Chipper

The chipper chain for a chainsaw has a curved working corner. Chipper chains remain sharper due to the curved blade edge. Chipper chains are best suited for work areas where the chainsaw is exposed to a lot of dust and dirt such as at a home construction site.

Chisel

Chisel chainsaw chains have an angled working corner that needs much more sharpening than a chipper type. Chisel types are better suited for cutting down trees and logs. The corner of the cutting tooth does most of its work cutting across the grain of the wood. The top angle of the cutter tooth lifts the wood chip out like a chisel would.

Chain References

Other considerations choosing a chainsaw chain are the pitch of the chain, its gauge and the number of chain links needed to fit the size of the cutting bar.

If a chain includes a small cutter with a rounded corner between either a chipper or chisel tooth, it is called a “semi-” or “micro-” chipper or chisel chain.

The MS 310 sports a powerful 59cc (3.6 cu. In) engine that puts out a respectable 4.0 BHP. With the power head weighing in at 13.0 lbs. it has a good power to weight ratio. The manufacturer recommends a bar length of 16" to 20" but many people have put on larger bars with some success.

Stihl is an industry leader in quality. They are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. "This means they meet rigid international manufacturing, environmental and quality standards". Stihl has been the number one selling brand of chainsaw for many years, and quality is the reason. The quality of service is also outstanding. Stihl sells its chainsaws through independent dealers, not big box retailers. This means you can rest assured you are buying a chainsaw from the people who will actually be servicing it. They also have hands on experience with their product and can guide you in deciding which chainsaw is right for you.

The Stihl Ms 310 has state of the art features that will increase your firewood cutting efficiency.
First are the toolless fuel and oil caps. They have a flip-up top that makes them easy to grasp to open and close. The caps are also bayonet type without having to screw then on and off, just a push and twist and you are done. The flip tops felt a little flimsy to me and I can envision myself breaking one off. It took me a few times of filling the saw to get used to the bayonet caps. Twice I thought I had the oil cap secured but it popped off dumping the oil.

The next feature is the side-adjust chain tensioner. This is a screw slot between the two chain nuts that gives a quick, easy way to adjust the chain. Some of the other models have a Quick chain adjuster that is even easier to use, but it is not offered on the MS310. (yes I lost one of the bar nuts right away LOL but they gave me a new one free)
The last feature is the Intellicarb compensating carburetor." Measures air on clean side of air filter and adjusts metering diaphragm in carburetor". What this does is changes your air mixture as your air filter begins to plug up and allows the saw to continue to run on the same air fuel mixture for even power output. The air intake also has a setting for warm and cold weather to keep it running in top shape no matter your conditions.

The power, quality and features available on the Stihl MS 310 make it a top choice for the firewood cutter who wants to get the most for his money.

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Stihl MS310 Magnum Chainsaw 20 WITH BAR CHAIN
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STIHL 029 AV POWERHEAD ms 290 ms 310
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* Order seeds by January or February.
* Vegetables grow best in a level area with loose, well-drained
soil that provides at least six hours of sun. (8–10 hours is ideal).
* Avoid placing the garden in low spots at the base of a hill.
Such areasare slow to warm up in the spring, and frost often
settles in these places.
* Avoid windy locations; if you must plant in a windy spot, build or
grow something near it to block some of the wind.
* Locate your garden near a good and easily accessible water
supply.
* Choose a spot near your home so it’s convenient to work in
the garden when you have a few minutes.
* Avoid planting near trees and shrubs; they compete for nutrients, and
water may cause excessive shading.
* Group plants by length of growing period. Plant spring crops together
so that latter crops can be planted in these areas when the early
crops mature.
* Don’t plant related vegetables in exactly the same location in the garden
more often than once in three years. Rotation prevents the buildup
of insects and disease.

The Patio Vegetable Garden
* You can grow vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and
even herbs in containers from your own porch, patio, or balcony.
* Almost any container can be used as long as it has adequate drainage.
Plastic containers weigh less and are easier to move around than clay
planters.
* Use well-drained potting soil. Pat-based, soilless potting mixtures work
well because they not only provide good drainage, but they also don't
dry out as quickly as soil. A homemade potting mixture can be made by
combining two parts peat moss to one part perlite, vermiculite, or sand.
* You can use wood or bamboo stakes for supporting vining plants such
as cucumbers, peas and squash. Tomatoes can be either staked or
placed in metal cages.
* Plants growing in containers dry out faster than those in the ground
and should be checked daily for water.

The following review is synthesized from reviews provided by Consumer Reports, Sears.com, The Power Washer Advisor, Google Answers, HomeDepot.com, RidgidForum.com by ConsumerSearch.com.

Best pressure washer overall
Karcher K 5.93 M
Reviewers say that a better quality electric pressure washer is the best choice for the widest range of chores -- and because it's electric, it's less costly to maintain and less polluting. The Karcher K 5.93 M is anowner favorite; it's powerful enough for most homeowner tasks, such as cleaning decks or sidewalks or washing siding, and it uses a quiet induction motor (better than the universal motors used in cheap pressure washers). You can easily spend twice as much on a pro-level pressure washer that will be more durable in the long term, but since most homeowners only use a pressure washer about 20 hours per year, spending more might be overkill.

Reviewers say that a better-quality electric pressure washer is the best choice for most homeowner tasks, such as cleaning decks or sidewalks or washing bikes and cars. The Karcher K 5.93 M earns high marks in reviews for its pump and quiet, durable induction motor. Karcher's rapid-exchange program covers it during the one-year warranty period. Owners report a few minor inconveniences: wheels that don't roll smoothly, plus onboard storage that just barely accommodates the hose and cord. It can be hard to attach the water hose, and since the trigger doesn't lock on, long use can strain the hand. If you need a more powerful pressure washer for washing siding and large decks, you'll need a gas-powered model like the Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).

We found the best review of the Karcher K 5.93 M at PressureWashersDirect.com, a large retail site with experienced and expert staff. Owner-written reviews at NorthernTool.com and Amazon.com add details from both professional users and homeowners. The comparison tests at ConsumerReports.org and at Popular Mechanics don't cover this particular model, but do highlight useful information.

Best Light-duty electric pressure washer
Karcher K 2.93

Reviews recommend this lightweight, portable pressure washer for small jobs like washing a car or bike. The low-power Karcher K 2.93, rated at 1,400 pounds per square inch (psi), makes it easy to avoid damaging paint andtires. Despite the budget price, this pressure washer is powered by an induction motor and is covered by Karcher's rapid-exchange program during the one-year warranty period. The price includes a rotary surface cleaner to speed cleaning of small decks and patios, but for cleaning a larger area you'll need a more powerful pressure washer.

Experts say a low-powered electric pressure washer like the Karcher K 2.93, rated at 1,400 pounds per square inch (psi), is ideal for washing cars, bikes and patio furniture because it's less apt to damage finishes than more powerful models. In this size and price range, reviews favor the Karcher K 2.93 because it's one of the rare models that employs a quiet, durable induction motor instead of a cheaper universal motor. The kit that includes the rotary surface cleaner, for cleaning patios and garage floors, makes this an especially good deal. The one-year warranty includes a rapid-exchange program so there's no delay waiting for a defective pressure washer to be repaired. If you want to clean a deck, however, you'll need a faster, more powerful pressure washer like the Karcher K 5.93 (*Est. $280).

We found the most current review of the Karcher K 2.93 pressure washer kit at an expert retailer site, PressureWashersDirect.com. Older, more objective comparison tests at ConsumerReports.org and Popular Mechanics cover similar but discontinued models. At the time of our report, only one owner had reviewed this exact model at Amazon.com, and owners reviewing pressure washers at a U.K. review site, DooYou, discuss the Karcher brand but not this specific model.

Best Gas Pressure Washer
Ridgid RD80701

This pressure washer, rated at 3,000 psi, is getting rave reviews from owners. There's enough power for any homeowner job, from cleaning big decks to stripping paint, and a flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (gpm) speedsthe work. Owners also praise the Subaru OHV engine, which meets even California's strict emission limits. It's unusual to find a durable pump in this price range, but the Ridgid pressure washer uses a CAT triplex pump. This is the brand and pump type that reviews find most durable, so it can actually cost less in the long run than a lower-priced pressure washer. The three-year warranty is also longer than most.

Experts say the quality of the pump on a pressure washer, as well as the length of the warranty, are key measures of quality. Reviews praise the powerful Ridgid RD80701 on both counts; it's unusual to find a Cat triplex pump on a consumer-level pressure washer. However, only the latest 2009 version of this model has this top-quality pump. The Subaru OHV engine meets California's strict emissions requirements, another big plus. Pressure, rated at 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi) is powerful enough for removing tough stains and stripping paint, and the flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (gpm) speeds cleaning jobs. If you don't need this much power and durability, however, consider the less expensive 2,600-psi Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).

We found over a dozen detailed owner-written reviews of the Ridgid RD80701 pressure washer at HomeDepot.com. Both an earlier 2008 version and the newer model (with the Cat pump) also get a thorough discussion at RidgidForum.com. Also helpful in evaluating the Ridgid RD80701 model are two buyer's guides by pressure-washer experts -- at The-Power-Washer-Advisor.com and at Tools of the Trade.

Best Budget Gas Pressure Washer
Craftsman 75218

This pressure washer, rated at 2,600 psi, pollutes more than any of the other models reviewers like, but it provides more power and speed than an electric model. The Briggs & Stratton engine isn't an OHV model anddoesn't meet California emissions standards, so it emits more fumes from the engine and fuel system. However, owners say it starts easily and can last for years if carefully maintained.

This Craftsman gas pressure washer, rated at 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi), is a budget model, but provides more power and speed than similarly priced electric pressure washers. The fuel system and engine don't meet California's emission requirements, and the engine isn't the most fuel-efficient type either. Still, most owners say it's OK for the price. Experts note that paying more for a fuel-efficient engine, and especially for a more durable pump, can be more cost effective in the long run. Most homeowners will be better satisfied with the moderately priced Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).

We found over a dozen detailed reviews of the Craftsman 75218 gas pressure washer at Sears.com. The site also makes it easy to compare the washer's average rating with that of other pressure washers sold there. A buyer's guide at The-Power-Washer-Advisor.com helps put this budget model into perspective, as do expert answers at Google Answers. At that site, one owner of a Craftsman pressure washer highlights a problem with pump repairs even under warranty; they're guaranteed only for 90 days even if the original warranty expires later.

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4000 PSI BLACK Wire Braid Pressure Washer Hose 100 w Couplers
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Pressure Washer Horizontal Pump 2700psi 25gpm 3 0311
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Gas powered lawn and garden equipment are environmental disasters. Here are some ugly statistics from the EPA.
• Gas lawn mowers create 5 percent of U.S. air pollution; and even higher percentage in metropolitan areas.
• Garden equipment engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxide.
• Gas mowers consume 800 million gallons of gas per year.
• Gardeners spill 17 million gallons of fuel each year while refueling lawn equipment - more than the oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez.

Now believe that last one if you want, but I have heard 100,000 gallons spilled in the U.S. just from mowers - sounds more realistic - but whatever the volume, spilled fuel contaminates groundwater and evaporates into the air leaving volatile organic compounds that create ozone when exposed to heat and sunlight.

Electric equipment has many advantages over the gas powered models. In addition to the lack of emissions and noticeably quieter operation, they are generally cheaper than equivalent gas models, lighter in weight, require very little maintenance and are more reliable. But then there is that cord and its considerable nuisance value. And when an electric unit fails it is very difficult to find anyone to service it.

Rechargeable battery models eliminate the need to drag a cord around but the foibles of batteries to power for everything from laptops to screwdrivers is well documented.

The biggest problem with electric gardening equipment, however, is the Tim Allen factor. They lack power. An electric chain saw, for example, will cut up downed branches and is terrific for heavy pruning. But should you need to fell a full-sized tree, bring your lunch, your dinner, and pajamas. Or borrow or rent the biggest gas saw you can lift.

Now there is an alternative power source for yard equipment which eliminates many of the problems inherent in both electric and gas models. A young company named LEHR recently patented a limited variety of garden helpers that run on propane.
Propane produces 70 percent less hydrocarbons and 96 percent fewer toxins and carcinogens than gasoline and the 16.4 oz. canisters that power the tools are readily available, will not spill, and are themselves made of totally recyclable steel. A canister provides two hours of run time for the equipment.

At present LEHR only offers a string trimmer and a blower but the trimmer is essentially a power handle. The working end can be swapped out with universal tools such as tiller heads and pruners. The LEHR tools are available at Outdoor Tool Bargains 4U.
LEHR maintains that its products match gasoline equipment for power, but trimmers and pruners are not particularly power sensitive anyway. Tim Allen certainly uses a gas blower but I'll trade a little power for less weight any day.

The string trimmer costs around $200 and attachments, if they aren't already in your garage, sell for $50 to $75 each.
Late last year the EPA issued new standards for garden equipment which will take effect in 2010 and 2011. The LEHR equipment meets these new standards and recently received the agencies Clear Air Technology Award.

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Lehr str025dc Propane String Trimmer MS
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Washington, D.C. - infoZine - Looking for some free gardening advice? Has your well-intentioned 'green thumb' resulted in your garden looking a little brown? USDA has a cadre of volunteers who provide free gardening tips and have a wealth of science-based research to answer your questions. Trained by USDA's Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners provide information in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. To find a local Master Gardeners, visit

www.extension.org/pages/Extension_Master_Gardener

"Master Gardeners are a valuable resource for people who want to get some tips on gardening and growing their own food from a real expert," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Growing fruits and vegetables in your own garden not only promotes a healthier lifestyle, but helps communities develop a safe, nutritious and sustainable source of food."

Master Gardeners can help Americans of all abilities to plant, grow and harvest a garden, similar to USDA's 'People's Garden.' Earlier this year, Vilsack launched the 'People's Garden' on USDA property in order to help illustrate the many ways USDA works to provide a sustainable, safe and nutritious food supply as well as protect and preserve the landscape where that food is produced.

The Master Gardener program, which began in 1972 in Washington, is another important example of how people can contribute to promoting healthier food and communities. Since its inception, the program has grown to 94,865 volunteers across the country who give horticulture information to the public through a variety of locally-based programs. Volunteers receive 40 to 80 hours of instruction and, in return, give an equal number of volunteer hours during the next year. As the federal partner in the Cooperative Extension Service, USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) provides funding and national leadership to the program.

"Extension Master Gardener volunteers are more than just members of local garden clubs," said Bill Hoffman, national program leader and Master Gardener contact at CSREES. "They bring to bear the science base of the land-grant university system in service to their communities, through the training and certification they receive as well as the research-based answers they provide."

During 2008, this network of Master Gardeners provided more than 5 million hours of volunteer work in their communities - valued at $101.4 million. Nearly 80 percent of these 5 million hours take place in metropolitan areas. Additionally, in 2008, more than 16,000 new Master Gardeners joined the program for the first time, infusing the program with new life.

Although each community has its own unique projects, all Master Gardeners present workshops, answer gardening hotlines, work with youth, plant demonstration gardens and teach gardening throughout the country:

In Washington, DC: As director of the Washington Youth Garden at USDA's National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., Kaifa Anderson-Hall, who is a Master Gardener herself, spent hours as a child learning about the relationship between food, health and nutrition at the Washington Youth Garden. Never in her wildest imagination did she see herself on staff with the arboretum years later, passing along the same knowledge and skills to today's youth. Today, Anderson-Hall relies on volunteers, many of them Master Gardeners, to help. Anderson-Hall said there are 15 Master Gardener volunteers who each provide two to three hours of service per week.

"The garden wouldn't be where it is today with out our Master Gardeners," Anderson-Hall said. "There is no way our staff of three could accomplish all we do and be productive. It's incredible - the number of hours the volunteers provide."

Anderson-Hall said the volunteers are extremely committed to the garden - the oldest volunteer, who is 72, has continued to volunteer even as she recovers from back surgery. Master Gardener volunteers maintain the garden, including weeding, planting and redesigns. They also provide hands-on interaction with the students. In Washington, D.C., the Master Gardener program is run through the University of the District of Columbia Cooperative Extension Service.

Master Gardener volunteers help support a wide range of programs in the District of Columbia. Family programs teach organic gardening and cooking, including presentations from nutritionists and chefs, so that families can benefit from the food they grow. A Sprout program works to connect youth to their environment. Seed to Supper is a summer camp where students grow their own food and take it home to their families. The Master Gardeners who volunteer with the camp donate any excess food to the DC Central Kitchen, where the chefs provide a cooking demonstration to camp participants. In 2008, the camp donated 250 pounds of produce to the local food kitchen.

In California: Master Gardeners in California are using their knowledge and training to help combat wildfires. Through the University of California system, Master Gardeners provide resources for homeowners who want to 'fire-proof' their homes by using less flammable plants, removing combustible materials and properly spacing trees.

In Maryland: The Grow It, Eat It program by Master Gardeners in Maryland help people improve their health and save money by growing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, using sustainable agricultural practices.

Some handy how-tos from the August issue of Fine Gardening magazine:

- Fix a hose: Don't throw away a leaky hose if it's a good-quality one. Fix it with a repair kit from the hardware store. The kit reattaches the two ends of the hose that remain after the punctured section is cut away. You can also buy brass and plastic fixtures to replace leaky male or female ends of the hose.

- Remove sap from your skin: Rub a dab of vegetable shortening on the pine sap.

- Stake a tomato: Drive a sturdy stake into the ground a few inches from the plant base. It should be at least 3 feet tall - taller for indeterminate tomatoes, also called vining tomatoes. Tie a soft cord or cloth from the stake to the plant stem. Don't tie the cord directly under any branches with flower buds, because the weight of the fruits may cause the stem to snap.

- Read an N-P-K label: Fertilizer packages are marked with three numbers, separated by hyphens - for example, 10-10-10 or 34-0-0. Those numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the three major nutrients in the fertilizer, in that order. The N-P-K label helps you choose a fertilizer that contains what your specific plants and soil need.

- Prevent dirty fingernails: Scrape your fingernails on a bar of soap before you go out to work in the garden. The soap behind your nails will keep dirt out.