11 things to consider before you make a purchase
It is important to choose the right saw for the right job and remember, it is not always better. For example, if you only need to clean a few light brushes in your garden and need to work in a tight space, a small cordless electric saw would be perfect. It would be a challenge to say big gas, and then try to operate in a narrow space.
As a guide, the table below gives an idea of the type of sawing you need to perform a specific operation. Obviously, performance varies from saw to saw and our in-depth reviews give full information on chain capability.
If you haven’t bought a chain before and want to make your first purchase, the range of options available can be a little tricky to say the least. When deciding on the most suitable saw for your requirements, there are several things to consider. Use this guide to walk you through 11 things I’ve outlined below that should help you decide on the right saw to buy.
Why do you really want the saw? If you just need a saw to do some pruning and light trimming around the garden a few times a year then an electric saw is the best option. On the other hand, if you need to cut down some medium sized trees or remove large branches in woods you should choose a gas powered saw.
Engine / Motor Size
power generation but the trade value is greater. Engines can range in size from 23cc up to 120cc, but most homeowners will be fine with anything between 30cc and 45cc. To give you an idea a 30cc engine will generate around 1.7 horsepower brakes (bhp) and a 45cc engine around 3 bhp.
Electric chain motor power is measured in Amps. They usually have motors between 8 and 15 Amps. As with gas-powered sauces, the higher the number, the greater the power. The 8 amp motor delivers around 1.3 bhp and a 15 amp motor around 2.4 bhp.
Most battery-powered salts now use rechargeable Lithium ion batteries. These batteries last between two and three years even if not in use and prefer partial to deep discharge. This means that it is best to recharge your battery frequently and not zero it all the way to zero.
Guide bar size
The size of the guide bar is measured from its tip to the point where it exits the power end of the saw and represents the actual cutting length.
Chain bars range in size from 6 inches up to 42 inches, although it is very likely that most homeowners will need nothing more than a 20 ”bar.
Used properly, a chain should be able to cut a log twice the diameter of its bar (so a 20 ”bar should be able to cut a 40” log). As you might expect, the longer the bar, the larger the diameter that will see the cut in one pass. As a general rule, the length of the bar should be 2 inches longer than the diameter of the piece of wood cut in single passes. As long as the saw has enough power, a 20 ”blade will be able to cut through an 18” log in one pass. Using a smaller blade poses a risk of pinching which can start over.
Saws can be classified into small, medium or large sauces. It is best to use a saw with a bar length between 6 ”-14” for trimming, pruning and light cutting. They can also be used for felling small trees, removing limbs from trees and trimming small logs.
Save a 16 ”-20” bar at a medium saw. These bar lengths are capable of full operation including light storm clearing and felling of medium sized trees. The larger bars can also be used to cut fuel.
When we reach the largest sauces with bars between 22 ”-40”, we are now in the world of professional foresters or people living in rural areas, such as experienced farmers and conservationists, to heavy sawing -duty need to maintain their building. These bars are ideal for cutting large trees and logs, although they are less effective for very light duties. When you look at it
