Chain saw: how to choose
Saw saw discord, even though they look almost the same
In fact, this statement applies to other instruments, but in this case, when buying, it is important to consider the following features:
Power characteristics of the electric motor (chain pulling speed). The complexity of the work task, which the tool can cope with in practice, directly depends on this parameter.
We advise you to read about how to choose an electric or gasoline trimmer, a gasoline or electric lawn mower, a petrol cutter, a saw, a potato digger, a snow blower, a mini-tractor, a screwdriver, a pumping station, as well as fecal, submersible, circulation pumps.
The more powerful the motor, the faster it will cut thick logs when felling trees, while consuming a lot more electricity.
If you buy a tool for irregular maintenance of the garden or home, then you can safely take models with an indicator of 2000 W, while for constant cutting of thick trees you cannot do without a tool with a power of 2200 to 2500 W (or even more).
In the latter case, we are talking about semi-professional and professional products, which are not always appropriate for standard work: they not only consume more electricity, but lead to quick fatigue due to their high weight.
For example, for felling trees, units with a power rating of 9 W are used, but this option is generally not suitable for domestic purposes, because more powerful does not mean better.
Bar length and chain tension. This is one of the most important selection criteria, since the maximum possible diameter of the trunk of the tree being sawn depends on it.
For household models, the length of the bus is 25-40 cm, while semi-professional equipment boasts indicators of 45-50 cm (they can easily cope with both soft and fairly hard oak or ash wood).
Professional models usually have a tire 60-90 cm long, but they are bought only for systematic felling or cutting large tree trunks. As for the tension force of the chain, in the standard form, such a system provides for the presence of a tension screw, which can be screwed in or out to increase the same tension force.
There is also a tool-less system with a round regulator of the specified value.
With professional use, it makes sense to pay attention to it, since with fast work, the ease of use of the saw will be very useful
Important! With the same power, but different lengths of tires, a smaller option is preferable for domestic purposes: such a tool will cope with the tasks much faster.
Tool weight and ergonomic data
If you are sure of the need to buy a powerful model, then get ready for the fact that it will definitely not be light, and this is important for comfortable work.
Try to choose the most suitable option for yourself, paying attention to the overall ergonomics.
An uncomfortable grip or protruding bend in the body can be just as bad as a lot of weight, which will become another problem during prolonged use.
Choosing a saw from several models, take each of them in your hands and decide on your feelings, of course, preference should be given to the most convenient option.
Safety system. The electric saw mechanism is not only very effective in household chores, but also makes it a dangerous tool, especially in inept hands.
Therefore, if you are a beginner and have never used such a tool, then special attention should be paid to the presence of a hand chain brake: it will work every time you bounce and stop the chain.
Check out the best chainsaws for summer cottages, as well as learn how to sharpen and tighten the chain, why the chainsaw won't start, and what is the principle of operation sharpening machine chains.
In addition, switch-on blockers will not be superfluous on the saws, which can prevent accidental spontaneous activation of equipment, and so that the tool itself does not fail due to overheating, a special protective system is installed on it that instantly turns off the saw at the slightest thermal overheating. A good model always has versatile protection systems.
Rating of inexpensive power saws
- Makita UC4041A
- Bosch AKE 40 S
- DDE CSE2418
- Partner P820T
- MTD ECS 18-35
- Makita UC4041A.
We took the first place in our rating to the electric saw from this Japanese manufacturer. The unit is driven by an electric motor with a capacity of 1.8 kW, equipped with a 400 mm bar and a chain with a 3/8 inch pitch. The saw is equipped with a toolless tensioner, chain brake and motor overheating protection.
Makita UC4041A
Advantages of the Makita UC4041A:
- Ergonomic, well-balanced body;
- Relatively light weight - 4.7 kilograms in running order;
- Convenient arrangement of controls;
- Ergonomic rubberized handles.
Disadvantages:
No significant shortcomings have been identified.
Nikolay Averintsev, 37 years old, Zheleznogorsk:
Very handy, economical and lightweight saw. I use it to carry out repair work indoors and in the workshop. I use it in intensive mode - no problem.
Bosch AKE 40 S. Universal chainsaw from a German manufacturer. Weighing 4.1 kilograms, the tool is equipped with a 1,800 watt longitudinal motor, an automatic lubrication system for the working surface and a chain brake. The average price of this model is about 7,750 rubles.
Electric chain saw BOSCH AKE 40 S
Bosch AKE 40 S advantages:
- Light weight and maneuverable body;
- Keyless chain tension;
- Convenient location of controls.
Disadvantages:
Short power cord.
Sergey Astafiev, 34 years old, Tambov region:
For a small price, you get an economical and safe tool. I won't even talk about the build quality: Bosch is always Bosch.
DDE CSE2418. The third place in our rating is taken by an electric saw from the American company DDE. The tool features a powerful 2.4 kW motor, which is combined with a 450 mm guide bar and a 62-link saw chain. This configuration allows for the most demanding jobs, including harvesting and cutting firewood.
DDE CSE2418
The unit is equipped with all modern safety systems, including a soft start, engine blocking in case of overheating and a control system for the oil supply to the saw headset. At the same time, the price of the DDE CSE2418 model does not seem too high - about 8,900 rubles.
Advantages of DDE CSE2418:
- High-quality saw headset;
- Powerful engine;
- Protection system against overheating and clogging of the automatic lubrication system.
Disadvantages:
After prolonged storage with an empty oil tank, bleeding of the system is required.
Leonid Ordyntsev, 45 years old, Karaganda:
I bought a saw, guided by the recommendations of sellers and reviews on the forums. I have never regretted a purchase - an excellent tool: reliable, powerful, the engine does not heat up, the price is adequate.
Partner P820T. This power saw is assembled in China, but the build quality and components remain high. The main advantage of the model is its low weight (3.6 kilograms without a saw headset) and a sufficiently powerful electric motor (2000 W). At the same time, the manufacturer took care of the presence of a toolless chain tensioner, protection against accidental engine start and a chain brake.The average price for this instrument does not exceed 7,200 rubles.
Saw Partner P820T
Partner P820T advantages:
- Low weight;
- Reliable engine;
- Good build quality.
Disadvantages:
The quality of the guide bar and saw chain.
Vladislav Rachkov, 51 years old, Orsha:
In fact, this is Husqvarna under a different name. A proven, reliable model. The assembly remains at a high level, although the saw is made in China. In addition, the price, as for me, looks very attractive.
Electric chain saw MTD ECS 18/35
Advantages of MTD ECS 18-35:
- Price;
- Low weight;
- High quality assembly and component parts.
disadvantages
There are complaints about the operation of the automatic lubrication system.
Yakov Suvorov, 44 years old. Moscow region:
High quality inexpensive saw from a Hungarian manufacturer. It is better to replace the chain immediately - this is the only drawback. I use it for housework: repairs, sawing firewood, housekeeping in the garden and on my personal plot. I am satisfied with the purchase.
Which company is better to choose a chain saw
There is a large selection of various electric tools on the market. Electric saw models can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and equipment.
Consider the companies whose electric chainsaws are # 1 in popularity and sales:
- Champion is a brand that offers high quality equipment. The company uses modern components, and also offers equipment maintenance in service centers for many years.
- Ellitech is a reliable and affordable tool company since 2008. Production is located in China, Belarus.
- Huter is a brand of household appliances for summer cottages and gardens. In the catalogs of the company there are trimmers, petrol and electric saws.
- Makita is a Japanese company specializing in the production of professional models of electric saws. The equipment is distinguished by good balancing and well thought-out design.
- Husqvarna is a Swedish brand offering professional wood chain saws, garden tools, cultivators and lawn mowers. The models are distinguished by a good security system, quiet operation, and an ergonomic device.
- Bosch is a well-known German company that produces high quality tools. The devices are equipped with powerful electric motors, a soft start system, and overload protection.
- Stihl is a brand from Germany offering professional tools. The models are distinguished by a well-thought-out device, reliable mechanisms.
- Ryobi is a well-known brand that is over 50 years old. The company supplies gearboxes, engine blocks and assemblies. Since 1999, the company has started to produce garden and electric tools.
- Monferme - manufactures lightweight garden tools. In the catalogs of the company you can also find trimmers, chain saws, walk-behind tractors.
- Greenworks, a brand owned by the Globe Tools Group, produces emission-free gardening hand tools.
- DeWalt is an American brand offering innovative equipment. The products will delight the buyer with ergonomic properties, durability and beautiful design.
Device
Despite the external variety, all electric chain saws are arranged in the same type. The housing (1) houses an electric motor (2) that rotates the drive sprocket (3). The sprocket drives the toothed saw chain (4) along the guide bar (5). On the rear handle (6) of the saw there is a power button (7), in front of the front handle (8) there is a protective shield (9), which is also an emergency brake. On the front of the body there is a row of stop teeth (10) to make sawing easier.
At first glance, the construction of a chain saw may seem rather simple, but in fact it is not. Let's take a closer look at what the device of this popular instrument is.
The cordless chain saw has a special compartment for the battery itself. In gasoline models, a fuel tank is installed at this place.
- Most battery models do not have many different stickers on the cases.
- The design of the front handle in the battery models is characterized by the fact that it is almost not subjected to vibration loads during the operation of the tool.
- To remove or install a bar and chain in a battery model, it is not at all necessary to use a large number of different tools, as is the case with gasoline options (there you cannot do without a key).
- The cutting system in the battery model is shorter than in the petrol version. Of course, for this reason, with such a tool, it turns out to cut only materials with a smaller diameter, but in most cases this does not create any particular difficulties.
- The "heart" of the described saw is the battery. Most often, such instruments are equipped with lithium-ion cells that are popular in our time, which differ in that they do not have a "memory effect". In addition, these parts are characterized by a long service life.
Circular saw
So, this type of means of production is used for cutting various materials, from plywood and chipboard to metals. Working with different materials requires different discs.
Characteristics of circular saws
This type of saw has a power classification. There are low-power (about 800W), medium-power (1200W), as well as high-power (from 1200W). You need to choose depending on the work being done and, of course, the working material. It should be noted that less powerful saws last longer.
Cutting depth. For basic models, this value is 50-65 mm, while for professional models it is 100-130 mm.
Rotational speed is a very important indicator, which is 1800-5200 rpm. This indicator determines how hard the processed material is.
The next characteristic is a support sheet, it can be of two types, which differ in material, there is an aluminum sheet or stamped steel
It doesn't really matter which one you choose.
What are the features of a circular electric saw?
When buying, do not overlook the presence of overload protection. The device will automatically turn off when overheated. It will be very useful to have a wear indicator of the brushes, it will allow you to change them in a timely manner.