Tool for cutting intermediate sized branches

[Doug Miller]

A bowsaw.

[Stephen Boulet]

I have a pair of vise cutters that are good on things up to maybe two inches, and a trimmer for smaller things. I'm trying to avoid getting a chainsaw.

Any tool recommendations for something in between?

[zxcvbob]

A new pruning saw, with "shark" teeth. I cut 3" branches quickly and with no problems with a pruning saw I bought last year (I think it is a Fiskar's), and it makes a very smooth cut. I think maybe it shaves the cut surface as it goes.

I don't remember for sure if it cuts on the pull stroke or the push stroke, but I think it cuts on both.

Best regards, Bob

[Phisherman]

Loppers and a pruning saw is what I use. When I need to take down a tree I use a axe and/or a hatchet. I have over 200 trees on my property, and I have not owned/used a chain saw for over 14 years.

[Charlie Bress]

Have you considered a small electric chain saw? No fuss with fuel, light and easy as long as you are within extension cord reach.

Charlie

[NorMinn]

Pruning saws are great, and I'm not muscle bound. They make quick work of limbs up to 2".

[SueMarkP]

Cordless sawzall (18V or more) with the coarsest blade you can find (and a rather long one too). I can make quick work of 2 to 3 inch branches. It will probably cut branches up to 5 inches or so if you rock it back and forth. The human work is mush easier than a manual saw too.

You can get a Harbor Freight special for $99, or spend the big bucks for a good one. I have the harbor freight one, and would recommend the combo kit ($130) so you get two batteries and some other tools you can probably also use.

[me]

A $5 bowsaw works wonders. They are not as hard to use as some people think. I have cut off creosote treated power poles with them already. However, if you are looking to get the job done without exercise, you can buy a bowsaw type blade for a sawsall, they care 10 inches long, but cost about $8 a piece, and snap off at the saw if you are not careful. Someone else mentioned an electric chainsaw. I have one, it works good as long as the chain is kept sharp, but dont force it. I killed the motor on my last one by making it work too hard. Personally, I own at least 7 gas chainsaws. They take up space in my garage, and should be sold at the next garage sale. Those damn things never run when I need them. I have spent a small fortune getting them fixed, I drain the gas when I finish a job, and they still dont work the next time I need one. The same is true of my gas weed whacker. I have a policy. If it's got a 2cycle engine, leave it at the store for someone else to buy and get pissed off at.