School me on electric chainsaws

[jake28]

I’m in the market for a cordless electric chainsaw, specifically to cut and trim bowl blanks for turning on a wood lathe.

A typical session would be cutting up 10-20 oak rounds, first to length, and then various rip cuts to make the chunks vaguely round.

I’m not chopping up weeks worth of firewood or clearing brush, and I have no issue charging as needed.

Why electric? Because I need a secret saw, that is, a saw I can use in secret without my folks or significant other finding out.

There are enough friends, neighbors, and distant acquaintances who have felled their own limbs that I’ll get more than the stink eye if seen wielding a saw.

Considerations:
$400 gets me this majors set up with 4 batteries https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/makita-xcu03pt1-cordless-brushless-18v-x2-chain-saw-kit

I’ve got a bunch of majors tools already, but I’m not beholden to them.

The comparable stihl, with battery and charger is nearing $700, which I have a tough time swallowing.

Are green works or ergopower worth checking out?

 

[Voi]

I’m in the market for a cordless electric chainsaw, specifically to cut and trim bowl blanks for turning on a wood lathe.

A typical session would be cutting up 10-20 oak rounds, first to length, and then various rip cuts to make the chunks vaguely round.

I’m not chopping up weeks worth of firewood or clearing brush, and I have no issue charging as needed.

Why electric? Because I need a secret saw, that is, a saw I can use in secret without my folks or significant other finding out.

There are enough friends, neighbors, and distant acquaintances who have felled their own limbs that I’ll get more than the stink eye if seen wielding a saw.

Considerations:
$400 gets me this majors set up with 4 batteries https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/makita-xcu03pt1-cordless-brushless-18v-x2-chain-saw-kit

I’ve got a bunch of majors tools already, but I’m not beholden to them.

The comparable stihl, with battery and charger is nearing $700, which I have a tough time swallowing.

Are green works or ergopower worth checking out?

Project Farm on YouTube did a shootout of some cordless saws and he picked the 16" Makita as his favorite. He's done some subsequent follow up videos that I haven't watched but I think he may have compared the Makita to some other brands.

I have the Makita 14" saw you linked and really like it. Have had some issues with maintaining blade tension but it was much better at the last job, not sure why. I was well invested in Makita at the time I bought it so I didn't do any comparisons.

 

[Davefr]

Project Farm on YouTube did a shootout of some cordless saws and he picked the 16" Makita as his favorite. He's done some subsequent follow up videos that I haven't watched but I think he may have compared the Makita to some other brands.

I have the Makita 14" saw you linked and really like it. Have had some issues with maintaining blade tension but it was much better at the last job, not sure why. I was well invested in Makita at the time I bought it so I didn't do any comparisons.

He also did a Part 2 and the Echo came out on top. What's surprising is the Stihl which underperforms most of the others yet is double the price.

 

[Sumboodie]

Husqvarna or Makita. Expect to pay in the $400-500 range.

Don't bother with the cheap electric saws. Fine for trimming a few yard trees once a year or two, but not much more.

Not sure I could handle my parents telling me what I can.or can't do. That was fine as a kid, but that was decades ago.

 

[Sumboodie]

Project Farm on YouTube did a shootout of some cordless saws and he picked the 16" Makita as his favorite. He's done some subsequent follow up videos that I haven't watched but I think he may have compared the Makita to some other brands.

I have the Makita 14" saw you linked and really like it. Have had some issues with maintaining blade tension but it was much better at the last job, not sure why. I was well invested in Makita at the time I bought it so I didn't do any comparisons.

Modern chainsaws don't have blades.

 

[brianh]

If you are always going to be near an outlet I would get a Makita corded saw. I have put hundreds of hours on Makita UC4150 saws. Much cheaper and no batteries to deal with. At 2900 fpm chain speed it is faster than battery saws.

Don't confuse these saws with the junk that Remington and some other corded electric saw manufacturers make.

 

[bigdav160]

I carry a greenworks 40v around with my at the farm. I've cut and bucked hundreds of trees of all sizes. 3 years and still going strong. I've been impressed.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I think if you go with whatever battery platform you have you will be happy. I have the dewalt flexvolt & couldn't be happier with it, I doubt I'll ever need a gas one again. With a couple of 9amp flexvolts you can cut a long time, plus I have the pole trimmer & all the outdoor stuff. It just seemed easier to stay with one platform.

 

[ericm]

Many of the cheaper battery saws don't have chain brakes. The chain brake is an important safety feature. I would not recommend a saw without a brake to someone, especially a newbie who will be doing unusual things with the saw (vs straightforward cutting rounds off a log for firewood).

Electric motors make maximum torque at zero rpm. Saw chaps work by stalling the engine, hopefully before the chain cuts flesh. There is some question if chaps are as effective with electric saws as they are with gas saws. Either way you still need them, just keep in mind that they might not save you.

Also wear steel toe boots for obvious reasons. And figure out a way to hold the rounds you cut so you can safely do the roughing cuts. Holding it down with your foot and cutting right next to it isn't safe.

 

[gungatim]

I have a cheap ryobi, and it will do some limbs and small stuff but there isn't enough power and the chain grabs constantly. NOT recommended!

I also have a 110v electric, forget the brand, orange/black, (Worx maybe?) on clearance for $35 but normally around $60. all I can say is that thing is awesome. have cut some pretty big trees and it doesn't bog and will go head to head with your average box store homeowner type gas saw.

just a thought, if you can get away with using a cord, <$100 buys a pretty darn good electric saw without worrying about batteries.

 

[Rinspeed]

I imagine some of these batteries are rather pricey when it comes time to replace them.

 

[Iron Beaver]

I have a Makita corded electric and it's cut all our firewood for 3 years now. Still going strong.

 

[BigMike782]

I inherited a Remington corded electric and I use it for the exact same purpose.
I have found it to be perfectly suited for cutting turning blanks........after I paid to get it back from the pawn shop after being stolen.

 

[redmondjp]

I did not see anything from the OP regarding the need for cordless - if cutting where AC power is available, I would go with a corded electric chainsaw all day every day. You can buy 6-7 of them and wear them all out before you equal the cost of a cordless saw plus batteries plus charger.

 

[Gunfixr]

I have an ego cordless saw. Had the ego string trimmer, uses the same battery, the trimmer is awesome, having owned several gas trimmers in the mid range over the years.

The saw, not so much. It's ok for limbing, or cutting down small bushes, but otherwise not impressive.

The saw, a bit over $200 a few yrs ago, the 56v batteries, about $100 each.

If I could go back, i'd skip the saw, just keep the trimmer.

 

[Aaron_W]

You don't mention size unless the 10-20 is meant to be the diameter rather than how many you will be doing at a time.


If under 12" diameter I'd give some thought to using a reciprocating saw (Sawzall). Smaller, cheaper, more versatile, about as precise (neither saw is a precision tool) and a lot less likely to cut your arm off.

I have a couple of gas chainsaws, and bought a small Ryobi 10" cordless for cutting up downed branches and such. The Ryobi works pretty well for what it is, but as another poster mentioned it is kind of grabby, much more so than my larger saws.

 

[Barnabas]

I have two of the Greenworks Tool 80V 18" Chainsaws on two properties. They cut through everything I have thrown at them. I compare them to the gas saw I used to own, but don't miss mixing gasoline and oil. I had trouble with corded electrics burning out, but have not had problems with the Greenworks. I had the Kobalt 80v until it got stolen. They are made by the same company and seemed to perform just as well. I could never get the Kobalt chain-tightening nuts to stay tight. I also have Greenworks lawnmowers and string trimmers and swap batteries between all of them. I have experience with only the 18" chain saw not the 16".

https://www.greenworkstools.com/shop-by-voltage?cat=82

 

[f121]

Buy the one that uses the same batteries as your cordless tools. If you don’t have cordless tools already, pick your favourite colour.

I’ve had a makita twin 18v saw for about 5 years, it’s a brilliant thing, much better than the sthil 181 it replaced.

 

[Bacon!]

^ Do not do that unless it takes parallel batteries (meant loosely, putting them in series electrically) so you end up with 36V+ like yours does. 18V/20V single pack saws are not fit for more than occasional 4" limbs.

 

[BigNuge]

I have had a Greenworks 40v battery saw for 2 1/2 years, awesome saw. Light, easy to use, low noise, and battery life is impressive. I mostly keep mine in my overland vehicle for trail issues (tree across road/trail), but have used it many times around the house.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dozerhand]

I bought a stihl 140 this winter. $350. 00 with battery and charger. Honest 20 minute run time. It has exceeded my expectations.

 

[Mandres]

I've been very pleased withmy makita 2x18v top handle. 12" I think, and I've had the full length buried in oak rounds without skipping a beat

 

[Indexmill]

If your application to cut blanks for bowls is near power, then don't even consider a batter operated saw. Just buy a name brand corded saw as others have said and be done with it. If you are a newbie to chain saws, then read a book or watch some videos on how to use one SAFELY! Do not ever underestimate a chain saw, not even for a moment. A chain saw is not the thing to act all manly about. Be humble and respect it like you do a table saw. Or your parents and Sig Other will kill you.

 

[MFortie]

I have a 16” Echo (actually my wife’s) that works very well. My wife bought it along with an Echo cordless blower. I scoffed at it at first, but it works as well as my 16” Husqvarna - maybe better...

Our son has a huge old downed oak (+24” diameter trunk) on his property we’ve been harvesting for firewood. I’ve ended grabbing the Echo over the Husky every time. 15” rounds no problem.

Son has an Echo cordless also and it runs just as well. We did end up buying a Stihl 20” for the bigger cuts.

And I wholeheartedly agree on the safety aspect. I wear the safety chaps, gloves, helmet/screen visor, ear muffs, etc. when we cut. I like my body parts to stay attached.

 

[dwasifar]

For those who already have battery saws like the Makita or Echo, do those use the same kind of chain and bar as a conventional saw?

 

[finn]

Our local Stihl / Husqvarna dealer sells the Oregon brand cordless. I don’t know for sure but I think his sales volume on the Oregon far exceeds his combined Stihl / Husqvarna sales.

Two of my brother in laws bought the Oregon and love them. I don’t think they ever use their gas saws.

Personally, I would lean towards the Dewalt or Milwaukee, since I already have other tools with those battery platforms.

I would only go corded if money was the driving force. Once you go cordless, it’s hard to buy corded products.

 

[Ign]

I did not see anything from the OP regarding the need for cordless - if cutting where AC power is available, I would go with a corded electric chainsaw all day every day. You can buy 6-7 of them and wear them all out before you equal the cost of a cordless saw plus batteries plus charger.

I’m in the market for a cordless electric chainsaw, specifically to cut and trim bowl blanks for turning on a wood lathe.
{snip}

Maybe OP edited his first post, but the board doesn't reflect any edits?

 

[jake28]

Thanks all. Leaning heavily towards the majors because they’re offering it with 4 batteries for less than the stihl tool-only.

 

[Showkey]

^ Do not do that unless it takes parallel batteries (meant loosely, putting them in series electrically) so you end up with 36V+ like yours does. 18V/20V single pack saws are not fit for more than occasional 4" limbs.

Not true.........Milwaukee M18 12.0 AH battery will work just as well if not better than the high voltage batteries. Yes, chain saw need more power ......power is Volts x amps. So it’s math........ Then there’s motor efficiency and motor RPM plus gear reduction.

It makes no sense to get into another battery Eco system. Buy what you already have own.

 

[Formerjeeper]

For those who already have battery saws like the Makita or Echo, do those use the same kind of chain and bar as a conventional saw?

I have the Makita, it uses a low-profile/thin kerf chain, but replacements are available from Oregon and probably others, just make sure the specs match.

 

[Ign]

Not true.........Milwaukee M18 12.0 AH battery will work just as well if not better than the high voltage batteries. Yes, chain saw need more power ......power is Volts x amps. So it’s math........ Then there’s motor efficiency and motor RPM plus gear reduction.

It makes no sense to get into another battery Eco system. Buy what you already have own.

Agreed, the M18 is surprisingly powerful for what it is.

 

[Ign]

I have the Makita, it uses a low-profile/thin kerf chain, but replacements are available from Oregon and probably others, just make sure the specs match.

Yep I put a standard Oregon bar on my Milwaukee, fits just like any gas saw....same mounting holes etc

 

[WisJim]

I have 40 volt Greenworks and have used them to cut all our firewood for the last five years. At the time it seemed the best option as our string trimmer, mini tiller and pole saw all use the same batteries. We're happy with the choice especially since it means that my wife uses the saw and trimmer since there is no starting problems . We are still using batteries that are 5+ years old. My son just got a Makita because he has other tools using those batteries.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw and will never need anything else. I have processed a lot of wood through it and can tell you it’s very impressive. The way they accomplish this is with a very thin kerf and tremendous amounts of oil. Until the chain gets dull you can carve away like a butcher. Dull chain requires sharpening and you are back in business, I give it two thumbs up.

 

[Ign]

I have the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw and will never need anything else. I have processed a lot of wood through it and can tell you it’s very impressive. The way they accomplish this is with a very thin kerf and tremendous amounts of oil. Until the chain gets dull you can carve away like a butcher. Dull chain requires sharpening and you are back in business, I give it two thumbs up.

See, this is what they all seem to think but I put a "real" chain on both my old 40V Ryobi and my current Milwaukee and saw no negatives. Maybe I'm just not using my white lab coat and clipboard enough to note the 1.2% decrease in run time or something.

The Oregon for the Milwaukee:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RA71/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tncatadjuster]

See, this is what they all seem to think but I put a "real" chain on both my old 40V Ryobi and my current Milwaukee and saw no negatives. Maybe I'm just not using my white lab coat and clipboard enough to note the 1.2% decrease in run time or something.

The Oregon for the Milwaukee:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RA71/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'll look it up thanks.


I was so happy with it I have never read anything about upgrades. I'm so happy to not be pulling a rope, and it is fun to butcher wood as I'm in no hurry.

 

[acer66]

If you are always going to be near an outlet I would get a Makita corded saw. I have put hundreds of hours on Makita UC4150 saws. Much cheaper and no batteries to deal with. At 2900 fpm chain speed it is faster than battery saws.

Don't confuse these saws with the junk that Remington and some other corded electric saw manufacturers make.

I also have a corded Makita and that thing is build like a tank and cuts fast.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

I have 40 volt Greenworks and have used them to cut all our firewood for the last five years. At the time it seemed the best option as our string trimmer, mini tiller and pole saw all use the same batteries. We're happy with the choice especially since it means that my wife uses the saw and trimmer since there is no starting problems . We are still using batteries that are 5+ years old. My son just got a Makita because he has other tools using those batteries.

Second recommendation for 40v Greenworks. I've (abused) mine for years, works great. I have a Stihl MS291 but use this little battery one all the time. Quiet, light, cuts well especially limbs, small trees.

Sent from my SM-S205DL using Tapatalk

 

[jasonv]

I heat my house with wood so do some serious chainsaw work.

After watching the project farm video I bought a Makita. Truth be told I don't think I am going to keep it.

Pros- battery life lasts about as long as a tank of premix on a comparable sized saw. It came with extra batteries so I can have a set charging while I am cutting. Power is ok, not spectacular and less than a gas saw but keep it sharp and I can live with it.

Cons- It is made for little girl hands with no gloves. The power switch is on a timer and it powers down after about 5 seconds of not cutting. So if I reposition or don't start cutting right away after finishing a cut it powers down and I have to restart it. This is a MAJOR PITA. What makes it worse is I can't switch it back on with gloves on. Fo this reason I am probably going to trade it for something else.

 

[pepi]

My neighbor has one LMAO.... cut his
electric chainsaw out of a tree.

With my fire breathing, hydrocarbon burning chainsaw.