#153 

Started my woodworking hobby buying tools at Walmart, then upgraded to the Big Box stores, now I only buy quality tools usually from a manufacturer dealer.

I think part of the safety concern is "being responsible" for others, but I think some of it comes with maturity. Back when I was younger, and knew everything, I thought I was so smart buying parts/tools cheaper than those "old" guys at the shop. It took me a while to become wiser and learn the buy once cry once meaning. Yes good tools are expensive, but here is a tip, find out the quality brands, with lifetime warranties, and watch for those at garage sales, estate sales and swap meets.

In addition to COVID I bet the record number of Hurricanes we’ve seen in the south this year has had an impact on availability of chainsaw parts.

In all honesty Wes, I wanted to say something about that snatch block a few vids ago. It didn't look beefy enough for the weight you were pushing and for that I apologize. I have a 16.5 Warn on my truck as you know and all the components that I have for it are "rated" in excess of the winch. Yes they are pricey . You bring out a great point, when you are working with safety in mind, buy the best and breath easier. Stay safe my friend...

good parts can go a long way O_O though some times it can be ok with many things . glad things did not go bad for you your wood stock pile is growing quite well :)

It is interesting how your perspective changes on safety and money...I usually attribute it to having at least some financial cushion under me that I didn't have then, but it's also an appreciation for safety and peace-of-mind. Also, that's a whole lot of bar for that saw...I've had quite a few saws from that series (50, 50 Rancher, 51, 55) over the years, and my father has a 55 now, and I've never run a bar over 18" .325, and it's happier with a narrow kerf 18 or a 16. There are plenty of great saws to upgrade to, new or used, depending on budget and needs/wants. Even the 500i isn't flawless at $1500; its air filtration is awful, mounts are pretty sloppy with a longer bar, etc. I've owned most everything, and over time I've realized it's just what I'm comfortable with that I use...That said I still own about 14 saws and will add an electric before too long...

ah, that were particular mills you had been searching for. Great to hear that you got orders. Husqvarna is a swedish company that had purchased big german companies too. If you can't get spare in Sweden you get everything and fast: no lockdown so far but high death rate

Mike Morgan (Outdoors with the Morgan’s RU-vid channel) got a new Stihl 500i chainsaw and it really cuts fast. It may be time to put your old saw out to pasture. Please be safe my friend. God Bless, Daryl

Will say, win some, lose some, lord knows we all been there time or two

Good to hear that failure didn’t get ya!

"My Mom always told me I am special" too but in german ... lucky the pully did not hurt you

You consider the snatchblock a "life safety item" but not the chain brake?