Which Is Better Than A Chainsaw Or A Saw

Chainsaw or saw: the pros and cons of each option
Which saw is best for you: chainsaw or saw? Which is better and more reliable? How to choose the right one? Answers in the article.

Performance Benefits of Power Saws

In the domestic market, saws are presented in a smaller assortment, however, it is not difficult to choose a model that meets the stated requirements. Tools imported and domestically produced with a capacity of 1.8-2.5 kW are in stable demand.

The list of proposals includes several models of saws of the popular INTERTOOL trademark, as well as branded electric drive models Solo, Oleo Mak, Stihl and MasterYard of different classes, costing from 1,800 to 20,000 rubles.

In the design of electric power units, users especially appreciate:

• Compactness and simple design;
• Fewer rubbing parts;
• Stability of operating modes;
• Trouble-free starting in difficult weather and climatic conditions.

The main disadvantage of household and professional-grade sawing equipment is the short range limited by the length of the electric cable.

In large-scale logging operations, the problem is solved by connecting tools to mobile power generators. At home, preference is given to powering the saws to the household power supply using special extension cords.

Chainsaw or saw: the pros and cons of each option

The arrangement of the suburban area also presupposes a sufficient level of mechanization of labor-intensive work. When completing the minimum set of household tools, the question inevitably arises, which is better and more reliable: a chainsaw or a saw? A review of the pros and cons shows that both options deserve their due consideration.

Photo: saw and chainsaw

Saw application circle

The electric chain saw is quickly turned on by pressing a button, which saves working time by reducing the amount of prestarting.

• Due to their small dimensions and reliable grip, the saws are used in the construction of wooden houses, crown of tall trees and other special work.
• In particular, the saw does not cause noise discomfort when working in confined spaces, does not create problems in the absence of exhaust ventilation.
• Longitudinal engine models are characterized by good balance, even cut, no kickbacks when the chain enters dense and sticky wood.

Tools of a higher power range can master the volume of work corresponding to the capabilities of semi-professional chainsaws.

The working set of household tools of many owners includes an electric and a chainsaw. The presence of two tools allows you to significantly reduce the cost and expand the list of sawing works of different levels of complexity.

Chainsaw or Saw? What’s better?

Every professional builder should take the process of choosing a saw responsibly. The same rule applies to amateur craftsmen. But people are faced with an important question. Which is better: a chainsaw or a saw? Let’s try to understand this issue in more detail.

Chainsaw: tool features

This chain saw is in demand among people. It works thanks to the presence of an internal combustion engine in the structure, which is connected to a chain. A simple mechanism of a classic type has an increased level of reliability.

The chainsaw is presented on the modern market in several main types:

• Household tools. Chainsaws of this type are suitable for occasional use. The gasoline tool is lightweight and small in size. Most often, a chainsaw is used in order to prepare a small amount of firewood for kindling the stove. The main capabilities of a gasoline saw are limited, since it is recommended to use it no more than two hours a day;
• Professional chainsaw. This tool is suitable for felling trees. A chainsaw of this type is quite powerful and multifunctional. You can use it up to 16 hours a day without interruption.

Such a chain tool has the following advantages:

• The chainsaw does not require connection to a power source;
• Such a chain saw is suitable for use in different conditions;
• Professional chainsaws are powerful enough, so they can compete with electric options;
• A gasoline chain saw can work for a long time without interruption;
• Gasoline tools have a high level of reliability and long service life.

Among the disadvantages of such saws are the following points:

• A gasoline tool during operation is harmful to human health, since it emits exhaust gases;
• Professional chainsaws make loud noises during operation;
• A gasoline chain tool creates vibrations that make the work process more difficult;
• Gasoline saws will have to be filled with gasoline, which is fraught with additional waste.

It is also worth remembering that starting a gasoline engine in subzero temperatures is quite problematic.

Chainsaw or Saw? What’s better?

Chainsaw device

The basic unit of the chainsaw is a high-speed engine (12. 14,000 rpm) with a volume of 40. 60 cm3. A feature of this engine is that gasoline of the A92 or AI95 brand is mixed with a special oil immediately before filling the tank. If you refuel the chainsaw with clean gasoline, the engine will fail a few seconds after starting.

Interlocked with the engine:

• Centrifugal clutch;
• Leading sprocket;
• Tire;
• Chain lubrication oil pump;
• Brake.

The engine is started with a recoil starter (lanyard). The handle of the chainsaw is equipped with an anti-vibration mechanism and a special inertial protection. When the saw chain gets jammed, it can be thrown back strongly, there is a real possibility of injury to the sawer. The protective arc on contact with the operator’s hand instantly stops the engine and eliminates the possibility of damage from the rotating chain.

Saw chains are used in several types, for their selection the most often used classification is by pitch. The distance between the lower teeth that mesh with the drive sprocket.

The chain thickness is in the range 1.3. 1.6 mm. For household and semi-professional saws, chains up to 1.45 mm thick are sufficient, for professional ones used for felling wood, chains with a thickness of 1.5. 1.6 mm are needed.

1. Tire.
2. Chain.
3. Inertial chain brake.
4. Cylinder cover.

Five. Starter handle.
6. Safety trigger.
7. Gas trigger.
8. Throttle lever.

Nine. Rear handle.
Ten. Oil tank cap.
Eleven. Front handle.
12. Fuel cap.

Difference in power, performance, saw headset and price

User comfort

The electric saw requires no fuel mixture. To start sawing, just insert the plug into the socket and press the button.

However, if the chainsaws are perfectly balanced and very comfortable to hold in your hands, then with the saws it is more difficult. In addition to the fact that the cable interferes quite noticeably, they are also produced in two types of motor locations. Longitudinal and transverse.

Rip saws differ in the location of the axis of rotation of the motor shaft along the direction of the tire. They are small in width, but rather long. Although perfectly balanced, the presence of the cable limits their mobility.

Cross-blades are short, but the engine housing protruding to the left side disturbs the balance and requires the operator to exert some effort to keep the bar in the cut line. Effort is small, but with prolonged use increases the level of fatigue. The inconvenience of the cable in such saws is felt less.

When should you choose a saw?

Based on the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of tools, the user should give preference to a saw if:

• There is enough wire length in the place of work and the wiring allows to withstand the load.
• The scope of work is not too large.
• The work is carried out indoors.
• It is important to maintain a certain level of noise.
• It is important for the user to maintain environmental safety.

And with the help of a circular sawmill, it is easy to cut any lumber.

Read about how to make your own angular circular sawmill in our article.

Differences in work

The device and principle of operation of a chainsaw and a saw are similar. The main difference between the tools is the engine type. An electric motor transmits rotary motion through a gearbox or direct drive to a sprocket that drives the bar and chain. For a chainsaw, a two-stroke internal combustion engine powered by a fuel mixture is used.

The autonomy of the chainsaw allows you to use it away from the power source. This is very useful for felling work or in city parks for pruning trees. Saws are tied to a current, without which they will not be able to perform their tasks, so they are more often used for cutting beams or sawing firewood.

Every professional builder and home craftsman should approach the choice of a saw responsibly. Indeed, for a certain type of work, both a saw and a chainsaw can be the ideal solution. Such tools are actively used for logging, clearing forest debris, they also cut ice and concrete.

Saws are often used for domestic purposes: to cut or remove a tree, saw wood or cut boards. The article contains materials that will help determine the choice depending on the purpose and conditions of use. Also, it will be useful to study our ranking of the best chainsaws.