Are you looking for the best chainsaw for firewood? It is a good idea to seek expert help before making a decision! Investing in the right tool will help make short work of your cutting chores and ensure a safe and trouble-free experience.
When searching for the perfect saw, you are guaranteed to have many questions like “What is the best chainsaw chain for cutting firewood?” I will try to answer those and other questions most comprehensively and give you my top-5 pick of best budget chainsaws.
Contents
- 1 Top 5 Best Chainsaws for Firewood Reviewed
- 1.1 1. Makita-UC4051A – Best All-Around Chainsaw for Firewood in 2022
- 1.2 2. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V – Best Chainsaw for Firewood Cutting with Extra Safety Features
- 1.3 3. WORX WG322 – Best Firewood Chainsaw for Residential Use
- 1.4 4. Oregon CS1500 18-Inch 15 Amp – Best Chainsaw for Firewood for Heavy Duty Arborist Tasks
- 1.5 5. Sun Joe SWJ700E 16-Inch – Best Professional Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood with Corded Operation
- 2 Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood
- 3 FAQ
- 4 Cutting Firewood Is Easy With the Right Chainsaw
Top 5 Best Chainsaws for Firewood Reviewed
- Makita-UC4051A — Top Pick
- Greenworks 40V — Runner-Up
- WORX WG322 — Premium Choice
- Oregon CS1500
- Sun Joe SWJ700E
Below, I would like to tell you about the finest chainsaws best suited for cutting firewood.
1. Makita-UC4051A – Best All-Around Chainsaw for Firewood in 2022
I like reviewing Makita chainsaws since this manufacturer never disappoints in delivering products of excellent quality and highly reliable performance. Although their saws are not the most budget out there, you can never go wrong with buying one for personal or professional use, as you will know you are getting a product that will serve you faithfully for years to come.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that the Makita UC4051A model is the best-corded firewood chainsaw the brand has ever introduced. The saw, a combination of top-notch performance and usability, feels powerful, efficient, handy, and very nicely balanced.
Homeowners like me should love this Makita chainsaw due to its excellent specs. Personally, I chose this saw for 2 reasons. One is its generous cutting capacity enabled by the 16-inch bar, offering enough room to tackle trees slightly over 12 inches in diameter. My second motivation is that this baby has tons of power, meaning that you get the job done well and fast.
The Makita UC4051A is well-balanced, runs quietly, and its corded type feature does not let you be poisoned with fumes when it’s working. If you are after some bells and whistles here, you will not be disappointed either, as this saw has plenty to offer, including tool-less blade and chain adjustments, an easy-start button, and a window for checking the oil level.
In all, if you are looking for a capable and efficient chainsaw that is also quiet, easy to operate, and environmentally friendly, this Makita girl is your pick.
- A powerful corded saw with a great cutting capacity;
- Superb build quality;
- Large trigger switch and rubberized grip;
- Quiet in operation;
- Excellent safety characteristics.
- Lack of portability;
- A bit heavyweight for a corded chainsaw.
2. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V – Best Chainsaw for Firewood Cutting with Extra Safety Features
I purchased this one as a backup option whenever I needed to do some sawing far from home where there were no electrical outlets nearby. If you are looking for the luxury of cordless operation, Greenworks 16-Inch 40V is a really powerful tool offering great value for a very reasonable price.
This Greenworks model gives you up to 75 cuts on full charge, which is a good amount of runtime for performing non-demanding cutting tasks. With a 16-inch bar, you get sharp and instant, tension-free performance here – while not the highest power output, it should be more than enough for coping with small-to-medium-sized limbs and trees.
The unique features of this particular chainsaw include an innovative brushless motor, translating into quieter operation, longer life, and easier maintenance. Also, there are tons of great safety features like a chain brake, hand guard, and trigger.
If you are looking for a robust and reliable chainsaw to help you with your up-in-the-air cutting tasks, or you simply think it is time to go cordless, this Greenworks beauty totally deserves your attention.
- Cordless operation for extra maneuverability;
- Ample cutting power;
- Efficient battery with an automatic power-off feature;
- The brushless motor is tranquil and produces fewer vibrations.
- Extra batteries might be needed if you have a lengthy and challenging cutting task at hand.
3. WORX WG322 – Best Firewood Chainsaw for Residential Use
If a homeowner needs a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-manipulate cordless chainsaw for doing non-challenging sawing chores such as light cutting, trimming, or pruning mild vegetation on your property, WORX WG322 comes highly recommended. This compact and incredibly lightweight 20-volt chainsaw boasts a 10-inch chain, which is sufficient for making short work of small cutting and construction jobs requiring no long bar.
This WORX tool is super handy, thanks to the effortless chain tensioning, automatic oiling, and the feature that allows converting it into an extension saw. There are enough safety measures to make its use risk-free, including minimal chain and bar kickback, hand protection, and reduced vibration. Unfortunately, I did not find a chain brake to stop it from rotating, but this fault can be overlooked easily given that it is a nice and budget-friendly option.
- Compact and portable;
- Quiet in operation;
- Perfect for mild, everyday residential use;
- It can be easily converted into a pole chainsaw.
- Not very powerful;
- No chain brake.
4. Oregon CS1500 18-Inch 15 Amp – Best Chainsaw for Firewood for Heavy Duty Arborist Tasks
If you are willing to splurge a little to get a more powerful electric chainsaw for both minor cutting tasks and some more heavy-duty jobs, I’d recommend going for the Oregon CS1500 model. In my opinion, the impressive 18-inch blade makes it arguably the best chainsaw for cutting firewood and felling, bucking, and limbing hardwood of up to 16 inches in diameter.
As it is with most chainsaws connected via an electrical cord, starting the CS1500 is quite a breeze. While not the most compact product I have seen, this Oregon chainsaw feels surprisingly lightweight (especially compared to gas-powered alternatives) and highly ergonomic. The handle allows for additional comfort and security. I also love how quiet the chainsaw is. Actually, it might be the quietest of all the products featured in this review.
The clincher is a self-sharpening feature designed to simplify maintenance and shorten downtime if you accidentally dull the chain and have to sharpen it again. Not only is it a time-saving benefit, but also something that can save you money on purchasing replacements.
- Incredibly quiet operation;
- Powerful enough for performing some heavy-duty cutting tasks;
- Lightweight and ergonomic;
- The patented PowerSharp feature saves time.
- The corded operation does not offer much portability;
- Heavy on oil consumption.
5. Sun Joe SWJ700E 16-Inch – Best Professional Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood with Corded Operation
This one is a hard worker. Reliable and sturdy, the Sun Joe SWJ700E chainsaw with a 16-inch bar and a 14-Amp durable motor easily cuts logs and limbs as well as slices through thick brush and branches of up to 15.5 inches in diameter. Weighing just under 10lbs, the SWJ700E model allows maximum maneuverability around your premises.
The saw comes with a surprisingly varied set of premium features for its moderate price. These include an automatic chain lubrication system, a specialized safety switch to prevent the saw from starting by accident, a safety hand guard with a kickback brake, an instant start button, and more.
- Compact and portable;
- Quiet in operation;
- Perfect for mild, everyday residential use;
- It can be easily converted into a pole chainsaw.
- Affordable.
- The chain oil window is tricky to see.
- Electrically powered, it cannot be used in areas with no access to power outlets;
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood
A chainsaw is an essential tool for anyone who wants to cut their own firewood. It allows you to cut through logs, making cutting firewood much easier quickly. But with so many different chainsaws on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
5 things to consider when choosing a chainsaw
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a chainsaw for cutting firewood:
- Size. It’s important as it determines how easy it is to use and how much wood you can cut at one time. If you only plan on cutting a few logs at a time, then a smaller saw will be fine. But if you are going to process a lot of wood, then you’ll need a larger tool.
- Power. It’s also vital as it determines how quickly you can cut through the wood. If you need to cut through a lot of wood quickly or if you’re planning to use it with hardwood, then you’ll need a more powerful saw. But if you’re only cutting a few pine logs, then a less powerful tool will suit you.
- Price. This point is always something to consider when making any purchase. You don’t want to spend more than you have to, but you also don’t want to cheap out and end up with a poor-quality saw. Do your research and find a chainsaw that falls within your budget and meets your needs.
- Features. Some chainsaws have extra helpful features, like an automatic oiler or a chain brake. These features can make using the saw easier and safer, so be sure to look for them when choosing your chainsaw.
- Warranty. When making any purchase, it’s always important to consider the warranty. You want to make sure your investment is protected in case something goes wrong with the product. Most chainsaws come with at least a one-year warranty, so find one that offers this type of protection.
By following these tips, you can find the best chainsaw for cutting firewood for your needs and budget.
How much firewood do you need?
The answer to this question greatly depends on what you’re going to do with the firewood.
If you’re cutting firewood for your home, and need it to last through the winter, then you’ll need a little over 2 cords of firewood. In this case, you will need a powerful chainsaw to handle the workload. However, a smaller chainsaw will suffice if you only need to cut a few logs for a bonfire. The key is to match the chainsaw size to the amount of work you need to do.
How to cut firewood with a chainsaw?
A chainsaw is one of the most versatile and powerful tools in your arsenal, and it’s a must-have for anyone who regularly cuts firewood. Whether you’re a professional logger or a casual woodcutter, there are a few things you need to know about how to use a chainsaw to cut firewood properly.
- First and foremost, always wear proper safety gear when using a chainsaw. The gear consists of gloves, eye protection, ear protection, and sturdy boots. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants to protect your legs from the saw’s blades.
- The first step is to find a suitable log to cut. If it is too big or too small, it will be difficult to cut through it with a chainsaw. Once you’ve found a suitable log, position the saw blade perpendicular to the log.
- Then, apply gentle pressure to the saw’s handle to cut through the log. Keep your fingers away from the saw’s blade as you cut. Once you’ve cut through the log, release the pressure on the handle and allow the blade to stop before moving on to the next log.
Following these simple tips, cutting firewood with a chainsaw doesn’t have to be difficult or dangerous. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cut through logs like a pro in no time!
What kind of chain is suitable for cutting firewood?
Before you begin, you need to select the right chain for your saw. There are 2 types of chainsaws: standard and low-kickback. Standard chainsaws are designed for general cutting tasks, while low-kickback chainsaws are specifically designed for cutting firewood. Make sure you select the right chain to avoid kickback accidents.
If you’re looking for a chainsaw that’s great for firewood, make sure it has a low kickback, low-vibration chain. This chain type is designed to reduce the risk of kickback, which can be dangerous when using a chainsaw.
Once your saw and chain are set up, it’s time to start cutting.
Gas vs electric
As you may already know, there are 2 main chainsaw types: gas and electric. Both have their pros and cons, but what is the best chainsaw for cutting firewood?
If you have a lot of trees to cut down, a gas chainsaw is probably your best bet. They’re more powerful and can run for longer periods of time without a break. However, they’re also more expensive and require more maintenance.
Electric chainsaws are less powerful than gas chainsaws but are also cheaper and require less maintenance. They’re a good choice if you only have a few trees to cut down or don’t want to deal with the hassle of a gas chainsaw.
So, which one is the best for firewood? That depends on your needs and preferences. If you have a lot of trees to cut down, go with a gas chainsaw. If you want to save money and less hassle, pick an electric one.
Chainsaw safety guidelines
Chainsaws are one of the most dangerous tools to cut firewood. Every year, there are reports of people being seriously injured or even killed while using chainsaws. That’s why it’s essential to follow some basic safety guidelines when using this type of saw.
- First and foremost, always wear proper safety gear when using a chainsaw. It includes eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to protect your legs and feet.
- Second, when cutting firewood, always create a stable platform to avoid the logs from rolling and injuring you.
- Third, never try to cut through anything bigger than the saw blade. It can cause the blade to become stuck, which can be extremely dangerous.
- Fourth, always keep the saw blade sharp. A dull blade can cause the saw to bind and lead to kickback. It’s when the saw suddenly jerks back towards the operator, causing serious injury or even death.
- Finally, never use a chainsaw under drugs or alcohol. These substances can impair your judgment and increase your risk of accidents.
FAQ
Using a chainsaw isn’t as simple as it may seem. Here are the most common questions people ask when trying to find a good chainsaw for cutting firewood.
What is the best size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
The best size chainsaw for cutting firewood depends on the wood you’re cutting. A smaller chainsaw will do the job just fine if you’re cutting softwoods. However, if you’re cutting hardwoods, you’ll need a larger, more powerful chainsaw.
Which chainsaw chain is best for hardwood?
The best chainsaw chain for hardwood is a chipper one. Chipper chains have longer, thicker cutters to handle the tough cuts required to chop through hardwoods.
What is the best way to sharpen a chainsaw?
There are a few different ways to sharpen a chainsaw, but the most common is a file. You may use a round file that fits the size of your saw’s teeth. Start by filing the teeth on the blade’s top, then move to the bottom. Be sure to file both sides of each tooth evenly.
Is there anything else I need to know about cutting firewood with a chainsaw?
Yes! Always wear proper safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and ear protection when using a chainsaw. And make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cutting Firewood Is Easy With the Right Chainsaw
Choosing a chainsaw that best suits your needs is vital if you’re planning to cut lots of firewood. By following this guide, you can get an idea of what to look for and what things to pay attention to. Overall, your best bet is to go for the Makita-UC4051A. This chain saw offers top-notch performance and is overall well-balanced. But no matter what chainsaw you pick, always follow the safety guidelines!
How much firewood do you usually use throughout the winter? What kind of chainsaw do you use to make firewood? Tell us about it in the comment section below.
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
