skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Looking for a good quality ''wire saw''.

albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.

10 years ago

Back in the days of printed magazines and catalogs we would see a "wire saw" advertised for trimming trees.

Amazon has several in sports and recreation but the user reviews say their quality is unsatisfactory. I have Googled up GW's tool forum. While I am lurking there perhaps you would share here.

Have you had any satisfactory experiences with a "wire saw"? What brand?

[One can find plenty of accounts of unsatisfactory experiences.] ;-)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

lucky_p
10 years ago
I don't know anything about using a wire saw in horticultural pursuits, but in my former life, as a large animal veterinarian, I had occasion to use obstetrical wire saws on a regular basis, for fetotomies and dehorning.

Here is a link that might be useful: OB Wire saw
olpea
10 years ago
From a horticultural perspective I can't see much advantage to a wire saw.

Loppers will handle stuff up to 1.5". Hand saws will handle stuff larger than that and still get into tight places. I imagine they would be a lot faster than a wire saw.

I've had pruning get away from me and used a chain saw to bring things under control.

I've heard of a farmer using a chain saw for dehorning, but I'll save that for another discussion. Something I'm sure Lucky wouldn't recommend!
Related Discussions
Good moderate-use chain saw for $200?
Q
Comments (8)
Like everybody else said, avoid any current production Poulan/Homelite/McCulloch like the plague. Complete junk. Sure, there are occasional people who have good experiences with them, but they are a definite minority. The Husqvarna 1xx series saws should be avoided, too. They are simply rebadged Poulans that Husqvarna provided some (limited) input on. They are better than Poulans, but not nearly as good as the true Husqvarnas. As I'm sure you're finding, at $200 you are at the very lowest price bracket for a decent saw. If there is any way to stretch your budget a bit, I would save/skrimp a bit. You will be much happier in the long run. For saws that are worth considering at $200 or less, Stihl's 180 is a good choice and it gets a good report from a lot of users. Just don't try to use it like a big saw. It is probably the best sub-$200 saw you'll find. Also, the tail-handle Echo saws like the CS346 (not the top handle ones, those are for use while in trees and not on the ground!!!) are extremely durable and will tolerate a great degree of neglect and still work. They are not extremely powerful, but they are as durable as can be. One point of critique and a quick solution: the internal-tensioner "Intenz" feature of the Echo-supplied bars is annoying and problematic. A conventional tensioner screw-and-pin can be obtained from any Echo dealer for about $7. It can be retrofitted to the saw in less than 2 minutes and used with the Intenz bar to make a much happier setup (just use this in place of using the Intenz feature to adjust the chain tension). Beyond that, if you can swing the extra dollars it a Stihl MS250 is a superb choice and will last the average homeowner a lifetime. It is an excellent saw for homeowner use and can be reasonably expected to run a 18" bar in a pinch (16" being a better everyday setup). It is the same physical size as the 210/230 saws, but packs a bit more oomph. If I was limited to one saw for homeowner-type uses and couldn't justify the cost of a pro-grade saw (like the Husqvarna 346, Stihl 260pro), the MS250 would be my choice. The Husqvarna 340 and 345 are also good little saws worth considering for your purposes, though I would give the edge in this size/power class to the Stihl MS250. And whatever you choose to buy, don't forget your protective gear - eye and ear protection, good gloves, and protective chainsaw chaps or pants. Seriously, don't skimp out on the leg protection. Sure, they cost a couple bucks, but they're a heck of a lot less expensive than having your leg sewn back up. For loads more chainsaw information, you might wish to look at the chainsaw forum at arboristsite.com.
...See More
Looking for good quality comercial grade trimmer with attachments
Q
Comments (4)
I have two fairly new 26ss Homelite Mighty Weed Trimmers. Both have less then two (2) hours of running time on them. On one the pull string wont return, it wonÂt start the engine. I tried rewinding the spring and the string at least 8 times and I still canÂt get this thing to work right. I am an automotive machinist of over 40 years I work with the smallest to the largest engines all day. I had several other Top Machinists in the shop take a look at it as well. The string wont return back to its original position after a load is applied to the engine. After the second pull it jams again. The only other option I can think of is to replace the starter pulley. But the trimmer is new right????? I paid $120.00 for the thing new, and spent about $400.00 in time trying to fix it. The other trimmer the muffler fell off after the third (3) usage
...See More
best places to buy good quality jewelry basics
Q
Comments (1)
I'm not Nikki but I am jewelry maker. Stainless steel(also do a search for hypo allergenic)ear wires can be found through websites such as... www.firemountaingems.com www.artbeads.com (free shipping) www.rings-things.com www.fusionbeads.com (free shipping) also a quick google search will help locate shops as well. I do not recommend these sites for the best in gemstones but for basics they are wonderful, also great buys on crystals as well. I buy a lot of my stones/gems/crystals from www.etsy.com and have yet to be disappointed by any vendor there. The personal service is awesome. You should also search out local bead stores or bead/gem shows in your area. Do a bit of homework on your gem choices and go for it. Best of success!! Enjoy!! ginger
...See More
Looking for good quality furniture.
Q
Comments (2)
By solid wood do you mean cut from a log into whatever shape boards with no wood stuff filler? If so be careful with the phrase solid wood at the stores. They will "accidently" lie to you. I have made my own coffee tables and help manage a place that sells decent Ashley style mass market furniture so I understand where you are coming from. Our sales staff is pretty darned laid back and truthful. The industry guys we deal with the most are ok. Some better than others. The way to cut to the truth is by asking if you sand deep enough are you going to find another type of wood. I despise salesmen until I get to know them btw. Same with internet companies though so you may as well go see it in person.
...See More
Konrad___far_north
10 years ago
You're better off with a real saw or pruner, wire saws for wood are slow, good to take along when on camping trips etc. small and light,..I've used it as a kid.

I've goggled in German, this guy say's the Relags wire saw works best with the straps on ends, easy on your hands, the one's with rings will hurt your fingers in no time.

Here is a link that might be useful: Relags wire saw
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
10 years ago
Since I have reached an age when my physical strength has been lost a lot, I have been forced to alternative ways to prune out large deadwood from my orchard. I now have a 2000 watt inverter mounted on my tractor which allows me to use 120 volt tools anywhere my tractor can go. Although I have a gasoline powered pole saw I have had for years I can no longer lift it. I now have an electric model that does the job with enough less weight to allow me to use it. Both the inverter and saw together cost less than $300. Al
alan haigh
10 years ago
The newer saw design has rendered those types obsolete, IMO. The advantage of these dwarf bow saws was that it allowed the use of a thinner blade but the advent of the "tricut" blade eliminates much of the clogging caused by sawdust and allows faster cutting than the best "wire saws" ever made. The bar holding the thinner blade interfered with access anyway.

I recommend Silky Gomtaro, 300 mm course cut if you want a serious pruning saw and I've tried many other models including much more expensive ones with longer blades. For a home orchard, the blade should last several seasons without sharpening. I replace the blades rather than sharpening them as tricuts are a difficult design to sharpen.

I get mine from A. M Leonard but there are other sources.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
Why on earth would you want one?
armyofda12mnkeys
10 years ago
I have a 'camping wire saw' if thats what you mean... I've cut down 12inch small trees (fast growing Black Locusts that spread all over) with the 'Unbelievable Saw' (
armyofda12mnkeys
10 years ago
whoops i meant 8-10inch black locusts.
drew51 SE MI Z5b/6a
10 years ago
I use a reciprocating saw, a Zaw-Saw for small trees. I also have a number of chain saws for 2 to 5 foot diameter wood.
Yes, I have some trees that large! I have a pruning saw, and a pole pruning saw, loppers too,

Related Stories

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: Craftsman Bathroom Gets Its Good Looks Back

By Becky Harris

A bathroom renovation in a century-old home combines era-appropriate style with updated touches

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Good Fences, Good Neighbors — and Good Views

By Carol Crotta

See-through vertical fencing connects a yard with its surroundings while keeping children and pets safely inside

HOME TECH What Chipotle and Radiohead Can Teach Us About Sound Quality at Home

By Mitchell Parker

Contemporary designs filled with glass and concrete can be hostile environments for great sound quality. Here's how to fix that

MORE ROOMS Home Tech: Speakers Matter (and Can Look Good, Too)

By Laura Heller

See why high style and high fidelity needn't be mutually exclusive

FURNITURE How to Keep Your Upholstery Looking Good

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

You wouldn't expect your car to maintain itself. Show your sofa and chairs the same courtesy with this 3-part strategy

UNIVERSAL DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Good Looking and Accessible to All

By Jeannie Matteucci

Universal design features and sustainable products create a beautiful, user-friendly kitchen that works for a homeowner on wheels

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Quality Family Time in a Beach Vacation Home

By Susan Redman

Designed as a place to escape for the weekend, this architect’s home is nestled gracefully into its bushy surroundings by the beach

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

FURNITURE Holding Out for Quality

By Michael Cannell

Cheap furniture has its place, but more shoppers are waiting to invest for the long haul

MOVING Home-Buying Checklist: 20 Things to Consider Beyond the Inspection

By Laura Gaskill

Quality of life is just as important as construction quality. Learn what to look for at open houses to ensure comfort in your new home

Sponsored

Remodel Repair Construction

9 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Westerville

More Discussions

what is wrong with my indoor mango????

13

raise the soil level around a grapevine

2

Identify an olive tree that is nit flowering after more than 15 years.

8

Whats wrong with my apple tree?

18

Beginner apple tree initial care

0