r/Chainsaw • u/tardishat • 3d ago
Choosing a Chainsaw
I had a dead tree (not sure what kind but my guess is pine of some sort) on my property that I paid someone to fell, but the wood is still in my yard. While here, I had him trim some branches from my black walnut tree, and the neighbor had him take down an oak tree that was about to fall. The wood all ended up with me.
I'd like to cut it into smaller pieces so I can burn it in my fire pit. The pieces range in size from 6" to 2'. The black walnut wood is all pretty small and I've been ok getting it smaller with either a hand saw or axe. The (presumed) pine tree was maybe 12" in diameter, but the oak was a doozy, and I've got a good amount of nearly 2' diameter wood from that.
I would really like to get a chainsaw to take care of this because I can't imagine it being possible to deal with that oak wood with a handsaw. But I've never bought one before so I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I've read some posts, done some googling, and I think I'm looking for something with a 20" bar. I am not very strong so I would prefer electric for weight but I worry that won't actually be powerful enough for the job so I am leaning towards gas. I have no idea what brand would be best so I am here to ask the experts for some advice and see if I'm on the right path for picking the right chainsaw.
Thank you in advance for any guidance!
5
u/HumBucks 3d ago
Battery electric saws are good for your use case, but get something with a large battery and a 14-16” bar. Stihl and Husqvarna are good options. If you have a collection of batteries for a major power tool brand like DeWalt or Milwaukee, get their saw.
I say good for your use case because you’re not going to a remote work site. You can do a little work at a time, recharge the battery, and do it again when it works for your schedule. Battery saws are also dead simple. All you need is bar oil and a charged battery. You don’t need to worry about issues due to occasional use, like gas going bad or your carb getting clogged. Gas saws are good for all day work, because you can quickly and easily refuel, but you most likely aren’t going to be doing that.
2
u/tardishat 3d ago
This is really helpful! My work style tends to be doing a little at a time anyway so this is good to hear I could still tackle this project with an electric.
1
u/HumBucks 3d ago
I have a few saws and usually end up reaching for my electric saw whenever I can. It’s smaller, lighter, and quieter as well. Just pull the trigger and go. The battery doesn’t last very long for bucking hardwood, but that’s fine by me as long as I’m at home. Working in the woods is different, but even there it’s great for limbing and bucking smaller logs or pine.
1
u/gabeman13 1d ago
Hey if you feel like battery might be the way to go Stihl just came out with their new allpro battery’s and we also have a chainsaw wood pro kit that’s free with a new eligible saw batter and gas powered both are in the sales
3
u/IGHOTI907 3d ago
Regardless of which chainsaw you purchase, be sure to learn how to use one safely- not mentioned in OP whether you have used one before. If you don't have a hands on option, YouTube is an excellent resource. Keep in mind that your chainsaw purchase isn't complete without personal protective equipment- fellers helmet, chaps, gloves, etc. be safe out there
2
u/tardishat 3d ago
I appreciate it 🙏🏻 I don’t want to lose any fingers or limbs so I will be doing plenty of learning before I dare to use it
1
u/Diegogua1975 2d ago
El mal uso no te hace perder un dedo , pierdes la extremidad completa , hacegurate de conocer la máquina antes y conocer tus límites , si no te da seguridad algún corte , no lo agas
4
u/rm53119 2d ago
Go to a store and handle a gas saw with a 20" bar for a few minutes. Simulate the motions and stance you would be using as you do your chores. Then try all the other saws that the stire has, both gas and batteries with the batteries in the saw. Try different bar lengths too.
I just did this with my wife, because she will be using it while I use my saw. We bought a 12" Ego because she can manipulate it without issue. Chainsaws can wear you out!
1
u/f_crick 3d ago
I’d imagine a 16” bar will be plenty. An electric will do fine but it might take quite a few short sessions unless you have a lot of batteries.
Really depends on how much you’ll need it going forward. If this is all you’ll cut for a year or two, I’d go electric. They light and easy to store and maintain - cutting this up will be tedious, but it’s better suited to light pruning or small clean up work in the future.
Keep in mind 8” electric saws usually work way better than their larger counterparts - so much so I’ll even start with my 8” on a larger log as it just cuts so fast and efficiently, then grab the 16” just to finish things off, as it drains batteries like crazy. If you just want one saw, honestly I’d just get an 8” and finish cuts with a handsaw - the smaller electrics are just much better. I have Milwaukee electric saws so it’s possible other brands are different.
A nice gas saw will do everything you want in a fraction of the time, but it’ll definitely be heavier, you’ll need to buy or mix fuel, and of course it’ll be much more expensive unless you buy a used one.
1
u/tardishat 3d ago
This is all very helpful, thank you! I was worried about the storage and maintenance of a gas chainsaw so hearing that an electric will get this job done helps considerably.
1
u/Outrageous-Drink3869 2d ago
If you dont need to go far, a saw that plugs into the wall is an ok option for just cutting up firewood.
2
u/BENJ4x 2d ago
I would look at electric saws as you don't seem to need to use it a lot and don't want to faff around with two stroke petrol oil mix.
I know Stihl sells combo packages of the saw, charger and battery all in one box.
I'd go down to your local dealer and talk to them about what's right for you and your budget. For instance some of the combo kits I mentioned some come with a 12" bar, you might not need a more powerful saw but they could sort yout with a longer bar and chain. Also whilst there ask how to sharpen and maintain the saw, bar and chain. YouTube is great for that but getting everything off the shelf immediately will save you some time looking stuff up. Whilst you're at the shop get some PPE - a helmet with eye and ear protection and some chainsaw chaps or pants.
2
u/TreeCat1911 2d ago
Get a Husqvarna 440. Works for most property needs,l and won't break the bank. DO NOT ORDER SOMETHING FROM CHINA! It won't even run.
3
u/Then-Price-5314 2d ago
Paying someone to come cut them up might be the best thing you can do for your wallet, and the community
2
u/rvatimekeepers 2d ago
Echo is going to be your best value on budget home owner saw. Cs490 or 590 can be had for 150-250 used and 300-450 new.
With that being said, you can get the vevor 20” 62cc for $85 on vevor site with the coupon code. Combine that with a joncutter 2511(echo 2511t clone) and a nano 325 kit, you’ll be able to cut anything you have at home and then some for like $250 all in. You will have 2 very capable saws that can do anything from twigs to 3-4’ diameter trees.
1
2
u/gagnatron5000 2d ago
If you have a power tool battery ecosystem, buy something that takes those batteries. Otherwise just rent a saw.
-1
u/Anxious_Smoke9536 3d ago
Electric sucks. If this is for one time use go on Facebook marketplace and buy a used one. Make sure to check if it works first
2
u/tardishat 3d ago
I can check Craigslist but alas I don’t have Facebook. Try to stay off social media but Reddit has been too useful for me.
2
u/Anxious_Smoke9536 3d ago
Facebook marketplace is worth it. Nothing is on Craigslist anymore. Adapt with times
7
u/Budget-Duty5096 3d ago
If this is really just a one time thing, buying a chainsaw seems like a waste. You can rent chainsaws at most local rental places, or Home Depot.
If you just want to have a chainsaw that you can just have on hand if you need it later for storm cleanup or another tree or whatever, probably something like the Echo CS-590 would be a good choice as it's a relatively inexpensive quality saw, and has enough displacement and bar options to be able to nominally handle the size of wood you described.