Hello Jon , I too am a beginner and waiting for my new saw to be delivered , I cant help you on what saw to get I asked for advice on here and was in the position to be able to buy what many consider to be the best saw on the market a Hegner .I got fantastic help from the members on here ,they are a very helpful group of people. I wont try to advise you on a saw but I hope you can get your wish and get many years of enjoyment.