How to choose a chain saw and find an option to suit your needs

To work with commercial or construction wood, you need a saw tool, preferably with a sufficiently powerful, economical and environmentally friendly electric drive. Let's look at how to choose a power saw with optimal performance characteristics at an affordable cost right now.

Despite a fairly wide selection of disk, reciprocating and jigsaw models, a wide-functional, universal, cheap and reliable electric chain saw is in greater demand in private household and country use.

The list of advantages:

significantly smaller dimensions and price range;
economical energy consumption;
easy care;
absence of winter starting problems typical for gasoline-engine analogues.

Convenient and inexpensive for periodic use, the electric chain saw can be used with equal success for preparing fireplace fuel, forming the crowns of existing trees on the site, construction work, and creating original decorative elements of architectural and landscape design.

The dependence of the saw on the mains power supply is compensated by connecting the tool to a mobile gas generator or purchasing a battery version.

What parameters and characteristics are especially important when purchasing a tool?

Review of household chain saws

So, let’s figure out how to choose a good and inexpensive electric saw for your home. Each of the saws described in comparative table No. 1 has its own advantages, so you should choose the right one based on the requirements that you have for a future purchase.

Energomash may well compete with foreign manufacturers Source fermerinform.ru

Table No. 1. Comparison of inexpensive chainsaws by main characteristics.

Place	Name	Characteristics
Place	Name	Power, W	Chain	Weight, kg	Frame	Flaws	Advantages
1	Krüger ECSK 25-40	2500	Made of high alloy steel, has a chain brake	5	The case is reinforced, there is a cover	There is a slight noise due to the increased power	There is an automatic chain lubrication function and an accidental start stopper.
2	Champion 120-14	2 thousand	35 cm long	3,8	Good design	Not suitable for thick tree trunks	Ideal chain pitch is 3/8 inch
3	Patriot ESP 1816	1.8 thousand	Working part length – 40 cm, pitch – three-eighths of an inch	4,4	The tool is assembled with high quality	Automatic chain tensioning is set to “four”, the power cord is not long	Brakes after jerking the chain back
4	Hammer CPP 1800D	1800	There is a chain brake, bar length – 35 cm, pitch – 3/8 inch	5,5	Bulky saw	Sometimes there may be kickback	Good volume of the lubricant tank - 0.13 l, works quietly

If the question arises about an electric chain saw, which one to choose, it is not always worth considering only inexpensive offers. If you have a looser budget, you can pay attention to the following power tools, the main parameters of which are displayed in the second table.

Brand

Domestic, as well as many European and Asian companies operate in the production of imported household electric saws. Today, relatively expensive products from leading manufacturers Shtil, Husqvarna, Makita, Echo and a number of others occupy high ranking positions, costing from 4,000 to 1,000 rubles.

The increased cost of the branded model range is fully compensated by the quality of materials, the presence of soft start systems and protection of the electric drive from overheating, the reliability and durability of component parts.
New generation electric saws are equipped with clutches that set the chain to run smoothly when starting and stopping, blocking extreme loads on the engine and the kinematics of the tool when the headset jams in the cut.

The budget range is represented by models mainly made in China, which, with greater or lesser success, copy the best developments of the European model range.

Chinese clones are characterized by lower cost, while the quality of the materials used and the duration of the working life leave much to be desired.

Additional functions

Modern electric chain saws are equipped with electronic and mechanical safety systems for the operator and the mechanism itself. Some options are not available on all models.

overheat protection

An electronic device turns off the electric motor at critical overloads. With such a device, the engine will not smoke or burn out if, for example, the chain is caught in a cut or the engine overheats. Useful feature. But on budget models it may have its drawback - frequent shutdowns even under normal loads. On quality saws such “excessive vigilance” does not occur.

Safety

All electric chain saws, without exception, are equipped with basic safety systems. This is primarily a brake that stops the chain even if the engine is turned on. Until the operator turns it off, the chain will not spin. The brake is turned on and off with a protective handle, which simultaneously blocks the space between the hands and the chain.

Adjusting chain tension

It is impossible to use this tool without adjusting the tension, therefore the function is present on all models without exception. The principle of adjustment is the same everywhere.

The design solution may differ - loosening the cover and tightening it with or without a wrench, with a built-in regulator. The regulator is more convenient, no additional key is needed. The plastic regulator cap of quality brands is reliable. Not always with budget ones, so for them tightening with a wrench is easier and more reliable.

In general, the design of the chain tensioning system is not a decisive criterion when choosing a model. More important is the strength of threads and metals. When purchasing, it is impossible to visually evaluate this moment. Only indirectly, by brand reputation.

Smooth start

With this function, the chain does not gain momentum immediately, but smoothly. The system protects the electrical network from overloads when starting the electric motor. Plus, during a soft start there is time to correctly route the chain, which increases safety. The disadvantage of a soft start is that it takes several seconds until the engine reaches full speed. For those who are used to normal starting, this may be annoying at first.

Power

One of the most important parameters of an electric saw is the traction properties of the electric motor. In this regard, household-class models with a power of 1800-2000 watts are preferable.

A household electric wood saw with a powerful drive is less sensitive to voltage changes, has a greater torque reserve and increased resistance to operating loads.

Lightweight and compact electric saws with a power of one to one and a half kilowatts are more convenient for gardening, but for firewood or working with construction wood, it is better to buy a more powerful tool.

General information about selection criteria

Before you consider electric chain saws for wood for the country house and at home and choose which one is better, it is worth understanding what criteria are used to choose this device. For a chain saw as a cutting device powered by electricity, there are several criteria by which you can make a choice. In order to choose a quality saw according to the budget allocated for its purchase and at the same time not make a mistake in other parameters, you need to evaluate the tool according to the following criteria:

profile and dimensions (height, shape of teeth on the chain, width and length of the cutting part, chain pitch of the device in question);
the length of the cord (this criterion determines how far you can move from the electrical outlet, although if particularly necessary, you can use an extension cord) or battery power;
engine power (the main parameter for a working tool, however, if the electrical network is insufficiently reliable for a chain saw running on electricity, you will have to choose not the most powerful one);
comfort and reliability of the grip (the choice of an electric chain saw for a summer house or private home must take this parameter into account);

Comfortable grip is a very important characteristic for work safety Source tokarmaster.ru

method of chain tensioning (chain or with a key);
engine type (longitudinal or transverse);
price and equipment;
type of saw (electric or battery operated);
the presence of useful additions (protection against unintentional activation, smooth descent, protection against overheating, inertia brake, chain catcher pin);
weight (depending on the type of device: three-four kilogram saws are quite suitable for the home, although if necessary, you can purchase a more powerful seven-kilogram model);
manufacturer (some brands have already established themselves as manufacturers of high-quality electric chain saws).

Next, we will tell you how to choose an electric chain saw among the entire variety of the offered range. Typically, the types of saws under consideration are used for sawing wood before installation, harvesting firewood, and shaping the crown of a tree or bush.

Some manufacturers of electric saws have already proven themselves to be good Source prom.st

If you need to do landscaping work, it is logical to use a battery-powered saw. It should be remembered that usually this type of device is not intended for processing wood of medium and large thickness. When assessing the quality of products from a particular manufacturer, they pay attention to how long the company has already been on the market: the longer this period, the better.

Electric chain saws for wood for the country house and home with a cord have the following advantages compared to battery options:

low cost;
environmental friendliness (the electric saw does not contain batteries that are hazardous to the environment and difficult to recycle);
ease of use and high speed of repair;
low noise and vibration levels;
small sizes;
simplicity of design;
Possibility of trouble-free switching on at sub-zero temperatures.

Let's look at how to choose a power saw based on its most important parameter. The power of the saw determines what processes can be performed with it. So, for non-professional work in the country, in a private house, one or two thousand watts may be enough.

A long cord is the key to convenience when sawing Source grizzly-tool.com.ua

A practical owner always chooses the most powerful saw from those that suit him, because then the device will rarely operate at its maximum capabilities. This guarantees long useful use of the tool.

As for the choice between a saw with a transverse or longitudinal engine, the first option has a shifted center of gravity. The consequence of this is the emerging need to control and align the cut when working with the tool. On the other hand, such a saw will cost less.

Let's see how to choose an electric chain saw for your summer house according to the length of its working part. The length of the power tool bar affects the size of the log that can be cut with a saw at one time. For ordinary, so-called household needs, a 40-centimeter saw is quite suitable. The length of the working part of the saw, periodically used for work on your private farm, can be 30 cm; for more complex processing of thick tree trunks, felling of forests, and regular, professional construction work, it is better to use 40-45 cm devices.

High build quality of the saw is important for its long-term operation, and the width of the bar is important for the user Source tehnika.expert

The chain pitch, that is, the distance between the cutting elements, determines the accuracy and ease of cutting. When choosing the right step, the risk of impact (kickback) is reduced to almost zero. The optimal value is 3/8 inch.

When selecting by manufacturer, you can choose among such well-known brands as Makita, Bosch, Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, "Skil" The Russian brands Energomash, Zenit, and Interskol have also proven themselves quite well.

When choosing an electric saw based on the tensioning method, it is impossible to name the most optimal option. The fact is that tensioning the chain with a nut is considered the safest. On the other hand, it is not very convenient when you need to have a special wrench with you just in case. You can tighten the chain without a special device while working without interruption for a long time.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the construction of fences and fences

Saw set size

The length of the guide bar directly depends on the traction parameters of the power unit. The standard length of a standard headset varies from 300 to 400 mm. The saw kit falls into the category of replacement equipment. Its unification and interchangeability allows you to select a chain for an electric saw from an assortment designed for gasoline-powered analogues.

The standard resource of the guide bar is on average equal to the total resource of three saw chains. This indicator is largely determined by the quality of the chain oil and the correct setting of the lubrication system.

In order to extend the service life of the saw set, you must:

choose the right lubricant consumables from the offered assortment;
use chains with fully sharpened edges of saw links;
Do not overload the tool when sawing hard and tough wood.

If possible, preference should be given to branded headsets Oregon, Shtil or another well-known brand, in standard design or with chrome plating.

For novice sawers who do not have thorough skills in working with wood, low-profile chains are recommended that ensure shock-free entry of the headset into the cut.

Types of electric saws

If you need to cut a variety of materials - plywood, wood, plastic, chipboard, metal pipes and sheets - you should purchase a circular (circular) electric saw. The cut is made by a rotating saw blade, and for each material there are certain types of disks. There are two versions of models - manual and stationary, attached to the bed.

A fairly universal tool is a reciprocating electric saw, which is often used for cutting in hard-to-reach places. It is convenient for roofing and installation work. The working element is a file, the length of which varies from 0.1 m to 0.35 m. It produces oscillatory or translational movements.

Smooth, neat, even figured cuts can be made with a jigsaw. It is equally suitable for working with ceramics, wood, laminate and metal. The file (working blade) of a jigsaw is indispensable if you need to cut a round hole or make a curved cut.

The best electric saws for the garden are considered to be chain units, the main operating element of which is a bar with a chain stretched over it. It is easy to use, relatively compact, and does not require preparation of the fuel mixture. Almost all gardening work can be done with its help: felling an old tree, trimming branches and branches, sawing a trunk. It is good for carpentry and construction, especially in confined spaces.

Equipment level

The productivity and safety of sawing work of any level of complexity is positively affected by:

presence of engine start key lock;
automatic dosage of chain oil supplied to the working area;
saw chain emergency stop devices.

It is welcome to have an indicator or visual control of the level of chain lube in the supply tank, a chain catcher, and convenient access to the mechanism for adjusting its tension.

What do you need to know about technical specifications?

The basic characteristic that you need to take into account when choosing a particular model is engine power. Here you need to look at the intensity with which the chain saw will be used.

When you need to make a one-time cut in wood, which is more random than planned, then devices up to 2 kW are ideal for these purposes. This power is not enough for a conventional one-hour work in the garden, so here you should look at devices from 2.5 kW to 4 kW. Weight is of great importance, especially when there is a large amount of work to be done.

Here, a lot depends on the price, since with the same power, the unit can weigh either 3.5 kg or 5.5 kg, respectively, the difference is significant. From the oil tank we can say that the volume is 0.2 liters. enough for several hours of work at a not very accelerated pace.

Technical characteristics of some models of electric chain saws

Finally, you need to look at the length of the tire, which is also selected based on the nuances of the work being performed. For difficult tasks, for example, for large wood, you should take a bar with a length of more than 40 cm.

Features of operation

Most failures and malfunctions of electric saw equipment occur due to improper operation, in particular:

excessive overload;
using the tool for other purposes;
filling the lubrication system with substandard oils and lubricant substitutes.

After long-term storage in an environment with high humidity and temperature changes, condensation moisture forms in the motor windings, initiating an interturn short circuit.

Areas of application and options for electric saws for concrete

Electric saws for sawing concrete and aerated concrete are an indispensable thing in the construction and renovation of a cottage or apartment. Unlike their bulky prototypes - wall sawing machines for concrete, they are quite simple to operate, which is why they allow you to cut with minimal power costs:

cellular types of concrete, including aerated concrete, foam blocks;
concrete based on cementitious cements or polystyrene;
reinforced concrete;
brick;
wild or artificial stone;
chalk-containing building materials, etc.

Varieties of electric saws for foam blocks and concrete

By purpose there are:

manual – standard household appliances;
special – used as joint cutting or rope construction equipment.

Hand saws for concrete are divided into:

chain;
reciprocating hacksaws for concrete.

The common characteristics for these 2 groups are:

working with a replaceable cutting set - most often, this is a chain or a toothed blade with diamond tips;
large cutting depth;
quick change of saw component, which often does not require special tools;
low weight, correctly distributed between the units of the unit.

Knowing the scope of application, the volume of work and the material for which the saw is purchased, the question of how to choose such a unit is simplified, and the usefulness of the purchase increases significantly.