Top Tips To Easily Choose The Ideal Chainsaw For Hardwood

Top Tips To Easily Choose The Ideal Chainsaw For Hardwood

Choosing the right chainsaw for your specific needs can be daunting when there are tons of products in the market to choose from. Therefore, no matter why you need a chainsaw, It is always best to select the one that meets all of your requirements. On that note, read on for the top tips to find the ideal chainsaw for hardwood with ease. 

Consider the Types of Chainsaws

Chainsaws come mainly in three types; pole, electric, and gas chainsaws. Pole chainsaws are used to cut small branches and might not be an option to cut hardwood. Electric chainsaws are also ineffective in cutting through compact hardwood as this type lacks engine power. The force and strength of the engine added with a sharp cutting ability in gas-operated chainsaws is an ideal choice for hardwood.

Check for Parts Availability

Working on hardwood is a process that requires a strong-built chainsaw to do the work. The best choice while picking a chainsaw is to check whether or not you can get the chainsaw parts quickly. For example, being unable to replace your broken motor or a faulty guide bar renders the chainsaw useless. The most replaced part is the chain which is why following a step-wise guide that teaches you how to replace a chain may be helpful. However, it is always best to get the services of a professional if you are having difficulty doing it yourself.

Select the Right Chainsaw Size 

After you have narrowed down the search to a type of chainsaw perfect for your requirements, the next step is to select the size of your chainsaw. Again, knowing the width of the trees or wood you will be working on is necessary to choose the perfect-sized chainsaw. For instance, if you are working on trees with a width of 12 to 14 inches, a chainsaw with a length of 16 inches will do a fantastic job.

Statistics reveal that around 90 percent of the trees don’t have a width of more than 18 inches, so a powerful 18-inch chainsaw should be a suitable pick. When looking for the best 18-inch chainsaws, it’s best to compare and review the different types to find the one that best suits your needs. Moreover, to ensure safety, try picking out a chainsaw with a smaller engine if you are at the learning stages of your skill. Another tip to keep in mind is that a smaller-sized chainsaw is easier to handle than a big one.  

In addition to selecting the appropriate size chainsaw, selecting a high-quality workbench is also crucial. The workbench should be sturdy and include storage compartments to store the chainsaw and other tools when not in use. Keep in mind that you will be using both the chainsaw and the workbench in tandem, so it’s important to choose a workbench that is durable and functional.

Know the Features of an Ideal Chainsaw

Picking out the best chainsaw can be tricky if you don’t understand the features of a great chainsaw. However, these features make a difference in handling, providing better stability and the durability required to complete your job with greater efficiency. Here are the features necessary in a chainsaw:

  • Chains used to cut down wood should always have the correct blades required to do the job. A chain with premium quality materials does not get dull quickly when used for long hours and delivers precise cuts.  
  • A guide bar is a feature that holds the chain in place. The length of a guide bar can go more than 80 centimeters, depending on the type of work to be done. 
  • Chains require tightening to avoid slipping off the guide bar. Automatic chain pulling features can come in handy and are available in specific models.  
  • Make sure you get a chainsaw with an oil tank to keep the chain lubricated.
  • Always prefer a chainsaw that is easy to turn on as some chainsaws with bigger motors are physically challenging to start.
  • Suppose your chain breaks apart while cutting wood. In that case, a chain catcher ensures the broken chain does not injure the operator or anyone nearby.  
  • Nowadays, anti-vibration features are also installed in chainsaws to help the operator get a firm grip. 

It is also essential to know about the safety features and the basic maintenance of chainsaws. There are several procedures and responsibilities to follow, making sure you stay safe and avoid any workplace hazard. 

Do your Research on Prices.

With so many options to choose from, try researching a bit and compare the prices of chainsaws and the features you are getting. Moreover, you can find reviews on the chainsaw you like the most to get an idea of its performance, durability, and ease of maintenance. 

Although improvements in technology have made it safer for us to operate chainsaws while avoiding any hazard, it is still crucial to gear up with your protective equipment that includes chainsaw protective clothing. Furthermore, wearing a protective face shield ensures that your eyes don’t get injured by any chunk of wood that flies off during cutting.

Author

Eric is the creator of At Home in the Future and has been a passionate fan of the future since he was seven. He's a web developer by trade, and serves as the Director of Communication and Technology for a large church in Nashville, TN (where he and his family are building a high tech home in the woods).