Chainsaw has always been the woodworker's mate ever since it arrived in the market. From overgrown shoot trimming to huge log cutting, chainsaw is the ultimate solution to all. Well, if you are here for one, you might be having some idea regarding chainsaws. However, this article will be helpful for a beginner as well as we have added a buyer’s guide to help the buyer choose a purposeful chainsaw out of the many. Before that, we have included a list of 8 best chainsaws, typically for firewood cutting. Each of 8 chainsaw models has been vividly described including the respective pros and cons. So, let's get started.
Reviews of Top 8 Chainsaws for Firewood
The Makita EA4300F40B Chainsaw features a large metal bar with spikes on it for increased productivity. The saw has a durable two point chain brake. The improved lubrication of the saw chain and bar is ensured by the oil retaining feature of the16 inch reversible sprocket nose bar. The lateral chain tensioning feature allows convenient and swift chain adjustment. Easily cleanable chain compartment allows hassle free cleaning of the wooden chips from the gaps, even while rip-cutting.
The ergonomic and compact product design with smooth rounded surfaces facilitates comfortable handling and operation. A single level control turns off the chainsaw engine through its touch and stop feature. Makita EA4300F40B has a 42 cc oil chamber, so you can expect an optimal level of power supply to cut enough firewood at a go. Its wide oil and fuel tank openings with S-type caps eases the operation.
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EGO Power+ CS1800 Cordless Chainsaw is a powerful cum innovative cutting tool, fit for firewood pruning. The re-designed chain tensioning feature tightly fits the saw chain with a single twist of the dial. The 18 inch vicious saw bar and chain make a perfect contrast together to easily cut down large logs of wood, storm-damaged trees, branches, overgrown shoots, firewood, tall trees, and more.
The LED flashlights on the chainsaw makes it easy for the user to work in dull and dark workplaces, or in deep forests with minimal sunlight. You can use it as an emergency cutting tool in places with zero access to light. This battery driven chainsaw delivers the ultimate cutting performance without generating noise, fumes or fuss.
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Litheli Cordless Chainsaw is yet another cutting device, featuring a brushless motor which increases the chainsaw durability. It assures a higher conversion efficiency of more than 85%. The device makes smooth cuts at a chain speed of about 36 feet/second. The tool features double-brake protection; that means the chainsaw is started by pulling the brake lever of the chain and then further secured with a lockout switch to prevent accidental device startup.
The auto oiling feature keeps both the chainsaw bar and the chain well lubricated throughout the cutting process. The tool-less tensioning knob allows quick tightening of the saw chain without requiring any extra accessory to do so.
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Sun Joe iON100V-18CS-CT Cordless Chainsaw is a 100 Volt Li-ion based tool that renders both the power and performance of a gas driven chainsaw. The tool is perfect and convenient for outdoor use including branch trimming, lumbering, etc. iON100V features a sturdy motor of 1500 Watt and the premium quality 18 inch saw bar along with the chain precisely cuts through the limbs and trunks that are around 17 and ½ inch wide. You can also utilize the chainsaw for clearing away the fallen or damaged trees, branches, and dense brush. No carbon emission and zero-fade power performance makes it one of the most demanded chainsaws.
The high-end safety features of iON100V consist of a durable and non-slip front handle with a kickback brake control for added stability, an inbuilt protective switch to avoid accidental device startup, and a sheath for storing the bar and chain safely after the work is completed. It is the best ever deal to make as the iON100V chainsaw comes with a 2 year warranty period. Rest assured, you will get hassle-free cutting performance, for several months at a stretch with this cordless, cutting-edge tool.
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PAXCESS Cordless Chainsaw is the most demanding cordless chainsaw of its kind. The battery is upgraded to provide an amperage of about 4.0 Ah, meaning that the battery delivers sufficiently high power while cutting huge wood pieces or branches. Apart from providing an efficiently high power supply, the PAXCESS chainsaw extends the device runtime along with its motor durability. The best part of this chainsaw model is that it is comparatively quieter than a gasoline chainsaw; no ear-plugs required.
This is a low-maintenance cordless chainsaw. So, you are free from the unwanted greasiness or smell of gasoline. Simply set the battery inside and switch in the chainsaw and you are good to get started with your cutting task. Rest assured, the device is both user-friendly and safer to use compared to other gas chainsaws or cordless electric chainsaws. The ergonomic cum vibration-less system with a fully cushioned wrap around handle makes the saw more comfortable to handle with improved balance and maneuverability. The instant chain brake control prevents possibilities of mishaps, allowing you to use the saw more securely.
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Worx WG322 Cordless Chainsaw is highly recommended to the pro-grade lumberjacks and woodworkers who prefer faster cuts. This cordless cutting tool ensures cleaner cuts and is powerful enough without having the need for cord or gas. The auto chain tensioning feature maintains the correct tension on the bar to get the job done in no time. The battery of this chainsaw supplies sufficient to get all of your tasks done without requiring frequent battery replacement.
The auto lubrication system makes cutting smoother and more efficient, thereby extending the tool durability. The oil level gauge, on the other hand, alerts you about the lubrication status of the chainsaw. Furthermore, this lightweight cum compact cutting tool weighs only around 6.2 pounds, which is not more than what a 2 litre soda bottle weighs. This lets you work longer with WG322 without feeling fatigue. The chain speed is considerably high with a range of around 12.5 foot/second. So, with it, you can expect to cut through any reasonable size of branch, log or damaged vegetation.
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The Worx WG305.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw is a compact power reservoir. It features an 8 Amp electric motor integrated in an efficiently lightweight 14 inch design. The patented tool-less, auto chain tensioning system of this low-maintenance chainsaw adds durability to the device and makes chain adjustment easier. Added to that, there is an oil level indicator to keep a check on the lubricity of the bar and chain prior to starting the cutting operation.
The ergonomic rubberized handle provides a firmer grip (on the chainsaw) and improved stability during use. In all fairness Worx WG305.1 is an easy to operate cutting tool, perfect for light to medium-grade tasks including pruning, trimming, lumbering, and light clean ups in the garden.
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Greenworks Corded Electric Chainsaw 20332 features a 14.5 Amp high torque electric motor which starts in seconds, delivering substantial power to get the task done. The 18 inch saw bar and chain makes the cutting of large lumbers a breeze. The tool-free chain tensioning system allows making swift chain adjustment for quick adjustments, saving much of your time to get the work done in no time.
The auto oiler mechanism keeps the chainsaw lubricated, ensuring smooth cutting performance without any hurdle. The wrap around handle facilitates wood cutting in multiple positions. So, it is easy to utilize the tool while trimming or cutting at varied angles.
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Buyer's Guide: Things to Consider to Buy the Right Chainsaw
If you go thoroughly through the internet resources, then there are more than enough points to count on before buying the right chainsaw from the many. So, we did that part for you and profiled a couple of unavoidable factors that you must consider while purchasing a chainsaw. Rest assured, you will end up making a purposeful product selection followed by a smart investment.
Before buying any product, it is important to have a clearer idea of what benefit you will get from that product. A chainsaw is not an exception. So, prior to checking out different brands, check the type of wood cutting projects you deal with. Then make the product selection accordingly. Suppose, you need a chainsaw for seasonal pruning or trimming of your garden trees or clean up, then it is best to go for an electric chainsaw. Electric chainsaws cannot withstand regular, rigorous application but occasional. So, it is a smart deal for infrequent users. On the other hand, if you are a pro-grade chainsaw user, then a gas chainsaw is the best for your job. For light to medium grade wood cutting work, a cordless chainsaw would be more convenient. However, a gas chainsaw is also applicable in this case.
It’s important that you choose the right saw for the right job and remember, bigger isn’t always better. For example, if you just need to clear some light brush in your yard and have to work in a tight space then a small cordless electric saw would be ideal. Fueling up a large gas saw, then trying to operate it in a confined area would be a challenge to say the least.
Engine size of a gasoline driven chainsaw is determined by Cubic Centimetre (CC) range. That means, the higher the CC of chainsaw, the better power is delivered by its engine. For example, a chainsaw with an engine of 30 CC can deliver a power of 1.7 brake horsepower (bhp), whereas a 45 CC engine can deliver power of about 3 bhp approximately. The only setback is the heavy weight of the engine that comes with a wider engine capacity (CC). This CC range varies from 23 CC to 120 CC. However, if you are an occasional chainsaw user, then a CC ranging between 30 and 45 is sufficient to get your job done.
The motor power of an electric chainsaw motor power is determined by Ampere (Amp). The motors generally range from (8 to 15)Amp. Similar to a gas powered chainsaw, the higher the amperage of the motor, the greater power is delivered. For instance, a motor of 8 Amp can produce about 1.3 brake horsepower (bhp), whereas a motor of 15 Amp can deliver around 2.4 bhp.
Talking about cordless chainsaws, the power generated depends upon the battery potential and the type of battery used. Nowadays, maximum cordless chainsaws are Li-ion driven rechargeable batteries. Why Lithium batteries? Well, that is because the Lithium batteries can last for 2 to 3 years minimum and prefer partial discharge as opposed to deep battery discharge. That means, you can recharge the Li-ion batteries frequently and not take the battery charge down to zero.
The size of the saw bar is determined by the length measured from the bar tip to the tip to the portion from where the powerhead of the saw emerges out. This represents the exact sawing length of your dedicated chainsaw. The bar size ranges from (6 to 42) inches. However, if you are a chainsaw hobbyist, then a chainsaw with a bar length of 20 inch is sufficient for your needs.
If utilized properly, the chainsaw can slice a log of wood which is two times thicker than the diameter of the chainsaw bar. That means, suppose, the bar diameter is 20 inch, then it can be used to cut a wooden log of size 40 inch. The longer the length of the bar is, the broader diameter of woods the saw can cut through at a go. Considering the general thumb rule, the bar length should be always 2 inches longer than the size of the log to be cut at a single pass. Providing that the chainsaw delivers substantial power, a 20 inch blade will hence be capable of cutting through an 18 inch wooden log at one stroke. If the blade size is comparatively smaller than the wooden log, then there is a possible risk of getting kickbacks.
The chainsaw can be classified into three categories, concerning the size: small, medium, and large. The small chainsaws feature a bar length ranging from 6 inch to 14 inch. This type of chainsaw is fit for light tasks including trimming, pruning, yard clean ups, etc. It can also be utilized to cut small sized trees, taking limbs off trees and slicing small logs.
Medium chainsaws feature a bar length ranging from 16 inch to 20 inch. With a medium chainsaw, you can carry out an array of tasks like clearing off the storm damaged trees, medium sized trimming of trees.
Larger chainsaws come with a bar length ranging from 22 inch to 40 inch. This type of chainsaw is the best for slicing firewood. The larger bars are basically meant for pro-grade applications and so, they are mostly preferred in the wood cutting industries. Foresters or people residing in rural areas (like ranchers, farmers, etc.) also prefer larger chainsaws. If you are looking for a chainsaw to carry out heavy-duty wood cutting jobs, then go for a large bar chainsaw.
Note: A longer saw blade can increase the overall weight of the chainsaw. Consequently, it might be difficult for the user to handle the device constantly while conducting longer cutting projects. The user may eventually end up getting a fatigue feeling. So, a larger chainsaw is generally not suggested, unless there is a heavier sawing requirement. A medium sized chainsaw is sufficient for a full range of cutting tasks and is also comparatively more efficient than a larger chainsaw.
It is not always necessary that an expensive product is bound to deliver top of the line performance. Unless you need a pro-grade chainsaw, it is better not to splash money on a chainsaw. Keep the budget reasonable, check out the features that your chosen chainsaw promises, and then decide. For part-time users, there are chainsaws that come under a range of $200 or less.
Automatic oiler mechanism (maintain lubricity between the bar and the saw chain for smooth cutting operation), Anti-vibration system (dampen vibration, thereby reducing chances of kickbacks during use), heated carburetors (to prevent formation of ice crystals in the engine, when used at low temperature zones, that affects the engine's internal combustion), heated handle (if user is from a low temperature region) are some of the other important factors that the buyer must count on before making the purchase.
Conclusion
Well, there are many other buyer guide factors and products, but the ones mentioned at the top would be sufficient to serve your requirement. All the products reviewed above are uniquely effective with their own set of pros and cons. However, here are our top three picks from the list:
- Makita EA4300F40B Chainsaw
This is for those who are looking for a compact chainsaw with better power to weight ratio. - PAXCESS Cordless Chainsaw
This is for those who are looking for a top of the line cordless electric chain with long lasting battery and even cut delivery. - Greenworks Corded Electric Chainsaw 20332
This is for those who are looking for an economical option with minimal noise generation and smooth cutting experience.
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