What Size Of Chainsaw Do I Need? – Best Bar Length For You
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Chainsaws are useful tools, but they don’t fit everyone. The question of how large a chainsaw should you purchase is crucial.
We will answer all your questions about the right size chainsaw for you. Also, we’ll give you some buying tips.
How Do I Know The Right Chainsaw Size I Need?
Most people assume that measuring the chainsaw means the whole machine when it only means the cutting bar. The cutting bar is a piece that allows cutting through various materials, and it has a variety of sizes made for different cutting requirements.
The larger the chainsaw, the more arduous the tasks its made for. Thus, to know a good chainsaw size, you must first identify the cutting task and the material youre using it with.
The length you need for your chainsaw depends on whether youll use it for bucking or felling medium trees or for smaller-scale projects like limbing and maintenance grooming. The length of a chainsaw cutting bar is 6-51 cm. The larger the number, the more powerful the saw.
Almost all six-inch chainsaws are electric, while other larger versions are typically gasoline-powered models. These larger models with 51 cm bars are commonly for personal home use too.
If youre still unsure of what size you will need, heres a way to measure your chainsaw bar.
- With a tape measure, measure from the bars tip to the chain at the furthest end of the bar. The furthest area is the base where the guide bar enters the housing.
- Round the odd length measurement to the nearest even number.
Correct Chainsaw Sizing
In choosing the appropriate chainsaw size, its vital to determine the type of usage. This guide will help you solve this common problem.
Sometimes, you might need to use the light
Light-use typically means general maintenance and pruning trees and shrubs in the chainsaw vocabulary. If youre into occasional light cutting and pruning limbs, a cutting bar under 36 cm long is enough to cater to the task.
Since there are no thick branches, you can work around the task even with novice-friendly models. These models are electric, making them among the most safe on the market.
Some also prefer pole saws, which have shorter cutting bars for occasional usage. This is commonly used when cutting thin long tree branches.
Moderate Use
For moderate to heavy use, we recommend a 41 cm- or 46 cm-long cutting bar. Most homeowners also prefer these medium-sized tools and consider them general-purpose cutting chainsaw bars, especially if they use them more than occasional light cuts.
This saw can be used to cut through thick branches and logs, as well as removing shrubs. There are electric saws with cutting bars measuring 16-46 cm that are readily available. However, gas-powered models tend to be more popular.
Heavy duty use
If you plan to use your chainsaw for more difficult or larger tasks, a 51 cm length cutting bar is a good option. For cutting large tree trunks or larger-diameter woods, bigger chainsaws can be used.
Because it is more difficult to control and master, longer chainsaws are often reserved for commercial and professional use.
Heavy-duty chainsaws are not considered necessary by homeowners because they take up more space and require professional property maintenance. However, a larger chainsaw may be preferred if youre living in rural areas and your task requires heavy-duty sawing.
The Top Tips
Identify Your Daily Tasks
When determining the size of your chainsaw, it is important to consider what you plan to do with it. Find out the chores that you will perform with your new chainsaw to determine its size.
Lighter chores require a smaller model, usually those smaller than 41 cm. A 16-46 cm chainsaw is best for cutting thick branches and tree logs.
For larger trees and bushes, a 51 cm saw will be the best choice. Always remember that the larger the chainsaw is, the more difficult it is to use for a smaller and more detailed cutting requirement.
Chainsaws that are larger than 51 cm can be found. While they may appear more powerful, this will not compromise safety. A bigger chainsaw is tempting if youre into big cutting jobs, but its heavier and more difficult to manage.
Your Strength And Experience
The woodworker’s chainsaw command is an important factor in a chainsaw’s efficiency. The size of your chainsaw’s bar will determine how much and how large you can cut wood, but it also controls the length of your cutting.
Longer bars can be more difficult to control and require greater mastery. This is especially important when cutting heavy-duty wood. To ensure enough power, apply more pressure to ensure that the chainsaw blade and teeth bite perfectly into the wood seams.
Also, longer bars are more tiring to use since they are heavier. To guarantee safer use, choose a chainsaw with a lower kickback so you can have more control over your tool.
We also recommend tailoring the chainsaw of choice to your cutting power since your physical strength is what fuels the chainsaw. When wielding a chainsaw, your physical power is very much required.
One common reason why homeowners prefer electric chainsaws is that its lighter and less challenging to handle. Although they have lighter parts, electric chainsaws offer less cutting power than gas ones.
Chainsaw Components (Bar Length, Engine, Guide Bar Length)
The chainsaw components are another important aspect to consider when deciding which chainsaw is right for you. The guide bar and chain length dictate the chainsaw engine size.
When choosing a saw, remember the rule of thumb. This states that the length of the bar should be at least 58 cm longer than the tree’s or limbs‘ diameter. This rule will allow you to cut the tree in one pass.
A longer bar requires more power and bigger engine displacement, which also means that it can trigger more fatigue for the user or operator if used for a long period of tie. Accidents are more likely to occur if the job is done for longer periods of time. We recommend that you schedule breaks between uses, especially for larger chainsaws.
Gas Or Electric Type
A gas-powered chainsaw is more common, and most users end up winding with gas-powered models since its readily available in hardware shops.
Electric chainsaws, on the other hand, are much quieter because they draw power directly from the circuit, and not the gas engine. This makes it easier to start. The downside of an electric chainsaw is that it gives lesser power than gas-powered chainsaws.
A battery-powered chainsaw measures in amps. An electric one is measured by volts.
Measure The Chainsaw Up-Close
Measure your chainsaw closely to see whether it has different fittings, given that there are different models, especially for cutting large trees.
Although smaller chainsaws might look the same, you’ll be able to tell that a 41 cm saw is quite different from a 46 cm model.
The Recommended Chainsaw Sizes For Every Task
Limb Pruning
A 15 cm – 25 cm chainsaw is best for pruning. Chainsaws with shorter bars can accommodate smaller branches.
Removing Branches
A longer chainsaw is required to remove branches. A regular small chainsaw might not be efficient in cutting branches. We recommend using a 20-30 cm or longer chainsaw to make this task easier.
Small Trees
Take into account the trees trunk thickness when choosing a chainsaw size. When cutting small trees, choose a chainsaw that has a 30-36 cm blade.
The length of the blade can be adjusted depending on how thick the trees are.
Cutting Firewood
Because logs can be very large, it is important to use the right size chainsaw when splitting them. The size of chainsaw you will need to cut firewood should be around 36 cm to 41 cm to ensure the job gets done seamlessly.
Cutting Medium Trees
When cutting down medium-sized trees, a larger chainsaw is required. A tree trunk sized around 36 cm to 41 cm needs a chainsaw of about 41 cm to 46 cm to cut the tree in one pass.
We recommend that professionals handle larger trees. However, if youre more experienced with your saw, you might want to use a chainsaw 51 cm long.
What Happens When The Chainsaw Is Too Long?
Although you may be tempted to purchase a longer chainsaw for its maximum cutting power, remember that too long chainsaws can prove dangerous.
Larger saws are heavier and have increased vibrations that will be difficult for starters to manage and master. You can maximize the use of your chainsaw by choosing a saw that is manageable based on your skills and mastery.
Longer chainsaws also have heavier kickbacks, so do not purchase a chainsaw thats too long for your desired use. Choose the right version for you.
What Happens If The Chainsaw Length Isn’t Enough?
You don’t have to worry about your chainsaw being a tiny bit shorter than the wood. It is still possible to use a shorter saw. You will need to make several passes to get the job done thoroughly.
The smaller chainsaw will be more challenging and require more effort as you must cut in the opposite direction. Also, if the diameter of the log is too big, then a small chainsaw cannot draw the task.
When To Use A Professional Grade Chainsaw
Mastery and skill are required to use a professional-grade chainsaw or one with bars greater than 51 cm and 50cc engines.
This is why we dont recommend amateurs to play with these great tools since its not safe and will be very dangerous for new woodworkers. We recommend hiring professionals ranchers if you are only interested in logging large trees occasionally.
Can A Chainsaw Be Customized?
Name-brand chainsaws can be easily customized as they come with slots that allow you to attach different types of blades and bar types. These can be customized or tailored at home without the need to bring them to the shop.
You should confirm with the owner’s manual or the retailer where you purchased your saw if the model you have permits substitution. This prevents you from damaging your saw, should it not be made for substitution.
If you are more focused on the aesthetics of your tools, however, you can still change the color.
Is It Recommended To Equip My Chainsaw With A Shorter Bar?
It is possible to have your chainsaw equipped with a shorter bar. Most units in the market can accommodate three sizes. But still, it all comes down to the manufacturer.
Oiler Nipple
Oiling a chain bar is important. The oiler nipple is the key to making sure it is oiled on a regular basis. Its a vital component, especially with automatic oilers.
When replacing your chainsaw bar, the oiler nipple should also be considered. To determine if the new bar will fit your housing, measure the length by measuring the pitch size and guard slots.
Chain
It is mandatory to change the chainsaw bar after replacing the chains. Otherwise, it will not fit properly.
To prevent the chain from slipping, it is important that the guide links are properly aligned.
If the chains are too large, there will be too much pressure, which may result in your chains snapping during rotation. Avoid potential hazards by making sure that your pitch measurement matches the new bar.
Sprocket
Consider the sprocket, or the area where the chains drive links pass when changing the bars. The sprocket is designed to power the chain through the engine, and with fully functional chainsaws, the chain helps the sprocket efficiently.
Do not simply replace parts, as it can be dangerous without thorough planning and checking.
Conclusion
Its crucial to consider the above essential factors to determine the size of chainsaw you need. The job you are doing will determine the size of your chainsaw. The two-inch rule can be used to determine the appropriate size chainsaw for your task.
