Difference in power, performance, saw headset and price
Power and performance
As already mentioned, the power of electric saw engines rarely exceeds 2.5 kW, while for chainsaws it can reach 5 - 6 kW. But even an electric saw of 2.5 kW cannot be compared in performance with a gasoline of similar power. The fact is that an electric saw at an average load can work continuously for up to 40 minutes, after which it must be turned off for 20 minutes so that the motor cools down.
Chainsaws do not have this problem, if you do not take into account the cheap household tools. Semi-professional and industrial such stops do not require and can work for 8 hours a day practically without stopping.
The time for refueling with fuel and oil does not count - this operation takes several minutes. It is worth considering that oil is also poured into the electric saws.
Chainsaw chain speed is 25 - 30% higher than electric chain speed. Accordingly, productivity increases as well. Taking into account the possibility of quick movement of the operator with the chainsaw on the construction site or along the board or log, which is difficult for the electric saw due to the presence of the cable, the productivity increases even more. If we compare a chainsaw and an electric saw of the same power, then the performance of a gasoline saw is slightly higher.
Saw headset
Electric and gasoline saws are equipped with the same saw set, with chains of the same pitch and tooth profile. But the length of the tire, and, accordingly, the number of teeth on the chain, are different. Chainsaws are equipped with tires ranging from 35 cm to 1 m long, depending on engine power. Electric saws are equipped with tires no more than 0.5 - 0.6 m.
But this parameter is not as important as it might seem. It is correct to compare only saws of the same power, and for chainsaws with motors of 2.4 - 3 kW, a tire longer than 0.5 m is rarely found. So, according to this parameter, the tools are approximately equal. In logging areas where saws with meter tires are required, electric saws do not work, so there is no point in comparing them.
Price
When choosing a chainsaw and an electric saw, the price does not play a decisive role. Operational properties are much more important. But if you take semi-professional saws, for example, a STIHL 180 chainsaw and a Makita UC4020A electric saw (with comparable power of 1.5 and 1.8 kW), then the price of an electric saw is almost 40% lower than a petrol one.
Saw Tool Safety
Pay attention to work ethic - carpenter operators must wear ear protectors
Replacement of working bodies (saws, discs, chains) is carried out on a de-energized tool. It is necessary not only to turn off the trigger, but to remove the plug from the socket!
Clothes should fit snugly around the body
Various developing accessories - scarves, jumpsuit shoulder straps, loose sleeves - are basically excluded.
When working with the tool, the operator must stand confidently on both feet, without transferring even part of his body weight to the tool and the workpiece.
It is forbidden to work with a worn-out sawing tool.
Do not remove the guards from the power tool.
Do not work with saw blades that are not designed for this tool.
When operating a power tool, it is important to constantly monitor the location of the power supply cord.
Electric and petrol chainsaws: selection and operation
Tips for choosing a saw from a professional
If it is planned to build a house from round timber, then in the arsenal there should be a gasoline and electric saw. Each tool is designed for its own sector of work. How to choose a networked chain saw:
- After choosing a model, ask if there is a service center in your area for servicing products with consumables, spare parts. Read reviews not about the company, but about the work of your brand tool. Make sure the manual is not a photocopy, a normal typographic copy.
- The saw should lie comfortably in your hands, not cause discomfort;
- The more powerful the saw, the greater the hope that the voltage drop will not interfere with the work.
- The saw of the middle farmer class is the most reliable option, intermediate between the professional and the amateur. Electric saws are cheaper, easier to operate and allow you to work in a closed circuit.
Applicability of electric and gasoline chain saws in various conditions
It is possible to determine which saw is better than electric or benzo only on the basis of the tasks that it will have to perform. When using a chain saw at home, when you need to saw through several logs or make blanks from boards, then both options are about the same in terms of ease of use and productivity.
But if you have to cut down a tree in the garden or clear a hedge, then the chainsaw is much more convenient. It is mobile, lightweight and works in any weather. The range of use of the electric saw is limited by the length of the electric cable. It is unsafe to use in rainy weather or even with heavy dew.
When working indoors, the palm should be given to the electric saw, if the work is done within one or two rooms. The absence of exhaust gases is a significant advantage, as is the noise level. If the sound from the operation of the electric saw rarely exceeds 75 dB, then the petrol saw even at idle "gives out" more than 80, and during operation - up to 100 - 105. On the street, this is quite acceptable, but in a confined space it is very uncomfortable for both the sawer and the people around him.
Types and their purpose
The classification of saws by wood of an electric type involves the division of devices based on their purpose. Therefore, the tool can be household and professional. The latter option has much higher productivity, but along with this characteristic, the cost of production also increases.
By the level of mobility, the following types of inventory can be distinguished:
- manual units that can be operated anywhere, without being tied to a place;
- stationary models.
Based on the configuration, there are several types of wood saws.
Circular
Such devices are notable for creating a perfectly straight cut without notching on the inside of the material. The tool is quite popular for various construction work. Circular saws are capable of processing dense materials, household appliances can cut wood with a diameter of up to 50 mm. By its design, the tool is a mechanism of two components: the first option is the engine, and the cutting blade acts as the second part. Professional saws can be additionally equipped with a system for switching the speed of rotation of the blade, a laser pointer or a dust collector.
Chain
These models are considered useful for operation when sawing trees, harvesting firewood, performing public works. Sometimes such devices are used on construction sites. Today on sale there are modifications of chain aggregates for working with wood, in which, instead of a cutting element in the form of a chain, there is a belt made of high-strength steel alloy.
Jigsaw
The second name for such a tool is pendulum-type cutting devices. These saws are not distinguished by a significant cutting depth - as a rule, this parameter does not exceed 6-7 centimeters.Such power tools are in demand for cutting curly type in situations where a manual jigsaw cannot cope. This usually applies to repair and household work in residential premises.
Reciprocating power tool
Such devices are in demand for cutting wood and wood-containing raw materials in already assembled structures, as well as in hard-to-reach places at construction sites. The tool is distinguished by a good level of productivity and a high rotation speed of the cutting mechanism, which is a file with a length of about 10-30 centimeters. Most often, such a model for work is acquired by professional builders.
Electrohacks
A more improved analogue of the previous type, which has the same functional features, in light of which the purpose of the tool is to cut structures in hard-to-reach areas. The quality of the work performed with such a tool stands out for its good indicators. For domestic needs, such devices are not used, since, for example, the unit will not have enough power to cut firewood.
The best inexpensive electric chain saws for summer cottages
Cheap chain saws and complex units have practically no difference in power indicators, while low-cost devices cope with small amounts of work efficiently. The ranking includes four models with the best characteristics. All variants have similar parameters in terms of bus length and power.
Champion 424N-18
The cheap and reliable chain saw from Champion is the best solution for use in the country or in the local area. The electrical equipment is distinguished by a longitudinal arrangement of the engine, which contributes to good maneuvering of the model, and also allows you to trim bushes and cut branches. With a minimum of effort. Double insulation ensures safe operation. In addition, the model is equipped with a chain brake and an engagement lock. The optimum chain pitch guarantees good performance as well as low saw load. The Champion 424N-18 weighs 3.8 kg for quick completion.
Dignity
- Maneuverability;
- Ease of use;
- High power rating;
- Security.
disadvantages
Short bus length.
The external location of the technical unit allows changing carbon elements without the use of tools, it is possible to use it for branches and small logs. And a high power indicator makes it possible to cope with a large pile of firewood.
Elitech EP 2000 / 16P
The unit is reliable, applicable for work in the country and at home. Its set includes a screwdriver for adjustment, a wrench, a tire with a cover and a chain that stops immediately when turned off. The 5.5 kg construction is made of high quality plastic. Rotational speed engine 7600 rpm guarantees stable operation of Elitech EP 2000 / 16P. It is worth noting the simple application of the design, as well as the automatic supply of oil to the chain, which simplifies the maintenance of the device.
Dignity
- In the presence of a toothed stop;
- Indicator for overload control;
- The ability to adjust the oil level;
- Two handles for holding the saw.
disadvantages
Short cord.
The tire does not need to be specially fastened, it is simply inserted into the body and fixed with a special hairpin. Users share that Elitech EP 2000 / 16P is good at sawing birch and pine.
Huter ELS-2000
Household high-performance appliances, allowing to carry out significant volumes of work, are suitable for sawing wood, tree crowning and home construction. The equipment has the necessary certificates, and also meets modern quality standards. The complete set consists of a container for the fuel mixture, a protective casing and a set of basic tools. The electric model is easy to maintain and cost-effective.Huter ELS-2000 has a low noise and vibration, as well as a comfortable body shape and smooth start-up.
Dignity
- There are no harmful components;
- High quality build;
- Optimum rotation speed.
disadvantages
Great weight.
The owner can do simple maintenance work on his own. To do this, you need to clean the collector, as well as change the graphite current collectors.
Makita UC3541A
The tool is equipped with a rail 35 cm long, which makes it easy to cut logs into chocks. The standard pitch is 3/8 ”. The light weight of the Makita UC3541A makes working with the model not difficult, as well as safe. The power of the equipment is approximately 1800 W. Despite the transverse arrangement of the engine, the unit is maneuverable and comfortable. In the presence of a rubberized handle and a special lever, due to which it is possible to easily adjust the tension. In reviews of the Makita electric chain saw, users note that the model is equipped with rebound protection and a random start blocking.
Dignity
- Excellent ergonomics;
- Compact dimensions;
- In the presence of an anti-vibration mechanism;
- Keyless chain tensioning system.
disadvantages
Medium quality standard chain.
It is worth buying a Makita electric saw for the sake of a balanced device, vibration and noise do not exceed the required standards.
Care and maintenance tips
Which oil to use?
When the machine is running, the chain is automatically lubricated with oil. Oil consumption during continuous operation can be very significant - up to half a liter per hour. Experts recommend using a special mineral oil for electric saw chains. In my practice, I use any inexpensive mineral motor oil for car engines.
Watch your chain sharpening
In the process of work, especially intensive work, the saw teeth gradually become dull, I'm not talking about cases when they try to cut an old nail with an electric saw. During operation, a dull chain has to be compensated for by a longer cutting time, which, accordingly, will lead to an increase in the load on the power grid, and of course to overheating of the motor. The work, as a result, will be slower and ineffective.
It is believed that a sharp chain is more important than a powerful engine. It is not difficult to determine by eye, sharpness. You will notice that the sawing has become harder and slower. Sawdust can also tell a lot. The sharp chain leaves homogeneous square sawdust of approximately the same size. Blunt discards small sawdust of an irregular, elongated shape, and also generates a lot of wood dust.
Recommendation. Remember to sharpen your chain regularly. You can do this manually, using a file or a file and a special device, or you can use a service where they will sharpen you on a special machine in five minutes and for very little money. Alternatively, you need to have 2 or even 3 sharpened chains in stock for replacement.
Electric chain saws
Electric chain saw diagram.
An electric chain saw of this type is a device that has a tire of a certain length, along which a chain with cutting teeth moves, driven by an electric motor, while performing a complete resemblance to a chainsaw, except for the chain drive.
Chain aggregate data of primary importance:
- electric motor power;
- chain pitch;
- bus length.
The motor power of saws with an electric motor ranges from 1 kW to 2.5 kW, depending on the manufacturer. This parameter affects the possible duration of the device and the ability to cut a tree without jamming the chain in it. That is, the greater the power of the motor, the less it will work at maximum loads (under average operating conditions), respectively, the tendency to overheating and failure will decrease. Please note that power is related to chain pitch and bar length.The larger the pitch and length, the more powerful the drive must be or the recommended sparing mode.
The chain pitch is a measure of the distance between two adjacent cutting teeth on a chain. Chains are available in three values:
- 0.325 inches;
- 3/8 (0.375) inch;
- 0.404 in.
Saw chain design.
The lower this value, the less force you need to apply to pull the chain and cut the wood with teeth, but the cutting speed decreases. For gardening and small sawing operations, 0.325 chain spacing is sufficient. If you need more productivity, then you need to choose a saw with a 3/8 step. The distance value of 0.404 applies to professional-grade chainsaws, and the use of such a chain in electric saws is a marketing ploy of unscrupulous manufacturers.
The length of the bar indicates the permissible depth (diameter grip) of the cut to be made. Electric saws are usually equipped with a bar from 350 mm to 400 mm. Less commonly, there are units with a tire length of 450 mm. Saws with a length of more than 450 mm do not need to be considered, since when grabbing material with such a tire to a length of at least 90%, it is impossible to cut due to lack of electric motor power.