The Basics: Chain Saws

How was the chain saw invented? One interesting story is that the first chain saw was designed and used in the 1830s by a German orthopedist for cutting bone. The operator turned the handle of a sprocket wheel, which moved the chain around a guiding blade. In the 1920s two-person, heavy gas-powered chain saws with long bars were being patented. By the 1950s several manufacturers offered gas chain saws that could be operated by one person.

A chain saw consists simply of a power source, a guide bar and a cutting chain. Today's chain saws come in cordless and electric models as well as gas units. And they're not just logging tools anymore. Many homeowners use chain saws to cut down unwanted trees, prune large limbs and prepare firewood to heat their homes through the winter. Also, some artists use chain saws with specially designed blades to produce chain saw art.

Many homeowners prefer gas chain saws. Gas saws provide the most power, can be used for the biggest jobs and are completely portable. A two-cycle engine that requires a mix of gas and oil for fuel is the heart of a gas chain saw. Gas models can be fitted with bars of several lengths. They usually feature good bar-oiling systems. Gas chain saws are generally more expensive and noisier than electric models, but they get the job done more quickly with their extra power.

Electric chain saws, however, continue to grow in demand and can satisfy the needs of many homeowners who want to accomplish light cutting chores within 100 feet of an electrical outlet. The plug-and-go convenience and low maintenance of these models attract lots of users. Manufacturers suggest using a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord no longer than 100 feet. The cord should be 18-gauge for a 25-foot cord, 16-gauge for a 50-food cord, and 10-gauge for a 10-foot cord. And electric chain saws don't require refueling with a messy oil and gas mix.

Portable cordless chain saws provide the least cutting power and should be chosen only for the lightest cutting chores. They rely on a rechargeable battery for power, so cutting time is limited to the charge of the battery. And it may take many hours to recharge a battery.

Newer chain saw models tout more safety features, easy-starting engines and reduced emissions. Anti-kickback features are now available on more models than ever. Manufacturers continue to make gas engines easier to start, some by using the recoil of the starter rope to help with the next start. And emissions regulations mean cleaner running internal combustion engines.

Many chain saws carry two-year limited warranties on parts and labor; although, some chain saws carry just one-year warranties.

Five Key Questions You Should Answer Before You Shop
What do you plan to cut? If you expect to cut hardwoods, take down big trees and cut large trunks into firewood lengths, you will need a powerful gas chain saw. You'll need a heavy-duty engine and long bar (18 inches or more) for felling large trees. If you're cutting smaller trees and firewood, you'll want an engine in the 38 cc range or a hefty electric model and a bar longer than the diameter of the trees that you plan to fell. If you want to cut tree limbs and perform other smaller chores, a 33 cc engine or good electric motor and 12- to 14-inch bar will do the job. If you have minimal chores for a chain saw, take a look at the cordless models.

How much do you plan to cut? If you need to clear your property of several large trees, you'll be at it for many hours and many days. You'll want the portability and power of a big residential gas model with a long bar. Note that any bar length longer than 20 inches is designed for professional use. If your cutting needs are more modest, perhaps cutting up firewood each season, a smaller gas or good electric saw will fill your needs. And if you simply want to prune off a few small tree branches, or even cut small firewood, check out the cordless chain saws. Remember that your work time will be limited to the duration of the battery charge on these models.

Is portability a factor in your decision? Many homeowners like to plug into an electrical outlet and start work. Unfortunately, this won't be possible with an electric unit if you don't have an electrical outlet within 100 feet of your work site. Real portability requires either a cordless or gas engine chain saw.

How long should the bar be? Here are some guidelines for choosing the appropriate-length bar that you'll need on your new saw. If you're an occasional and light-duty user, you can get good results from a 12- to 14-inch bar. For general-purpose homeowner use, look for a 16-inch bar. If you have large jobs, perhaps around a rural home, try out an 18-inch bar. And if you plan to do frequent heavy-duty, large-diameter cutting, you'll probably want a 20-inch blade. Make sure the engine or motor is sufficient for the bar length that you choose.

How much should you pay? Gas chain saws generally carry higher price tags than do electric models. And the more power you require, the higher the price will be. You can choose from several good around-the-yard chain saws for less than $150, some even less than $100. Good gas units go up from there to $350 or more. You'll want to project how much you'll use a chain saw and whether a more powerful and costly model will save you time.

How to Shop

Once you have a good idea of whether you want an electric, gas or cordless chain saw and what length bar will best fit your needs, you can consider several other factors, such as safety features, in your purchase.

One of the major safety concerns while using a chain saw is kickback; kickback is the quick up and back motion of a chain saw, usually caused when the unprotected nose of a chain saw touches something accidentally, such as a log or branch. Some models have a bar-tip guard, which is a steel cover for the nose of the bar to prevent such contact. An anti-kickback or reduced-kickback bar has a narrow nose that also helps eliminate contact with the tip of the bar.

More safety features are worth their cost are a case or sheath that helps protect you from the saw's sharp teeth when you are transporting it and a chain brake that stops the chain almost instantly if necessary.

Several other features help make a chain saw easier and/or more comfortable to operate. An anti-vibration system really can reduce vibration and the resulting operator fatigue -- a real plus if you plan to use the saw for extended periods of time. An automatic chain-oiler will relieve you of the need to remember to depress the plunger that releases oil onto the chain. And tool-free chain adjustment relies on a wheel-and-crank mechanism that you operate by hand to lock and unlock the bar so that you can adjust chain tension without a screwdriver or wrench. This is a neat and handy feature, but it is not a necessity.

You will want a well-balanced saw. The only way to tell what's comfortable for you is to handle several models and compare them. Try a slim saw with a high center of gravity for good balance.

Finally, you will need to consider both the manufacturer and the retailer, especially if you think you want a gas engine chain saw. A gas engine saw will require regular service by a technician, so make sure your retailer is authorized to service your purchase. And always read the instruction manual and follow safety guidelines before using your new chain saw.