What Is an Electric Chainsaw?
An electric chainsaw is a power tool that is used primarily for cutting wood and is large enough to be handled with both hands.
There are two types of chainsaws: engine-powered and motor-powered, and the electric chainsaw falls under the motor-powered category.
The blade (saw chain) of an electric chainsaw is strung like a chain, with a sharp blade on the outside of the loop. The blades rotate at high speed, cutting objects more efficiently than saw-like tools.
Electric chain saws can be used by anyone. On the other hand, the exposed blade is very dangerous, so safety precautions are necessary.
Uses of Electric Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws are mainly used for DIY purposes, such as cutting wood, cutting branches from trees in the garden, and making firewood. In the professional field, they are used in forestry, lumbering, landscaping, agriculture, and civil engineering-related work.
Tools for cutting wood include saws, axes, and hatchets, but these are manually operated and are very time-consuming. Electric chainsaws, on the other hand, are machines that rotate their teeth at high speed, making it much easier to cut wood. As a result, more wood can be cut in a shorter time.
Electric chainsaws are characterized by low noise and vibration compared to engine-powered machines. Therefore, they are also suitable for cases where neighborhood considerations are necessary or when working for long hours.
Principle of Electric Chainsaws
A chain of blades is rotated at high speed to cut wood. The main body, which contains the power source, has a long, thin plate called a guide bar, and a chain (saw chain) is wound around the guide bar. The chain is rotated at high speed and the wood is cut as if it were being shaved.
There are two types of power sources: rechargeable and power supply type, each with different power and ease of use. Due to the exposed and high-speed rotating blade, it can be very dangerous if used or selected incorrectly.
Types of Electric Chainsaws
1. Rechargeable Type
Powered by a rechargeable battery. There is no power cord, allowing for use anywhere. It is lighter than the engine type and easy to use with low vibration and noise. However, it is inferior to the engine type in terms of power and cannot be used when the battery charge runs out.
2. Power-Supply Type
Power is supplied via a power cord. There is no need to worry about the power source running out, but the location of use is limited. Since there is no battery or engine, it is lighter compared to other products in the same class. Power is less than that of engine-powered models.
How to Choose an Electric Chainsaw
Select an electric chainsaw that suits your work purpose and work environment. Selecting the right one for your purpose will lead to improved work efficiency and safety.
When selecting electric chainsaws, the following points should be considered:
1. Operating Environment
A power-supply type requires a power source, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor workplaces where a power source is available. Rechargeable types are suitable for use in places far from a power source, such as forests or mountains.
2. Voltage
The higher the power consumption, the more power, and the voltage is proportional to the length of the guide bar. The higher the voltage, the stronger the cutting power and the larger the size of the object to be cut.
3. Types and Specifications of Guide Bar
The guide bar is the part that supports the chain that wraps around and rotates the chain. By selecting a guide bar one size longer than the size of the wood to be cut, the load can be reduced and safe cutting can be performed. The shape of the guide bar should be selected in consideration of its application and function.
Sprocket Nose Bar
By rotating the chain on a gear called a sprocket, the chain can cut at high speed, but the guide bar is less durable. This is the most common type and can be used for most applications.
Carving Bar
The tip of the bar is narrower, and instead of cutting at a slower speed, kickback is less likely to occur. Its light weight makes it suitable for detailed work, such as pruning.
Hard Nose Bar
This is a highly durable guide bar. Cutting speed is slower due to the lack of sprockets (gears). This type is suitable for felling large-diameter trees.
4. Types and Specifications of Chains
Most manufacturers use chains (saw chains) made in Oregon, USA. There are different types of chains, and you should use the one that best suits your purpose.
5. Handle Type
Top Handle Type
This type features a handle positioned at the top of the main body and on the sides. It is commonly employed in lightweight designs and is well-suited for tasks such as branching.
Rear Handle Type
This type is designed for gripping the handle at the rear and side of the body. The space between the two hands is wider compared to the top handle, providing a greater sense of stability.
6. Professional Use and General DIY Use
Many manufacturers offer lineups for professional and DIY use. The differences are specifications and durability. Some manufacturers make the difference easier to recognize by changing the color of the body.
Other Information on Chainsaws
Points to Note When Using Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws are activated by pressing a switch while the saw chain is away from the object. Electric chainsaws use the underside of the guide bar to cut the object.
Safety considerations are very important with electric chainsaws. If you are working with it for the first time, we recommend that you take a course of instruction appropriate to the work to be performed.
In addition, the following precautions should be taken when using it:
- Always switch off the power supply and battery when connecting the power supply to the battery.
- Always switch off and disconnect the power supply and battery when installing or removing the saw chain.
- Keep hands and body away from the saw chain and guide bar during use.
- Prepare the work environment by checking to make sure that there are no objects or other workers that could cause accidents.
- Always hold the main unit with both hands.
- If the tip or upper side of the guide bar contacts an object, the main unit will bounce back, causing a kickback. Therefore, care must be taken to prevent the tip or upper side of the guide bar from touching the object.
- After work, each part of the chainsaw should not be touched because it is hot.