Today we will take a closer look at the main types of circular saws. Let's decide on reasonable criteria for choosing a specific model. We will draw conclusions for recommendations based on the experience of practicing builders and workers service centers. Join us.
The electric circular saw (popularly “circular saw”, “parquet”) appeared in the twenties of the last century. As usual, several “organizations” contributed. First, the radial-cantilever type was developed (by Raymond DeVault) cutting machine on wood, a little later they began producing hand-made models under the Skilsaw brand (Sullivan and Mitchell). There were also separate patents for side-drive and integrated saws in the name of A. Emmons and A. Steele, respectively. Well, the AEG company helped “land” the invention and promote it to the masses, whose engineers were the first to connect the instrument to a common 220-volt network. Nowadays, the circular saw has reached perfection; the set of options and auxiliary systems for it has not changed for a very long time, not to mention the design features. It’s just that everyone is slowly moving towards the premium class.
A circular saw is considered one of the most technically complex tools, and this does not even take into account that it may have a full set of available electronic bells and whistles. The fact is that here it is necessary to constructively provide unprecedented safety measures (like all disk machines, “parquets” can be very traumatic), and also to implement high accuracy many spatial mechanical settings. DIY repair Circulars are considered to be a risky business due to the difficulty of restoring the correct factory settings.
The main purpose of a circular saw is to perform longitudinal cutting of wood and its derivatives (OSB, chipboard, fiberboard, MDF, plywood), because this tool holds the line perfectly; a jigsaw cannot be compared here. Naturally, cross cutting for a circular saw will not be a problem either. But it would be strange if a modern cutting unit was not sharpened to work on other materials. Indeed, using various types disks, and in some cases by changing the shaft rotation speed, it is possible to cut laminated workpieces, gypsum fiber board, plastic of various densities, multilayer materials(sandwiches), slate, plexiglass. In short, almost all sheet panels can be cut perfectly, including at an angle to the main plane. The only thing that a circular saw is too tough for is dense mineral materials(concrete, brick, plaster). True, some units can be equipped with a diamond disc and have a water supply; structurally, these are full-fledged circular saws (Makita 4101RH). There is still one ironclad “but” - a circular saw cannot cut along a curved line.
What is a metal circular
Separately, it is worth highlighting circular saws for working on metal. Although they are positioned on the market in this way, they are essentially multifunctional. The point is more in the characteristics of the standard wheel, which comes as standard (this is not an abrasive, it is a carbide toothed multi-purpose disk). Such units can easily deal with pipes, tin, complex profiles, sheet steel and stainless steel (Makita 4131). The conversation is very simple with both steel and soft non-ferrous alloys (based on copper, aluminum).
What about angle grinders? Compared to grinders equipped with a cutting wheel, we have the following:
- Productivity is significantly higher.
- The operator is unloaded as the machine rests on its sole.
- Reduced noise and vibration levels.
- It is possible to work at a bevel.
- There are no sparks, the workpiece hardly heats up and does not “burn.”
- Increased safety (the equipment is almost completely hidden and is not subject to rupture).
- The service life of a carbide disc is approximately 100 times higher than that of an abrasive.
- The cutting price is the lowest (only the guillotine is cheaper and faster).
- There is no release of mineral dust into the air, like from stone equipment.
- The cut is very high quality, without burrs.
Our craftsmen have only just tried this device, but in Europe and the USA such machines are in full use, quite naturally, with such and such advantages. For example, the EVOLUTION 230 XTREME model cuts sheet steel (class A-3) with a thickness of 12 mm, profiles/pipes with a wall of 4 mm, and, of course, everything else (wood, polymers).
Plunge circular saw
Another class of circular saws is the plunge-cut saw. It is designed for cutting into the workpiece anywhere, not just from the edge. There is no lower automatic casing completely, and the disk is located above the base plate and is lowered only when the “start” button is pressed. Naturally, the cutting depth is adjustable, often within a range of just millimeters (DWS520K).
The submersible mechanism (something similar is implemented in wall chasers) allows you to produce local repair roof, dismantle several selective floorboards, cut an opening in the countertop. You can make grooves, slots, and gutters without much difficulty. For correct operation with sandwiches and laminated materials - top layer it is possible to cut through a preliminary pass to an incomplete depth of the workpiece, thereby eliminating the risk of chipping. All this is done not only perpendicular to the plane of the part, but also at a variable angle.
Cordless circular saw
Just recently, such units seemed like pure fantasy to us. But time passes, wireless technologies are coming to new level. Batteries have become so capacious, special motors have become so economical, and chargers have become so fast that even for such a powerful tool as a circular saw, the developers managed to organize an uninterrupted power supply. We take two modern batteries and charge for half an hour - that’s it, there will be no problems with energy (Makita BSS 610 RFE). It's even easier if your circular saw has a generic battery from the same manufacturer as the rest of your tools. The power characteristics (output power, torque) of wireless circular saws are in no way inferior to those of similar networked machines - Bosch GKS 18 V-Li (cutting depth 51 mm). Well, as for mobility and ergonomics, here they are beyond any competition, they are especially loved by roofing operatives who work at heights.
Main selection criteria
Power, speed, blade diameter, cutting depth
Cutting disc diameter (outer, not size mounting hole) - we can say without exaggeration that this is the main parameter of the circular saw. Based on it, manufacturers are forced to assemble a specific model. The larger the disk, the more powerful the motor must be in order to spin it to the required speed, the more torque is required to maintain this speed and avoid jamming, the more technologically advanced the stabilization system must be so that there is no beating, vibration and noise, the heavier , the larger the saw, the more expensive it will be. But on the other hand, large equipment allows you to saw more massive workpieces and thicker material.
However, it is not enough to simply pay attention to the size of the circle; it is much more important to have an accurate idea of the maximum cutting depth. Developers almost always indicate these parameters in the passports, both for perpendicular and beveled cuts. There is some conditional division:
- Light class (40-50 mm) - sheet materials, work “on site”.
- Middle class (50-65 mm) - the most common and universal.
- The heavy class (65-140 mm) is a massive, purely professional machine.
The convention is that many companies issue their own special classification (Makita, for example, does not produce very young children and is moving a little forward in this matter). It turns out that we, ordinary users, can only listen to our needs and choose a priority in the ratio of “maneuverability/versatility/strength”, based on the specifics of the intended work. For example, Hitachi C13U (weight 13 kg, 335 mm disk, 2000 watts) and Hitachi C6MFA (weight 3.4 kg, 165 mm disk, 1010 watts). Depth ratio straight cut for these models: 128 mm to 57 mm respectively.
Left: Hitachi C13U, Right: Hitachi C6MFA
I would also like to note that in case of emergency, you can cut a very voluminous part by making a cut on both sides (yes, for correct operation, the disk does not have to pass through the workpiece).
What else does power reserve provide? If there is a need to compare two circular saws with the same depth, then a stronger motor of one of them will provide better frequency stability, longer time continuous operation will allow you to cut denser material faster. Watts under the hood are traditionally correlated with the diameter of the equipment and, again conditionally, units are classified into one of three corresponding classes:
- Up to 800 W.
- From 800 to 1200 W.
- More than 1200 W (for example, Hitachi C9U2 - 2 kW, Makita 5143R - 2.2 kW).
Disk rotation speed - what does it give, besides the speed itself? There are two main nuances. First, the faster the shaft moves, the cleaner the cut is (although the cleanliness depends more on the type of disk - the number and shape of the teeth). Second, high speed is the opposite of torque. Third, high speed is high temperature, and some plastics may begin to melt during sawing. If frequency has become a stumbling block (read “choice”), then you need to compare saws with the same cutting blade diameter. Even better, find a model with frequency control idle speed.
Electronics on guard
Advanced circular machines are stuffed to the gills with electronic systems. This is quite predictable, since this tool is powerful and dangerous - the user needs help so that the mission is not impossible. If you have the financial opportunity, do not refuse additional options, for productivity and safety there are no unnecessary trifles.
For the benefit of the correct speed mode, a system works to maintain a constant spindle speed under load, the so-called constant electronics (DeWalt DWS520K). A special controller constantly reads the speed and when there is a local drop in speed (for example, when the feed is accelerated or when the equipment hits a compacted area of the material), it is stabilized by automatically increasing the outgoing power. The likelihood of the disc jamming is reduced to almost zero, and the quality of the cut only improves. Obviously, this requires a certain power reserve (this is the prerogative of relatively large machines). Another point is the idle speed adjustment, preset. It is needed for manual selection of process parameters for materials with different physical characteristics (Metabo KSE 68 Plus). Not all models can boast of this option. And by the way, the preset option is not prerequisite for the presence of constant electronics, the only available frequency can be stabilized.
In order not to overload the network when turning on the tool, since the starting currents, although in a short period of time, significantly exceed their nominal value - almost all more or less powerful circular saws have a soft start system. The equipment does not accelerate immediately, which eliminates tool jerk and protects gearbox parts from unnecessary shock loads; the unit lives much longer (Fiolent PD 3-70E).
If the operator is in a hurry to finish what he started and does not listen to the “well-being” of the circular saw, then the overload protection system will receive a signal from overheated motor windings or react to a sharp drop in energy consumption and turn off the power, preserving the functionality of the expensive tool.
The electrodynamic brake brings the disc to an abrupt stop once the start button is released (AEG BKS 18). The system is designed to protect the operator from possible injury, the part from damage, and the machine from kickback.
Mechanical Features
If the equipment jams tightly, the motor can fail very quickly, and there is a possibility of a kickback. To protect against such trouble, a slip clutch is used. The motor shaft will continue to rotate even when the disk is stationary. Don't worry, the system doesn't work unnecessarily.
Protection against accidental activation is realized by installing an additional button in the area of the main handle. To supply power to the motor, you must press it simultaneously with the start button (Skil 5064AA). It is perhaps completely impossible to make such a chord unintentionally, especially since the “fuse” is usually recessed in plastic. Often (for other tools) this button allows you to lock the trigger on, but this will not work here - the toothed disk must always be under control.
To make it easier to replace the disk, the spindle can be locked with a button or lever, in some models literally in any position (no need to scroll to find the setting point - Bosch GKS 65 CE Professional). If there is no lock, you have to use two keys at once. The nut itself can be tightened with a wrench/screwdriver, or it can be made in a “tool-free” version - quick-clamping.
A lot of the functionality of a circular saw depends on its base plate. Note that it is on it that all mechanical adjustments and fastenings for auxiliary elements are installed. Traditionally, platforms made by casting light alloys are considered to be of higher quality. They clearly indicate the professional class of the tool, since they retain their geometry well (Interskol DP-235/2000M). However, do not discount platforms made of stamped steel of large thickness. They are more resistant to shock loads (they do not crack from an accidental impact), have a smaller impact on the price of the product, and are also used in tools for professionals (Bosch GKS 65 CE Professional).
"Interskol" DP-235/2000M
An important point is the adjustment of the bevel cut. Sawing at an angle is realized precisely by changing the position of the platform relative to the entire upper part and the disk in particular. Usually the slope is set at different angles: 30°, 45°, and in some machines it is extended to 50-55°. The mechanism for setting the cutting depth is also located here. As a rule, this is all made in the form of grooves shaped like a quarter circle (in some cases graduated) and rods with wing/lever clamps. The main advantage of high-quality control elements is the speed, reliability and accuracy of fixation (Kress 1400 HKS). Backlashes are extremely unwelcome guests here.
Another advantage of a well-thought-out platform is the ability to install the saw in a stationary position. This refers to the option of creating a machine without using a special table. This point will be relevant for all cars, but even more so for particularly powerful and heavy ones.
To perform high-quality straight cuts, circular saws are already equipped with rip fence By the way, it also comes in light alloy. However, the greatest accuracy of sawing work can be achieved by using a guide bar. The tire is purchased separately (they are often suitable from other manufacturers), but there must be a special groove on the sole. If you need to work “by hand” along the markings, you need to control the line; for this, a special slot opening is made in front of the base plate. Interesting option implemented in the EVOLUTION 180 XTREME saw, where a laser line builder is built into the handle; during operation, you only need to combine it with the marking.
A mandatory accessory for a circular saw is a spring-loaded casing that completely hides the disc and releases it only when cutting begins (an emphasis on the workpiece is required). The casing should move easily and always return to its original position. To prevent the disk from being squeezed from the sides by the already cut material and not being locked, a “riving knife” is used in the design.
Ergonomics and something else
A circular saw is a hand tool, so when choosing, you need to pay special attention to the overall ergonomics of the product. Interestingly, some manufacturers even produce left-handed instruments with a mirror design.
The most important role in the comfort of any circular saw is played by the shape and location of the handles. Obviously, each user will have different requirements. The most questions are raised by the front handle, which is most often straight, located perpendicular to the plane of movement of the saw blade. This design is good if you work forward, but most often the tool is carried from the side - so most craftsmen prefer the mushroom-shaped version, which is easily held in any position (DeWalt D23620). For some, a bracket-type design (DeWalt D23650K) may be more suitable.
Give preference to models with rubberized handles; they help to securely hold and control the tool while working.
It won’t hurt to hold a few circulars in your hands before purchasing; most likely, a lot will become clear to you regarding the weight distribution of specific cars and their balance. Be sure to do this if you plan to do a lot of local work.
Check out your visibility working area, the specific design features of the circular saw have a very serious influence on this circumstance. It is important how effectively sawdust is removed from the disk. Here, surface airflow is used (directed from the operator), a pipe is integrated for connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner and connecting a bag. There are options with a dust container.
Take a look at how the power cord entry point into the instrument is made. Unfortunately, users very often cut the power cable, so it is better if it is directed strictly back, and the input sleeve is as long and rigid as possible. Maximum freedom and safety will be provided by a long power cord - 4 meters is no longer uncommon for professional models. Otherwise, you will have to regularly struggle with the extension cord.
Sooner or later, the circular saw will require replacing the carbon brushes, otherwise the motor armature is at risk. Therefore, it makes sense to “monitor” this node as well. It’s good if there is a separate window for quick access to the brushes, then you don’t have to disassemble the case, or send it to service for this if the device is under warranty. An excellent option is self-switching brushes: if the graphite wears out, the chain breaks (Sparky TK 70). The next nuance is to indicate the status of the brushes; this is a very useful gadget for a traditional brush assembly.
Most likely, you will not be allowed to test the saw under load, but if the seller allows it, plug the saw into the mains and run it at idle speed, listen to the level of noise and vibration. Evaluate how strong the air flow is generated by the tool - this largely determines the efficiency of motor cooling and the quality of cleaning the work area from debris.
If you plan to work with a circular saw only from time to time, then pay attention to hobby-class models from well-known manufacturers (Bosch PKS 55 A, Black&Decker CD601). They are designed for relatively short work (15 minutes work - 15 minutes rest) for no more than 4 hours a day. This will be quite enough for home use, and you will be able to save a lot. Ironically, household models often outlive their professional counterparts, and developers provide them with a double warranty (2-3 years).
In general, carefully predict the load that the circular saw will receive while at your disposal, and based on this, select the characteristics of the model you are looking for. We hope we have provided you with enough food for thought.
There are currently a lot of products on the market various instruments, which was previously considered quite expensive, but now has quite affordable prices. And now we will talk about such a necessary, and sometimes simply necessary, thing in the household as a chain saw.
In addition, the variety of models of this tool in our stores is really large, and it can be difficult to understand.
Complexity and frequency of work: classification of saws
Modern chainsaws, according to their capabilities and, accordingly, the tasks they solve, are divided into three main classes: household, farm and professional. Let's look at the purposes for which each category is intended.
Household
This class is intended for collecting firewood for personal use - for example, for a private home or cottage, sawing not very thick logs or trimming knots for garden plot. For such saws, the norm is 20 hours of work per month, or about 40 minutes per day. They have low power and low weight. If you need to use the tool occasionally, this category is for you. 
Farm
An instrument of this class is also called semi-professional. With such a saw you can do any work - build a house, cut down trees. You can even perform some professional tasks - for example, trimming knots in logging.
These saws differ from professional saws in lower power, service life and tire size. They do not have access to indicators of continuous operation of a professional tool. The name of the “farmer” class very succinctly characterizes this type.
It is not intended for daily full-scale work felling huge pine trees in northern conditions, but it is quite suitable for everyday use on a farm, where anything can happen. 
Professional
The most powerful category. Its name suggests that an instrument of this class is intended for use in maximum modes. The service life of such saws is up to 2000 operating hours. For them, the normal work schedule is 16 hours a day and 8 hours without a break. The power of such saws is usually above 2000 W.
There is no point in buying such a tool for your home, not only because of the high price. It is believed that even with maximum household use, you only use a tenth of its potential.
Did you know? Sometimes a separate “special” class is also allocated (for high-altitude work without ladders, with the help of a holder, for the work of rescuers, etc.).
Other criteria
Before choosing a saw, you should pay attention to certain criteria and study them carefully.
Electric or petrol engine
It is difficult to say unequivocally which is better - a chainsaw or its electric counterpart. First, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of engine.
Advantages:
- autonomy (no cord);
- high power;
- longer tire;
- ability to work in all weather conditions.
- greater difficulty in operation compared to electric saws;
- the need to monitor the fuel mixture (do not forget to add oil to gasoline);
- high price;
- not suitable for indoor work (it’s not just the exhaust, but also the noise, 100 dB versus 75 dB for an electric motor).
Important! When working with a chainsaw, you should not use gasoline that has been stored for more than two months. After this period, polymers and resin begin to form in it (this is a natural process), which causes carbon deposits to form in the cylinder.
Advantages:
- convenience (started by pressing a button);
- ease;
- even and smooth cut due to the absence of vibration;
- the best option for indoor work;
- ease of operation;
- low noise;
- the price is significantly lower than that of chainsaws.
- presence of a cord (this does not apply to cordless saws);
- dependence on electricity;
- low power;
- works continuously for no more than 20 minutes;
- you can't work when high humidity(especially in the rain).
Weight and size
Saws of all classes are approximately the same in size. They have approximately the following dimensions: 450/270/300 mm.
The weight of household class saws ranges from 5 to 7.5 kg, and the length of the bar, respectively, from 40 to 50 cm. We can say that the optimal or average weight in this category is about 6 kg.
As for semi-professional saws, the indicators are approximately the following: weight from 4 to 7.5 kg, the average value is around 5 kg. Tire length 50 cm.
Professional-grade saws can weigh (without bar) about 4 kg, but they work normally with bars up to 75 cm in length.
Did you know? In 1927, Emil Lerp developed and presented the Dolmar chainsaw. She weighed 58 kg.
Australian V8 Chainsaw created by Whitlands Engineering - the largest chainsaw in the world
Power selection
Power is perhaps the main indicator of a tool. It depends on it how quickly and deeply the saw can cut the tree, and whether it can be done at all for this particular task. Typically, 1-2 horsepower is enough for a household tool.
For the professional category, there is a wide range in tool power - 2-6 kW. But here there is such an indicator as the ratio of weight to power. After all, it’s one thing to leave ordinary trees in a warm climate, and something completely different - frozen spruce in the polar regions of Russia. Accordingly, the power required is different.
Selection by headset
Saws of all three classes are structurally identical. To put it simply, it is an engine (an electric motor or an internal combustion engine with a clutch), and a replaceable set, which includes a tire and a chain.
Type and length of tires
The tire is one of the main characteristics of the saw. Its choice is influenced by many factors in each specific case for a specific task.
There are narrow and flat tires. Distinctive feature narrow tire- tapered tip. This design solution helps to avoid kickback when the chain enters the cut. Such tires are used mainly on household tools. The wide tip is used in the professional class and for extremely complex work. 
Lightweight tire consists of a pair of steel sidewalls, the space between which is filled with high-strength polyamide. For certain types of work, this characteristic (light weight) can be a serious advantage. 
- such a headset is installed on a professional high-power instrument. Used for the most intense loads. 
Also great value has the length of the tire. The choice of length depends on the engine power rating. The specifications of any tool should indicate the recommended bar length. Smaller size (within small limits) can be used. Tolerance usually indicated in the instructions.
The length of the tire is indicated in inches, and can be 10" (25 cm), 12" (30 cm), 14" (35 cm), 16" (40 cm), 18" (45 cm).
Important! Such a protective element as an additional shield is not provided on chainsaws from Swedish manufacturers.
Circuit Requirements
Chain pitch is the distance between adjacent links. Indicated in inches. There are 5 step sizes:
- 0,25" (1/4");
- 0,325";
- 0,375" (3/8");
- 0,404";
- 0,75"(3/4").
There is an approximate purpose for each step. For example, for ordinary household cutting of timber or thin logs, for trimming branches or sawing dry trees, 0.325" will be sufficient.
Video: how to choose a chain and bar for a chainsaw
Availability of additional protection
Often (especially for beginners), the cause of injury can be recoil, or the inertial impact that occurs when the chain crashes into a tree. Helps to avoid this phenomenon kickback damper or inertia brake. When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to its availability.
Vibration is another risk factor. Strong vibration can cause damage to joints. In inexpensive household saws, this problem is solved by using rubber gaskets. And in a professional tool - by moving the handle with the tank away from the engine, thus creating a counterweight. If you don’t want joint problems in the future, pay attention to the presence vibration protection.
Throttle lock or throttle lock button- one more useful feature, the presence of which prevents accidental pressing of the gas. Considering the ability of the saw to cause serious injuries, this function will not be superfluous.
Additional shield designed to prevent hand contact with dangerous mechanisms during operation. This protection is located at the end of the headset. 
Uninterrupted operation resource
As for the concept of uninterrupted operation resource, there is still no single and clear classification of it. In addition, it (classification) is complicated by such factors as regularity of use, under what conditions you have to work, etc.
That is, you can work with a professional tool at the limit of its capabilities, in extremely harsh conditions, and with the same tool in a gentle mode. After this, it is incorrect to talk about an equal “margin of safety”.
It is believed that a professional tool has a service life of 1500-2000 hours. But even in this case, different manufacturers define it differently this value. Some call the end of life a drop in compression in the engine to 0.6 from the initial value, others mean the first major overhaul.
Did you know? The world leader in the production of chain saws, the German company Stihl, owes its name to engineer Andreas Stihl, a German by birth, who in 1926 patented his invention - a hand-held chain saw with an electric drive.
Price and quality
We will try to list the most popular models of the most famous brands. All are considered to be well worth their prices, with the wide range in the pro-grade price range due to the aforementioned differences in power.
Household class:
- PATRIOT PT 3816 Imperial - $100;
- Hyundai X 360 - $110;
- Partner P350S - $150;
- PATRIOT PT 4518 - $150;
- Makita EA3202S40B - $150;
- Makita EA3203S40B - less than $200;
- Hitachi CS 33 EB - $200;
- Husqvarna 240 - $200;
- ECHO CS-350WES-14 - $300.
- Huter BS-52 - $100;
- DAEWOO DACS4516 -$130;
- Efco 137 - $200;
- Husqvarna 440E - $250;
- ECHO CS-260TES-10″ - $350;
- Hitachi CS30EH - $350.
- Hyundai X 560 - $200;
- PATRIOT PT 6220 - $200;
- Hitachi CS 40 EL - $300;
- STIHL MS 361 - $600;
- Husqvarna 372 XP 18" - $670.
How to use a saw for the first time
A new tool, as well as a saw after a major overhaul, requires a break-in procedure before starting work. It is necessary to increase the service life of both the engine and the entire unit.
First you need to soak the chain in an oil bath. Do this as directed by the manufacturer. This is usually done this way: take a clean container, put the canvas in it and fill it with oil, which is recommended in the instructions, for 4-6 hours.
Running in the electric saw- it’s not a difficult matter. After installing the chain, turn on the saw and let it idle for a few minutes. Then tighten the chain - it has probably stretched slightly. Work a little with a material that is not very thick and check how tight the chain is. Now the saw is ready for real work.
Important! After stopping the engine, wait until the chain cools down. Only after the chain has cooled should it be tensioned.
How to adjust the chain tension of an electric saw - videoRunning in a chainsaw requires more time and effort.
The first launch must be carried out complete with the headset. Running the engine without load can cause premature engine wear. Before starting the engine, two important procedures must be completed:
- prepare the fuel mixture;
- Check the chain lubricant that enters the bus channels.
Two-stroke chainsaw engines do not have special units responsible for lubrication. Lubrication is carried out by the oil contained in the fuel mixture. Therefore, it is extremely important to prepare a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke oil in the ratio specified by the tool manufacturer.
Gasoline is used with an octane number of at least 90. It is very important to use high-quality fuel. If the chainsaw's fuel tank has a green cap, it means that your saw's engine is equipped with a catalyst; you need to use unleaded fuel for it. If there is no catalyst, leaded gasoline should be used. 
- check if there is oil in the tank;
- inspect the tire channels;
- We check the lubrication of the drive sprocket bearing and the presence of lubrication of the driven sprocket.
Did you know? The famous Soviet chainsaw “Druzhba” appeared in 1955. In 1958 she received a gold medal at the Brussels Exhibition. The original quality of the instrument was so high that some examples from the sixties are still in working order. This saw weighs 12 kg.
After you have made sure that everything is fine, you can proceed to the first launch. Below is the procedure for a cold start:
- Tension the chain so that it turns freely.
- Place the saw on a hard, stable surface so that the chain and bar do not touch anything.
- Place the chain brake in the non-working position.
- Turn on the ignition.
- Close the air supply.
- If your tool has a decompression valve, pressing it will make starting easier.
- We set the throttle valve to start. If your chainsaw has separate controls, pull the choke lever out of the housing. If you have a multi-control tool, lock the throttle lever in the intermediate position by pressing it.
- With your non-working (usually left) hand, we take the saw by the front handle and press it down, pointing it down.
- Let's advance right foot on the handle guard.
- With the other hand, we pull the starter handle towards us until we feel resistance, after which we should make a sharp jerk.
- Open the air damper and restart the saw.
- After starting the engine, add gas to the maximum and lower the throttle; the start blocker will then turn off.
Now let the saw run for 5 minutes at idle speed. Check the tension, if necessary (usually it occurs) - tighten the chain. The electric chain saw is widely popular among owners of country farms. Although it is not capable of fully replacing its “sister” with an internal combustion engine, it is suitable for small-volume sawmill work best option can't be found. The tool is easy to maintain: to get started, you just need to connect it to the network. How to choose an electric chain saw that has a sufficient range of functions, but without overpaying? To make an informed choice, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors, the main ones of which we will consider in the article.
A saw is a necessary tool in the household, which is often used for cutting branches in the garden, sawing firewood and carpentry work.
Compact and easy-to-use tool does not require knowledge and skills in handling a gasoline engine
Initially, manual models of chain saws were quite bulky and heavy. It is not surprising that the arrival of electric chainsaws on the market was greeted with enthusiasm by most consumers. In addition to ease of operation, a significant advantage of the power tool is that it is environmentally friendly, since it does not emit exhaust gases during operation. This is especially true when sawing materials in a confined space.
The main structural elements of an electric chain saw are:
- electric motor in the housing;
- guide bars;
- oil pump with oil reservoir.
When the unit is turned on, the engine creates a rotational movement, which is transmitted to the sprocket through a bevel gearbox or direct drive. A sprocket placed in a common plane with the chain begins to rotate it, thanks to which the cutting blade easily cuts wood.
Recently, many manufacturers have equipped their models with a centrifugal clutch, thereby preventing damage to the electric motor and saw gear during cycling.
Electric models of chain saws are famous for their long service life, which is achieved through constant lubrication of movable elements during operation.
The chain oil, located in a special container, is supplied to the tire by means of pumping, from which it is distributed through the chain along the sprockets and cutting blade. Many models have a function for adjusting the lubrication intensity, which allows you to work with materials of different hardness.
The average capacity of the container is 120-200 ml. This volume is enough for 2 hours of continuous operation. The operator’s task is to control the oil level in the tank, otherwise, when working “dry,” the motor will quickly overheat and the tool will fail.
To facilitate the task of monitoring the volume of liquid, manufacturers make transparent inserts in the body or provide a special probe.
Material about what is better – a chainsaw or an electric saw will also be useful:
Household or professional tool?
Like any power tool, chain saw presented on the market in household and professional models. Professional tools are more powerful, which allows them to be used without stopping for a longer time. It is better to choose them if you need to use them frequently.
Most professional models are equipped with a function to maintain a constant motor speed, as well as vibration protection and comfortable handles
The only drawback of professional chain saws is their high price, which is often several times higher than their household counterparts.
Household electric chain saws are more designed for short-term work. The continuous operation time of the tool is limited to 10-15 minutes, after which it is necessary to pause, allowing the engine to “rest”.
Simple design of these models and application in production inexpensive materials allows you to significantly reduce the cost of household chain saws
In order not to make a mistake, before choosing a chain saw, determine for yourself the amount of work expected and the frequency of use of the unit. If you need a tool for seasonal work in the country, you can quite limit yourself to the household option.
Options for choosing a quality electric saw
The modern market offers a wide selection of models. Among the well-known brands of well-established manufacturers, the most popular are: Bosch, Sparky, Patriot... There are also less popular brands, which are often not inferior in terms of the functions presented. Therefore, when choosing an electric chain saw, you should take into account not only the advertised brand, but also performance characteristics specific model.
Material about what you should pay attention to before buying a power saw will also be useful:
Parameter #1 - engine location and power
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a tool is the engine power. Not only performance, but also its durability depends on this parameter.
If power surges occur quite frequently in your electrical network, choose better tool with sufficient power reserve. The engine of such a chain saw will not overheat when the voltage drops, delivering rated power.
The motor power of household electric chain saws can vary between 1.5-2 kW, and professional ones – up to 3.5 kW
If the voltage is unstable, experts recommend choosing models equipped with a thermal control system that automatically turns off the tool. The thermal relay is activated when the motor winding temperature reaches established threshold. But it is worth considering that if the unit is switched off too often in conditions of unstable voltage, the performance of the unit is also reduced.
If you focus on the location of the engine in the structure, it can be:
- Transverse - the engine axis is perpendicular to the width of the unit, and its center of gravity is slightly shifted. When working with such a tool, you will have to constantly maintain balance. It is most comfortable to work with it in a vertical plane, when you make a cut from top to bottom.
- Longitudinal - the design is a straight line in which all components are well balanced. This constructive solution provides excellent balancing of the blade when turning, giving the tool greater maneuverability.
Saws with a transverse engine are designed for general use. The power of such tools ranges around 2 kW, and the weight does not exceed 4 kg.
Saws with a longitudinal engine are indispensable for carpentry work.
The absence of a protruding motor on the side simplifies the work with the tool, but increases the weight of the unit, the value of which can reach 6 kg
Due to the considerable weight, your hands will quickly get tired, and therefore such a tool will not be very convenient to operate for several hours of continuous work - this is worth taking into account.
A very good tool with increased power is offered by the German brand KRÜGER, which has long gained popularity and trust among consumers. It has a compact size and is used for harvesting firewood, sawing timber, sawing off twigs and branches. The power of the KRUGER electric saw is 2500 W. Impact-resistant plastic protects the device from damage. Features include automatic chain lubrication and start lock. It’s convenient to work with: the Kruger electric chain saw weighs only 5 kg.
The price of a Kruger electric saw is about 5,000 rubles, which is more than acceptable for a German manufacturer. Without a doubt, this device is the best demonstration of the ideal balance between quality and price.
Parameter #2 - chain tension adjustment
Low-profile chains are used in the manufacture of electric saws. Although they have lower productivity, they are good because they expose the tool to less vibration, making it safer to use.
Correct tension affects performance and safety of work, so during operation the chains of electric saws have to be tightened quite often
There are models on sale in two versions of chain tension:
- Classic - to tension the chain, the screws securing the bars are loosened and carefully moved using a flat screwdriver. This is a rather painstaking method, time-consuming and requiring the necessary tools to be on hand.
- Simplified - chain tension is achieved by loosening the nut and moving the bar using a slider.
The saw unit is lubricated automatically in modern models using an oil pump. The pump is activated simultaneously with the saw being turned on. This greatly simplifies the maintenance of the unit. The owner’s task is to monitor the level of oil fluid and add it as needed.
The presence of a lever on the side panel allows you to easily adjust the tension; the system is convenient because it does not require the use of special tools
Parameter #3 - bus length
The working bar on which the chain is fixed can have various modifications. The length of the bar is directly related to the power of the tool. It can reach 30-45 cm. Considering that it is unlikely that you will have to cut thick logs on a suburban area, the best option for household work, a tire 40 cm long is considered. Tools with a longer tire will be much heavier, more powerful and, therefore, more expensive.
The quality of the cut depends on the thickness of the cutting blade.
For household tools, the standard tooth pitch is 3/8 inch: the thicker the chain, the more powerful the motor should be
On saws from various manufacturers, depending on the performance of the tool, they can be installed different types chains and tires. Over time, moving parts will wear out and require replacement. Therefore, to prevent future problems with finding parts, choose power tools with the most common type of chains.
Parameter #4 - soft start
Engine starting and braking systems are perhaps the most extreme operating modes of the unit. The reason for this is that at these moments shock doses of current pass through the motor winding, which significantly reduces its resources.
The soft start system, which limits starting current, allowing the engine to gain speed gradually
The soft start system extends the “life” of the unit.
The presence of an inertial brake allows you to stop the motor in a split second when turning off the tool, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Parameter #5 - security
Any power saw for woodworking is a potentially dangerous tool. Therefore, when choosing a unit, it is so important to protect yourself from possible injuries while using the tool.
When choosing a power tool, pay attention to whether it has an accidental start lock. It will protect you from danger if you do not comfortably grasp the tool with one hand or, after turning it on, find that you are not yet ready to work with it.
Kickback can be a particular hazard when operating a chain saw. It occurs when the end of the bar comes into contact with a hard surface of the lumber, as a result of which the tool is thrown back sharply, and its moving chain can injure the operator.
To prevent backlash modern models equipped with an automatic brake system, which is a shield-shaped lever located under the handle
The automatic brake is activated when the hand slips, when a “kickback” occurs: when pressure is applied to the shield, a spring is activated, which activates the brake and stops the chain.
How to avoid breaking a newly purchased tool?
Tool repair specialists note that most often electric chain saws fail in the spring. This is easily explained by the fact that during the cold winter months, condensation accumulates in the windings of the electric motor of the tool. Drops of moisture provoke short circuit when turning on the unit. This problem can be prevented by keeping the tool in a warm room before starting work. To do this, you should bring it into the room at least a day before turning it on.
A frequent cause of tool failure is a drop in network voltage. When the voltage drops and the unit develops its rated power, due to intense heat generation, the insulation may simply melt or the armature may short out. Therefore, when working with a tool, it is so important to monitor the stability of the current and periodically give the unit a “rest”.
An electric chain saw is a simple and easy-to-use tool. With proper care and compliance with safety regulations, it will last more than 5 years without requiring additional costs.
The question of buying a chain saw sooner or later arises for any owner of a private household, and usually this means an electric saw. Electric chainsaws are inferior to gasoline chainsaws in terms of performance and autonomy, but significantly improve in ease of maintenance and use.
However, builders also often take an electric saw in addition to a gasoline saw - for small volumes of work it is more convenient, and working conditions sometimes do not allow the use of a chainsaw.
In stores today, the buyer is offered a wide range of models of electric saws in a wide range of prices and characteristics. To get the right tool for your money, you need to understand how each of these features affects the usability, performance, and safety of the saw.
Electric chain saw device
Despite the external diversity, all electric chain saws are designed the same way. The housing (1) houses an electric motor (2) that rotates the drive sprocket (3). The sprocket drives a toothed saw chain (4) running along a guide bar (5). On the rear handle (6) of the saw there is a power button (7), in front of the front handle (8) there is a protective shield (9), which is also an emergency brake. On the front of the body there is a row of stop teeth (10) that facilitate sawing.
Areas of application for electric chain saws
The chain saw is used wherever there is a large volume of sawing work:
- preparation of firewood;
- carpentry work;
- construction work;
- dismantling wooden buildings and designs.
Some people use a chain saw to trim the limbs, although it is better to use a reciprocating saw for this task - it is both more convenient and safer.
Characteristics of electric chain saws
The more power saw, the higher its productivity and the faster it will cut the same timber. But this does not mean that you should choose a saw that is as powerful as possible. Power saws are heavier and significantly more expensive, so choose a saw based on the task at hand.
If you plan to cut thick logs (30 cm or more in diameter), then you will need a saw with a long bar and a power of 2 kW or more.
If such tasks are not expected, a power of 1500 - 2000 W will be quite enough.
Saws with a power of less than 1500 W are only suitable for sawing small parts and trimming branches.
Engine location can be longitudinal and transverse. With a transverse arrangement, the drive sprocket is located directly on the engine axis - the design is simpler, more reliable and cheaper. But with this arrangement, the engine protrudes strongly to the side, which can lead to certain inconveniences - such a saw is more difficult to operate in cramped conditions. In addition, due to the uneven distribution of weight, it can be pulled to the side during operation.
Saws with a longitudinal arrangement do not have these disadvantages, but are more expensive.
Tire length determines the maximum cutting depth. The longer the tire, the thicker the log or timber can be cut. Of course, if the length of the bus is supported by the appropriate power.
Buying a saw famous manufacturer, you don’t have to think about it - a company that values its reputation will not equip a low-power saw with a long bar. But if there are doubts about the correspondence between the length of the bus and the power, then you should be guided by the fact that the optimal power for a 40 cm bus is 2 kW, 35 cm is 1800 W. Saws with lower power are usually equipped with a 30 cm bar.
Bar groove width determines the thickness of the guide elements of the saw chain and characterizes the strength and wear resistance of the chain. For household saws not intended for high loads, saw chains with thin guides are used.
Chains experiencing high loads have thicker guide elements.
Chain pitch is called half the distance between any three rivets. The chain pitch determines the length of the chain teeth and affects the performance of the saw and the cleanliness of the cut.
The chain pitch must be matched to the engine power: a large pitch provides more performance, but requires more power. In addition, the larger the teeth ( more step) the rougher the cut, the stronger the vibration of the tool and the greater the adhesion of the chain to the material being cut - when wedging, such a chain is more likely to cause the tool to slip out of your hands.
Step in 1/4" (6.3 mm) ensures maximum accuracy and cleanliness of the cut and is used only in miniature saws.
Step 3/8" (9.3 mm) provides acceptable performance and is used in most household saws.
Step 0.375" (9.5 mm) used on powerful electric saws that require maximum performance.
Maximum chain speed affects the performance of the saw - the higher the speed, the faster it will cut. Of course, only if the engine power allows you to maintain a high speed under load - when choosing among saws with different speeds and power, the choice should be made based on power. The high speed of a low-power saw under load will be greatly reduced, and the advantage will disappear.
Chain tension mechanism. Saw chain during operation it is stretched, so that it does not start to fly off the tire, it must be tightened. On models with instrumental With a chain tension mechanism, this must be done using a separate tool, most often a screwdriver.
Toolless the mechanism allows you to tighten the chain manually by turning the tension regulator on the body.
Powering the device. There are also cordless chainsaws. They combine the simplicity, convenience and safety of using corded chain saws with the autonomy of gasoline ones. Unfortunately, cordless saws are much more expensive, have less power and a short operating time on one battery (20-40 minutes). In addition, with the same power, a cordless saw will be heavier.
When you decide to purchase a cordless saw, pay attention to the characteristics of the batteries: their voltage indirectly indicates the power of the saw (the higher the voltage, the more powerful), and the capacity indicates the duration of operation without charging.
Also note that most cordless saws sold without battery and charger, the price of which may be close to the cost of the saw itself.
Electric chain saw safety
A chain saw is a dangerous tool. Careless handling can result in serious injury or even death. Therefore, it is extremely important that the saw has all the options to ensure operator safety while working.
All electric saws are equipped with a chain brake lever that stops the chain when it hits your hand. But the workmanship of this element is different manufacturers may vary. Before purchasing, you should check the operation of the chain brake - the lever should snap off with a slight force on it. Before starting work, be sure to ensure that releasing the lever causes the chain to stop immediately. The author of the guide personally observed a Chinese chainsaw, the release of the brake lever on which did not in any way affect its performance.
Blocking from accidental activation allows you to block the power button and guarantees that the tool will not turn on if the button is accidentally pressed.
Overrun brake stops the chain when the tool is turned off. If the saw does not have this option, after turning off the tool, the chain continues to move by inertia for some time - this may be enough to cause injury.
Saw is one of the faithful assistants of every owner country house. Working with its manual version is in itself unpleasant due to its high labor intensity. Therefore, owners were pleased with the advent of automatic chain saws. This tool today is available in two versions - gasoline and electric; it is the latter that is most often purchased by non-professionals. But choosing the right electric chain saw and buying the right one are completely different things. This issue needs to be given special attention.
Electric or petrol model
To understand which of these options is more suitable for a particular owner, you need to familiarize yourself with with the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Gasoline saw- This is a more autonomous version of the tool, since it can work without a source of electricity. Also, the saw models in question have other important features, which will be useful for every buyer to know:
Electric chain saw: purpose, types
An electric saw will be useful to every owner who often or occasionally has to do woodworking. It can be used for sawing small logs, boards and slats, and for large-scale carpentry work. Essentially, a chain saw is a compromise between a garden saw and construction tool, if we consider its functionality. Of course, it will be ineffective when building a house. It can bring tangible benefits primarily when carrying out sanitary and molding pruning, making furniture and preparing firewood.
Features of using electric saws
The main reason why many owners choose electric chainsaws is their high durability. They can last for many years However, for this you will have to follow certain rules. Every owner should find out before purchasing an electric saw about its “weak point” - this tool is very sensitive to voltage changes. Therefore, it is precisely because of overloads that these saws most often fail.
Which chain saw for wood to choose
First, what to pay attention to when choosing a power tool - the conditions of its operation. Stores today offer many options for electric chain saws, the cost of which can vary from 2 to 25 thousand rubles. Often the price is an indicator of the quality of the instrument. It is not recommended to buy the cheapest chain saws from an unknown manufacturer, especially in random places, because such devices, as a rule, do not last long. But this does not mean that you need to pay tens of thousands of rubles for a professional model, all of whose capabilities you are unlikely to use.
When deciding whether it is better for you to choose a household or a professional tool, you must understand that these two options differ from each other in service life and maximum duration of continuous operation. If you need a tool for work no more than 3-4 hours a day, then feel free to choose a household chain saw. Most instruments belonging to this class have a short duration of continuous operation, which does not exceed several minutes. So that you have complete confidence that you are making the right choice, we advise you to compare various options consider the following points:
Features of care
Main events which you should do regularly starting from the moment of purchasing the electric saw - maintain sufficient efficient work tool oil level and chain sharpness. If your model does not have automatic pump, then the saw bar is lowered into a bucket of oil after each job.
It is also necessary to promptly check the reliability of fastening of parts and the serviceability of electrical wiring. If the instrument behaves obediently in your hands, then this is a clear sign that everything is fine with him. A normally functioning electric saw does not require physical effort. However, in any case, you must maintain it in working condition - after finishing work, wash the chain, clean it of scorch and put it in a box.
Storage Features
It often happens that for the winter the instrument is sent for storage in an unheated room. It is not recommended to do this with an electric saw, since due to condensation accumulated inside the tool, a short circuit may occur even during the first uses. This can be avoided by letting the instrument sit for several days in a warm, dry room in the spring.
Very carefully necessary handle battery models whose overheating is unacceptable. If the temperature at the place where they are stored rises to 50 degrees Celsius, this may result in their failure. You should also ensure that the instrument is protected from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Every owner of a suburban area regularly has to seek help from such a popular tool as an electric chain saw. After all, situations often arise in the country when certain tasks can be performed most effectively only with the help of this tool. But in order for a power saw to bring tangible help to the owner, it is necessary to choose it correctly. Naturally, you first need to understand how to choose a power saw and what characteristics you need to pay attention to.
The power of the electric saw must be such that it can easily perform the necessary operations without experiencing overload. It is advisable that it be equipped with an automatic locking system, which will help make the tool safer to use.
It is also necessary to take care to maintain the power tool in working condition. To do this, the owner must regularly monitor the condition of its key operating elements from day one. It is necessary to check the engine oil level and lubricate and clean the chain after each use. Compliance with these simple recommendations will allow you to use this tool for a long time, easily completing any tasks that arise before you.
