Although it’s okay to cut firewood with a chainsaw, not all of them work the same. If you make a wrong decision, it can put you in danger. The list of the best chainsaws for firewood below can help you do this task easily and safely:
Here are the best chainsaws for firewood you can buy in 2024:
- Quiet (Cordless Electric Chainsaw): DEWALT
- Lightweight (Cordless Electric Chainsaw): WORX
- Best For Longer Runtime (Cordless Electric Chainsaw): Greenworks
- Budget Option (Corded Electric Chainsaw): WEN
- Sturdiest (Corded Electric Chainsaw): Oregon
- Best For Women (Corded Electric Chainsaw): CRAFTSMAN
- Easy To Start (Gas Powered Chainsaw): CRAFTSMAN Gas Powered Chainsaw
- Heavy-Duty (Gas Powered Chainsaw): Supmix
- Medium-Duty (Gas Powered Chainsaw): Poulan Pro
| 9 Best Chainsaws For Firewood | ||
|---|---|---|
Quiet | DEWALT
| |
Lightweight | WORX
| |
Best For Longer Runtime | Greenworks
| |
Budget Option | WEN
| |
Sturdiest | Oregon
| |
Best For Women | CRAFTSMAN
| |
Easy To Start | CRAFTSMAN
| |
Heavy-Duty | Supmix
| |
Medium-Duty | Poulan Pro
| |
Quiet: DEWALT
- Fast to cut
- Lightweight
- Sharp blade
- Easy to use
- Oil leakage when not in use
If you don’t want to disturb your neighbors and other members in your family while cutting pieces of firewood, it’s best to invest in a quiet cutting machine like DEWALT Cordless Electric Chainsaw.
Unlike brushed models, producing unpleasant noise, this product works with a high efficiency brushless motor that operates quietly. Besides, the brushless motor technology can maximize the runtime and lifespan of the machine.
Of course, nothing is perfect. This isn’t a power monster, so it can’t handle too large cutting tasks. Instead, this is a perfect option for smaller jobs with less noise.
| DEWALT Specifications | |
|---|---|
Voltage | 20V |
Bar/Chain Length | 12 inches |
Highlight Features | High-efficiency brushless motor Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob |
The DEWALT Cordless Electric Chainsaw works quietly, so there is no need to worry about disturbing other people.
Lightweight: WORX
- Not too noisy
- Easy to use and handle
- Great power
- Effortless and fast to install
- Easily maneuverable
- Leaks oil
In case you regularly use your chainsaw, even if you have to hold it in your hand during the day, you will want a lightweight and compact machine. With the weight of 6.2 lbs, the WORX Cordless Electric Chainsaw can minimize pressure on your hand to help you keep it long without fatigue. Thus, it suits any users, even thin people.
This weight and compact design allow you to control it easier when cutting branches in higher positions without causing an unexpected accident. In particular, its grip’s design can balance the weight so that users control the whole model firmly.
| WORX Specifications | |
|---|---|
Voltage | 20V |
Bar/Chain Length | 10 inches |
Highlight Features | The automatic, tool-free chain tension system The automatic chain lubrication system The auto-tension and auto-oil systems |
The WORX Cordless Electric Chainsaw is lightweight, so it allows you to work longer with less strain.
Best For Longer Runtime: Greenworks
- Quiet
- Easy to fill the tank, use, and operate
- Simple to insert and remove batteries
- Safe to use
- Affordable
- Heavy
- Not as powerful as the gas model
Unlike a corded chainsaw, providing you with a power source continually, the biggest disadvantage of a cordless electric chainsaw is a short runtime. If you need advantages of this type of chainsaw like a compact size and portable design to control the whole model easily without sacrificing the runtime, consider the Greenworks Cordless Electric Chainsaw.
If you need to cut 4x4-inch lumbers, this machine allows you to make up to 140 cuts per a charge. Everything happens for a reason. This model features the trubrushlesstm motor technology that has 2 times more torque. Apart from a longer runtime, this technology provides you with more power, operates quieter, and its motor life is also expanded.
| Greenworks Specifications | |
|---|---|
Voltage | 40V |
Bar/Chain Length | 16 inches |
Highlight Features | Trubrushlesstm motor technology Chain brake Automatic oiler |
The Greenworks Cordless Electric Chainsaw can provide you with a longer runtime compared to other cordless models.
Budget Option: WEN
- Cuts things like butter
- Well-written instructions
- Easy to set up
- Inexpensive
Do you have a tight budget but want a good-quality corded electric chainsaw? It’s possible if you choose the WEN Corded Electric Chainsaw. With a cheap price, this machine can meet your basic requirements.
With 10 lbs, it is so lightweight that you can easily control and keep it in your hand during the day while minimizing fatigue.
Its tool-free chain tensioning system can switch blades and make adjustments requiring no tools.
It operates quietly and cleanly, so there is no need to worry disturbing other people while cutting something
| WEN Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 10 pounds |
Motor | 12A |
Bar/Chain Length | 16 inches |
Highlight Features | Auto-oiling system Tool-free chain Emission-free operation |
Although the WEN Corded Electric Chainsaw is inexpensive, it is functional enough for people with basic needs.
Sturdiest: Oregon
- Sharp and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Quick to cut
- Clear and concise instructions
- Reasonable noise level
- Heavy
- Short power cord
Although the manufacturer doesn’t mention this feature in the product description, many customers said that the Oregon Corded Electric Chainsaw is sturdy.
It can withstand heavy-duty usage: pressure and strain of cutting through hard materials without breaking and being damaged straightforwardly, so its lifespan is also longer.
A sturdy chainsaw can maintain stability during the cutting process while minimizing vibration to offer accuracy.
| Oregon Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12.6 pounds |
Motor | 15 Amp |
Bar/Chain Length | 18 inches |
Highlight Features | Integrated self-sharpening system Built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system Ergonomic design Automatic oiling system |
The Oregon Corded Electric Chainsaw is the sturdiest machine in this list, so it can withstand heavy-duty usage and maintain the stability while cutting.
Best For Women: CRAFTSMAN
- Lightweight
- Safe to use
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to use
- Expensive
What is the best chainsaw for women?
According to a customer, this machine works well for women because of the following features:
It is very easy for her to put parts of this model together after reading the instructions. It is lightweight enough for her to hold the whole machine in her hand without losing the sturdiness. She can effortlessly handle firewood and logs with no trouble.
| CRAFTSMAN Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.19 pounds |
Motor | 12 Amp |
Bar/Chain Length | 16 inches |
Highlight Features | Low kickback bar and chain Built-in oil window and no priming required Tool-free chain tensioning |
The CRAFTSMAN Corded Electric Chainsaw is ideal for women, beginners, and people without having a lot of experience because it’s easy to use.
Easy To Start: CRAFTSMAN Gas Powered Chainsaw
- Long-lasting
- Sharp
- Easy to cut
- Compact
- East to start
- Not for too enormous trees
Compared to electric chainsaws, it’s more difficult for you to start a gas-powered machine. But, if you want an easy-to-start gas-powered chainsaw, just choose this product that has Easy Start technology.
Unlike the traditional gas chainsaws, requiring you to pull the starter cord many times, this machine from Craftsman can simplify the starting process with no lot of effort on your part to start the engine.
| CRAFTSMAN Gas Powered Chainsaw Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 15.12 pounds |
Horsepower | 3.2 |
Bar/Chain Length | 16 inches |
Highlight Features | 2 cycle engine Low-kickback chain Easystart technology Adjustable auto chain oiler 3-point anti-vibration system and a comfortable handle |
The easy-to-start CRAFTSMAN Gas Powered Chainsaw can save plenty of time and effort on your part.
Heavy-Duty: Supmix
- Well-made
- Easy to handle and start
- No case
Although most gas-powered chainsaws are more powerful than electric versions for heavy-duty uses, this product is the best in the gas powered chainsaw list. Its 62cc engine has a high level of power and cutting speed, so you can straightforwardly use it for any heavy-duty task. You can even use it for felling trees and cutting wood.
Meanwhile, its chainsaw is up to 20 inches which are large enough for logging, gardening, fieldwork, and farming.
| Supmix Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 14 pounds |
Horsepower | 3.5 hp |
Bar/Chain Length | 20 inches |
Highlight Features | 62CC power full-crank two-stroke cycle engine A 20-inch bar and low-kickback chain High-hardness bar, cutting speed A quick-release filter |
The Supmix Gas Powered Chainsaw is powerful and strong enough for heavy-duty tasks.
Medium-Duty: Poulan Pro
- Lightweight
- Safe chain
- Slow to cut
For medium-duty jobs, there is no need to invest in a power monster like the Supmix Gas Powered Chainsaw. The Poulan Pro Gas Powered Chainsaw is suitable in this case. The combination of 42cc, 2-stroke engine, and 18-inch bar is effective enough to cut firewood and handle felling trees.
| Poulan Pro Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 13.25 pounds |
Bar/Chain Length | 18 inches |
Highlight Features | 42cc, 2-stroke engine with 18" Bar |
The Poulan Pro Gas Powered Chainsaw is designed for medium-duty cutting tasks, so it is powerful enough but lightweight to hold.
How To Choose The Best Chainsaw For Firewood?
How Powerful Should A Chainsaw For Firewood Be?
This depends on the thickness of firewood. Normally, hardwood and large trees require more power than softwood and smaller trees. If you need to cut a piece of firewood that is 22 inches in diameter, consider an engine that is 60-70cc. A 35cc engine isn’t powerful enough to handle this thickness.
How Large Should The Bar Be?
This depends on your needs, but make sure that the chainsaw bar is at least 2 inches longer than the thickness of firewood. For example, to cut an 8-inch thick firewood, choose a chainsaw bar that is at least 10 inches. Most chainsaw bars range from 12 to 20 inches and below is the specific information:
- Under 16-inch bars work well for trimming, pruning, and smaller logs.
- 16-18-inch bars are designed for medium-sized jobs, even larger logs.
- For the largest logs, consider a bar that is over 20 inches.
Should You Choose A Gas Or Electric Chainsaw?
If you need to cut thick firewood, a powerful gas chainsaw allows you to cut faster and more effectively. However, it requires more maintenance and is heavier than electric chainsaws. Thus, gas and electric chainsaws have their own benefits and drawbacks. You should choose one based on your needs. For instance, I strongly recommend a gas chainsaw for hardwood species such as birch, maple, oak, and hickory.
Meanwhile, the battery-powered chainsaws are more lightweight, quieter, with low vibration and free of emission, so they work well for everyday cutting tasks without disrupting neighbors.
What Is The Best Type Of Chainsaw For Firewood?
All-Round Chainsaws
As the name suggests, the all-round chainsaws work well for a variety of daily and professional tasks. Of course, they are effective for preparing and cutting firewood. Besides, when buying this type of chainsaw, you can use it for other purposes such as felling and cutting small-sized and medium-sized trees, handling wood work tasks in the garden, using it for carpentry and artistic woodwork creation.
Consumer Chainsaws
If you are new in using a chainsaw, but need features and functions of an all-round model, it’s better to invest in a consumer chainsaw. Although this type is as powerful as an all-round saw, it is more compact with more basic features. You can use it to cut and prepare firewood, of course and get rid of dead and diseased branches from small trees, perform woodworking tasks of a small nature, pruning and removing small tree trunks, cutting fence posts, and breaking down wood pallets.
Professional Chainsaws
This type of chainsaw is designed for preparing and cutting firewood. Although the professional chainsaw has a similar look to the all-round model, it is more powerful for professional tasks. Thus, you can use this type of chainsaw for the following purposes:
- Fell and cut small, medium, and large trees
- Cut both wet and dry wood
- Create and cut fence posts and wooden furniture.
Which Brands Make The Best Chainsaw For Firewood?
DEWALT
DEWALT, which was founded in 1924 is famous for producing high-quality, durable, and reliable power tools and hand tools for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Therefore, their products can put up with heavy use in demanding work environments. Some of their featured products include cordless drills, impact drivers, circular saws, angle grinders, wrenches, pliers, hammers, and tape measures.
FAQs
What is the best size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
Most people like a 14-to-16-inch chainsaw because this ideal length allows them to limb-up trees and cut down small trees, even cut most firewood. It’s also short enough for anyone to control the unit. They are usually battery-powered or gasoline saws in this bar-length.
However, if you need to cut down more trees, and want to deal with larger pieces of wood, it’s better to consider an 18-to-20-inch saw. With this size range, you just have options of gasoline-powered saws.
How thick should you cut firewood?
This depends on each type of wood and the size of your firepit, even your personal preferences.
Most types of firewood allow you to split logs into pieces around 12-14 inches in length and 3-5 inches in width. No matter how thick you cut your firewood, make sure that they can provide you with appropriate airflow to dry faster.
Does dead wood dull a chainsaw?
Yes.
How many cc should a good chainsaw have?
Engine size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Therefore, the higher the number is, the more powerful the engine is. For you, if a good chainsaw is a power monster, choose a high cc number and vice versa. However, most homeowners like a chainsaw that has a 32-45 cc range.
Is a longer chainsaw better?
A long chainsaw works well for cutting enormous tree trunks. If you need a model for smaller projects, it’s better to consider a smaller-sized chainsaw.
In sum, using a longer chainsaw is not better all the time. If you use a significantly long chainsaw for a too small piece, the machine can kick back and push you backward suddenly or slip out of the tree trunk to cut you or something else accidentally.
If you can overcome these safety risks, handling a small project with a short chainsaw isn’t an ideal solution. It’s more difficult to control because you must spend more effort and strength to withstand the extra vibration and weight of the machine.
Is it OK to split wood with a chainsaw?
Yes, you can split wood with a chainsaw in 2 ways:
- Push the log onto it
- Pull towards yourself
Before anything else, put your firewood on the ground, against a sturdy thing like another piece of firewood as long as there is no need for you to hold it while working. This helps the cutting process become easier and keep you safe from accidents.
Pull the starter cord of your chainsaw until the engine runs smooth having no hiccups or cuts.
Move the tip closer to the firewood and use your leg to push it away while holding the handle tightly. If you do it properly, the log will split in half effortlessly without producing much noise.
Remember to split logs in a place with good airflow as long as the smoke can’t block your vision.
In sum, although you can cut firewood with a chainsaw, don’t do that with a regular saw that is designed for small wood pieces and thin tree trunks. For the best result, to cut through hard material, you need the combination of a sharp chainsaw and sawing techniques. If your saw’s chain can’t move around the bar freely, tune up, sharpen, or replace the blades.
Conclusion
Don’t you dare to use a chainsaw for cutting firewood because it looks dangerous? Here, there is no need to worry. The best chainsaws for firewood in this article are safe to use, especially they help you do your cutting tasks conveniently.
