Best chainsaw for beginners to start out like a pro
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If you’re having a wood cutting job and need to find an effective tool to save your time and energy, you would want to say thanks to this complete buying guide.
We know not everyone is a chainsaw expert or has much time to research all information. You can use some chainsaws only for bucking and pruning while the others are lightweight for women or having a longer blade bar.
To help you choose the most suitable chainsaw, we made a list of 7 best chainsaws for beginners that you could lean on!
Best Cordless Electric Chainsaws For Beginners
DEWALT DCCS620P1Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sturdy and has a powerful motor
- Affordable and easy to use for beginners
- Safe and well-designed
- Minimal maintenance
Cons
- Does not contain oil and requires fulfillment
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Mostly designed for light-duty jobs, although the DEWALT DCCS620P1 is not the most professional, yet it is still a number 1 choice for many homeowners. This chainsaw is lightweight, cordless, easy to use, and affordable that fits any beginner requirement!
Even though it is a beginner chainsaw, it has a powerful brushless motor and a decent amount of output. The DEWALT chainsaw also offers 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure. Its double soft rubber-coating handles make it convenient to use, although you have zero experience before.
The most outstanding feature of this chainsaw is the retractable knob compared to the other’s bulky ones. Safety attracts the novices, and you can find all safety functions here. The chain guard ensures protection and acts as an emergency brake for the users.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Battery Size | 20V, 5Ah |
| Bar Length (in.) | 12 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 20 |
| Weight (lb.) | 9 |
| Handle Type | Rear |
| Highlight Features | Automatic Chain Oiler, Tool-Less Chain Tensioning, High-efficiency Brushless Motor, 90 Cuts Per Charge |
DEWALT DCCS620P1 has all the pleasant features that you need for a beginner chainsaw. It is easy-to-use, affordable, safe, and extra lightweight.
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020Best Lightweight For Women
Pros
- Extra-lightweight and compact design
- Safety features
- Easy to adjust
- Smooth handling
Cons
- Not powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs
- Needs to be charged too often
Just as the label, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 chainsaw is my special recommendation for women to do their housework. You won’t find any strong or fancy tool here but a convenient, compact chainsaw for daily light uses.
You can use it for pruning trees and branches, limb work, and clearing unwanted shrubs. The chainsaw also features an oiling system to lubricate the bar and chain. The blade bar comes with a chain for smooth, power cuts.
You can wrap one of the double handles around for easy vertical and horizontal cuts. The safety lock, large hand guards, and a chain brake guarantee no dangerous accident even through thick materials. It provides you effortless cuts like a dream.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Battery Size | 20V, 4Ah |
| Bar Length (in.) | 10 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 10 |
| Weight (lb.) | 7.2 |
| Handle Type | Rear |
| Highlight Features | Oiling System, Wrap Handling, Extra Lightweight & Portable, Easy to use |
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 is a lightweight and compact chainsaw that is powerful and flexible enough to help women complete their tasks.
EGO Power+ CS1604Longer Runtime
Pros
- High-efficiency brushless motor (6800RPM)
- Powerful as gas models but without noise
- Water resistance (IPX4)
- Longer battery life & fast charge
- 16’’ bar and chain
Cons
- It slightly leaks oil
- A bit pricey
This EGO Power+ CS1604 possesses a remarkable runtime and cutting speed. It comes with a charger when compared to the family model EGO CS1600. This EGO chainsaw is one of the few two chainsaws that can cut through an 8-inch pine log at 5.76 seconds.
One outstanding feature is the extra-long trigger sets along with the long rear handle. If you’re not too careful about maintaining tools, you can relax because it has a weather-resistant construction. The automatic lubrication system allows smooth uses in the long run.
EGO Power+ CS1604 chainsaw can be used for light to heavy-duty jobs. The 6800-RPM motor helps you finish your cutting work from hardwood, softwood, branches, and more. If you’re a beginner, I even strongly recommended it.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Battery Size | 56V, 5Ah |
| Bar Length (in.) | 16 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 16 |
| Weight (lb.) | 18 |
| Handle Type | Rear |
| Highlight Features | Water Resistant, 16’’ Bar & Chain, Long Lasting Battery, Fast Charge |
EGO Power+ CS1604 is a powerful chainsaw with long run time, a long bar chain, water-resistant, and easy to use for beginners.
Best Corded Electric Chainsaws For Beginners
Oregon CS1500Best Self-Sharpening
Pros
- Powerful and 18’’ bar chain
- Affordable and low maintenance
- Built-in chain sharpener
- Easy to use
- Durable
Cons
- The chain can come off if not correctly tensioned
- Use lots of oil
Oregon CS1500 is one of the best electric corded chainsaws in the market at an affordable price (Under $99). It doesn’t require gas-oil mixing and can start instantly, making it ideal for novices. While it has premier power, it is yet less noisy when trimming branches.
One great feature lots of people love about this chainsaw is its self-sharpening function, something not many chainsaws on the market offer right now.
This unique design feature means when the chain is dull, you can just get up and strike the ground or a stone and run it again in under 3 seconds.
With an 18’’ bar chain, it allows to cut up 17’’ in diameter. Despite the powerful performance, it is safe enough for domestic uses with chain brake and kickback reduction.
Most of these chainsaw users thumb up for its self-sharpening feature, low maintenance, powerful that can be used for versatile tasks. And the greatest thing is everyone can buy it at a competitive price.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Amperage (amps) | 15 |
| Cord Length (ft.) | 19.7 |
| Bar Length (in.) | 18 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 17 |
| Weight (lb.) | 12.6 |
| Handle Type | Rear |
| Highlight Features | PowerSharp Chain, Self-Sharpening, 18’’ Bar & Chain, Quiet, Lightweight & Balanced, Low Vibration |
If you want a much affordable, user-friendly while still being powerful, less heavy, and less noisy than gas chainsaws, go for this Oregon CS1500 chainsaw!
Sun Joe SWJ806E-HTGBest 2-in-1
Pros
- Powerful and versatile to use
- Extended and anti-rotation pole
- Easy to switch from pole to regular chainsaw
- Affordable and easy-to-use
- Safe kickback bar and locking trigger
- Quiet opertion
Cons
- Not powerful enough for heavy-duty cutting jobs
Sun Joe SWJ806E-HTG gives you a pole saw and a chainsaw in only one product. The sturdy fiberglass pole can reach up to 15 feet so you don’t have to use a ladder or climbing high. The flip and lock clamps in the pole ensure safety. It won’t slip, slide, twist, or turn on when using.
The quick-release button allows you to switch between two functions easier. It has a compact design, yet still has room for the automatic oiler. The chainsaw also features a branch hook for clearing cut branches with an angled head for cutting improvements.
If you finish with the pole saw, you can replace it with the detachable saw and only use it like a chainsaw for the next jobs. You need not to worry because the wrap-around handle offers the right grips for the process. The 8Amp motor is powerful enough for you to do various jobs.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Amperage (amps) | 8 |
| Cord Length (ft.) | 150 |
| Bar Length (in.) | 8.5 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 7.5 |
| Weight (lb.) | 8.4 |
| Highlight Features | 2-in-1 Pole Saw & Chainsaw, Long Reach, Telescoping Design, Full Wrap Handle |
Sun Joe SWJ806E-HTG is a handy 2-in-1 pole saw and a chainsaw for your specific need that doesn’t cost a huge budget to buy 2 different products.
Best Gas Chainsaws For Beginners
Craftsman S165Best Medium-Duty Bucking & Pruning
Pros
- Lightweight and ergonomic balanced design
- Easy to use and maintain
- Economical 42cc engine
- Low kickback and vibration
- High output engine
- Surprisingly soft igniter
Cons
- It leaks oil sometimes
- Harder to start when the weather is hot
To handle the medium-duty cutting jobs, I suggest you this Craftsman S165 gas chainsaw. It is easy to get started by pulling it thanks to the Easy Start technology. The full wrap handle covered by soft polyester features a 3-point anti-vibration system to offer a smooth and comfortable cutting experience.
Although it brings high performances by the 42cc 2-cycle engine with the low-kickback chain, it is lightweight and easy-to-use. You can use this machine for a long time with no issue thanks to its automatic oil system to keep it lubricated all the time.
While it is powerful enough to use for medium duties, it is also easy to use and maneuverability that surpasses the beginner’s expectations. The inertia-activated chain brake would stop the chain automatically to provide safety for users.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Engine Size (cc) | 42 |
| Bar Length (in.) | 16 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 16 |
| Weight (lb.) | 21.6 |
| Handle Type | Rear |
| Highlight Features | High-output Engine, 3-point Anti-vibration System, Easy-to-use, Automatic Chain Oiler-Carrying Case |
Craftsman S165 is not a perfect product but what people love is it is extra-easy to use, lightweight, cut fast, and it worths the money.
BLACK+DECKER BXGCS1442PLonger blade bar
Pros
- Excellent performances
- Safe and easy to use
- Ergonomic design with full wrap-around aluminum handle and rear handguard
- Feature metal bucking spikes that provide stability to the saw while cutting
- Easy access to the air filter and spark plug for maintenance
Cons
- Heavier than other models
People often think it is complicated to start gas-powered saws. This BLACK+DECKER BXGCS1442P proves it wrong with the QuickStart technology that allows you to operate and use it in seconds. For the tough, heavy duties, you can rely on its powerful 42cc 2-cycle gas engine.
I suggest you use a mixture of gas and oil in the ratio of 40:1 to run this saw the most effectively. One outstanding feature that I love about it is the ergonomic, clean-cut design. You can enter the spark plug and air filter for easy maintenance.
If the chain could ever get off the bar, a hook locates at the bottom to decrease any accident for the users. Besides, for maximum safety, it comes with depth gauges, guards links to protect your hands and reduce kickbacks.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Engine Size (cc) | 42 |
| Bar Length (in.) | 14 |
| Maximum Cut Diameter (in.) | 16 |
| Weight (lb.) | 20.2 |
| Handle Type | Rear |
| Highlight Features | 14’’ Bar & Chain, High-output Engine, 3-point Anti-vibration System, QuickStart Technology, Ergonomic Design |
I would recommend the BLACK+DECKER BXGCS1442P for those who are looking for a powerful, smart-designed, safe, and professional chainsaw for medium to heavy duties.
How To Choose The Best Chainsaws For Beginners (Buying Guide)
If you get through the list of 7 best chainsaws for beginners above but still couldn’t recognize which is your suitable chainsaw, keep reading this buying guide!Types of chainsaws
There are 3 types of chainsaws on the market: gas, corded electric and cordless electric. Check this chart below to see the pros and cons of each type and see if they are suitable for your needs.
Know your purpose of use
You may not know that some chainsaws can mostly be used for pruning while the others are used for professional, tough cutting works. Defining what you would use your chainsaw is a beginner's step to choosing an appropriate product without wasting your money.
Also notice the tree size, the fell season, and the material characters (hard/soft).
Safety
Beginners can be threatened and even get injured in the first kickback because of the lack of experience. Luckily, you can protect yourself from surprising kickbacks by choosing a chainsaw equipped with a safeguard in the handle.
Other safety features such as chain brake, depth gauges, or guard links are a standard to choose a chainsaw, especially when you’re a beginner.
The size
Some beginners and women have asked if there is a compact and lightweight chainsaw comfortable to use. You can also consider a short-bar chainsaw for light duties.
FAQs
The electric cordless chainsaws usually last for 30 minutes to 1 hour before recharging while the corded electric chainsaws could work constantly as long as they’re plugged in.
The answer is NO. Because you have to plug your electric chainsaw into the power source to run. So whenever you use a chainsaw, stay away from the rain to prevent the electric shock.
Besides, always keep your chainsaw dry with no water drip out to ensure its smooth performances and protect longevity.
Plus, if you would ever have to cut woods under the snow or wet conditions, prepare yourself with protective steps.
Wearing non-slip, solid footing, water-resistant clothes, using a chainsaw that has a good grip and a rounded-teeth/semi-chisel chain.
Through my experience, many reasons that can make your chainsaw get full so fast. One obvious factor that many people get into is the dirt. When cutting close to the ground, you might focus on your work and not notice to move your saw far away from the dirt, rocks, crud below.
Another common reason for beginners is not sharpening the chainsaw enough for the next use. If you only sharpen it half, for example, it could be dull in the next 10 or 20 minutes.
Yes, and No.
Yes, when you use non-ethanol fuel but remember to store the gas in sealed containers and use it in 90 days. No, when you use ethanol fuel because ethanol could destroy the diaphragms of chainsaw carbs and make them less powerful and flexible.
Yes, warm up your electric chainsaw before using it to let all parts lubricate with oil. Don’t worry because it will take only a short time and sometimes depend on your chainsaw dimension.
Experts have recommended to fill oil every time you refuel the gas tank and lubricate the sprocket, guide bar, chainsaw to run with no interruption.
Wearing protective clothes and accessories is compulsory to prevent accidents and injuries. Equipped yourself with a helmet, ear defenders, chainsaw chaps, goggles, a visor, protective trousers and jacket, gloves, safety mitt, and steel-toe boots before the process.
Conclusion
To choose the best chainsaw for beginners, stick with your usage purpose first, then consider your budget, the chainsaw type you like (Corded/cordless), and other safety features.
If you’re seeking professional advice, I hope this buying guide and product recommendation provides what you need.
Thanks for reading and I will get back to you soon with the next informative topic!