FAQ Choosing a chain saw and the basics of its operation. Buying a good chainsaw: basic rules and nuances

The chainsaw has long become a faithful assistant to man. Wherever you need to fell a tree, cut it into pieces, saw off branches, prepare logs or timber for construction work, you can hear the characteristic sound of the engine and the squeal of the saw. Few households will not have this simple and reliable tool. The chainsaw even became the heroine of a whole series of horror films. There are hundreds of devices on the market from dozens of companies - how can you choose the right chainsaw for your home?

Types and main indicators (parameters and functions) of chainsaws

There are several types of chainsaws

Household ones are used in the construction of small wooden buildings - sheds or gazebos, pruning garden trees, sawing trunks for firewood, etc. Such a low-power device is made from inexpensive materials and has the most simple design, and can withstand an hour or two of use per day. The price of such devices is low.
Semi-professional chainsaws are a more serious unit. They can be used in building houses, felling thin trees, and trimming branches in logging operations. These models are more powerful and can work continuously for several hours. They cost significantly more than household ones.
Professional devices are powerful, more than 5 liters. With. engine made from the best materials and are designed for continuous operation for at least eight hours. They also have a longer tire and a larger fuel tank. They are used in logging. Their resource is several times greater than that of household devices.

The chain pitch is the distance between adjacent chain teeth; the performance of the device depends on it. Larger pitches are used in professional powerful devices; they have a higher cutting speed, but also higher vibration. Performance is also related to chain width. It varies from 1 mm for the lightest household devices to 5 mm for professional powerful units. When purchasing a spare chain, in addition to its length, you must also check its width.

Tires and tool safety

The length of the bar determines the maximum cutting depth. Typically, household models are equipped with tires of 25-40 cm, while professional models can have a tire up to a meter.

The engine power and torque must match the length of the tire.

Despite the technical possibility of installing a long bar from a semi-professional saw on a household model, this should not be done: constant overload of a weak motor will lead to increased wear and failure.

All models are equipped with security systems. If a dangerous situation arises, to stop the chain, it is enough to push the special lever with the back of the hand holding the handle. The inertia brake will work and the chain will stop in a split second, before it can cause any damage. To choose a safe unit, you need to check the ease of movement of the lever and the time it takes for the chain to completely stop.

Which chainsaw to choose for your dacha?

There is no single answer to this question, since there are no two identical people and no two identical dachas. Everyone has their own needs, their own list and volume of planned use. The best choice of chainsaw will be different in each specific case.

To choose a chainsaw for your dacha, you need to decide what types of activities will be carried out at this dacha. A good chainsaw is not necessarily the most powerful or the most expensive. It is more important that its resource matches your tasks and physical capabilities.

Work productivity is important when you have a large amount of work to do. And when periodically pruning trees and shrubs, the light weight of the device will be more important, which you will have to carry around the entire garden, cut from ladders and at outstretched arms.

Household chainsaws

If you need to choose a chainsaw to occasionally work in the garden for occasional garden work or to cut logs for firewood, then best chainsaw- This is a household model.

They have a small recommended monthly service life of 20-30 hours. Its small size and weight will allow an elderly person, woman or teenager to use the device without getting tired. This is the best chainsaw for the home. The use of a low-profile chain allows vibration to be reduced to a minimum, which makes it even easier to use the chain saw for home use.

Semi-professional chainsaws

Semi-professional class models have more power, but also larger dimensions, weight and fuel consumption.

It makes sense to choose a chainsaw of this level if you have a medium-sized construction project, cutting down thin trees, or cutting them for firewood.

It is important not to forget that the maximum continuous operation time should not exceed several hours, as indicated in the product data sheet.

It is reasonable to choose a chainsaw of this type - powerful, heavy and voracious - if you are building a large log house or if you are laying down thick trees over a large area.

Without a break, such a professional-class unit can work for over 8 hours, the motor power reaches 12 hp. s., and the tire is slightly shorter than a full meter.

These reliable chainsaws have a service life three times greater than that of household devices.

But they also cost several, or even several tens of times more.

Characteristics and general characteristics of chainsaws

Engine power determines other performance characteristics, such as:

depth of cut;
cutting speed;
tire runout.

Significant characteristics of the degree of operational safety are:

kickback protection;
vibration protection.

Chainsaw tires

The longer the bar, the thicker the wood you can cut. The motor power must be sufficient for this.

The following types of tires are widely used:

narrow, used on low-power household units;
lightweight, assembled from two strips of steel connected by a layer of polyamide;
elongated, used on powerful units for cutting thick trees.

Chainsaw chain

To successfully select a device, study the circuit parameters.

The thickness of the chain must correspond to the thickness of the tire; chains with a thickness of 1 to 5 mm are used. The chain pitch, or distance between its teeth, is 0.3 inches for low-power tools and reaches 0.5 inches for high-power professional machines.

Chainsaw kickback protection

When the end of the tire hits the surface of a tree, a sharp jerk to the side may occur. Of great importance in this case is the ability to instantly stop the chain. The inertia brake is activated by a lever located next to the handle. During the jerk, the hand rests on the lever and the brake is activated.

Chainsaw anti-vibration protection

Prolonged exposure to vibration has a harmful effect on all systems of the human body.

To choose the right tool for long-term work, you need to check whether it has a vibration protection system.

To do this, elastic shock absorbers are installed on the saw between the handles and the body of the machine.

The chainsaw engine is its heart, and in the same way needs to be treated with care. When purchasing, plan for appropriate care and periodic maintenance.

Modern engines are sensitive to the quality of fuel and oil poured into them. And if Ural and Druzhba agree to run on 76 gasoline and M6 oil, then for imported models it will be cheaper to buy the gasoline and oil that are indicated in the user manual. Repair and replacement of components will definitely cost more.

The same applies to periodic replacement of spark plugs and fuel filters.

How to choose a chainsaw based on price and quality

To choose the right chainsaw, you should read thematic forums and user reviews about which brand they used in certain specific conditions.

A lot of good reviews, for example, there is about the Taiga-246 model. This is a good choice if you are looking for a budget unit for a variety of applications. The Ural series of chainsaws is suitable if you need a powerful, professional machine. Unfortunately, there are many complaints about domestic manufacturers regarding the reliability of their products.

If we take into account the price-quality ratio, then the more expensive, but also more reliable Makita and Husqvarna come out ahead. These companies produce fairly light and compact amateur models with low vibration levels and very modest fuel and oil consumption. The high-quality materials and modern design solutions used in their production ensure high reliability and make gardening easy, safe and convenient. Such models will cost up to 20 thousand rubles.

Saws from Johnsered and Shtil companies can be considered leaders in terms of reliability and service life. They also lead in price - up to 30 thousand rubles.

To choose a saw and not regret your choice, remember that a break-in period is required before starting work use.

The engine should run at low speeds for half an hour to an hour so that its parts get used to each other better and the lubrication gaps between the parts reach the design values, ensuring a reliable and constant supply of oil in all operating modes. If you immediately give full throttle, the scuffs formed on the rubbing steam will significantly reduce the service life of the engine and the chainsaw as a whole.

Of the variety of models offered on the Russian market, both budget and the most expensive models find their buyers. Based on the results of consumer preferences, the following analysis was carried out:

Stihl is one of the recognized technology leaders. This company was the first to market hand saw with electric drive. Shtil and its subsidiaries produce a very wide range of gasoline-powered mobile devices - chainsaws, motor drills, lawn mowers, trimmers, etc. It makes sense to choose this company if you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use and productive chainsaw in any category - from household to professional , including specialized equipment for rescue operations. Price range from 16 tr. for amateur models up to tens and even hundreds of thousands for professional and specialized ones.
Husqvarna is a company from Sweden, the oldest on the market. Today it has the largest market share in household equipment and supplies. The company's products are distinguished by high quality and reliability of even the most inexpensive amateur instruments. Price range - from 14 thousand rubles. for an amateur series and from 30 tr. for professional.
Dolmar is a German concern that is part of the Makita group of companies. He also owns the Kab Cadet trademark. You should be careful - semi-professional saws of these brands cost from 25 thousand rubles. are produced in Japan and Europe, but amateur models cost from 11 thousand rubles. assembled in China.
Champion is a fairly new manufacturer on the market from China, offering a wide range of gasoline and electric garden tools, motor drills and saws. At very affordable price amateur devices up to 20 tr. The quality of Chinese chainsaws is more than satisfactory.
Patriot is a US manufacturer, but all production is located in China. The quality is quite acceptable, but you have to be aware that for 8-15 tr. the saw can only be made from inexpensive materials. This significantly limits the resource of the device, and they can be considered as household, but not professional equipment.
Partner is the Chinese subsidiary of Husqvarna. Advanced design solutions of the parent company and the Swedish quality control system implemented in Chinese factories make it possible to ensure high quality even for inexpensive amateur machines at prices ranging from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. However, resource limitations are exactly the same as for Patriot products.
Hyundai, a South Korean industrial giant famous for its auto products and consumer electronics, also plays a role in the tools market. Their chainsaws have an affordable price of 9-21 tr. have high quality engines. Cheap materials make the case rather weak.

There are dozens more manufacturers on the market, but due to low sales volumes, experimenting with purchasing their products can be risky.

Chainsaw attachments

The design of a chainsaw motor, developed over a century, capable of stable operation on a wide variety of slopes, except perhaps in the “upside down” position, has given rise to many ideas for using this reliable drive for various additional work.

The following is connected to the working shaft:

Petrol cutter attachment for cutting stone, concrete and other durable materials.
Debarker - Disc allows you to make grooves in a log or timber, leveling the curvature of the surface). The drum allows you to debark trunks, cut down branches, branches and burrs.
A motor pump connected to the working shaft through a pulley system. Particularly convenient and safe for pumping water in conditions where there is no power supply, for example, in flooded areas.
Motor auger - in winter, when there is nothing special to cut with a chainsaw, it can be converted into an indispensable assistant for ensuring ice fishing.
Motor winch - here the scope of improvement work will be one of the most serious. It will be necessary to make a reliable frame, mount on it an engine, a gearbox, a gear system, a winch drum with a reliable stopper, and controls. In addition, it will be necessary to design and manufacture devices for attaching the winch frame to tree trunks, drive-in anchors, or to a counterweight of sufficient mass to perform lifting and transport operations. You will also need to purchase reliable cables, hooks and other slinging equipment.
Boat motor - the design was first developed after the Second World War in Indochina. The fishermen there couldn't afford it boat motors, but they could afford a chainsaw. And they adapted it as an engine for their boats. A long bamboo pole was placed on the working shaft and lowered into the water at a slight angle. And at the other end they placed a wooden screw. Such parts did not last long, but were quickly replaced. In our conditions they use metal pipe, gearbox and propeller from an old outboard motor. This device makes it possible to reach speeds of up to 10-15 km/h; up to a liter of fuel will be consumed per hour.

There are also ideas for converting a chainsaw into a snow blower, power station, moped, go-kart, buggy, snowmobile, snowmobile and even a mini-helicopter. The authors of all these exotic designs need to remember what time of continuous operation is permissible for the used saw, and interrupt their journey in a timely manner to cool the engine. In addition, homemade vehicles are prohibited from being used on public roads and in airspace outside specially designated areas. Everyone can choose a way to additionally use a chainsaw in accordance with their needs and technical capabilities

Possible problems

The most common problems with gasoline devices:

Do not start the engine. You should check the gasoline level. If there is enough gasoline, you need to clean the fuel filters and a special sump, and blow out the gasoline hose. Check the condition of the spark plug and clean it from carbon deposits. On modern engines, it is impossible to check for the presence of a spark by shorting the high-voltage wire to the housing.
Business interruptions. It is possible that water may get into the fuel. In this case, you should replace the fuel with high-quality fuel. It is also possible that the cylinder jacket to the crankcase is loosened; the nuts should be tightened more tightly.
Motor overheating. Clean the slots in the air radiator jacket. Check the percentage of oil in the fuel using the table in the owner's manual.

You should not try to fix the remaining faults yourself if you are not sure that you have sufficient skills, but contact service center. Unqualified self-repair can completely disable the unit, and no warranty will be valid in this case.

Saws are used in all areas of industry, as well as in everyday life. The choice depends on the complexity and volume of work.

How to choose a saw

When choosing any type of saw, you should consider the following characteristics:

engine power (both electric and gasoline saws), it determines how efficiently the tool can cope with the loads;
rotation speed of the cutting blade for circular saws;
mechanism for maintaining constant rotation speed under load;
for chain saws important characteristic there will be the length of the tire (the size of the workpiece being processed depends on it);
operating time with a fully charged battery for cordless saws (the higher the battery voltage, the longer time operation of the tool at the same capacity);

weight of the tool (the most powerful saws have more weight, but it is impossible to work with a heavy saw for a long time);
protective mechanisms (increase work safety);
manufacturer (well-known brands are much more expensive, but are distinguished by high quality workmanship and reliability);
additional functions (laser pointer, device for extracting sawdust, soft start of the electric motor);
How convenient is it to make adjustments to the tool (the more various adjustments, the more functionality the tool has);
depth of cut and possibility of immersion (for circular saws);
ease of use (for hand tools);
required voltage for electric saws (220 W for household and 380 W for some industrial devices).

When choosing a tool, do not pay attention to:

Lack of spare disks for circular saws or chains for chainsaws included with the tool. These materials are consumables and can be easily purchased separately.
Length electrical cord for an electric tool, if the other characteristics are completely satisfactory.
Unprepossessing appearance (the tool is meant to be used, not shown off at an exhibition).
Lack of tires included with plunge-cut saws, since they are easy to select yourself.

In cases where you need to cut one or two bars, you can use a manual one. But if you need to make a large number of cuts, then you should use a cordless saw.

Using pre-charged batteries will extend the time, and the absence of unnecessary wires will ensure comfortable work.

TO benefits relate:

simplest maintenance;
low noise;
high maneuverability;

Cons are:

high cost compared to a network tool;
gradual decrease in time battery life during operation;
reduced operating time at low temperatures.

Depending on your requirements, it is possible to purchase:

professional tool, capable of cutting boards of any size;
compact, designed for cutting small bars and chipboard sheets.

Chainsaws are divided into professional and household. The first ones are designed for constant large and long-term loads, for example, felling trees and sawing large diameter logs. Household ones are not suitable for serious work.

TO positive qualities Gasoline saws include source independence electric current, so you can use them both in nature and recreation, and in your household.

TO shortcomings relate:

the need to prepare a gasoline mixture;
harmful emissions;
price;
maintenance is more difficult than similar electric models;
rougher cut compared to circular saws.

Husqvarna 365 is the leader among professional chainsaws. Technical characteristics, reliability and ease of use ensured a leading position in the rating.

The maximum tire length of 75 cm with a motor power of 3400 W allows you to cut almost any log without jamming.

Stihl MS 260 refers to gender professional models and can compete in performance with professional models, despite its lower weight and power.

Like household saws, it is best used for sawing small logs for firewood and construction work. The engine power (2400 W) and the length of the bar (40 cm) will allow you to cut large diameter logs, but you should not constantly use it for this.

Household gasoline saw Makita EA3203S-40 Suitable for small-scale work in the country or for repairs.

If necessary, you can even prepare firewood, but you should not forget that the 1350 W motor is not designed for constant loads.

Circular saws are conventionally divided into professional ones, which are capable of cutting even oak boards, and household ones, which are not recommended to be overloaded. The cutting accuracy of this tool is much higher than that of chain saws.

Both battery-powered saws (they are not very powerful and cannot operate for a long time without charging the battery) and powered saws are used.

The main advantage is considered to be clean and smooth cut for longitudinal cutting of boards and timber.

When using circular saws, you cannot cut along a curved line; this is a disadvantage.

It is worth highlighting three models that are leaders in their classes:

Of the budget semi-professional models, the most functional Bosch PKS. Its advantages include high rotation speed (4500 rpm), spindle locking, the presence of an outlet for connecting a vacuum cleaner, and reliability.

However, there are also disadvantages inherent in most budget models: a weak motor (600 W), one rotation speed and a small cutting disc diameter (130 mm).

For home use, this model is the best choice for a relatively low price.

Makita SP6000 Set recommended for people who constantly work with sawing boards, sheet materials.

A soft start system, enhanced user protection from the impact of the cutting disc, power of 1300 W, adjustable engine speed (up to 5200 rpm), connection of a vacuum cleaner and electronic engine protection are the advantages of this model.

There are no disadvantages, except for the price, but a professional tool is always more expensive than a household one, so if you use it frequently, it’s worth purchasing this model.

You can save money by purchasing a saw from a lesser-known Russian manufacturer. ELITECH PD 1255P 14 should be used for cutting wooden workpieces at an angle, sheet materials, including aluminum.

It is a plunge-cut saw, so it can be used to cut into a tabletop, cut out a rotten section of the floor, or make grooves in the required places.

Impressive specifications allow you to compete with more well-known brands: power 1200 W, 5500 rpm, adjustable cutting depth, connection to a vacuum cleaner and user protection.

High noise and lack of a laser pointer are disadvantages.

Conventionally, electric chainsaws are divided into professional, semi-professional and household. Professional equipment is used in industry; due to its high price, it is rarely purchased for work around the house or garden.

For construction and housework that requires frequent use without heavy loads, semi-professional equipment is used. Household ones will allow you to cut firewood, cut boards, timber, even foam concrete.

The correct choice of tool determines how comfortable it is to work with and whether it will cope with the tasks.

This tool competes with gasoline saws, thanks to a number of advantages In front of them:

the noise level is lower than that of gasoline analogues;
no exhaust gases;
There is no need to maintain the engine during operation;
not required fuel mixture;
light weight;
the price, compared to gasoline saws with similar characteristics, is lower.

In addition to positive qualities, there are also negative:

short operating time of battery models;
the presence of a cord requires increased caution when working.

Makita UC4030A is a representative of a professional tool with a power of 2 kW with a bus length of 40 cm. Powered only from the electrical network.

It stands out for its low weight, easy adjustment of chain tension, high-quality assembly and low price with good performance.

Smooth start, user protection, chain brake ensure safe operation.

Among semi-professional models, she stands out Bosch AKE 30 S. The 1800 W motor, weight 3.6 kg with a bar length of 30 cm provide maneuverability and allow you to make cuts with one hand.

The SDS system makes chain tensioning easier.

Has the best price/quality ratio Interskol PC-16/2000TN.

Motor power 2,000 W, tire length 40 cm and weight 6 kg.

Unlike other brands, it does not stand out for its quiet operation or engine power, but its low price, high performance, the presence of protective devices and slightly worse workmanship have determined its place in the market.

The tool is designed for cutting large diameter holes in concrete walls, wood, stainless steel and other materials. All hole saws have a pilot drill that allows you to accurately drill the center.

Collapsible models are available, allowing the use of saws of several diameters on one guide, and non-dismountable models.

When choosing a tool, it is important to consider the nature of the work.

If you need a large number of holes of different diameters, then you should give preference to a collapsible tool.

In cases where you need to make many holes of the same diameter, it is cheaper to purchase a non-separable hole saw.

Be sure to know exactly what material you will be working with, since a saw designed for concrete will not be suitable for drilling metal or wood.

Large holes are required when laying pipes, installing electrical equipment, and making furniture.

It is difficult to obtain straight edges when using another tool, so hole saws are widely used both in industry and in everyday life.

There are many kits available for professionals that provide the necessary results when working with various materials:

Bimetal kits IRVIN made from a combination of two metals. High-alloy tool steel is used to manufacture the cutting part, ensuring durability and reliability.

Designed for cutting holes in steel, aluminum and zinc workpieces.

For work on wood, plastic and chipboard, it is worth purchasing a brand kit KRAFTOOL. The sets are available in various configurations, so choosing the right one will not be difficult.
Professional concrete kits of the highest quality and durability are produced BAHCO. Recommended for people who are constantly engaged in work on laying communications.

Band saw machines are designed for processing wood, chipboard sheets, plastic, and metal.

Unlike circular and chain saws, they allow you to make shaped cuts, which expands the scope of application. The working tool (saw) is ring-shaped, with a serrated edge on one side.

Structurally, band saws differ:

according to the width of the canvas;
by composition (the canvas can be homogeneous or consist of hardened teeth and a soft body).

Band sawing machines are divided into:

professional (stationary) models designed for large volumes of work;
semi-professional (desktop), which are used for small industries;
household (manual), intended for use without excessive loads.

In addition, depending on the scope of use, there are:

vertical band saws (the plane of the cutting tool is located perpendicular to the table), which have become widespread in woodworking;
horizontal ones are used for cutting the largest workpieces, logs of any rigidity;
manual.

Compared to any other types of saws, band saw equipment has the following advantages:

the resulting slice does not require further processing;
the width of the resulting cut is smaller than that of chain and circular saws, which ensures material savings;
workpiece sizes and processing speed are higher than other types of saws;
operator safety ensured by the fact that there is no need to hold the tool in your hands;
cuts of workpieces can be made oblique, straight, curly, at a given angle;
professional models are fully automated, which ensures feeding and cutting of the workpiece without operator assistance.

The disadvantages of band saws include:

cannot be used outside of an electrical current source;
the need to periodically remove the cutting blade to relieve fatigue stress and sharpen.

A professional tool suitable for small workshops is WoodTec LS With a machine power of 2.2 kW, it can handle workpieces with a height of 280 mm, allowing for cuts of 0.7 mm for a width of up to 460 mm.

In addition, this machine works with corner and curved cuts. There is a sawdust outlet, convenient saw tension, and adjustable speed. Angle cuts are made by tilting the work table at an angle of up to 45 degrees.

The best quality household tool is the band saw. Makita 2107FW.

Power 710 W, cutting width and height 210 mm, weight 5.7 kg, and a set of additional functions allow it to be used for sawing both sheet materials and timber, boards, and plastic of appropriate sizes.

A functional semi-professional tool is Gongyou Group MJ.

Engine power 7.5 kW, automatic feeding, cutting height 200 mm, processing width 500 mm, quick adjustment to a different size and feed speed provided the machine with positive recommendations.

For home use, in addition to hand-held circular saws, tabletop circular saws are used. They are designed to produce an even cut along the entire length of the workpiece.

Unlike hand-held circular saws, when cutting, the tool does not move; all actions are performed by the workpiece.

Compared to hand or stationary power tools, table saws have the following advantages: advantages:

safer to use;
perform cuts more accurately;
equipped with a frame that allows material to pass along its entire length;
the depth of the cut is adjusted using the object table;
Compared to stationary machines, transportation is much easier.

Flaws:

a figured cutout is not provided due to design features;
dependence on sources of electric current.

BOSCH PTS 10 wins in functionality. Cutting up to 75 mm, speed 5000 rpm, the presence of guides and the ability to cut at a given angle will allow you to enjoy the operation of the machine.
ELITECH SR 1221 significantly exceeds the price range. It has a full range of functions of branded machines. The small diameter of the blade, which does not allow sawing workpieces thicker than 45 mm, limits its use.
BOSCH GTS 10 XC Professional equipped with all possible basic and additional functions, can be used in industry. The only downside is the price.

The main difference from circular saws is the presence of a mechanism that allows you to adjust the immersion of the cutting disc into the material.

To choose the right plunge-cut saw, you need to evaluate the following characteristics:

ease of use (to determine it, just hold the tool in your hands);
electric motor power;
speed and the presence of their adjustment;
difficulty of setting (the easier the immersion depth is set, the faster the work will be done);
presence of a soft start system;
range of cutting disc diameters;
weight in working order.

Advantages plunge-cut saws:

the accuracy of material processing is higher than that of other types;
possibility of making internal cuts and cutouts.

Main shortcomings are:

high, compared to other types of hand tools, price range;
difficulty in processing parts.

Makita SP 6000 stands out for its high degree of user protection (the cutting part is completely covered with a casing) and low weight. It is a semi-professional tool, so it can be used in small industries.

It has a smooth start, a system for maintaining and adjusting speed, convenient adjustment of immersion, and it is possible to make cuts at an angle. The only drawback is the price.

INTERSKOL PP-165/1300EM– an inexpensive model with many functions. Engine power and functionality are not inferior to branded models. Disadvantages - increased noise, lack of a guide bar included.
Professional models designed for work in production include BOSCH GKT 55 GCE601.675.001.

The advantages of the model are high quality workmanship and reliability with a full range of functions. Disadvantages: price and weight of the tool.

Universal saws are designed for sawing sheet materials such as plasterboard, ceramics, stone, chipboard, fiberboard. The design allows you to make shaped cuts, despite the fact that the cutting tool is a disk.

Advantages of universal saws:

closed cutting disc;
adjustable cutting depth;
tool weight;
price.

Flaws:

low power, which does not allow working with thick materials;
low cutting accuracy;
no possibility of corner cuts;
minimum set of functions.

BOSCH PKS 16 Multi allows you to make cuts up to 16 mm deep. Among household tools, it stands out for its high quality of workmanship, ease of disc replacement, automatic system maintaining speed, reliability.
Vector VDMP-810 refers to a semi-professional instrument of domestic production. Possible use in small industries and at home, since the price of the saw is lower than that of branded analogues.
Advantages STURM CS5060MS is battery type and low price range. Not intended for use in industry, but in everyday life it can become an indispensable assistant.

Circular saws are powerful devices for processing wood, plastic and other sheet materials. Used in industry, with the exception of low-power models. Divided into three types:

Professional. They have the greatest power, are designed for constant operation, and consume a lot of electricity.
Household. Powered by a 220 V electrical network. Suitable for small workshops or home use.
Semi-professional. More compact than professional ones, they have a smaller set of functions. Can be used in workshops or at home. They are characterized by a large range of functions and a relatively high cost.

Metabo TKHS 315 M stands out from a number of semi-professional models used in industry due to the highest quality of workmanship.

Powered by three-phase network 380 V, motor power 3 kW. Equipped with a device for feeding the workpiece, a closed motor, and a soft start system.

Dewalt DW729KN A professional device with a high degree of operator protection, adapted for continuous work.

Console control of the cutting disc. The set of functions allows you to cut workpieces at the desired angle from any point. It is not used in everyday life due to its high price and weight.

Inexpensive household devices powered from a 220 V network include Hitachi C 10 RE. Used in small-scale production or at home. This machine is multifunctional at an affordable price.

The question of buying a chain saw sooner or later arises for any owner of a private household, and usually this means an electric saw. Electric chainsaws are inferior to gasoline chainsaws in performance and autonomy, but significantly improve in ease of maintenance and use.

However, builders also often take an electric saw in addition to a gasoline saw - for small volumes of work it is more convenient, and working conditions sometimes do not allow the use of a chainsaw.

In stores today, the buyer is offered a wide range of models of electric saws in a wide range of prices and characteristics. To get the right tool for your money, you need to understand how each of these features affects the usability, performance, and safety of the saw.

Electric chain saw device

Despite the external diversity, all electric chain saws are designed the same way. The housing (1) houses an electric motor (2) that rotates the drive sprocket (3). The sprocket drives a toothed saw chain (4) running along a guide bar (5). On the rear handle (6) of the saw there is a power button (7), in front of the front handle (8) there is a protective shield (9), which is also an emergency brake. On the front of the body there is a row of stop teeth (10) that facilitate sawing.

Areas of application for electric chain saws

The chain saw is used wherever there is a large volume of sawing work:

Firewood procurement;

Carpentry;

Construction works;

Dismantling wooden buildings and designs.

Some people use a chain saw to trim the limbs, although it is better to use a reciprocating saw for this task - it is both more convenient and safer.

Characteristics of electric chain saws

The more power saw, the higher its productivity and the faster it will cut the same timber. But this does not mean that you should choose a saw that is as powerful as possible. Power saws are heavier and significantly more expensive, so choose a saw based on the task at hand.

If you plan to cut thick logs (30 cm or more in diameter), then you will need a saw with a long bar and a power of 2 kW or more.

If such tasks are not expected, a power of 1500 - 2000 W will be quite enough.

Saws with a power of less than 1500 W are only suitable for sawing small parts and trimming branches.

Engine location can be longitudinal and transverse. With a transverse arrangement, the drive sprocket is located directly on the engine axis - the design is simpler, more reliable and cheaper. But with this arrangement, the engine protrudes strongly to the side, which can lead to certain inconveniences - such a saw is more difficult to operate in cramped conditions. In addition, due to the uneven distribution of weight, it can be pulled to the side during operation.

Saws with a longitudinal arrangement do not have these disadvantages, but are more expensive.

Tire length determines the maximum cutting depth. The longer the tire, the thicker the log or timber can be cut. Of course, if the length of the bus is supported by the appropriate power.

Buying a saw famous manufacturer, you don’t have to think about it - a company that values its reputation will not equip a low-power saw with a long bar. But if there are doubts about the correspondence between the length of the bus and the power, then you should be guided by the fact that the optimal power for a 40 cm bus is 2 kW, 35 cm is 1800 W. Saws with lower power are usually equipped with a 30 cm bar.

Bar groove width determines the thickness of the guide elements of the saw chain and characterizes the strength and wear resistance of the chain. For household saws not intended for high loads, saw chains with thin guides are used.

Chains experiencing high loads have thicker guide elements.

Chain pitch is called half the distance between any three rivets. The chain pitch determines the length of the chain teeth and affects the performance of the saw and the cleanliness of the cut.

The chain pitch must be matched to the engine power: a large pitch provides more performance, but requires more power. In addition, the larger the teeth (the larger the pitch), the rougher the cut, the stronger the vibration of the tool and the greater the adhesion of the chain to the material being cut - when wedging, such a chain is more likely to cause the tool to slip out of your hands.

Step in 1/4" (6.3 mm) ensures maximum accuracy and cleanliness of the cut and is used only in miniature saws.

Step 3/8" (9.3 mm) provides acceptable performance and is used in most household saws.

Step 0.375" (9.5 mm) used on powerful electric saws that require maximum performance.

Maximum chain speed affects the performance of the saw - the higher the speed, the faster it will cut. Of course, only if the engine power allows you to maintain a high speed under load - when choosing among saws with different speeds and power, the choice should be made based on power. The high speed of a low-power saw under load will be greatly reduced, and the advantage will disappear.

Chain tension mechanism. Saw chain during operation it is stretched, so that it does not start to fly off the tire, it must be tightened. On models with instrumental With a chain tensioning mechanism, this must be done using a separate tool, most often a screwdriver.

Toolless the mechanism allows you to tighten the chain manually by turning the tension regulator on the body.

Powering the device. There are also cordless chainsaws. They combine the simplicity, convenience and safety of using corded chain saws with the autonomy of gasoline ones. Unfortunately, cordless saws are much more expensive, have less power and a short operating time on one battery (20-40 minutes). In addition, with the same power, a cordless saw will be heavier.

When you decide to purchase a cordless saw, pay attention to the characteristics of the batteries: their voltage indirectly indicates the power of the saw (the higher the voltage, the more powerful), and the capacity indicates the duration of operation without charging.

Also note that most cordless saws are sold without a battery and charger, which can cost close to the cost of the saw itself.

Electric chain saw safety

A chain saw is a dangerous tool. Careless handling can result in serious injury or even death. Therefore, it is extremely important that the saw has all the options to ensure operator safety while working.

All electric saws are equipped with a chain brake lever that stops the chain when it hits your hand. But the workmanship of this element is different manufacturers may vary. Before purchasing, you should check the operation of the chain brake - the lever should snap off with a slight force on it. Before starting work, be sure to ensure that releasing the lever causes the chain to stop immediately. The author of the guide personally observed a Chinese chainsaw, the release of the brake lever on which did not in any way affect its performance.

Blocking from accidental activation allows you to block the power button and guarantees that the tool will not turn on if the button is accidentally pressed.

Overrun brake stops the chain when the tool is turned off. If the saw does not have this option, after turning off the tool, the chain continues to move by inertia for some time - this may be enough to cause injury.

Anti-vibration reduces vibration load on hands and increases tool safety

Don't skimp on chain saw safety. If you buy a cheap screwdriver of dubious quality, in the worst case you will lose the money you paid for it. And in the case of a chain saw, excessive savings can lead to loss of health or life.

Choices

For trimming branches and cutting them into firewood from trees, a lightweight, low-power one is suitable. chain Saw.

For confident work with medium-sized trees and for most construction work, the optimal choice would be a medium-power saw with a 30-35 cm bar.

To cut thick logs you will need a powerful saw with a bar of 40 cm or more.

This time the main character will be a chain saw. Chainsaws were originally used for felling and sawing trees. But over time, they began to be used more and more often different stages construction. Two separate classes of this unique tool have appeared that do not compete, but rather complement each other - gasoline and electric. Read more about the features specific type chain saws, criteria for choosing a particular model.

At the turn of the century, our brigade reached new level, we started construction and reconstruction of cottages. Many new types of work have been added, and the usual set of tools used in finishing is no longer enough. It so happened that for the construction of roofs, installation of floors, construction of frame load-bearing structures In the vast majority of cases we use wood - beams of a decent cross-section. A circular machine solves a number of problems, but not all of them. The disc can make a cut to a limited depth; it is not possible to “crawl” everywhere with such a tool; it is difficult to cut at non-standard angles (for example, cutting rafters for hip roofing systems). The first roof was assembled using a circular saw, and we felt that it could be better. In addition, very often before starting construction it is necessary to thoroughly clean the site and remove all old trees. So, the need has arisen to purchase a chain saw.

The question immediately arose of what to take: an electric or gasoline unit. Having studied practical experience seasoned builders, they came to the conclusion that both were needed, fortunately there was no acute shortage of finances, and it was not necessary to choose one or the other. Gasoline saw planned to use it for felling trees and continuously cutting a large number of similar workpieces - posts, rafters, beams. The fact is that a saw with an internal combustion engine has greater productivity compared to electric one same power. She can work all day without stopping. An absolute advantage is the autonomy of the chainsaw; there is no electricity at the construction site, but we are working. An electric saw is a more delicate thing in some ways. She will deal with us more subtle ones, carpentry work, associated with periodic switching on/off - for example, precise cutting of rafters. Everything fits here - it’s not entirely logical for a chainsaw to “blink” with enviable frequency, but an electric saw is always ready to work, you just need to press a button. Moreover, it requires mandatory stops to cool the motor winding; you cannot saw with it continuously - either the thermal protection will work, or, in the case of a cheap Chinese tool, the insulation on the armature will melt, a short circuit will occur, and “everything is lost.” Occasionally the chain saw will be used indoors, here there is only “electricity” - no noise, no exhaust.

Oleo-Mac GS 35

First, I purchased an Oleo-Mac GS 35. The choice of this model was determined by several factors. The first thing that attracted me was famous name a manufacturer that has proven itself to be excellent. The second is the price. While Husqvarna and Stihl certainly make excellent saws, mostly premium ones, and they ask for decent money for their products, the Italians are more focused on household and “farm” saws in the mid-price range; their price/quality ratio is considered the best. The GS 35 was conceived by the developers as an inexpensive tool for felling trees and sawing small diameters, as well as for construction work (for me, it was just what the doctor ordered).

The tool is compact, lightweight, the chainsaw weighs 4.4 kilograms. The controls are informative, located quite conveniently, the accelerator buttons can be easily felt, the starter control knob and the switch are combined into a single switch lever. The body has all sorts of grooved images that help you navigate through various operations and controls, which helped me a lot at first. Oleo-Mac engineers are proud of the anti-vibration system they used on this model. Three springs and rubber shock absorbers can significantly reduce vibrations, so you can cut with good accuracy, which, in my opinion, is important for construction. Access to the air filter is provided simply by unscrewing three screws; the filter itself is made of sponge material and is quite easy to clean. After changing fuel or long downtime, chainsaws usually don’t start right away, you have to suffer. This process is greatly facilitated by the “suction” function; the GS 35 has it.

The two-stroke saw engine with a volume of 39 cm3 is quite powerful, developing up to 2 hp. (1.5 kW), no lack of torque is felt. The gas tank and oil reservoir have a relatively decent volume - 0.35 and 0.26 liters, respectively, and their bodies are transparent, which makes it easy to control the level of liquids.

The saw is equipped with a relatively small tire (35 cm long), which is sufficient for my purposes. However, it should be noted that if European manufacturers offer the smallest possible bar, the Chinese are trying to make a lasting impression on a potential buyer and install the longest saw set, without worrying about the balance of “power/cutting capabilities”.

I have had some problems with this chainsaw, which is most likely due to inexperience of the operator. At first the engine stopped turning, the reason was a clogged fuel filter. The second problem is that the starter, popularly called the “shmorgalka”, broke down. The service center said that it started up incorrectly, but perhaps the reason was that this happened in cold weather of -15°C, and the plastic became too brittle. At first, it was a little annoying that the fuel mixture had to be used for two weeks - then drained, the air filter had to be cleaned several times a day, and the cylinder body and the lubrication channels of the working tire had to be constantly cleared of oily sawdust. But this general features operation of chainsaws, you quickly get used to them. Now Oleo-Mac GS 35 only makes me happy, we have found a common language. An excellent option for a builder at a price just above $200.

Gardena CST 3518

Gardena CST 3518 is our first electric assistant. This is a high-torque, silent unit that embodies the characteristics of a chainsaw and the convenience of an electric tool. The powerful motor, 1800 W, does its job perfectly; there was no need to overheat the motor. The developers have positioned it transversely, but the saw is well balanced in weight; there is no straining hands on one side - the bane of a tool with such a layout. By the way, the loaded weight of the CST 3518 is 5.5 kilograms, compare with 4.4 kg of the petrol Oleo-Mac GS 35, however, no serious problem was noticed - the operation of the chain saw on a construction site is periodic.

The body of this compact saw has a very ergonomic shape, the controls are convenient and functional, everything, as they say, is in its place. The materials from which Gardena is made seem to be the most High Quality(at least this applies to outdoors). The plastic is elastic and pleasant to the touch, there is a metal stop and a bracket for the handle, the oil reservoir (volume 0.18 liters) is transparent and has a convenient plug. In general, the Germans paid serious attention to the appearance and design, the saw is beautiful, you want to pick it up.

The manual chain tensioner in the form of two plastic nuts, which allow you to quickly perform the corresponding operation without additional tools, deserves special attention. An interesting option that has somehow become common only with electric saws. Let's just say it takes some getting used to. To prevent the chain from loosening during operation, you should VERY clearly insert it behind the sprocket. I personally like the reliable traditional version with a key and a screwdriver.

About the cutting part. The Germans were not surprised and installed on this model a 35-centimeter tire with a 3/8-inch chain and a link thickness of 1.3 mm. In short, we have a good balance between driving speed and chain features, engine power and tire characteristics. There is no need to press anywhere, the tool cuts itself.

The Gardena CST 3518 chain saw belongs to the household class, but has a set of “bells and whistles” characteristic of a professional tool. The asset includes: a perfectly working, fast inertial brake, a chain catcher, automatic supply of chain oil, a thermal relay that protects the engine from overload. The saw is convenient, functional, reliable - definitely worth the money ($150). She has been with us for four years. True, there was one problem - one part failed (I think it’s called PSh), repairs at the local service center cost $15, now everything is in order.

Matrix EK2400

Once, in a large construction supermarket, I decided to play the lottery - I bought a Matrix EK2400 saw on sale for $80. It seems like a product of a poorly promoted German brand, assembled, naturally, in China. In terms of quality, everything turned out to be quite decent, many times better than the new “pseudo-Russian” brands. The engine is located longitudinally. The declared power is 2400 W, however, it’s somehow not similar, the differences in performance from the Gardena (1.8 kW) are not noticeable, and its weight is less - 4.7 kg. This indicates that the developers were most likely lying a little. The saw is quite comfortable due to its longitudinal layout, the balance is good. There is a sensitive engine brake and an inertia chain brake. The tire is automatically lubricated, but the channel often gets clogged. According to the manufacturer, the motor winding is made with double protective insulation, which provides additional reliability. The 40cm Oregon bar is paired with a 3/8" chain as standard. The manual tensioner, like on the CST 3518, does not require the use of additional tools, but it is very capricious. It is quite difficult to regulate the chain tension with its help, although it should be just the opposite.

During two years of operation, it was also necessary to replace the “licked” PSh gear. Everything else works, although a little noisy, but without interruption. There are no small problems expected from a product from China. Let's see what happens next, in general, for infrequent use in the garden and on a construction site, it is quite an interesting option.

The practical experience gained made it possible to formulate some methods and principles for choosing a chain saw, especially from the “gasoline or electric” perspective. I present them to your attention:

For active construction, it is better to have both a gas and electric chainsaw.
Chainsaws are much more productive with the same power. They should be used for extensive continuous work produced in open space. They are irreplaceable in the absence of nearby electrical networks.
An electric saw is suitable for periodically performed construction operations, as well as not too intensive work on the site. There is no indoor alternative for them. They are much cheaper and much easier to use.
First you need to decide on the manufacturer - it should be a company with a reputation that provides service and uninterrupted supply of spare parts and the right consumables in your area of residence.
You should not buy a chainsaw model that is too powerful, since operation at partial speed, without load, greatly harms all the systems of the tool - that is, it is necessary to determine in advance the specifics of the intended work. Electric saw - the more powerful, the better.
The best option for construction is the “farmer”, a middle-class model with elements typical of professional chain saws.
The saw should “fit into the hand” and be comfortable for a particular performer.

rmnt.ru, Igor Maksimov