Chainsaws have greatly evolved from the huge machines that required two experienced loggers to operate them to today's much smaller, lightweight models that are designed for home use. Although a chainsaw is not necessary for every homeowner, they can come in quite handy if you need to trim tree limbs, remove a dying tree, or cut some wood for your fireplace. Chainsaws come in a variety of sizes and have different features, so use the following tips to help determine the best chainsaws for you.
There are chainsaws powered by electric, gasoline, or battery-operated engines. If you will be working far away from an electric power source, choose a gas chainsaw. Electric Chainsaws are sufficient for occasional tasks that you can perform no more than 100 feet away from a power outlet. On the other hand, the low power and duration of a charge limits the functionality of a battery chainsaw.
You need to know what type of jobs you plan to do in order to determine how much power your chainsaw must have. For example, cutting hardwoods such as ash, maple, and oak requires more power than working with softer cedar and pine. If the jobs involve cutting concrete, stone or brick, a concrete chainsaw is what you need. If you plan to use it in large projects, an industrial chainsaw which is usually more powerful and sturdier is the ideal choice. Be aware that the more powerful the engine and/or the length of the cutting bar, the heavier the saw. More power equates to larger engines for both the electric and gas types, and the length of the chain saw bar also will increase the chainsaw's overall weight. Decide on how long of a bar you need by determining what you will be cutting. Bar lengths range from 12 to 20 inches, and the length controls the maximum diameter that the saw can cut in one pass. But you can use a smaller saw to cut larger branches and trees with two passes; don't get a longer bar if most of your jobs will involve smaller pieces of wood. And if you are into chain saw carving, smaller chainsaws are god enough to get the job done.
It is important to examine the chain saw safety features on any saw you consider purchasing; after all, chainsaws deserve their reputation as the world's most dangerous power tool. In general, electric models are much safer than the gas chainsaws because they are less likely to produce a chainsaw kickback, which can cause serious, and even fatal, injuries. If the end of the saw's bar hits an obstruction, it can jerk backward toward the operator, creating a kickback. Most new chainsaws have a variety of safety features aimed to avoid serious injuries, including kickback guards, low kickback saw chains, chain brakes and catchers, hand guards, throttle lockouts, and vibration reduction systems. Of equal importance is the chainsaw maintenance particularly chainsaw blade sharpening.
There are chainsaws powered by electric, gasoline, or battery-operated engines. If you will be working far away from an electric power source, choose a gas chainsaw. Electric Chainsaws are sufficient for occasional tasks that you can perform no more than 100 feet away from a power outlet. On the other hand, the low power and duration of a charge limits the functionality of a battery chainsaw.
You need to know what type of jobs you plan to do in order to determine how much power your chainsaw must have. For example, cutting hardwoods such as ash, maple, and oak requires more power than working with softer cedar and pine. If the jobs involve cutting concrete, stone or brick, a concrete chainsaw is what you need. If you plan to use it in large projects, an industrial chainsaw which is usually more powerful and sturdier is the ideal choice. Be aware that the more powerful the engine and/or the length of the cutting bar, the heavier the saw. More power equates to larger engines for both the electric and gas types, and the length of the chain saw bar also will increase the chainsaw's overall weight. Decide on how long of a bar you need by determining what you will be cutting. Bar lengths range from 12 to 20 inches, and the length controls the maximum diameter that the saw can cut in one pass. But you can use a smaller saw to cut larger branches and trees with two passes; don't get a longer bar if most of your jobs will involve smaller pieces of wood. And if you are into chain saw carving, smaller chainsaws are god enough to get the job done.
It is important to examine the chain saw safety features on any saw you consider purchasing; after all, chainsaws deserve their reputation as the world's most dangerous power tool. In general, electric models are much safer than the gas chainsaws because they are less likely to produce a chainsaw kickback, which can cause serious, and even fatal, injuries. If the end of the saw's bar hits an obstruction, it can jerk backward toward the operator, creating a kickback. Most new chainsaws have a variety of safety features aimed to avoid serious injuries, including kickback guards, low kickback saw chains, chain brakes and catchers, hand guards, throttle lockouts, and vibration reduction systems. Of equal importance is the chainsaw maintenance particularly chainsaw blade sharpening.