are also not cheap.
Silky Saws

Notice the Silky Saw in the scabbard. It's always there.

Not detracting from the OP's point. If I had a wooden boat, can't say. In the boat yard, more likely a circular saw and a 16-inch bar chainsaw.

 

[DownWest]

I use a Hyundai motor saw and a Macalister electric one. Fettling up another Macolloc (sp) for lighter work. Both the functioning ones were from B&Q, but interestingly , the electric, used at home to cut logs down to size, has started cutting curves. Resharpening the blade didn't help, so swopped the 'arm' over.. still does it, so getting useless except on thin stuff.
I did collect a small electric one when clearing some friends' house to sell. Quite good for little stuff.
As for chain length, any garden place would make one to suite.

We moored up at San Lucar de Barrameda overnight, waiting for the tide up to Sevilla. The fishing boat we were alongside was having some serious work done. Scarf joints were cut with chainsaws, and very nicely too.

 

[Clash]

I use a Hyundai motor saw and a Macalister electric one. Fettling up another Macolloc (sp) for lighter work. Both the functioning ones were from B&Q, but interestingly , the electric, used at home to cut logs down to size, has started cutting curves. Resharpening the blade didn't help, so swopped the 'arm' over.. still does it, so getting useless except on thin stuff.
I did collect a small electric one when clearing some friends' house to sell. Quite good for little stuff.
As for chain length, any garden place would make one to suite.

We moored up at San Lucar de Barrameda overnight, waiting for the tide up to Sevilla. The fishing boat we were alongside was having some serious work done. Scarf joints were cut with chainsaws, and very nicely too.

The bar has warped, hence the curves. You should reverse the bar every time you sharpen the chain, stops it warping. The only cure now is a new bar. And when you fit a new bar you should fit a new chain.