Buyer’s Guide
Chainsaws were first introduced in 1830 when it was used by a German Orthopedist for cutting bones. He used a gas operated chainsaw because of the power needed to actually penetrate the bone. The chainsaw had to be handled by two people at the same time. From cutting bones to cutting logs, the chainsaw has ascended into a common household tool; a household tool to be used carefully and with restrictive measures.
If you are on the market and looking for a chainsaw there are a few points to think about. The first aspect to consider is what type of chainsaw you would like to have? Would you prefer a gas, electric, or cordless saw? A chainsaw consists of a power source, a guide bar, and a cutting chain. Today chainsaws come in gas models, cordless, and electric models. Homeowners use these machines to cut down trees, for pruning, and to cut wood to be used to heat homes. Artists also have become familiar with using chainsaws that have specialized blades for their artwork.
How serious you are about using your chainsaw, or how often you use it, and what type of jobs you will use it for will play a part in what type to buy. Many homeowners prefer the gas chainsaws. Gas chainsaws provide the most power and can be used for the biggest jobs and are portable. Gas chainsaws are usually noisier and more expensive, but they tend to have more power which ensures a precise cut.
Electric chainsaws are popular among homeowners as well; however, the purpose they serve is a little different. These chainsaws are a more practical option. The electrical chainsaw is for the occasional user who would like to do some light yard work, or saw a few average sized logs. These chainsaws are mostly used for light jobs which require being within 100 feet from an electrical outlet. This type of chainsaw is very low maintenance, emissions free, and is inexpensive when compared to its counterpart.
Portable cordless chainsaws provide the least cutting power, so they should be used for the lightest and the simplest of jobs. Jobs that this kind of chainsaw is useful for are determined by how long the chainsaw holds the charge. Once the battery dies, it can take up to several hours to recharge.
Once you have decided on what type of saw to buy, it may be beneficial to look at the security measures involved; as chainsaws can be dangerous when used incorrectly. While using your chainsaw there are certainly safety precautions that need to be taken. One of the major safety concerns is called kickback. Kickback is the quick up and back motion of a chainsaw usually caused when the nose of the chainsaw hits something accidentally. Some chainsaws have a protective guard for the tip of the nose to avoid such kickbacks. There are other safety features that chainsaws possess such as chain break systems, and anti vibration systems.
Depending on your level of comfort with the chainsaw or simply being someone who is safety conscious will significantly assist in determining which kind of chainsaw to buy. The more safety features the saw has, the more it will cost. To some, the benefit of safety will surely outweigh the cost factor.
Safety concerns will arise if inexperienced users handle the machine incorrectly or without basic operational knowledge. Some of the chainsaws require a strong and knowledgeable user to handle the power they give. If an inexperienced user operates a chainsaw that exerts too much power that they cannot handled, they can soon become exhausted which can lead to serious injuries.
It will probably be beneficial to the buyer to go into the store and physically handle each saw they are interested in, as you only want to purchase what you feel comfortable handling. In determining the kind of saw you would like to have, keep in mind that if you choose a gas saw, it will require regular maintenance and service by a technician. This will add to the overall cost of the saw, but for some, the benefit of owning their own gas powered chainsaw is worth it.
According to the experts, the best time to buy a chainsaw is during the winter months, in January and February right after the holidays. It is at this time of the year when they are most inexpensive. Experts also say that the ideal chainsaw is one that is weight appropriate. In essence, the chainsaw is a direct extension of your arm and you have no problems controlling it. To ensure safety and to get the full enjoyment out of using your saw, only carry the amount of weight that is comfortable for you. It may be important to operate the chainsaw for short periods of time and for simple jobs, especially in the beginning. As you become more experienced, you can increase the amount of time you use the saw, and can then take on more complex jobs.
