TreePointer said:It's your decision and you know your wife, of course, but I'm wondering if she would not want a top handle saw if she were told (say, by the dealer) that rear handled saws are safer for newbies and are better suited for firewood cutters.
Nevertheless, I think a chainsaw is just about the perfect gift for any occasion!
Actually, she's been reading a lot about top handle saws online and how dangerous they can be. All she wants to using it for is limbing and maybe cutting down saplings. I've also had her read the book "Homeowner's Complete Guide to the Chainsaw", which is a very good source of how to use a chainsaw and how to cut up wood. And I plan to work with her a lot when she gets the saw.