About The Author

Stephen’s Forestry Journey

Stephen began his career working timber stands in Oregon and Washington state, spending years running heavy professional chainsaws in unforgiving weather and steep terrain. Over 15 years in commercial cutting, he tore down hundreds of small two-stroke engines, tuned countless carburetors, and sharpened thousands of saw chains.

“The most dangerous chainsaw in the woods isn’t a 90cc beast — it’s a dull, improperly filed homeowner saw being forced through a log by an operator without chaps. When you understand how a saw cutter actually works, woodcutting transforms from a dangerous struggle into a smooth, rewarding craft.”

Stephen’s Workshop Tool Bench

Stephen tests all guide recommendations using his personal rotation of work saws:

• Stihl MS 261 C-M (50.2cc): His primary all-day limbing, bucking, and thinning workhorse.
• Husqvarna 372XP (70.7cc): Standard for heavy felling, large diameter hardwood bucking, and deep bar tests.
• Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf (59.8cc): High-value ranch saw used for carburetor tuning guides and durability stress tests.
• Stihl 2-in-1 EasyFile & Pferd CS-X: Bench standards for maintaining 30-degree cutter angles and precision raker depths.

Certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Stephen never operates or films demonstrations without certified safety equipment:

• Clogger Defender Pro Chaps: UL classified to ASTM F1897-20 for chainsaw cut resistance.
• Stihl Pro Mark Helmet System: Integrated 6-point suspension, steel mesh face shield, and 25 dB NRR hearing protection.
• Haix Protector Prime Boots: Class 2 cut protection with steel toe and waterproof leather.