The chainsaw is the right tool for the summer resident and gardener. In a private house, such a tool also does not hurt. For example, for preparing firewood for a stove and barbecue, pruning trees and building gazebos, etc.
Previously, only hand saws and hacksaws were used, but thanks to technical progress, today it is possible to purchase an excellent chainsaw.
When choosing, the question will certainly arise, which chainsaw to choose for a summer residence? And which chainsaw to choose for building a house?
The fact is that a model for periodic work is unlikely to cope with the construction of a wooden frame. In our article, we will take a closer look at how to choose a chainsaw for your home, taking into account the frequency of its use and ease of maintenance.
Chainsaw classification
Amateur chainsaws
The most common class of chainsaws is amateur.
The models presented in it can withstand continuous work only for a few hours a day. Usually the power of household chainsaws is 2 kW.
The chains on these models are low profile and reduce vibration during operation. But the performance of such chains is much lower.
Amateur chainsaws are very convenient and ideal for summer cottage work: preparation of firewood, pruning trees, solving minor construction problems. For a country house or summer cottage, as well as for order in the garden, such a chainsaw will be enough.
Semi-professional chainsaws
Models of this class have medium power and are capable of operating for a long time. The only drawback can be considered not long-term use. These saws are not designed for a ten hour day.
The power of semi-professional chainsaws is from 2.5 kW.
Chainsaw weight varies from 5 to 6 kg, depending on the brand of the manufacturer.
Choosing a semi-professional chainsaw is the perfect solution for your own home.
With a semi-professional chainsaw, you can create roof framing, flooring, timber harvesting and more.
Even after the end of construction, the chainsaw will be an indispensable assistant at your summer cottage.
Professional chainsaws
Models of this class have great power. from 2.5 to 6 kW and are able to withstand many hours of continuous work.
For personal needs, a chainsaw of this class is unlikely to be needed, unless you plan to build a house with your own hands, and then build and harvest firewood for the whole winter. Usually professional chainsaws are chosen by special organizations for felling.
Such saws have high wear resistance and are designed for work with a lot of wood.
For personal purposes, without professional training, it is not so easy to cope with this saw: it has enough high vibration and heavy weight.
Compared to an amateur chainsaw, a felling chainsaw significantly increases the strain on the hands. This is especially noticeable for people without experience with this tool.
Chainsaw power
Power Is the main factor affecting the ability to handle large volumes, cutting speed and possible depth.
If you do not have a task to cut thick logs, use the tool daily, then you will have enough power up to 2 kW. A chainsaw for a house with a power of up to 2.5 kW is also perfect for the construction of a wooden blockhouse.
It is important to know that the more power the chainsaw has, the heavier it is. And it will not be easy enough to manage it.
Below we will consider some of the nuances of choosing chainsaws, depending on their technical characteristics.
How to choose a tire for your chainsaw?
Exists three main types of saw bars:
- Flat narrow... They are put on amateur chainsaws. A narrow tire is usually paired with a low profile chain and has no kickback. This is necessary to reduce injuries when working with this chainsaw.
- Lightweight tires... They are made of steel, they are two special plates with polyamide packed between them. This design significantly reduces the overall weight of the chainsaw. And it becomes much easier to work with such a tool.
- Replaceable Head Bus... Installed on professional chainsaws, with high power, which work continuously for ten hours a day.
In addition to the type of tires, you should pay attention to their length.
Long tires make it easier to cut thick wood as the cut is deeper. But if such a tire comes with a low power mechanism, then its power will not be enough for fast sawing. You will start sawing more slowly and the chainsaw motor will wear out instantly.
All chainsaw instructions indicate the recommended tire length. This indicator cannot be exceeded... You can reduce the size.
And if you have a choice between models of the same power, then for a small volume of wood it is better to choose a chainsaw with a smaller tire, since its cutting speed will be much higher.
Chainsaw chain
The cutting speed also determines the chain pitch. All chainsaws have three basic chain pitches. Therefore, which chain to choose for a chainsaw is up to you.
Chain pitch 0.325 dm have amateur low profile chains. This is the standard size for fast cuts. Such a chain will not withstand prolonged load and will instantly become dull.
High power have chain pitch up to 0.404 dm... They work for a long time and are able to cut large volumes of wood. But even such chainsaws will not cope with frozen and dirty wood. For these purposes, special carbide-tipped chains are produced.
Choosing a chainsaw for a summer residence, you automatically become a consumer of only this brand, since the accessories of the saw headset from different manufacturers will not fit each other.
Thus, all the components of the unit must be produced by one plant, and if they break down, you will need to look for a part of the same brand.
Kickback protection
Kick back- this is the rebound of the saw when working towards a person. Kickback occurs when the end of the tire hits the tree. When choosing and buying a saw, be sure to check if the selected model has protection against this phenomenon.
Protection in chainsaws from kickback goes two types:
- using a special brake;
- with an additional shield.
Brake in chainsaws it is much more common. It looks like a lever - a shield. When the tool is operating, the lever is set to the closest position to the hand, and when hitting back, the hand will automatically press on the lever, and it will be transferred to the stop position of the chain movement.
Additional shield prevents the operator's hands from touching dangerous machinery when the saw is in operation. It is installed at the end of the saw headset. This protection is not available on Swedish chainsaws.
Anti-vibration protection
When choosing and buying a chainsaw for your home, ask the seller to check it and hold it in your hands.
Light amateur saws should not vibrate too much. To reduce vibration in such chainsaws, rubber gaskets are installed. They are located between the handles and the saw body.
In professional heavy duty saws, the engine and fuel tank are spaced apart to evenly distribute the total weight over the entire structure. Chainsaws without special anti-vibration protection are suitable for those who work for a limited time.
The longer you work, the more the vibration will affect your hands, and this will lead to inevitable joint disease.
Chainsaws for women
Some of the gardening work is done by women. Low-power chainsaws are suitable for women's hands, since they are lightweight and have little vibration. More powerful models will not work for women.
If there are no problems with your area, then get a better electric saw. It is easy to operate and much easier to maintain. You don't have to change oil or refill gasoline. Any woman can handle this unit without any problems.
