Elmia Wood, the world’s largest forestry fair held every four years near Jonkoping, Sweden, is known as a showcase for emerging forest-related technology. This year, the June 5-8 show will also take a look back by presenting an impressive display of vintage chain saws.
The exhibit will include numerous “breakthrough” models in both static and working displays. This project was initiated by Swedish chain saw collector Magnus Mattisson, who founded International Chainsaw Collectors, a forum for chain saw enthusiasts around the world. The site, which was established in 2004, now boasts 5,000 members from 62 countries who exchange saws, machine parts, brochures, advice and information with each other.
Mattisson is supported in this effort by his North American counterpart, Mike Acres, of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, who established the Chain Saw Collector’s Corner website in 2000. Acres is working to ensure that the exhibit at Elmia Wood is configured in a way that presents the development of chain saw history in logical manner, using key models provided by participating collectors. He will be at the show and will assist in setting up the display.
“Having been to the show four years ago, I can say it is huge and extremely interesting for anyone involved in harvesting wood of any size,” Acres says. He acknowledges that the growth of mechanized harvesting equipment has reduced the chain saw’s role in today’s forest industry, but adds that it is still a vital tool with an important history that should be preserved. He applauds Elmia Wood for providing an international showcase to honor the evolution of chain saw technology.