So although I own a two stroke petrol chainsaw which is brilliant, I've been thinking about getting a battery one for sometime now.
I went for Makita for the simple reason that all my other cordless tools are on this 18v platform so it just makes sense for me to go that way.
My theory with the battery one was that it would be easier and quicker to use for small jobs, like logging up fallen branches or when fencing.
The cutting time is quite short, but as you only run it when you're cutting it seems to last ages. I took it out for its first test run the other day. Two full 5amph batteries cut enough branch wood to fill the wheelbarrow 5 times, this was oak that had been down for about 18months.
There was very little noise and it cut without struggling. Using it for this short amount of time I can see a couple of downsides - you might be less inclined to wear safety gear as "It's just one cut" but a chainsaw is still a chainsaw and blinking lethal if not used right.
The other issue would be not using the chainbreak as it has other safeties. Not an issue until you use a petrol saw again.
So I will be using safety gear and I will be using the chainbreak as I use this saw.
I'll give it a few months before I give my verdict, but so far it's looking good.
Anyone else own a battery chainsaw?
I use chain saws a lot. The idea of not having to fight with a gas/petrol engine is intriguing. As electric cars, trains, power tools - everything electric - continues to develop, I'm sure good electric chain saws can't be far behind.
ReplyDeleteMy number one concern is one you voiced: They can be 'blinking lethal' if not used right. Roaring engines generate respect. Silent cutters are still cutters! My wife always wanted her own electric chain saw because then she could just cut things up. NO! So... there's an old guys worry for you. Otherwise, spark on!
YEah the safety issue is my concern as well. I tweeted about this the other day and someone said they wanted something light weight to use as they implied they weren't strong enough for a petrol one. In that case I'd utterly advise against using this! It's still so so dangerous. I wonder if there will be a rise in accidents as people just can't be bothered with the safety gear.
DeleteHi is that carved item your work? If so it is marvelous. It like those carved artisan work of past centuries.
ReplyDeleteHi, yeah I made it last year as a small workbench in my workshop to house my carving and sharpening items. Carved in a 17th century style. Here's a link to it. http://www.sawdustinmysocks.com/2021/03/52-weeks-of-carving-week-10-carved.html
DeleteWow! Craftmanship. Thanks for link
DeleteThank you!
Deletewe have an electric bosch, I dont recommend it. I dont get on with it at all
ReplyDeleteElectric or cordless - they have moved on a bit in recent years
Deleteits battery powered it is weedy I can actually see it being dangerous as it isnt doing what you think it should. No the bosch is no good. big no from me. Our hedge trimmer is better.
DeleteMy brother has all bosch stuff so I'll warn him against it! Thank you! Nothing worse when something is underpowered.
Deletewe took the first one back as we thought it was faulty. we had an exchange and it was the same. very poor we bought it as we have the batteries for other tools. it made sense but it was a bad choice
DeleteWe have a small (12"?) electric chain saw. I think it's a DeWalt brand, yellow and black colors. It's over in the shop, so it's not handy right now.
ReplyDeletePersonally, for branches up to about 1.5 inches, I prefer my loppers, especially for live wood. It's just as fast, I can reach a *bit* higher, and less (not to say none!) safety issues. And for branches up to 5 inches or so, my hand saw that cuts on push and pull is fast. Not as fast as a chain saw, but when you add in finding the charged battery, finding the oil and filling that - the time is about a tie when there's only a few branches to cut.
When the derecho hit us in August 2020, I used the little chainsaw to clean up branches up to about 5 inches thick. Love that little saw! Anything beyond that, I left to DH and the big gas saw. I also did not use it above shoulder height. I was just not comfortable doing big branches or over head, especially since I was alone while DH was off to work.
I would highly recommend an extra battery, if you don't already have them for other tools, and an extra chain. If you are cleaning up after a storm, extras might be tough to find. And oil - that little saw used more than you'd think it would.
Your workbench is Gorgous!
Yeah, when pruning live trees I much prefer to do it by hand. I have a good folding saw that can handle most cuts easily. Lets me get in close and I can think about every cut then. The big old oaks here drop a few big branches every year so this is ideal for that. I also have a bit of willow coppice I've grown for firewood and I'm hoping this will let me do sections of it quickly and in small amounts of time.
DeleteI have a fair few batteries on this platform which was why I chose Makita, otherwise I think there are better ones out there. An extra chain would be a good thing to keep handy! I like to have have everything I need.
I have a Black and Decker 20 volt which I have been abusing doing work above its capabilities, but I have been pleased. Hiring someone to do the work is so expensive and difficult it is worth getting the tool even if you have to replace it often. During hurricane season a good chainsaw and extra chains are essential but I am afraid of a gas-powered model and they are too heavy for me to handle. I would like to have a longer. stronger battery life but it is a chainsaw and dangerous. I joke that the battery lasts as long as the one in my pacemaker. When it gives up it is time to quit and rest. I am impressed with the 5 loads of oak. I may get a Makita when I need a replacement. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteNot a review yet - give me a year with it then I'll tell you if it's any good! I have a good petrol saw but this will make a good lightweight one to use when I need to do less work with it. The idea of the battery lasting as long as your pacemaker made me chuckle! Take care when doing it!
DeleteThe article you've shared here is fantastic because it provides some excellent information that will be incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for sharing about chainsaw safety training course. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI found decent information in your article.chainsaw safety training I am impressed with how nicely you described this subject, It is a gainful article for us. Thanks for share it.
ReplyDelete