Chainsaw shopping for the first time can seem like a bit of an overwhelming task, and once you have your electric versus gas chainsaw picks all lined out, you’ll need to decide on the size of the saw you need for your job. As a general rule of thumb, you want to choose a saw that has a length of approximately 23 inches longer than the diameter of the tree or limb you need to cut. You can most definitely cut a larger tree in more than one pass, and there is no need to purchase a separate, larger saw simply because you are faced with a 16-inch tree every now and then.
To help you find the best chainsaw for your budget, I’ll help you figure out how to select the right chainsaw size for your needs. “If most of your chainsaw needs involve pruning small branches or trees with relatively thin branches, a 6″ to 10″ chainsaw is the tool for the job. Cutting down medium size trees with a trunk of about 14″ to 16″ will require a larger chainsaw of about 16″ to 18” to fell the tree in one easy pass.
Having a huge beast of a chainsaw might be good for your ego, but the best advice is to resist the urge to buy one that is too big and to choose one that is more suited to the work you need it for instead. How to determine the right length of chainsaw for you. You should also think about whether you need a gas-powered chainsaw or perhaps an electric chainsaw or battery powered chainsaw. “Consider carefully the work you need your chainsaw for and choose one that is appropriate. Calculate the diameter of the wood you need to cut and add 2” to work out the best length of bar – and try to avoid buying a chainsaw that is much bigger than you need.
The second step to figuring out the perfect chainsaw size for your property is to think about the work you typically do. If you want a general, all-purpose chainsaw that you can use to cut through thick branches and tree logs, you should chainsaw sizes between 16 and 18 inches. Not only does your chainsaw bar’s size determine the extent of wood you can cut, but it also relates to control.
The size of jobs will determine what size chainsaw and bar length you require. To get experience using a chainsaw under safe conditions, I recommend taking classes on chainsaw use and safety through a local extension office. You will want to reduce your working time and lessen your chances of fatigue by getting a chainsaw with a larger bar size to make your cuts in a single pass.
most common size chainsaw Related Question:
What is a standard size chainsaw?
Gas-powered chainsaws start at 16 to 18 inches, and go up to as large as 72 inches. The 16- to 18-inch chainsaws are best for felling medium trees, while chainsaws with a 20-inch or larger bar are suitable for large trees or cutting firewood. Electric chainsaws tend to be smaller, usually 14 to 16 inches.
What is the most common chainsaw chain size?
Most chainsaws use 0.050″ (1.3 mm) and 0.058″ (1.5 mm) gauge chains. 0.043″ (1.1 mm) and 0.063″ (1.6mm) gauge chains are less common.
What is a good size chainsaw for home use?
A saw with a longer bar can cut larger-diameter wood in a single pass. The best chainsaws for home use typically have bar lengths that range from 6 inches on smaller, electric saws to 20 inches on larger, gasoline-powered models. Professional-grade saws have bar lengths greater than 20 inches.
What is the most popular chainsaw bar length?
A blade bar length of between 14 to 18 inches should serve you well in most cases. You can cut some fairly thick branches with that length of blade bar. It’s still not long enough to handle some of the toughest jobs, but it’s ideal for home use.
Is a 14 inch chainsaw big enough?
If you are a casual home user who only needs it for light-duty work like trimming small branches or general pruning work, a less powerful chainsaw with a shorter bar will be enough. For this kind of work, something of around 14” will be enough.
How do I know what size chainsaw I need?
To find the called length of your chainsaw bar, measure it from its front tip all the way back to the cutter closest to the body of the saw. Round this measurement up to the nearest even number in inches. For example, a bar that measures 18 3/4″ will actually have a called length of 20″.
Are all 3 8 chainsaw chains the same?
Most saws use 0.325″, 3/8″, or 0.404″ pitch, with 1/4″ less common. Most consumer saws use a type of 3/8″ chain called “low profile”.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
How big of a tree can a 16 chainsaw cut?
16 chainsaw would cut through a 14″ tree diameter. 10 inch chainsaw for 8″ in diameter. 6 inch chainsaw can cut a 4″ diameter.
How many cc chainsaw do I need?
Your work will determine the type of chainsaw you purchase. Heavy work: If the task requires long hours felling trees, consider a professional chainsaw powered with a 65 to 110 cc engine and a guide bar of 16 to 20 inches. Moderate work: Cutting logs for firewood only needs a 55 cc engine with a 16 inch guide bar.
What size chainsaw bar is best?
A 16 to 18-inch bar should be enough to get the job done. This longer bar length will also work for cutting down small trees or removing shrubs.
Can I put an 18-inch bar on a 20 inch chainsaw?
Changing the bar and chain on your 18-inch chain saw to a 20-inch size will enable easier cutting of larger trees and branches. Larger chain saws cut through thicker trees and limbs. Put work gloves on to protect your hands and fingers.
Can electric chainsaw cut trees?
Although electric chainsaws are smaller and easier to carry, most lack the power and stamina to cut down large trees. If you have big trees on your property that you want to remove or cut into firewood, a gas model is your best bet. Electric chainsaws come in two types: corded and battery-powered.
What will a 12 inch chainsaw cut?
Felling small trees – 12” to 14” Cutting down small trees in a yard or garden will require a chainsaw of about 12″ to 14” depending on the thickness of the tree trunk.
What is a 14 inch chainsaw good for?
In chainsaw descriptions, the term “light use” covers pruning trees and shrubs, and general maintenance. Light-use chainsaws’ cutting bar typically is under 14 inches long. Pruning ornamental trees and shrubs that don’t have thick branches is simple with these novice-friendly models.