A universal tool for a wide range of processing operations with wood - a saw with a cutting chain blade. With its help, professionals cut down the forest, and ordinary summer residents look after the garden and prepare firewood. Obviously, for each of these tasks a chain saw is selected with suitable characteristics and an optimal set of functions. The review below of the most popular models of this tool with reviews will help you make the right choice. But first, it’s worthwhile to figure out what qualities of this technique should, in principle, be considered.
Key Features
The key parameter that determines the power capabilities of the saw is power. For rare jobs with low traction, 1000-1200 watts is enough. These are typical household models that allow you to cut thin logs and even out knots. This is followed by 1500 W devices, representing the middle or semi-professional class. The productivity of such a saw is enough for carpentry in a workshop or in a small woodworking factory. Potentials higher than 2000 W are provided by electric chain saws with a long busbar that can handle large workpieces.
The tire length should be selected separately. She will determine how convenient it will be for the operator to cut logs, branches and trees. Again, for household tasks, a modest unit with a 30 cm tire is suitable, and in construction and in production, models with a cut-out of the blade up to 45-50 cm are more often used.
Choosing a tool "for yourself", do not forget about physical comfort. A powerful unit is more likely to be heavy - up to 6-7 kg. But even some complex operations can be entrusted to small-sized equipment weighing 3-4 kg, changing the style of the work process.
What types of chainsaws are there?
The most common category is still represented by gasoline models. They are the most productive, heavy and at the same time autonomous. Such a technique can be safely used away from home or cottage, having previously calculated the amount of fuel.
But electric saws are also gaining popularity. The advantages of such units include low noise and vibration, environmental friendliness and compactness. These features are particularly distinguished by a cordless chain saw with a brushless motor. These are lightweight maneuverable models successfully used by summer residents in small garden works. Unlike traditional equipment with an electric motor, their battery "brothers" are independent of the outlet and are completely autonomous. However, you should not forget about the energy supply of the battery either. And now you can go on to consider specific models with reviews about them.
Bosch AKE 40 S
The best option for those who are looking for an average model of a household class. German developers traditionally paid special attention to the ergonomics, safety and functionality of the tool, offering an effective garden assistant and in the home workshop. But, for responsible harvesting, the unit is rather weak - 1800 W power cannot be called low, but it is unlikely to suit a professional. Also, a narrow chain with a thickness of 1.1 mm is more likely to focus on the delicate cutting of small workpieces.
As for the reviews, like all Bosch chain saws, the AKE 40 S model is positively characterized in terms of assembly and quality of the element base. Users emphasize the optimal layout of the engine, the reliability of the side cover and a convenient button for adjusting the chain. Of the minuses, only an overvalued price tag of 8 thousand rubles is noted. and modest equipment with spare parts.
Makita UC4030AK
The Japanese brand is reluctant to master highly specialized areas with a professional bias in the power tool market, but in this case the attempt was a success. The network 2-kilowatt model UC4030AK received a 40 cm tire with the ability to grow up to 45 cm, a set for sharpening the chain, as well as a convenient handle configuration. But, according to the owners, the Makita chain saw along with an attractive price tag (for the professional class) of 13 thousand rubles. I didn’t avoid minor miscalculations due to technical optimization. For example, many point to leaks in the oil tank and difficulties with the supply of lubricant. These problems can be solved in artisanal conditions, but first impressions will not be the best. In any case, as a professional at the household level, this unit is a non-alternative solution.
Stihl MSA 120
An overview of full-size segment representatives from specialized developers can be started with this model. This is just the case when a major brand is guided by a new direction, expanding its borders. So, the MSA 120 model shows an example of a compact battery-powered saw with a 30-cm tire and an almost record low weight of 3.7 kg. By the way, one battery weighs 1.2 kg, which indicates successful design optimization.
As practice shows, lithium-ion batteries last for 35 minutes with maximum load of the brushless motor. At the same time, the operator is dealing with a maneuverable chain saw, which practically does not emit noise and strong vibrations. There is little criticism of this Stihl development, but given the price tag of 20 thousand rubles, it is worthwhile to clearly define the target range of tasks before buying. Perhaps more affordable traditional models will cope with them.
Husqvarna 420EL
Another offer from a company that focuses on gardening. The 420EL power saw has a 2000 W powerplant, 40 cm bus and a wide range of functions that ensure safety and ergonomics when operating the machine. The characteristics are average by the standards of professional technology, but there are several features of this model. Users, in particular, note a low level of vibration and noise, which is rare for a 2-kilowatt electric chain saw. Reviews of adjusting options and the oil supply system also differ from the inherent criticism of professional models with low ergonomics. The operator has at his disposal convenient and lightweight chain tensioning devices and engine locks that require a minimum of effort. The only significant drawback is associated with the structural layout, unusual for household use.
Einhell GC-PC 1235
The representative of the segment of gasoline models, equipped with a 1200 W engine and a 35-centimeter saw blade. The developers focused the saw on an amateur level, so she got an anti-vibration system and a primer for easy starting the power plant. A special lever was also integrated to stop the chain, preventing the risk of injury. As noted in the reviews, the GC-PC 1235 chain saw effectively copes with cutting even solid wood species, does not heat up and starts stably without delay. Already at the first time of operation, high build quality and endurance are felt. However, a good result can only be achieved if suitable fuel is used. The owners of this equipment recommend gasoline grade AI-95.
Daewoo DACS 5218
A middle-class chainsaw, successfully coping with the everyday tasks of cutting thin trees and building lumber. With a small tank volume of 500 ml, the unit maintains high working rates for a long time, without requiring special maintenance during the process. But the main advantages of the model in the power filling. Daewoo engineers used a nickel coating to coat the engine, which minimizes the likelihood of jamming during overheating. This affects not only the uptime, but also allows you to save fuel. Experienced users of gasoline chain saws also point to easier access to the air filter. No special tool is required for this operation, which also saves maintenance time. Of the shortcomings, only an impressive weight of 6 kg is noted, so it is recommended for professionals to work with the DACS 5218 chainsaw.
Bosch EasyCut 50
Quite an unusual apparatus, standing between full-fledged electric saws and hand brush cutters. This is a compact saw, the working capabilities of which, at first glance, can be compared more likely with a jigsaw. But, in fact, this is not entirely true. With a small power of 500 W, the tool cuts up to 50 mm, and a skilled user can qualitatively realize curved and immersive cuts, which neither a standard saw nor a jigsaw can handle.
Owners of this model also praise a special approach to the implementation of working paintings. The fact is that the EasyCut 50 mini-chain saw is equipped with unique Nanoblade family cutters that attach to the common SDS gripper system and do not require any special maintenance. Advantages of the device also include electronic control with adjustable saw stroke frequency and increased accuracy of workpiece processing. EasyCut 50 is unlikely to be suitable for bulk work in the framework of logging, but as an assistant to a furniture joiner it’s quite.
"Caliber EPTs-1800/14"
For those who do not want to overpay for high power, a solid resource of parts and a modern option, it is worth offering this product to domestic designers. For a small amount of 4.5-5 thousand rubles. an optimized network power saw is offered, capable of efficiently performing household business operations with wood billets. At the same time, it is not worth underestimating the characteristics of this model against the background of more eminent competitors. The “Caliber” chain saw equipment of this version includes an automatic lubrication mechanism, a cable clamp and an instant engine stop. But unfortunately, the workflow is accompanied by a loud noise, and the basic configuration does not even include spare brushes for the power plant.
Conclusion
Sawing wood can be different, and in each case its own requirements are presented. This can be a rough felling of forests with an emphasis on high pace of work, and delicate cutting of small wood blanks with a fine-tuning of the shape. The modern assortment of tools of this type allows you to choose the right option for every occasion with high accuracy. If it is necessary to solve typical business problems in a garden or cottage, then a medium-power gasoline chain saw with the presence of elementary safety systems like engine blocking and an instant stop of the working blade is suitable. As for the manufacturer, niche companies like Husqvarna and Stihl will be the best choice. As a compromise solution, you can consider Bosch or Makita, and it makes sense for economical consumers to look at the budget products of domestic production - this is equipment from Interskol, Zubr, Caliber, etc.