Chainsaws are machines whose use, despite being widespread in certain sectors and activities, is not so widespread in DIY. Although the possibilities they can offer are many.
For this reason, I have decided to write this article in order to convey, or at least try to, the DIY enthusiast that a chainsaw is just another tool, forming part of our workshop team.
Therefore, below we will see, by way of introduction, without going too deeply, the existing types, their maintenance, and a possible selection.
Definition
A chainsaw or chain saw is a portable machine made up of a set of cutting teeth, linked together like a chain. This set of teeth is driven at high speed by a motor, which can be combustion (2-stroke) or electric.
It is normally used in the lumber industry, agriculture, and gardening, for tasks such as cutting logs, felling trees, or trimming bushes.
Although it is also used in the field of DIY, for example, for carving wood sculptures, certain cuts that would not be possible with another type of saw,…
Without going any further, we recently cut a pine log lengthwise. Below is the link to this project in case you want to see it Resin and solid wood table.
types of chainsaws
Within the main types of chainsaws, we can talk about three.
On the one hand, we have the 2-stroke chainsaws, which run on gasoline.
Electric chainsaws, which work connected to the electric current. And they have a power that normally ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 watts.
And battery-powered chainsaws, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries, and typically come equipped with 18- to 36-volt batteries.
The first ones are much noisier than the other two, but they also tend to have more power.
For generic DIY tasks, electric or battery-powered chainsaws are usually used, since their weight, vibration level and noise level are lower than those of gasoline.
chainsaw parts
Chainsaws have two different zones. On the one hand, the motor group and, on the other, the cutting mechanism.
Below we will see, in a generic way, the main parts of chainsaws.
- Sword, which acts as a guide on which the chain slides and rotates.
- Lubrication system, to prevent the tool from overheating.
- A handle that allows you to hold the tool, as well as protect your hand.
- chain tensioner
- Control on the left side, which allows to control the operation.
- Idle pawl, which stops the chain when decelerating.
- Security chain.
- Chain catcher, whose function is to collect the chain inside the casing, in case of a sudden cut.
- Protective plate for the hand.
- Special chain brake. In case of kickback, it stops the tool automatically.
- Chain catcher that blocks it in case it slows down.
- And an anti-vibration system.
Choice of chainsaw
The choice of a chainsaw is no less complicated than the choice of any other tool or any item in any field. The reason for this is the enormous existing offer, which includes countless brands, models, technical characteristics, …
Well, for the preparation of this article, after the work carried out in research and documentation, we have found a brand whose quality/price ratio is excellent. It’s about Echo.
What’s more, we have done the tedious task of searching, comparing and choosing a multitude of chainsaws for you, reducing the selection to just the three that appear in the following image.
You can see the characteristics of these three tools, or more if you want, in the comparison of the best chainsaws.
Maintenance
Finally, we have to talk about the maintenance of the machine, since an adequate and uncomplicated maintenance will allow a long useful life of our chainsaw.
Therefore, we have to take into account the following:
Lubrication
Chainsaws, whatever their type, need to have both the bar and the chain lubricated. The oil used for this is a special oil that reduces, as far as possible, its expulsion due to centrifugal force.
In the case of 2-stroke chainsaws, it is also necessary that the engine be lubricated with the type of oil indicated by the manufacturer.
chain status
The teeth tend to deteriorate prematurely, when they come into contact with metal, stones or earth, which is very common when doing agricultural work.
Cleaning
Dirt such as dust and chips accumulate in the air filter, so it must be cleaned frequently to prevent it from clogging, making it possible for the engine to continue breathing.
The chain and the bar are also the areas that receive the most dirt, so they must be cleaned at the end of the work day.
