Going to try to mostly free camp on our trip next year so my question is do I carry my small stihl chainsaw because there is nothing like bending the arm or jaw over a nice camp fire. cheers blaze
Blonderer said
10:39 PM Nov 12, 2010
Not 100% sure, but think there are restrictions in some places on cutting trees. Think fallen dead wood is ok, but I'm sure someone else on here will have more info..
Mick17 said
11:42 PM Nov 12, 2010
Hi Julie, I wouldn't leave home or travel anywhere without my generator plus my small chain-saw,as you can most times fined wood to burn in most free camping locations around OZ. cheers Mick
tezza said
12:03 AM Nov 13, 2010
chain saw is fine if used sensibly. have seen many sites where every branch under 5" thick within 100m of site has been removed by "small chain saws".I think maybe some people don't think of the next campers or next week or next year or at all.
Ma said
06:09 AM Nov 13, 2010
We just recently bought our chain saw - just a small one - after only having the axe on our last trip. It will make things so much easier when we camp as it's hard going with the axe sometimes.
I agree with Tezza that it should be used sensibly as we too have seen many camping areas totally devoid of any wood. Only take and use what you need.
Firefly said
07:13 AM Nov 13, 2010
We took a hand saw last time round. I watched and took photos as he sawed. We will buy a small chain saw for next time.
Same as Ma and Co, take what you need. We found a lot of fallen trees and wood scattered, a small chain saw would have been a godsend in some of these places.
We also intend to have a spot on the tug we can store a bit of wood for the next night if we find it plentiful in a spot. Some places we stayed in had not a tree or shrub in sight for miles.
petengail said
08:19 AM Nov 13, 2010
I use a $15.00 Bhaco brand Bow saw that I got from Bunnings, takes up no room, uses no petrol, makes no noise, and just rips through all of the "rubbish" wood that we burn... I did see advertised somewhere a rechargeable small electric chain saw, guess you could recharge it off a generator?
capt cream bun said
09:28 AM Nov 13, 2010
Agree with Peter. A few years ago i was working in a grape growing district and noticed all the growers used Bacho pruners for their vines so i bought a pair to try, Not cheap about $80.00 but the best pruners i have ever owned. I have since bought Bacho bow saw, loppers and pruning saws, the best, all of them. I also have owned in the past both electric and two stroke chain saws. Like Peter says I would think the Bacho pruner would be perfect for cutting up fallen branches especially for those who are unsure about the noise and use of a chain saw.They are an excellent tool. However just recently i have noticed in the shops Bacho are now selling some tools that are made in China. I guess to try and keep their prices down. Look for Danish made tools with Swedish steel in them.
petengail said
01:20 PM Nov 13, 2010
capt cream bun wrote:
Agree with Peter. A few years ago i was working in a grape growing district and noticed all the growers used Bacho pruners for their vines so i bought a pair to try, Not cheap about $80.00 but the best pruners i have ever owned. I have since bought Bacho bow saw, loppers and pruning saws, the best, all of them. I also have owned in the past both electric and two stroke chain saws. Like Peter says I would think the Bacho pruner would be perfect for cutting up fallen branches especially for those who are unsure about the noise and use of a chain saw.They are an excellent tool. However just recently i have noticed in the shops Bacho are now selling some tools that are made in China. I guess to try and keep their prices down. Look for Danish made tools with Swedish steel in them.
as ccb wrote - look for the one with the "made in sweeden" tag they are awesome, first I paid $10 for a N.H.K, chinese model, you could have sawed the bowsaw with the wood, it was just so crappy, and only another $8 for a really good model.... ah lessons of life....still learning the hard way lol
Onedodger said
03:13 PM Nov 13, 2010
In all three trips around the block I carried a small lopping chainsaw and it was a great tool to have on board. As the Patrol wears a roof rack I have a small proportion segregated off that can hold three nights wood (small fires) and this is filled when wood is plentifull. Like many others have found when we find a camp spot all local solid fuel has been scavenged. The saw has also on a couple of occasions helped in the removal of fallen trees from the road/track when going to fishing spots etc. Yes chain saws are restricted in many places and in those areas the saw is kept locked away from sight and not used.
valnrob said
03:34 PM Nov 13, 2010
Surely most of us wouldn't consider cutting down a live tree. Some Councils let u collect deadwood, some don't. We always take our chainsaw, and carry a bit of wood to get us by the first few nights. We too love a fire and cook mostly outside. We invested in a Ozpig cause it doesn't use too much wood for cooking.
Gerty Dancer said
04:25 PM Nov 14, 2010
valnrob wrote:
Surely most of us wouldn't consider cutting down a live tree.
Green wood burns very poorly on a campfire, it would be justice!
We scrounge along the way, and cut when necessary using a bow-saw, but not the type you mentioned Pete, will check 'em out. Our problem is where to carry it, I wanted a special rack on the A frame, but Mr D's a bit less than enthusiastic. We dont have a roof rack (yet!) Ideas anybody?
Firefly said
04:38 PM Nov 14, 2010
Have seen those gear bags that go over the spare tyre, either on the van or tug, filled with firewood on the road. Thought that was a good idea.
Another fella had his tied to his bull bar.
Smokeydk said
07:40 PM Nov 14, 2010
Just remember.....you cant take or use a chainsaw or generator in National Parks........you will be in deep doodoos even if you have chainsaw parts....in your vehicle...I think its been posted here in the past...
Cruising Granny said
07:52 PM Nov 14, 2010
If we only "scavenge" what we need it will all be ok.
However, there are the drongos among us who burn the big stuff and take the rest.
Some councils don't allow you to take the dead wood on road sides either. It's believed, by greenies, to be the habitat of some of the wildlife.
It's a very sensitive situation. Heck, some councils even supply firewood at roadside stops and bbq's.
I think it very much depends on where you are. Not just national parks, but private property, outback station country, beach-side etc.
glassies said
06:13 PM Nov 21, 2010
CAPT CREAM BUN WOULD YOU STOP TEASING ALL OF US HERE WITH THAT DELICIOUS LOOKIN BUN LOL
cheers
blaze
I wouldn't leave home
cheers
Mick
I agree with Tezza that it should be used sensibly as we too have seen many camping areas totally devoid of any wood. Only take and use what you need.
Same as Ma and Co, take what you need. We found a lot of fallen trees and wood scattered, a small chain saw would have been a godsend in some of these places.
We also intend to have a spot on the tug we can store a bit of wood for the next night if we find it plentiful in a spot. Some places we stayed in had not a tree or shrub in sight for miles.
Like Peter says I would think the Bacho pruner would be perfect for cutting up fallen branches especially for those who are unsure about the noise and use of a chain saw.They are an excellent tool.
However just recently i have noticed in the shops Bacho are now selling some tools that are made in China. I guess to try and keep their prices down. Look for Danish made tools with Swedish steel in them.
As the Patrol wears a roof rack I have a small proportion segregated off that can hold three nights wood (small fires) and this is filled when wood is plentifull.
Like many others have found when we find a camp spot all local solid fuel has been scavenged.
The saw has also on a couple of occasions helped in the removal of fallen trees from the road/track when going to fishing spots etc.
Yes chain saws are restricted in many places and in those areas the saw is kept locked away from sight and not used.
We scrounge along the way, and cut when necessary using a bow-saw, but not the type you mentioned Pete, will check 'em out. Our problem is where to carry it, I wanted a special rack on the A frame, but Mr D's a bit less than enthusiastic. We dont have a roof rack (yet!) Ideas anybody?
Another fella had his tied to his bull bar.