Which Electric Chain Saw To Choose

How to choose a household electric chain saw Features of choosing a household electric chain saw. What elements are the aggregates made of, how they work, what parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing. Useful advice from specialists.

Electric chain saw device and principle of operation

Among the entire range of chain saws, the following can be distinguished: with an electric drive and a gasoline engine. Considering the device of a chain saw, the following main elements can be distinguished in it:

• Body;
• Electric motor;
• Chain;
• Guide rails;
• Compartment for the oil pump and the oil itself;
• Protective screen, chain brake lever;
• Bar fixing screw and chain tension.

The saw body serves panel for buttons, which control the inclusion and locking of the tool. There is also a comfortable handle and a protective shield. Some differences are found in more modern and improved models, in which you can find a special handle that allows you to control the degree of chain tension.

This tool works as follows: the first action is engine starting, as a result, a torque is created that spreads to the gearbox, sprocket and chain, and this leads to the rotation of these elements, thereby starting the sawing process.

Please note that the chain is equipped with cutting edges. Large width Compared to a stationary tire, there is no risk of jamming in the workpiece during tool operation.

In the process of sawing with an electric saw, oil is supplied to the cutting surface of the chain from the container located in the body, which ensures its lubrication.

Having become familiar with the principle of operation of an electric chain saw, you can proceed to consider the main parameters that need to be considered when choosing this tool.

Chain brake

When working with an electric saw, the owner may encounter such a phenomenon as kickback, which occurs as a result of the contact of the working part with a material of high hardness. All this leads to the fact that the electric saw leans sharply to the side the location of the worker with an upward shift.

All this creates a threat of injury to the hands of the worker. To avoid negative consequences, manufacturers use a special device chain brake.

By its design, it looks like a lever in the form of a disk, which is located directly in front of the handle. During the kickback, the worker, unwillingly, automatically shifts his left hand to this lever, and this leads to turn off the electric motor. In practice, all this happens in a very short time of about 0.1 seconds.

Features of the location of the engine

If the saw is necessary for making a vertical cut, then it is best to choose a model that has transverse arrangement of the motor.

This will be the most suitable tool for sawing wood at 90 degrees from top to bottom.

If we consider this parameter, then two options can be distinguished:

• The first provides for the placement of the power unit across the body;
• The second is parallel to the motor.

There are many models on sale that have out of balance, because of what it will not be so easy to work with such a chainsaw. However, there is no guarantee that by placing the tool in a different position, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the conditions for performing the operation. For example, difficulties can arise if you need to cut the branches of a tree at an angle above the level of your head.

Electric saws are more preferable in this regard, which provide longitudinal engine placement. These saws can be used for almost all types of work. Naturally, this versatility leads to the high cost of such tools.

However, this still does not prevent them from remaining in demand in the market. Such a device has correct balancing, and therefore, by placing it in any plane and at the required angle, the owner will not experience problems in solving many problems.

In this regard, even before buying an electric tool, you should decide for what tasks you are purchasing it.

In the event that you only need an electric chain saw for cutting wooden building materials, then you should not choose a unit with a longitudinal position of the electric motor, which, in addition to everything, will cost more than other models with similar capabilities.

When the issue with the manufacturer, power and location of the engine is resolved, other characteristics can be considered.

What are the criteria for choosing a chain saw

It is the technical characteristics that make it possible to understand how to choose the most suitable sawing tool. These parameters give an idea of ​​the conditions in which a particular model of the selected tool can be used.

The first thing I would like to start considering the chain saws of the company that produce them. This point should be given special attention, since it directly affects the quality of the selected tool.

Today best known have received electric chain saws offered by the following companies:

1. PATRIOT.
2. BOSCH.
3. SPARKY and many others.

Choosing an electric saw of any of the above brands, the consumer can be sure of high quality products and its reliability. However, on sale you can find models of other brands, which, despite the lesser popularity, are still worthy of attention due to their compliance with European standards.

First of all, they are able to attract the attention of the consumer due to more affordable price. The most prominent representatives of this list are the following companies:

• Interskol.
• EFCO.
• FORTE.
• Zenith.

In the light of the above, we can conclude that today such a tool as a chain electric saw is available to almost every consumer, regardless of his level of income.

If you are interested in a model of less well-known manufacturers, keep in mind that by purchasing such a unit, you get a tool that will not have very attractive properties. For example, some saws can be quite bulky, while others have a plastic surface, thanks to which it will not be very convenient to work with such a tool.

In addition, with such products, not everything is in order, and with ergonomics. The products of some manufacturers may even do not provide service.

For this reason, it is recommended to consider products from reputable manufacturers if you want to purchase a tool for frequent use. And do not be afraid of the higher price of such products, because all this will be compensated by high quality saws.

Having decided on which brand of electric saw is more suitable for you, you can proceed to the consideration of the technical characteristics.

Saw motor and power

This parameter should be considered directly with reference to the tasks that electric saws must perform. If you need a tool for long-term sawing of thick wood, it is recommended to opt for saws with great power.

In the event that you are interested in a model so that you can cut garden trees with it, then you can limit yourself to the unit with a lower power parameter.

In the first case, it is recommended to consider models whose power indicator is from 2.5 to 4 kW. In this case, we are talking about a professional tool, used in industrial enterprises for timber harvesting.

But those who need an electric saw, which will be convenient to work in the country, should choose units with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 kW. These indicators correspond to the model of electric chain saws for household use.

If you follow the recommendations of specialists, then it is advisable to stop the choice on models of electric saws that have a small power reserve. An alternative here is the option of sharing the tool with special voltage stabilizer.

The need for this is due to the fact that often, where the suburban areas are located, there is a discrepancy between the voltage and the accepted standards. On top of that, from time to time in such territories, there is a decrease.

When such situations arise, certain changes occur in the operation of the engine, which is expressed in an increase in current in order to compensate for a decrease in voltage. However, such situations do not benefit the engine, which is why its resource decreases.

Bus length

With regard to the length of the bus, several options can be distinguished. This characteristic is determined by the purpose of the model. In other words, the length of the bar determines which diameter of the tree the tool in question can be used to cut.

If you have to deal with thick trees, then it is best to give preference to the unit, which the tire is long.

If an electric chain saw is purchased for pruning trees in the garden or cutting firewood, then you can opt for a tool with minimum bus length. Most often, a saw with a tire length of about 30-40 cm can perfectly cope with such tasks.

Chain tension adjustment

In the process of work, it will definitely be necessary to tighten the circuit on the bus from time to time, since it begins to sag from constant voltage. Of course, more convenient are those models where the tensioning system is thought out. For example, the device of the Makita UC4020A household electric saw is such that the chain can be installed and adjusted without disassembly and additional tools. There is a small lever in the body panel with which you can quickly tension the chain.

STIHL has equipped its products with a quick chain tensioning system. To do this, it is enough to loosen the cover fastening nut and adjust the chain using the wheel

Electric tool advantages

Both an electric saw and its gasoline counterpart are good for garden and summer cottage work, but many still choose the first option. Why is he so attractive?

The power tool, indeed, has a whole list of advantages:

• Does not require constant material costs for fuel gasoline;
• Easy to use and maintain;
• Makes less noise during operation than a chainsaw;
• Clean from an environmental point of view, works without exhaust gases;
• Allows for cutting indoors;
• It works equally well, despite the climatic features (the gasoline analogue has problems with starting in frosty weather).

If the power source becomes unattainable, a cordless chain saw, such as the Makita BUC122Z (price RUB 9,000-10,000), comes in handy. Battery and charger must be purchased separately

How to choose a good power saw: what to look at before buying a unit?

Rest in the country can hardly be called passive, then you need to build a gazebo, then make a bench, then remove old trees from the garden, sawing them into neat blanks to create a decor. In addition to the usual hand tools for wood plane, chisel, hammer, jigsaw, many owners have more serious equipment, such as an electric saw for wood. With its help, not only a porch can be built a whole house.

Types of electric saws

If you need to cut a variety of materials of plywood, wood, plastic, chipboard, metal pipes and sheets, you should purchase a circular (circular) electric saw. Cutting is done with a rotating saw blade, and there are specific types of blades for each material. There are two versions of models, manual and fixed, attached to the bed.

A sufficiently versatile 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 curly cut can be made with a jigsaw. It works equally well 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 giving are recognized as chain aggregates, the main active element of which is a bus with a chain stretched over it. It is easy to use, relatively compact, and does not require fuel mixture preparation. Almost all gardening work can be done with its help: to knock down an old tree, cut off branches and branches, saw a trunk. It is good for carpentry and construction, especially in confined spaces.

When working with an electric chain saw on the street, you must follow the safety rules. For example, the tool cannot be used when it rains, a short circuit is possible

Ergonomics of the unit

If the tool is used quite often, when choosing an electric saw, many pay attention to the location of the motor. It comes in two versions, longitudinal and transverse. Experts believe that it is much easier to work with a saw with the engine along the tire. In addition, longitudinal units have better balancing.

Engine power

This is one of the most important indicators. For gardening work, a tool with a power of 1000 W to 2100 W is suitable, but it is better to purchase a stronger unit. The fact is that powerful electric saws respond more adequately to voltage drops in the power grid, therefore, they will last longer. For example, the engine of the popular CHAMPION 420 model has a power of 2000 W, that is, with small voltage fluctuations (200-224 V), it will remain operational and will not allow critical overheating. In addition, an indicator from 2000 W is a guarantee that in an extreme situation, when a large amount of work is required, the engine will withstand the load.

The Husqvarna 321EL electric saw has characteristics suitable for gardening and construction work in the country: power 2000 W, bar length 40 cm, soft start, motor protection

Which electric chain saw to choose for woodworking

When choosing a tool for working with wood, an electric chain saw is increasingly preferred. Its undeniable advantages are in the absence of smoke, roar, vibration. The use of rechargeable batteries turns the saw into a reliable mobile device. In retail outlets there is a large selection of saw models with different characteristics and different price categories. Therefore, when choosing, attention is often paid to the ratings of models, compiled by users and professionals.

Rating of chain saws

• Powerful electric saws;
• Electric saws for household use;
• Cordless chain saws.

Separately, it should be noted that the rating did not include Russian-made electric chain saws. This is due to high competition in the tool market: it is still difficult for domestic products to compete with the quality of products of world famous manufacturers. At the same time, there are companies worthy of consideration, such as Energomash and Interskol.

Purpose and characteristics

The electric saw is designed to cut any kind of wood speciess. It is used in household and professional construction. The principle of operation of the device is based on the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy.

The electric motor, creating rotary movements, transfers them through an asterisk or gearbox to the cutting chain. The chain design is a set of interconnected links with special cutters.

The main parameters of electric saws include:

• Power;
• Bus and chain parameters;
• Implementation of protection.

In addition to the main parameters, attention is paid to the location of the engine. Its longitudinal placement provides good balancing of the structure, which increases the maneuverability of the tool. The weight of this type of saw does not exceed four kilograms, and the power is 2.5 kW. An electric motor in a transverse structure is located perpendicular to the working axis of the device, while the center of gravity is shifted. It is convenient to work with such a device when cutting from top to bottom.

The history of the power tool

Sawing tools date back to 1322, when the first mechanical tools appeared in Germany. They were used in sawmills and were driven by water. In 1808, a closed toothed belt design was introduced, located on vertical posts. From that moment, the development of tape tools began.

In early 1830 in Germany, the physiologist Bernard Hein proposed his invention for sawing bone. Her appearance resembled modern chain saw with cutting linksand. The first patent for an electric saw was obtained in 1926 by Shtihl. This company is still constantly improving its designs and has many innovative developments in the field of mechanical engineering.

Electric saws were further developed under the following circumstances. Woodcutter Joseph Buford Cox, studying the work of the bark beetle, designed a chain saw with the shape of teeth, repeating the jaws of the beetle. This approach helped several times improve tool performance, and Cox establishes Oregon, a manufacturer of saw bars and chains. With the advent of rechargeable batteries, they began to be actively introduced into the electric saw device, turning the tool into a convenient mobile device.

During operation, the chain is continuously supplied with oil to lubricate it and the drive sprocket. The service life of the tool largely depends on the composition of the lubricant. The power tool is lubricated in the same way as a chainsaw, using an oil tank. The chain tension is adjusted with a special screw or handle.

Powerful electrical devices

When calculating the rating, first of all, the reliability of the product was taken into account. Also, power and performance were taken into account, which is extremely important for professional tool:

1. Stihl MSE 250 C-Q-16. One of the most powerful saws that can be found on sale in our markets. It is equipped with a 2.5 kW electric motor with soft start function and digital temperature control. With a bar length of 40 cm with Rapid Super chain installed, it demonstrates excellent performance and excellent ergonomics. The disadvantages include the pump drive gear made of plastic, but with proper care for the tool, its repair will not be needed soon. Also, not everyone will like adjusting the chain tension with a screwdriver.
2. Husqvarna 420EL. The model of the Swedish concern is produced with a two-kilowatt engine and a 40 cm tire. Although in most jobs it is inferior to the Stihl MSE 250, it is cheaper and has a well-organized oil supply system, starting with filling into the oil tank. At the same time, the product also boasts a quiet motor. The disadvantages include the small volume of the oil tank.
3. Makita UC4030AK. Model specifications are the same as Husqvarna 420E. But, unlike it, it comes in a special case and has a sharpening tool with a set for saw maintenance. At the price of Makita UC4030AK one of the cheapest models in the category of professional tools. With all the positive aspects, the build quality has a significant drawback. It was not performed at a professional level, which can lead to the appearance of an oil leak.

Here’s what they say about the leader of this rating on the forums:

I bought a Stihl MSE 250 C-Q-16 because I am a professional firewood supplier. For the entire time of use (8 months) I have never failed. A good and comfortably balanced saw. I think for the price they ask for it is worth it.

Household power saws

1. Hitachi CS45Y. It stands out for its reliable operation, high-quality housing and the ability to adjust the oil pump. The handles of the product are made with soft pads, which allows you to comfortably hold it in your hands. It has a keyless chain adjustment and a high-quality cord, the length of which is five meters. The power of the tool is two kilowatts. The disadvantages of the model include weight. Due to the vertical position of the motor, the center of gravity is shifted forward, so it takes some getting used to the tool.
2. Bosch AKE 40 S. Sophisticated ergonomics, the saw does not have to be turned sideways when changing the oil, a convenient filler hole. The design uses two handles: one adjusts the chain tension, the other locks the casing. The electric saw is quite productive, but its power is 1.8 kW. Because of this, a narrow chain is used with the tool. But the model is lightweight and affordable.
3. DDE CSE2418. It is the most inexpensive saw, while its motor has a power of 2.4 kW, and the bar length is 45 cm. It is convenient to work with such a saw, there is a soft start system. To ensure safety, thermal protection and automatic shutdown are used when a blockage occurs in the oil supply system. A standard chain is used as a chain. Its tension is keyless. The disadvantages are that during long-term storage, preliminary oil pumping will be required and quite often there is a blockage in the oil supply system, but its leaks are excluded.