The development of human civilization is inextricably linked with technological progress. One of the revolutionary inventions that made it possible to solve many household and industrial problems was electric saws. Lightweight and comfortable, they made it possible to work with a minimum of harmful factors, which makes them truly indispensable for both external and internal work.
In view of the relevance of the issue of choosing such a tool, we will dwell in detail on the variety of designs of electric saws, which differ not only in saw blades, but also in the materials being cut.
Rating table of the best electric saws
The table below shows the TOP 20 best electric saws:
| Place | Model | Product type | average cost | Main feature of the product | Rating |
| 1 | Makita UC4041A 1800 W | electric chain saw | 8,548 rubles | tire 40 cm, automatic lubrication | 10 |
| 2 | PATRIOT ESP 1614 1500 W | 4,999 rubles | tire 30 cm, automatic oil supply | 9 | |
| 3 | Makita UC3541A 1800 W | 8,900 rubles | 35 cm tire, metal teeth to reduce load | 9 | |
| 4 | CHAMPION 120-14 2000 W | 5,490 rubles | 35 cm tire, high engine power | 9 | |
| 5 | Huter ELS-2000P 2000 W | 4,330 rubles | 40 cm tire, brake chain | 9 | |
| 6 | Parma-M6 1000 W | 3,520 rubles | tire 39 cm | 9 | |
| 7 | Huter ELS-2400 2400 W | 4,930 rubles | 45 cm, powerful engine, emergency brake | 9 | |
| 8 | BLACK+DECKER CS1550 1500 W | 5,890 rubles | disc diameter 19 cm, dust removal system | 9 | |
| 9 | CHAMPION 118-14 1800 W | 4,896 rubles | length 35 cm | 9 | |
| 10 | AL-KO EKS 2400/40 2400 W | 9,629 rubles | length 40 cm, protective shield, high vibration speed | 9 | |
| Budget models | |||||
| 1 | Kolner KECS 35/1600 1600 W | chain Saw | 4,480 rubles | length 35 cm | 10 |
| 2 | MAXCUT MCE 164 1600 W | 4,350 rubles | length 35 cm, brake system | 10 | |
| 3 | PATRIOT ESP 1814 2022 1800 W | 4,860 rubles | length 35 cm, strong body | 9 | |
| 4 | EGER PEC-2016-01 2000 W | 5,442 rubles | length 40 cm, powerful engine | 9 | |
| 5 | Carver RSE-15500M 1000 W | 3,516 rubles | length 30 cm | 8 | |
| Expensive electric saws | |||||
| 1 | Husqvarna 420EL 2000 W | chain Saw | 20,490 rubles | brake, powerful engine | 10 |
| 2 | BOSCH AKE 35-19 S 1900 W | chain Saw | 11,449 rubles | steel stop, brake, chain catcher | 10 |
| 3 | Makita UC4050A 2000 W | chain Saw | 13,118 rubles | powerful motor, high rotation speed | 10 |
| 4 | Husqvarna 418EL 1800 W | hand circular saw | 20,277 rubles | high speed circuit, motor protection | 10 |
| 5 | Makita 5008MG, 1800 W | Circular Saw | 23,265 rubles | backlight, laser pointer, cutting adjustment | 10 |
Characteristics
The main task of this type of tool is cutting wood and wood processing materials. For this purpose, hand-held electric saws are used, the design of which is based on an electric motor, gearbox, working element and safety devices.
Electric saws can be either universal or highly specialized. This primarily depends on the power of the electric motor and the design of the working element. Hand chainsaws are considered the main universal tool for carpentry, firewood, and gardening. To work with lumber in the form of boards or particle boards, circular and reciprocating saws and jigsaws are used. For small carpentry work, reciprocating saws and a jigsaw are usually used.
An important point in selecting an electric saw is the ability to customize it for specific types of tasks and the ability to change the working tool. For specific work, for example, to process an unedged board, special types of circular saws are used that are capable of making fast and even longitudinal cuts. Depending on the thickness of the board and the setting of the electric saw, the depth of cut is set in a circular saw, and the blade for a transverse, longitudinal or thin, groove cut is set in a reciprocating saw.
It is generally accepted that saws with a more powerful engine - more than 2 kW - are professional, and those with a power less than 2 kW belong to the household category.
How to choose a power saw?
Electric saws differ in engine power, bar length and the availability of additional options. Household saws have a power of 1 to 2 kW and a weight of 4-5 kg. Continuous operation with such a tool is possible for 10-15 minutes.
When choosing a power saw, you evaluate:
- engine power and tire length;
- weight of the unit and its safety system;
- load duration;
- anti-vibration system;
- chain reliability.
For longer operation, choose models with a power of 2-2.5 kW. A longer splint (more than 40 cm) may be needed. For example, small electric saws are not suitable for working with large trees.
The saw must have protection against accidental pressing and an automatic brake system. Operation should stop immediately when the start key is released. Chain lubrication is mandatory when using the tool. The kit should include a protective cover and tools.
Types of electric saws
Like most tools, electric wood saws are available for professional and household use. Professional models are distinguished by their reliability and build quality, they can operate without interruption for a long time, and have a higher cost.
Household-grade devices are more common and are capable of performing the same manipulations as professional ones. They allow you to saw wood, cut boards, make curved cuts, and so on, but they are less powerful and not very reliable.
A household power saw for wood is not designed for long-term continuous use. Therefore, sometimes you will have to turn off the device and give it a rest.
However, within a private home, such a thing will become your indispensable assistant.
According to their intended purpose, electric saws are:
- stationary;
- manual.
Stationary, in turn, are divided into:
- disk, which are installed on a specially equipped table. With their help, you can make precise straight cuts along and across a wooden product (at an angle or perpendicular);
- tape, with the help of which straight and curved cuts are made;
- end saws, with the help of which cross-cutting of boards, slats, beams is made. The process is performed at angles that are set in advance horizontally and vertically;
- ring. They are presented in the form of attachments that are mounted in the chuck of a drill or machine. Used for cutting large holes. They have the shape of a disk with teeth and holes in a circle in which saw blades are installed;
- cutting, which are most often called circulars.
Presented in the form of a workbench. Using a circular saw, you can make longitudinal and transverse cuts. The cutting base is installed in a special recess in the middle of the table.
Hand-held power saws are:
- saber;
- chain;
- disk;
- jigsaws;
- hacksaws.
Many hand saws are powered from a regular outlet. However, there are some that are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. This has its advantages, since if there is no electricity, you will not have to worry about finding a power source.
But such battery devices should be used frequently, because in a frozen state the battery can simply fail. Cars with batteries are compact in size, so they are classified as “mini”.
Summary
Choose electric saws based on engine power. If a tool is required for pruning trees, choose a guide bar that is light in weight and short in length. Models with a power of 2,000-2,800 W, made of hard materials, are suitable for tree felling in the forest.
What kind of electric saw do you have?
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For example, you can pay attention to the brands Makita, Patriot, Eger, Carver and many others. In terms of design, modern options and functionality, Bosch and Husqvarna models stand out. High-power Champion models are also suitable for serious work.
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Principle of operation
Common to all types of hand-held electric saws for wood is the principle of wood processing - cutting fibers using metal cutting teeth. This principle applies to both hand and gasoline saws. The difference is in how the working parts of electric saws are arranged, how the teeth are secured and what shape they have.
The working parts of electric saws - the teeth of circular saws, hacksaw blades or reciprocating saws - are most often wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in shape, can be flat or complex in shape, and have one or more cutting edges.
Modern technologies for manufacturing electric saws make it possible to use special alloys and high-carbon steel grades for the production of saws, which make it possible to increase the service life of the tool and increase its productivity.
By design, the working bodies can be:
- With a disk working body;
- In the form of a saw blade, single or double-sided;
- In the form of a saw chain mounted on a special bar.
Circular saws usually have triangular, wedge-shaped and trapezoidal teeth of complex shape. On the working surface, one or two cutting edges are sharpened with teeth set. The operating principle of this electric saw is to cut wood fibers by rotating the disk around its center. The teeth alternately bite into the wood, removing part of the fibers with the cutting edge of the tooth.
Reciprocating saws use a reciprocating movement of the working body. Depending on the saw setting, the movement can be either 3 cm or 5 mm. To use a reciprocating saw, saws are selected that differ in their purpose and are used:
- for working with wood:
- for cutting plastic and particle boards;
- used for working with aluminum or thin sheet metal.
Chain saws are a closed flat chain with teeth of complex shape; it is driven by a chain drive gear from the saw motor. The saw chain moves endlessly along the guide bar. The cutting is carried out by teeth located in the form of linings on the chain on the right and left sides of the chain. For this type of power tool, chains are selected not depending on the direction of cutting the wood fibers, but depending on its strength.
Electric hacksaw
In conditions where it is impossible to use a chain saw or circular saw due to limited space, and a jigsaw will not give the desired result, an electric hacksaw is used. It will cope well with the work of a hand hacksaw on wood, but without the need to exert excessive force, since the forward movement of the cutting blade is carried out solely by the electric motor.
The advantages of an electric hacksaw for wood include an even cut with smooth edges, which cannot be achieved with a chain saw, as well as the absence of restrictions on the thickness of the workpiece inherent in a circular saw.
Structurally, the saw consists of a drive motor with a gearbox and a cutting blade that moves along guides. An important characteristic of this type of electric saw is the length of the blade. It can reach 40 cm or more.
What is a reciprocating saw?
The simplest answer that can be given to this question is “it’s an electric hacksaw.” It solves the same problems as a conventional hand saw, and its operating principle is based on the same reciprocating movements of the toothed working blade.
Abroad, this tool is very popular and has practically replaced the conventional hacksaw, but in our country it is rare that a master has this tool in his arsenal. The reason is that in Russia, power tools - and especially sawing power tools - are a priori considered something extremely dangerous, which only professionals can handle. Our housewives and owners of summer cottages do not realize that behind the militant name of the reciprocating saw lies a simple, convenient and safe tool.
But professionals don’t really like this tool. Of course, if you have a circular saw, a chain saw, an angle grinder, a renovator and a jigsaw in your workshop, you don’t need a reciprocating saw. It is unlikely that it will seriously compete with any of the listed tools in their narrow professional specialization. But if you don’t use the tools from this list in your professional activities, it’s worth thinking about the fact that if you had a reciprocating saw, you might not need those tools at all! As well as the workshop itself - a stud in the hallway will suffice. Or in the kitchen, considering that a reciprocating saw can be used for cutting bones and frozen meat (you just need to remember to wash it thoroughly afterwards).
Tool selection
Ideal for home use, for example, caring for a large garden, for preparing firewood for a bathhouse, for various tasks in a small workshop, having the entire arsenal of electric saws. So, a jigsaw, reciprocating saw and hacksaw are perfect for making crafts. To cut boards and picket fences, you cannot do without a circular saw. But working in the garden or preparing firewood for a bathhouse requires a chain tool. A chainsaw is not the best option here. It requires gas, it is more powerful and it is not as safe as an electric one. For example, cutting branches on a tree with a chainsaw will be very difficult, but you can cut firewood with an electric chain saw.
The choice of an electric saw depends, first of all, on the tasks it will have to perform, its weight and how comfortable it is to hold it in your hands. If the electric saw is comfortable to hold, it means that you won’t need to put in a lot of effort when working, which means you can make more cuts. And of course, the power of the saw - the more powerful the engine, the more capabilities the tool has, the more reliable its operation and the longer its service life.
What can a reciprocating saw do?
Everything is the same as a hacksaw and even more:
- cut boards, beams, sheet materials (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, OSB)
- cut branches of trees and bushes
- cut old boards even with nails
- cutting out shaped parts from plywood and thin boards
- cut steel pipes and angles without creating sparks
- saw off protruding excess boards, bricks, steel reinforcement
- make openings in wooden walls
- cut up frozen meat with bones
Moreover, for all this it is not at all necessary to fasten the material on a workbench. The reciprocating saw is perfectly suited for working “in weight” and the material can be cut directly on the spot in almost any position. It is a rare professional tool that will allow this.
At the same time, it is quite difficult to name a professional area in which a reciprocating saw will be a truly necessary tool. Perhaps, only during dismantling work it will be difficult to replace it with something else. But in everyday life it can turn out to be such a valuable assistant that soon after acquiring it you will be surprised how you ever managed without it. Even professionals who have their own workshop filled with all kinds of tools should not pass by a reciprocating saw: after all, everyday problems arise for professionals too. And by using a safe and convenient reciprocating saw in such cases, you can save a lot of time and effort.
Hand-held circular saws
An indispensable tool at a construction site is a hand-held circular saw for wood. It is capable of cutting sheet material (plywood, various wood-based boards, metal), and with its help it is easy to cut boards of small thickness.
The circular saw is universal. It copes equally well with the transverse cutting of wood; it can be used to make precise longitudinal cuts. For any material and method of work, it is easy to choose a disc with suitable parameters. Thanks to a properly selected saw blade, the saw will provide a thin, even cut with clean, smooth edges.
When choosing this power tool, you need to take into account its main characteristics.
Engine power. The more power, the more “omnivorous” the saw, but also the higher its cost.
Rotation speed (rpm). The higher this indicator, the harder the material is on the saw teeth and the cleaner the resulting cut.
Depth of cut. Maximum disk output. In household devices this indicator is at the level of 50-65 mm, in professional models – up to 130 mm.
Among other things, when choosing a circular saw, you should pay attention to its weight. The mini-tool is highly maneuverable; when working with it, you do not need to exert excessive effort, but the low weight will certainly affect the power indicators.
Benefits of a reciprocating saw
- Maneuverability is a serious advantage of the tool. Thanks to the elongated body, you can use a hacksaw to get into a narrow place where it is impossible to use a circular saw, grinder or jigsaw.
- Light weight - compared to the same chain saw, an electric hacksaw unconditionally wins in terms of lightness. Its average weight does not exceed 2-3 kg. Cordless models are somewhat heavier, but they are especially convenient for cutting branches on trees or working while standing on a stepladder.
- Versatility - Provided the right blade is installed, the hacksaw is amazingly omnivorous. Plywood, wood and metal are just the beginning! And the “berries” include aerated concrete, wood with nails, ceramics, and glass.
- Safety - due to its design, a reciprocating saw is much safer than an angle grinder and chain saws. This is a plus, especially for inexperienced users. There are practically no sparks when cutting metal, no scale is formed.
- Clean work - compared to an angle grinder, the tool produces an order of magnitude less dust. This is a matter not only of order in the workplace, but also of health, since even a respirator does not completely protect the lungs from microscopic dust particles.
Which chain saw to buy
But how to choose the right electric saw? There are a lot of offers on the market now, because this tool is quite popular in various fields, including gardening and construction. Of course, you need to pay attention to the cost of the device, but there are many factors that you also need to look at in order to make the right choice.
One of the main parameters is power. The higher it is, the more productive the saw and the thicker the trunks and lumber it can cut without much difficulty. Also, a powerful saw can withstand excessive loads much easier. Power depends on engine characteristics. The more powerful it is, the more electricity it consumes.
For home use, you can take a saw with a power of no more than 1800-2000 W. This power is enough for harvesting firewood and performing small jobs. But if you plan to use the device for cutting thick trees, then it is more logical to buy a product with a power of around 2500 W or more. As a rule, professional devices already have such power.
On a note! There is no point in buying professional tools for rare work in the country or in the garage. It will only waste too much energy, but will not justify the money spent on it.
And yes, when choosing power, also take into account the likelihood of power surges in your electrical network. If they happen frequently, then it is better to take a more powerful version of the saw, since if the voltage drops, the motor in such a device will not overheat, trying to give you the rated power. And in this case it is best to take a saw that has a thermal control function. It will allow you to automatically turn off the device if it starts to overheat.
The next important parameter is the location of the engine. There are two options:
- transverse - the engine axis is oriented perpendicular to the width of the device, the center of gravity is shifted;
- longitudinal - a well-balanced option, the engine axis is parallel to the width of the device.
Most models have a transverse engine orientation. This saw is convenient to work in a vertical plane. But in limited space, work can be difficult. It is also important to control your balance. If the engine is located longitudinally, the device will be more compact, maneuverable and ergonomic. These saws are often used for carpentry work.
The length of the tire is also important. The ability to cut large diameter trees depends on it. Household appliances usually have a length of up to 40 cm, professional ones - from 50-60 cm. But even for home use it is better to take a saw with a length of at least 40 cm. It will come in handy if you need to cut a thick log. True, such an instrument will be heavier, more expensive, and larger in size.
If we talk about adjusting the chain tension force, this factor affects the safety of use of the product and its performance. Adjustment is performed using a screwdriver and a special screw (classic version) or a nut and slider (simplified). In the second case, it will be easier to adjust the chain.
Pay attention to the weight and ergonomics of the device. You should be comfortable using the saw. For people of small build, of course, it is better to choose a lighter option. But he is unlikely to be professional. Also see how comfortable it is for you to hold the handle of the saw. If possible, hold each of the selected options in your hands and evaluate how comfortable it will be to use one or the other.
An important factor is safety. Still, a power saw is a potentially dangerous device if used incorrectly. Special features can help reduce the risk of injury. This is especially important for a beginner. It is desirable that the device has a handbrake function: if the saw jumps off the material being cut, it will turn off immediately. It will also be useful to block it from accidental activation, that is, the saw will not be able to turn on spontaneously.
Important! A good saw will in any case have at least some kind of protection mechanism.
See how the chain lubrication system is implemented. Usually this is a pump that evenly supplies oil from a special reservoir to the chain, lubricating it and extending the life of the unit. All you have to do is control the amount of oil in the container. The larger the container, the less frequently you will have to add lubricant.
Good function and smooth start. It will allow the engine to gradually gain speed when turned on, thereby extending its service life.
Classes
Electric chain saws are divided into several groups: household, professional or industrial, and as a subtype - battery-powered.
Household
These include the cheapest, budget models with minimum and average power and service life. Well suited for occasional housework. They are also successfully used as an auxiliary tool at construction sites and in workshops. If you don't need to run an entire shift of power saws for months or years, household models from brands with a good reputation for quality can serve well.
Approximate characteristics of household options.
- Power – from 1500 to 2500 W.
- Weight from 3.3 to 7.5 kg.
- Price for mid-2022 – from 3,000 to 12,000 rubles.
Moreover, in terms of characteristics, there are no clear boundaries between household and professional models. There are models that are positioned.
There are lightweight models that are highly reliable and durable and can be used professionally for many years. But they can't be cheap. As a result, the main feature of household models is low and average price and power.
Patriot household electric saw
Professional or industrial
These are electric saws that are designed to be used for many hours per shift over several years. They are reliable, hardy and unpretentious.
As a rule, these are power saws from well-known brands with a good reputation for the quality of their products. Industrial chain saws are sometimes labeled without a brand name. For example, EHR 3.0 -2.
A long service life does not negate the regular replacement of individual parts - chains, tires, sprockets. The latter are changed less often, but the saw set (chains and bar) on all chain saws is practically a consumable item (subject to regular replacement).
Depending on production and professional needs, tools of different power are used. For construction and finishing work, carpentry work, carpentry workshops, where most of the workpieces are small and medium in size, medium power is sufficient. At sawmills and logging sites, where you have to cut stacks and logs, powerful options do a better job.
Average parameters of professional electric saws:
- Power from 1800 to 2700 W (industrial - up to 8000 W).
- Weight from 4.5 to 6 – 7 kg (and higher for industrial ones).
- The price range is wide, as of mid-2022 – from 8-9 to 150 thousand rubles.
Industrial and professional electric chain saws are also used for longitudinal sawing, manually or on sawmill stands, including homemade ones. For this, a special saw set is used:
- Narrower bar and chain.
- The sharpening angle of the chain tooth is 10 degrees.
Professional chain saw powered by electricity - Husqvarna 420EL
Rechargeable
No power extension cord required. They can work completely autonomously anywhere, until the batteries run out. More convenient than networked options for pruning gardens and construction work at heights, where the cord will get tangled and interfere.
Flaws:
- Low power.
- The need to regularly charge batteries.
Most models use modern brushless motors, which increases service life. The power of such electric saws is not indicated in W, only the battery voltage (12, 16, 18 Volts). The main parameters by which they are assessed:
- Weight, from 2 to 6 kg.
- Tire length, from 25 to 40 cm.
- Chain speed – from 4 to 20 m/sec.
The large difference in chain speed in different models is due to design features. When you gain speed, you lose strength. Some manufacturers rely on chain speed, others on strength.
High speed models are better suited for tree trimming. Reason: sawing branches and branches must be started at high speed, then there is less chance that a chain tooth will catch on a thin branch without sawing it, and the chain will get stuck. By entering a branch at high speed, the chain is less likely to get stuck.
Husqvarna electric chain saw
Saber device
The operating principle is simple and borrowed from a jigsaw. The blade moves back and forth with a small amplitude (10-28 mm). It is usually fixed in the holder without a key. What’s captivating is that you don’t need to delve into the instructions for a long time to get started—everything is intuitively clear as it is. The body of the hacksaw is oblong, the handle is pistol-type with a power button located on it. Power can be supplied either from the mains or from a battery. The “saber” is held with two hands; a light model can be held with one hand. Let me draw your attention to the last circumstance - it is this that allows you to work with a hacksaw in hard-to-reach places, cut holes for ventilation or sewer pipes, adjust and trim boards in place.
Jigsaw
A pendulum electric saw, better known as a jigsaw, has its own scope of use. This device is primarily intended for longitudinal, transverse and shaped cutting of sheet material. Using cutting tools with different characteristics, you can equally successfully work with boards, wood-based boards, plywood, cut laminate, and thin sheet metal.
The cutting part of a jigsaw is a file, which at one end is fixed in a clamp, performing reciprocating movements. Often the vibrations of the cutting tool are not limited to the vertical plane, but are supplemented by a pendulum movement, this provides greater speed and increases the service life of the blade.
In addition to conventional (straight) cutting, many models provide the ability to saw the workpiece at a precisely specified angle. To do this, the support table is rotated and fixed. This function significantly increases the scope of application of the jigsaw. An ordinary household tool allows you to cut at an angle of up to 45 degrees.
Advantages and disadvantages
For a villager or summer resident, a saw is one of the most popular tools. With its help you can cut down a tree and stock up on firewood. It will also help cut the board and prepare the workpiece for further processing. Most often, two types of saws are used, differing in the type of engine. These are gas and electric saws.
In terms of their consumer characteristics, these devices are comparable, however, increasingly, buyers prefer electric saws, which is due to a number of significant advantages:
- the tool does not require constant topping up of fuel;
- easy to operate, undemanding in maintenance;
- less noisy, which is often important;
- environmentally friendly, does not emit harmful substances;
- Equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
- cuts regardless of climatic conditions.
The only significant drawback of electric saws is the need to connect to an electrical supply. True, this can only become an obstacle if work is carried out far from populated areas.
