A chainsaw is a handy tool for home improvement projects if you’re a keen fan. This is a versatile tool that every DIY enthusiast should have.
If you want your garden looking great and to last, it is a must-have tool.
It can be difficult to choose the right chainsaw, with so many options on the market.
So before buying any type of chainsaw, read our guide carefully to understand each type of this tool more comprehensively.
How To Choose The Right Chainsaw For You
Chainsaws aren’t just for lumberjacks, despite what you might have heard. There are many types of chainsaws available that can be used by different people. So how do you choose the right chainsaw for you?
The first thing to consider is your intended use. Do you plan to only use the chainsaw for cutting logs or does it have the ability to also handle other tasks, like trimming branches or cutting down small trees?
A large chain and lots of horsepowers are best if you plan to use the chainsaw primarily for logging.
If your primary goal is to trim smaller branches, you’ll want a saw that has a shorter chain and lower horsepower.
Get Familiar With The Different Types Of Chainsaws- Which One Is Best
1) Gas Powered Chainsaws
This type is considered to be on top when it comes to both power and convenience. These saws run using two-stroke gas engines and are capable of producing very high power.
The fact that they run on gas means you can use them anywhere during all seasons. The motor is an external component, so it can continue to run even if the chain stops moving. This is not possible with most chainsaws.
The benefits of gas-powered saws are numerous. Those who have one don’t feel the need to replace it anytime soon. They do have their limitations, however. Most models weigh over 9 Kg (9 kg) and produce a lot of noise.
A 2-stroke gasoline chainsaw is a great investment if you enjoy working outside. However, if you do a lot of close-quarter cutting then you may want to look into a different model.
Our guide to the best gas chainsaws.
2 Electric Powered Chainsaws
The chainsaw can be powered by electricity. It is available in both corded and cordless versions. The corded ones tend to be more powerful as compared to the cordless but the latter is more convenient to use.
One big downside of electric chainsaws is that they can only be used when there is an accessible power outlet nearby. An electric chainsaw is the best choice if you have a large yard with many trees. It will save you time and allow you to move your extension cord around.
Check out our guide on the best electric chainsaw.
3) Battery Powered Chainsaws
Similar to electric-powered chainsaws, battery-powered saws come in both corded and cordless models. The main difference is that the battery-powered saws are powered by a rechargeable battery instead of electricity. This type of chainsaw is ideal for people who want the convenience of a cordless saw with the power of an electric saw.
If you use your battery-powered chainsaw for very heavy-duty work, the battery may not last as long. So if you are someone who likes doing DIY projects regularly, then investing in a good quality battery might be a good idea.
Our guide to the best battery-powered chainsaws.
4) Manual Chainsaws
This type of chainsaw does not require any power source and is instead powered by human muscle. It is perfect for people who want a chainsaw but cannot afford the expensive ones.
Perhaps the best thing about manual chainsaws, however, is that they are less likely to cause injury than electric or gas chainsaws. Because there are no engines or chain brakes that can fail, manual chainsaws are less likely to cause injury than electric or gas chainsaws. In fact, the most dangerous aspect of using a manual saw is the risk of your hand getting caught in the chain.
A manual chainsaw is a better choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, inexpensive chainsaw that is less likely than gas or electric to inflict injury.
Manual saws are ideal for pruning small branches and usually have a safety handle in front to prevent the users hand from slipping.
5) PTO Chainsaws
PTO stands for power takeoff, which is a mechanism that uses a part of an engine to power another machine. This type of chainsaw is powered by the tractor’s motor.
PTO chainsaws are equipped with an automatic oil injection system which provides lubrication to all moving parts at all times keeping them intact for a longer period of time. Because of their lightweight design, these saws can be easily maneuvered in dense forests. These small saws are eco-friendly because they don’t require gas or emit exhaust fumes.
It is good for people who do not have enough space in their garden or garage but want high-powered chainsaws that they can rent when needed.
6) Pole ChainSaws
This type of chainsaw is ideal for those with tall trees. It allows them to reach high up branches without climbing on ladders. Pole saws usually come with an extendable pole that can be adjusted to different lengths.
Chainsaws will leave large chunks of wood that you can burn. A handsaw will leave long shreds of wood that require substantial splitting before burning. Splitting is hard work, especially if the wood is green and still has leaves attached!
The result with either saw makes many small pieces burn, which creates more ash than heat, all while restricting airflow through the stack of wood that may be two feet wide by ten inches deep.
Splitting wood by hand can be tiring and can cause the wood to slip from your fingers. You also know that a good swing with an axe can make short work of splitting a piece of wood. This is because an axe is made to cut through the wood and not tear it apart like a handsaw.
Check out our guide on the best pole chainsaw.
7) Chainsaw Mills
This type of chainsaw is ideal for those who wish to cut their own lumber from logs. You can choose from gas-powered or electric chainsaws that are fast and can cut through large logs.
Chainsaw mills offer a number of benefits over conventional sawmills. They are more portable so they can be taken with you wherever you go. Second, they are much easier to use, making them ideal for novice woodworkers.
Chainsaw mills are also less expensive than traditional sawmills. This makes them more affordable for home users. Chainsaw mills can produce a smooth finish which is great for milling furniture boards.
Summary
There are many types of chainsaws available on the market today, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
When choosing a chainsaw, it is important to consider the specific needs of the user and select the model that best meets those needs. With the right tool for the job, chainsaw users can accomplish a wide range of tasks with ease and safety.
