More and more people start using firewood in their houses for different purposes such as heating, cooking, to use in stoves and fireplaces. You can make your life easier in regard to preparation and cutting firewood by using the chainsaw.
What are the best chainsaws for cutting firewood? How to choose a good chainsaw and what characteristics should be considered? What are the options that will fit your budget?
Based on several features, our choice is the Dewalt DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. cordless chainsaw. Read this article to find out why we chose it and make your own decision based on the information given.
- 1. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw – the winner
- Features:
- 2. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – one of the best cordless battery-powered chainsaws
- Features:
- 3. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw – the best chainsaw for professionals
- Features:
- 4. WORX WG303.114.5 Amp 16″ Electric Chainsaw – the best corded electric chainsaw for beginners
- Features:
- 5. CRAFTSMAN 41BY4216791 S165 16 Inch Gas Chainsaw – best light weighted gas chainsaw
- Features:
- 6. Poulan Pro 20 in. PR5020 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw – the best chainsaw for cutting firewood with a carrying case
- Features:
- 7. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw, 16″ – the best budget electric chainsaw
- Features:
- 8. Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar – the best heavy-duty chainsaw
- Features:
- How to choose the best chainsaw for cutting firewood: A buying guide
- 1. The type of the firewood chainsaws
- 2. The size of the bar
- 3. The chain tensioning system
- 4. An automatic lubrication system
- 5. The size and weight of the chainsaw
- 6. Safety features
- 7. Accessories
- FAQ
- What chainsaw should I buy for cutting firewood?
- Which Stihl chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
- Which chainsaw will cut a thick piece of wood?
- What chainsaw chain is best for cutting trees?
- To summarize
1. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw – the winner
Features:
- Power Source – Battery Powered
- Horsepower 3.5 hp
- Chain Length – 12 Inches
- Item Weight – 8.80 lbs
- Voltage – 20
- 3-year limited warranty
This tool is one of the battery-powered chainsaws, that is known for its quality and precision. It comes with a powerful brushless motor that will last a few years. Unlike gas chainsaws, the Dewalt battery-powered chainsaw will not have any problems like cold start or fumes.
There won’t be any difference in the way this chainsaw will be cutting firewood, as it is quite efficient. It can easily chop any kind of wood including treated wood which is a benefit.
According to the manufacturer, a fully charged chainsaw will be able to cope with up to 90 cuts.
This chainsaw is light weighted, which means you won’t get tired while cutting firewood. It is also compact, making it easier to carry around and pack up for storage.
The tensioning system is easy to adjust, as you don’t need to have any tools for that. Just tighten the knob to suit your needs.
The price is affordable, but the downside of this chainsaw model is that you have to purchase the charger and the battery separately and that includes extra costs.
2. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – one of the best cordless battery-powered chainsaws
Features:
- Power Source – Battery Powered
- Horsepower 2.3 hp
- Chain Length – 16 Inches
- Item Weight – 10.36 lbs
- Voltage – 40
- 4-year warranty
This battery chainsaw comes with a battery and a charger. Apart from cutting firewood, it can be used for other work such as cutting wet wood, trees, and brunches.
Even though the size of this chainsaw is bigger than some competitors, it can handle cutting larger pieces of wood.
The capacity of the battery along with a fast charger allows you to be working for longer compared to other chainsaws, making up to 140 cuts on a single charge.
The highly efficient brushless motor allows you to cut through thick wood pieces with no problem.
The downside is no indication of when the battery is fully charged. You will have to track the time to know when the battery is charged.
3. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw – the best chainsaw for professionals
Features:
- Power Source – Gas Powered
- Horsepower 3.62 hp
- Chain Length – 24 Inches
- Item Weight – 14.5 lbs
- Extended warranty of up to 5 years with the purchase of fuel
This gas chainsaw is quite expensive, but you get the best results with lots of features it comes with and a very powerful motor.
The size of this gas chainsaw isn’t big, but it still provides incredible performance and amazing efficiency. The bar length is 24 inches, making it a perfect chainsaw for cutting firewood of any size.
During the testing, the Husqvarna chainsaw showed excellent results, starting each time from the first pull. No more fighting when pulling the rope. It also has a substantial reduction in vibration, which could affect the performance of the chainsaw and would make it more difficult to hold it and make precision cuts.
This chainsaw is the only one with the patented technology that helps to reduce fuel consumption. It means it will last longer using the same amount of fuel as other gas chainsaws.
Even though this chainsaw is one of the best chainsaws on the market, there are a lot of complaints regarding the fumes and the level of noise during the work.
4. WORX WG303.1 14.5 Amp 16″ Electric Chainsaw – the best corded electric chainsaw for beginners
Features:
- Power Source – Corded electric
- Horsepower 3.5 hp
- Chain Length – 16 Inches
- Item Weight – 11.1 lbs
- 3-year warranty
This electric chainsaw for cutting firewood has an attractively affordable price. The performance of such electric chainsaws isn’t bad. The motor is quite powerful and can handle cutting medium size wood pieces. It will be ideal for those, who are looking for corded electric chainsaws for cutting firewood occasionally.
The tensioning system will not require you to have special tools as it is automatic. The chainsaw comes fully assembled, which is perfect for beginners.
Easy to carry around due to lightweight. Along with the convenience of not having to purchase fuel, the downside of having a corded tool is that you can only work around the area where you have an access to the power outlet.
5. CRAFTSMAN 41BY4216791 S165 16 Inch Gas Chainsaw – best light weighted gas chainsaw
Features:
- Power Source – Gas-powered
- Horsepower 3.2 hp
- Chain Length – 16 Inches
- Item Weight – 15.22 lbs
- 2-year limited warranty
One of the most powerful gas chainsaws with an affordable price. This efficient has chainsaw is perfect for cutting any sort of firewood, it can even cut wet wood. If you have a large area you have to work on cutting wood, this gas-powered chainsaw will be a great help.
The powerful motor of this tool ensures easy cuts even through large pieces of wood. The chainsaw has a unique technology reducing the vibration during work, so you won’t get tired fast.
The maintenance of this efficient gas chainsaw is easy as it doesn’t require you to have a set of tools to reach the spark plugs and the air filter. It also comes with an automatic chain oil system, keeping the bar lubricated at all times.
6. Poulan Pro 20 in. PR5020 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw – the best chainsaw for cutting firewood with a carrying case
Features:
- Power Source – Gas-powered
- Horsepower 2.8 hp
- Chain Length – 20 Inches
- Item Weight – 17 lbs
- 2-year limited warranty
This tool is one of the best gas chainsaws for cutting firewood by professionals. It can cope with large pieces of wood and trees with ease. The Poulan brand is well-known for its quality and reliability.
The engine provides high and long-lasting performance. The quality chainsaw has a new air filter system that stops the large pieces from entering, which results in easier maintenance.
The firewood chainsaw comes with specifically designed handles and a new technology reducing vibration during work. You won’t get tired fast. It also has a case for easy transportation and storage.
As this is a professional firewood chainsaw, the weight of the tool is substantial.
7. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw, 16″ – the best budget electric chainsaw
Features:
- Power Source – Corded electric
- Horsepower 2.2 hp
- Chain Length – 16 Inches
- Item Weight – 10 lbs
- 1-year warranty
This is one of the electric chainsaws for cutting firewood that is perfect for doing small tasks. Quite a powerful motor for such a small chainsaw provides effective cuts through the different types of wood.
To prolong the life of the chainsaw and the blade, it comes with an automatic lubrication system. The maintenance of this tool is easy as it doesn’t require special tools. You can also adjust the chain tensity just by using a knob.
The light weight of the chainsaw will help you to perform the task for as long as you can. As it is a corded chainsaw, along with its benefit, it can turn into a downside. You can work in the area where there is access to a power outlet.
8. Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar – the best heavy-duty chainsaw
Features:
- Power Source – Corded electric
- Horsepower 2.1 hp
- Chain Length – 16 Inches
- Item Weight – 15 lbs
- 1-year warranty
This great chainsaw is perfect for cutting any sort of firewood. As it is electric, you won’t need to worry about the gas supply. The tool will work as long as you need it. The lightweight will help you during long hours of work.
The tool has a built-in safety feature that protects the engine from overloading. It also comes with a chain brake. The automatic oiling system allows you to keep cutting even if the wood is tough. Easy maintenance is due to the innovative adjustments of the blade and the chain.
How to choose the best chainsaw for cutting firewood: A buying guide
Choosing the best firewood chainsaw can be quite challenging. Use our guide to determine what features are the ones you need the most, what work are you going to use them for, and what chainsaws for cutting firewood will fit your budget.
1. The type of the firewood chainsaws
When choosing one of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood, you have to decide what type is it going to be. There are three options: a battery-operated one, a corded electrical, and a gasoline chainsaw.
The gasoline chainsaws will produce fumes and there is no way to avoid it. They are also quite noisy. If you are searching for a tool that can perform heavy duties, the gas-powered saw will be perfect for that.
All the chainsaws with cords are selling at affordable prices. If you are a beginner or searching for a chainsaw for minor work, the corded tool will be a perfect choice.
The battery-operated cordless chainsaws are the best chainsaws considering their performance and portability. You can take them anywhere, and there are models with quite impressive safety features. The modern models also have fast charging.
Such models can be very useful when camping. So you can buy firewood permits at Canyon Lakes Ranger District at several locations and enjoy your red feather lakes camping.
2. The size of the bar
The size of the bar depends on the type of work you are planning to do. If you need the tool for cutting medium-sized wood logs and tree brunches, then look into getting a chainsaw with a 12-14 Inches bar.
For cutting large pieces of logs and trees, look into the power tools with the bar from 16 inches and upwards. The most efficient will be the gas chainsaws, but they will also be the heaviest.
3. The chain tensioning system
This parameter is one of the most important as well. If your chainsaw doesn’t require any tool to tighten the chain, it will make it easy to maintain the saw. There are a few models with an automatic tensioning system and a toolless system, where you have to use a knob to adjust it to the level you need.
The chainsaws, that do require some tools to tighten the chain, might be more difficult to maintain, but it is more effective.
4. An automatic lubrication system
It is better when the chainsaw has an automatic lubrication system, so you don’t get distracted during work by having to manually lubricate the chainsaw parts. Most modern chainsaws have this system along with the indicator, which shows the level of oil left in the chainsaw.
5. The size and weight of the chainsaw
It is important to consider how compact the right chainsaw is going to be. The battery-powered model is the go-to if you are searching for something of small size and lightweight. This is a great choice for traveling if you like to go campgrounds.
The gas chainsaws will be heavier, as they are designed to perform heavy-duty tasks and are built to cope with that.
6. Safety features
If you aren’t interested in modern features and looking at buying a chainsaw for occasional use, consider getting a budget model. At the same time, extra protection is something that will prevent injuries, so it’s not a useless feature. Choose a model that has a built-in chain brake, to ensure safety during work.
7. Accessories
The accessories for the chainsaw can be an attractive offer. Some models come with a case for carrying and storing the chainsaws. It is quite convenient and safer to have the tool covered to prevent injuries.
FAQ
What chainsaw should I buy for cutting firewood?
Firstly, go through our buying guide to determine the features that are the most important to you. Secondly, decide whether it is going to be one of the gas-powered traditional chainsaws or other chainsaws such as battery-powered ones or corded ones.
Based on the information above, make your decision.
Which Stihl chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
If you are settled with the brand of the chainsaw, consider choosing a blade size between 14 and 16 inches. It will handle almost any kind of firewood and small trees and brunches. At the same time, such a chainsaw will not be bulky, so it will be easy to work with it.
Which chainsaw will cut a thick piece of wood?
For heavy-duty cutting, we would recommend purchasing one of the gas-powered saws, as they come with longer chain bars that will be able to cut through thick pieces of wood.
What chainsaw chain is best for cutting trees?
For cutting small trees, you should look into getting battery-operated chainsaw chains as they are compact and portable. You will be able to take it whether you need it and won’t have to worry about electricity or a fuel supply.
To summarize
Based on the information above the winner in the best chainsaws for cutting firewood, the category is the DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw. It can handle almost any size of firewood, is quite powerful, light weighted, compact, and has fast charging. The price is affordable, and the quality is high.
Using our buying guide will help you to decide what is best for you. Share the article with your friends and leave your comments in the section below.
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