Choosing a Chain Saw - What to Look For
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Types of Chainsaws 
Chain saws are available in electric and gas powered models.
Gas Powered
Gas powered chain saws have 2-stroke engines and are the most powerful chain saws. They require mixing gas and oil before use, have a pull cord start and need more maintenance than electric chain saws. They are however portable and the only choice for working in woods and forests away from any power sources.
Electric Chain Saws
Smaller and lighter than gas powered saws, electric saws are suitable for using around the garden or yard. Quiet and almost maintenance free they are less portable than gas powered models and rely on a power cord plugged into a power outlet which can be awkward to pull around. They are also less powerful.
It is important to match up the type of jobs you will be tackling with your saw to the model that you purchase. Also consider how heavy and unwieldy a saw you can handle safely.
Bar Length
Bar length is measured from the point where the chain enters the housing to the cutting tip. A saws safe cutting ability is 2x the bar length. So, for instance, a saw equipped with a 16″ bar will safely cut through a 32″ log.
Saws come with bar lengths between 14″ and 20″ for most uses with larger sizes (up to a huge 59″) for professional use. Increasing the bar length adds to the weight and makes the saws harder to handle, increasing the safety concerns. For the inexperienced homeowner it is advisable to stick to a saw with a bar length of 14″ to 16″ until you have more practice in handling a chain saw.
Engine Size
Chain saws range from about 30cc for a lightweight occasional use saw to 120cc for a professional model with engine power ranging from about 1.3KW to 6.4 KW
Chain Pitch and Gauge
These are important to consider when buying a new chain. The pitch is the spacing between the rivets of the chain and is normally 3/8″ The gauge is the thickness of the chain and varies between models.
Choosing a Saw
Find a good combination of power and size. Power is needed when cutting hardwood e.g. maple, oak etc. if you are going to be cutting mostly soft wood e.g. fir, pine you won’t need such a powerful model.
Choose a chainsaw with a weight you can handle comfortable. A larger weight is not only tiring to use but leads to safety concerns. An unwieldy saw that is to heavy for you is hard to handle making it easy to lose control. larger saws also create more vibration and noise.
Chain saws are really made for right handed users so if you are left handed it is even more important that you choose a model that you can easily manage.
Extra Features
If you will be using the chain saw for extended periods choose one with an Anti-Vibration feature. Some gas powered saws have an electronic starter system, much easier to use than the pull cord system. Another feature you can look for is an automatic chain oiler which lubricates the chain continuously for safer and more efficient cutting. Some models have a quick-adjust chain making it easier to keep the chain at the correct tension.
Protective Clothing
Protective clothing is vitally important when using a chain saw. Ensure you do ALL of the following and read our Chain Saw Safety Measures
Use proper safety eye protection with side shields
Wear adequate leg protection. Cut resistant pants, leggings or chaps
Wear a proper hard hat
Wear heavy gloves with good gripping ability
Wear ear protection
Wear shoes with steel caps and non slip soles
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