Which Is Better Than An Electric Or Chainsaw

Chainsaw vs. Saw: Pros and Cons of Each Choice 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.

The advantages of the chainsaw range

The main advantages of chainsaw equipment of all categories are autonomy and the ability to choose the optimal operating mode, less dependence on rain and snow.

Tools independent of stationary and mobile power supplies can be used:

• For dumping and cross-cutting of decommissioned trees located in remote areas;
• Clearing forest plantations and other wide-profile sawing works;
• For the arrangement of temporary campsites in hiking and long-distance expeditions.

The basics of the popularity of the saw range

Many owners have been using saws for years, changing only saw sets and electric brushes as they wear out.

• High efficiency of electric drives;
• Significantly lower maintenance costs and low-cost repairs;
• Self-service and routine maintenance that does not require special qualifications;
• Sufficiently large overhaul and operating life;
• The possibility of using saw sets and chain oils designed to work with gasoline models;
• Minimum levels of vibration and background noise.

Replacing the most expensive part of the saw, the engine rotor at a price several times lower than the cost of replacing the crankshaft of a gasoline model.

What’s better. Chainsaw or chain saw

Chainsaws are among the most common among woodworking tools. This is determined by their performance, compactness, and relatively low cost of consumables. In practice, only an endless toothed chain interacts with a tree, the resource of which is quite high, and only periodic sharpening is required from maintenance.

There are two types of chain saws. Gasoline and electric. The first set in motion the saw chain using a two-stroke gasoline air-cooled engine with a power of 1.5. 5 kW, the second. An electric motor with a power of up to 2.5 kW. If we compare the consumption of fuel and electricity, then for gasoline and saws, the cash costs for cutting 1 m 3 of material will be approximately the same.

But to determine which is better than a chainsaw or a saw, it is necessary based on a set of characteristics, and not just the cost of fuel or electricity. Purchase costs, maintenance, ergonomics, maintainability and ease of use are equally important factors influencing the choice.

Power and performance

As already mentioned, the power of saw engines rarely exceeds 2.5 kW, while for chainsaws it can reach 5. 6 kW. But even a 2.5 kW saw cannot compare in performance with a gasoline of similar power. The fact is that the saw at an average load can work continuously for up to 40 minutes, after which it must be turned off for 20 minutes in order for the motor to cool down.

Chainsaws do not have this problem, if you do not take into account cheap household tools. Semi-professional and industrial ones do not require such stops and can work 8 hours a day practically without stopping. Time for refueling with fuel and oil does not count. This operation takes several minutes. It is worth considering that oil is also poured into the saws.

Chainsaw chain speed is 25. 30% higher than electric chain speed. Accordingly, productivity increases as well. Taking into account the possibility of quick movement of the operator with the chainsaw around the construction site or along the board or log, which is difficult for the saw due to the presence of a cable, productivity increases even more. If you compare a chainsaw and a saw of the same power, then the performance of a gasoline one is slightly higher.

Design features of electric and gasoline chain saws

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.

Chainsaw

This type of tool is widespread. It is powered by an internal combustion engine, which is connected to a saw chain (how to sharpen. Here). This is a simple classic mechanism, which, due to its simple device, has a high reliability factor.

The following classes are presented on the consumer market:

• Household. These are chainsaws that are designed to work from time to time. They have low power, light weight and compact dimensions (mini chainsaws). It is convenient to use such a unit, for example, for preparing firewood for a fireplace. Their functionality is usually limited. It is optimal to use household chainsaws no more than 20 hours a month.
• Semi-professional. These saws have many more options. They are used in a variety of works, ranging from repairs and ending in AL-KOy forests. Having sufficient power, they cannot be operated for 8-10 hours a day, such active use can lead to breakdown. Their optimal use is in the form of a delimber for felling.
• Professional. This type of tool is most often used for felling wood. Chainsaws are powerful and functional. They can be operated without interruption for a long time (up to 16 hours a day).

Advantages:

• Independent of the power source.
• It can work in all environmental conditions.
• High power of professional and semi-professional chainsaws, which significantly exceeds any options for an electric tool.
• The possibility of continuous work.
• Reliability and long service life.

Disadvantages:

• Considerable weight.
• Emission of exhaust gases that are harmful to humans and the environment.
• High noise level.
• Substantial vibration that complicates the operator’s task.
• The need for refueling.

In severe frosts, starting a gasoline unit becomes much more difficult.

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.

Working moments

The saw is not recommended to work in high humidity conditions, for example, during rain or heavy snow. The chainsaw is not afraid even of severe frost, it can be used in almost any weather conditions.

Work comfort and environmental friendliness

The saw is often chosen for its comfortable and convenient use. Thanks to the small vibration and not so strong noise during operation, you do not get tired longer, because the load is minimal. In the case of chainsaws, the force will have to be applied several times more. It is worth noting that the saw does not have exhaust gases, unlike a chainsaw, and therefore it can be safely used in small, closed or unventilated rooms and premises without fear of harming your health.

Required care

To work with a chainsaw, it is necessary to prepare a special mixture of gasoline (preferably AI-92), to which two-stroke oil is added in the required proportion. The proportions are usually indicated on the container. When working, lubricate the chain with oil for easy cutting and quick removal of sawdust. One tank of oil is enough for two tanks of the fuel mixture.

It is also recommended to use chain oil for the saw. One filling provides 40-50 minutes of work. If the chain gets stuck, stop the engine, raise or change the position of the log. The main thing is not to pull the tool in order to release the chain. This can cause serious damage.

Working capabilities and power

Saws are considered by many to be lightweight and compact. However, a saw is a household tool, and a chainsaw is a more professional type of tool, therefore, with almost the same weight and dimensions, professional and semi-professional chainsaws will be much more powerful than any household saw.

The chainsaw is used more often when working with wood that is characterized by high density or thickness. And for simple construction work, a saw is more suitable. The difference will be, and the operating time of the saws. The saw works for 15-20 minutes with a break for engine cooling, and chainsaws can work without interruption up to 8 hours.

Which is better: electric or chainsaw?

Sooner or later, any summer resident or owner of his own house on earth thinks about buying a reliable saw. He immediately has a question. Which is better: electric or chainsaw? It is quite possible to make a stool, cut dry branches or perform some other simple work with a hacksaw or an ax. However, where these types of tools cannot cope, electric and chainsaws are taken up. The only question is which saw is better. You can find out by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both tools.