The modern-day chainsaw has turned out to be an indispensable tool in the forestry and logging industry. From felling trees to cutting branches and logs, there’s nothing that this piece of cutting equipment can’t do. Besides, there are very few tools capable of offering the kind of raw power one gets from chainsaws.
That said, there’s one chainsaw application that’s often neglected: cutting firewood. When people want to undertake this task, they consider other tools such as an axe or hatchet. However, chainsaws are equally capable tools.
To help you find the right one, here are detailed reviews of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood.
Top 5 Firewood Cutting Chainsaw Reviews
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher
Since its establishment in 1689, Husqvarna has been one of the most renowned chainsaw brands, and rightly so. Their 455 Rancher chainsaw is an example of the quality craftsmanship the company delivers with each product.
This chainsaw comes in one of two bar lengths. You can choose either the 18-inch bar with 3.49 hp or, the 20-inch bar length that leads to 3.5 hp. Whichever bar and chain you pick, you'll be able to cut wet wood and dry wood.
The fact that it's powered by a 55.5 cc engine is one of the key reasons why it's considered the best chainsaw for firewood. This gives you enough power to cut any size of firewood.
We particularly like that this 2-stroke engine is designed for lower fuel consumption and fewer gas emissions. Plus, it includes an inertia-activated chain brake to enhance operators’ safety.
Another feature that makes this one of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood is its ease of use. First off, it has an automatic chain oiler that provides a constant supply of oil to the bar and chain. This, in turn, enables these parts to work optimally.
Secondly, the tensioning system is positioned on the side. This enables you to access it swiftly so you can make the necessary adjustments.
Maintenance is also a breeze as the chainsaw is fitted with a centrifugal air cleaning system. This part aids in eliminating bigger dust particles so they don’t end up in the air filter. This leads to a smooth cleaning process and extends engine life.
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for the best electric chainsaw for cutting logs, then the Worx WG384 40V unit is an excellent choice.
This cordless electric chainsaw is powered using two 20V PowerShare batteries, providing a total power of 40V. While it’s not as powerful as a gas chainsaw, it gives you a decent amount of power to tackle medium to light-duty tasks, such as cutting firewood.
Another feature that warrants this being ranked as the best chainsaw for cutting firewood is its battery level indicator. This makes it easy to know just how much juice you have left so you can recharge the batteries in time.
One benefit that stems from using such battery-powered chainsaws as this one is the lightweight profile. So if you’ve been searching for a lightweight chainsaw you can carry with you to the field, this is it.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with a dynamic brushless motor that provides constant power. This enables you to cut efficiently without experiencing any dips in power.
This chainsaw's user-friendliness is another reason why it's often used for cutting firewood.
For one, it has a tool-free chain tensioner. This allows you to adjust the tension and torque accordingly for each cutting job.
This chainsaw also comes fitted with an automatic lubrication system. This ensures that the chainsaw chain and bar are well-lubricated, which leads to a productive cutting experience.
You also won’t have to worry about your safety when using the Worx WG384 chainsaw thanks to the quick-stop chain brake. As implied in its name, this feature disengages the chain instantly, preventing it from injuring you in case of a malfunction.
Pros
Cons
Want to invest in the best professional chainsaw for cutting firewood? Then look no further than the Coocheer 20-inch gas chainsaw.
One thing that makes this chainsaw ideal for cutting wood- be it dry or wet wood- is its powerful engine. It’s a 2-stroke, 62.2cc engine that generates up to 3.5HP giving you plenty of power.
And the best thing is, the chainsaw starts with just a few kicks.
Also important to note is the length of its cutting bar. Coocheer offers a 20-inch bar and chain, resulting in a cutting diameter ranging between 27 and 33 inches.
The automatic chain oiler onboard is another feature that makes it the best chainsaw for cutting firewood. This provides a non-stop supply of oil; thus, keeping your chain and bar well-lubricated. This, in turn, helps to prolong the chain’s life.
This chainsaw boasts an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. In fact, the handle is made of slip-resistant material, which makes for easy handling.
You will also love the range of accessories that come with this gas-powered chainsaw. They include a user manual, spare chain, guide bar cover, spark plugs, chainsaw bag, fuel mixing bottle, and a tool kit.
The only thing you won't like about this chainsaw is its weight. If you're looking for the lightest chainsaw, the Coocheer is certainly not an ideal choice.
Pros
Cons
Electric chainsaws have a bad reputation for not providing sufficient cutting power. But the Oregon CS1500 corded electric chainsaw proves otherwise.
One main selling point for this chainsaw is its affordability. While other chainsaws cost upwards of $300, this one goes for a third of that price. This makes it one of the best options for buyers on a tight budget.
Another thing you’ll love about this chainsaw for firewood is that it’s super easy to start. All you have to do is plug its power cord into an electrical outlet and you’re good to go.
However, this does mean that its best application is as a DIY chainsaw. If you’re looking for a tool that you can carry to the field, consider gas or battery-operated chainsaws.
This chainsaw boasts Oregon’s proprietary PowerSharp self-sharpening technology. The feature, which comes integrated into the saw, sharpens the chain in a span of 3 to 5 seconds. This saves you significant amounts of time; thus, improving your productivity.
The automatic oiling system is another aspect that makes this one of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood. It provides consistent lubrication to the bar and chain; hence, minimizing friction.
Other chainsaws, especially the gas-powered models, are known for producing a ton of noise when in action.
Thankfully, this is one thing you won’t have to worry about with the CS1500 corded electric chainsaw. It runs very quietly, meaning you can use it for cutting wood in your yard without disrupting your neighbors.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking for a chainsaw that can not only cut firewood but also handle some heavy-duty cutting jobs? If you are, check out the Makita EA4300F40B model.
Right off the bat, you can tell that this chainsaw was designed with the user's comfort in mind. It comprises smooth rounded surfaces, which make for easy cleaning. In addition, the fuel/oil tank opening has S-shaped caps, resulting in an easy refilling process.
This tool relies on a powerful 42 cc engine, which is what powers the 16-inch chainsaw bar. We particularly like that Makita decided to use a sprocket nose bar. This allows the chainsaw chain to rotate faster around the nose bar whilst minimizing heat and power loss.
Another aspect that makes the EA4300F40B one of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood is the oil retaining mechanism. This helps to keep the bar and chain well-lubricated throughout the cutting process.
Gas-powered engines can be a little tricky to navigate. But this is not the case with the Makita, which has touch & stop single lever dial. This shuts off the engine with a single touch.
Pros
Cons
What Size Chainsaw is Best for Cutting Firewood
Now that you have a rough idea of the best chainsaws for cutting firewood, you might be wondering whether there’s a specific size you should look for.
There aren’t any hard and fast rules for this. What matters is that you get a chainsaw suitable for cutting the size of firewood you have at hand. By size, we mean the width of the trees or logs.
Ideally, an ideal chainsaw for cutting firewood should be slightly larger than the diameter of the stock. For instance, if most of your projects entail cutting 14 to 16-inch diameter logs, then a 16 to 18-inch chainsaw is ideal.
Similarly, if you plan to cut logs that are up to 20 inches in diameter, then invest in a larger saw. Most operators find that an 18-inch length hits the sweet spot for a chainsaw for firewood.
It’s sufficient to tackle 90% of cutting jobs. And yet, it’s not so big that it makes the chainsaw difficult to wield.
How to Choose the Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood
As much as we hate to admit it, not all chainsaws are suitable for tackling firewood.
To find the best chainsaw for cutting firewood, keep these points in mind:
Type of Chainsaw
The first choice you need to make is the model or type of chainsaw you’ll buy. You have three options to pick from- corded, cordless, and gas-powered.
Electric corded chainsaws are only ideal if you’re planning to cut the firewood within your property.
This is because you can easily access an electrical outlet to hook your chainsaw to. But if you’re looking for a chainsaw that you can carry with you, a cordless or gas chainsaw is the better option.
With a battery-powered chainsaw, all you need to do is recharge the batteries beforehand. This way, you’ll have enough juice to tackle your cutting jobs in the field. These saws are also fairly easy to maintain. No need to worry about changing spark plugs, or emptying the fuel tank.
But keep in mind that such saws aren’t meant to be used for extended periods of time. If you’re planning to cut for several hours, you may experience a dip in power. Or worse, the cordless chainsaw may run out of juice completely.
If you’re looking to undertake heavy-duty firewood cutting jobs, your best bet is a gas-powered chainsaw.
Although it’s bulky, this piece of machinery provides a ton of cutting power. This lets you cut large pieces of firewood for long hours at a time. And the best part is, that you’ll never experience any dips in performance.
Guide Bar Length
Another crucial factor you should consider when choosing the best chainsaws for cutting firewood is the guide bar length.
As mentioned earlier, this determines the size of logs or firewood that you’ll be able to cut with your saw.
The general rule of thumb here is that the bar length should always be two inches longer than the size of the log. For instance, if you plan to cut firewood that is 12 inches wide, then the ideal chainsaw should have a minimum bar length of 14 inches.
That said, chainsaws for cutting firewood typically come in sizes ranging from 12 to 20 inches.
If you use a bar that’s smaller than 12 inches, you won’t get adequate cutting power to slice through a piece of firewood. On the other extreme, going for a bar length bigger than 20 inches can make your chainsaw too heavy to wield.
Engine Power
If you’ve opted for a gas-powered chainsaw, then one important aspect you should consider is engine power. This is usually determined by the engine displacement, which is measured using cc.
Generally, the bigger the size of firewood you plan to cut, the more powerful the engine should be.
If you invest in a gas chainsaw that doesn’t match your power requirements, you’ll end up spending a long time to complete the job.
In worst-case scenarios, you may end up subjecting the chain and other parts to unnecessary stress; thus, jeopardizing their efficiency and durability.
Let’s say you want to chop 22-inch thick logs. A gas chainsaw with a 35cc engine won’t provide sufficient cutting power. While it may get the job done, you’ll likely spend a ton of time. The best gas chainsaws for such tasks should have at least 50cc engines.
Similarly, if you’ll only be cutting small-sized logs, then a smaller engine will suffice. No need to spend a huge chunk of money on a powerful gas chainsaw that’s not needed.
Weight
The best chainsaws for firewood will also have the ideal weight.
An overly heavy chainsaw will not only be difficult to carry but also to wield. On the other hand, a chainsaw that’s too light will force you to apply a considerable amount of effort to cut the firewood.
So you’ll need to find the sweet spot that works for you. If there’s a brick-and-mortar hardware store nearby, visit it and get a feel of the different weights.
But generally, gas chainsaws will always be heavier than their corded and cordless counterparts.
Handles
The best chainsaw for cutting firewood should have ergonomically-designed handles.
In addition to this, you’ll want to check where the handle is positioned at the top or the rear. To make a choice between these two: think about where and how you’ll be using your chainsaw.
Will you be using it to cut logs that are laid flat on the ground? If so, then a rear handle chainsaw is one of the best power tools.
For off-the-ground applications like cutting logs that are high up in a tree, a top-handle chainsaw is a better choice. It’s lighter and more compact and the position of the handle enables you to support it one-handed for easy navigation.
Safety Features
There are several safety features you should look out for when choosing a chainsaw for cutting firewood. These include:
Front hand guard
This part is usually positioned in front of the top handle. It’s meant to protect your hand from a fast rotating chain in case you slip.
Rear hand guard
As you might have guessed, this guard is included in chainsaws with a rear handle. However, it serves a fairly similar function of protecting your hand from a derailed or jumping chain.
Spark arrestor
This part is what keeps hot sparks from catching fire while you cut with the chainsaw. However, you’ll want to ensure that the spark arrestor isn’t clogged. If it is, it will keep the exhaust from being released from the motor; thus, causing the chainsaw to stop running.
Electronic chain brake
As implied in the title, this feature causes the chain to come to an abrupt stop. This step is crucial when a kickback occurs, and it prevents the chain from severing your hand.
Kill switch
This is mostly incorporated in gas-powered chainsaws. Its role is to keep the engine from functioning by delaying the ignition process. This trigger should be clearly labeled and easy to locate in case you need to engage it suddenly.
Chain catcher
This part is designed to stop the chain from being thrown in the direction of the user in the event that it breaks or gets derailed.
Throttle trigger interlock
The purpose of this switch is to prevent the throttle from being opened accidentally. Thus, it returns the throttle and chain to an idle position once the trigger is released.
Extra Chainsaw Features
There are a few other miscellaneous features that you should look for when buying firewood chainsaws. They include:
Chain tensioning system
A good chainsaw will have its chain tensioner mounted on the side for easy access. Plus, it shouldn’t require extra tools to make the necessary chain adjustments.
Battery power indicator
If you’ve opted for battery-powered tools, then an indicator is an excellent addition. This helps you keep track of the battery level; hence, recharge in time.
Oiling system
How efficiently the chainsaw cuts the dry wood will depend on its lubrication system. As such, most of these power tools include a reservoir for storing chain oil. So remember to check the reservoir’s capacity and the mechanism it uses to deliver this oil to essential parts.
Anti-vibration
Chainsaws, especially the gas-powered models, generate a fair amount of vibration. Prolonged exposure to these vibrations can slow you down and hamper productivity. To avoid this, be sure to invest in a saw with an anti-vibration system.
Fuel-efficient
If you've decided to use gas-powered saws, then ensure they're equipped with engines that help to reduce their fuel consumption.
Tips for Cutting Firewood with Chainsaws
Never used a chainsaw to cut firewood before? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are a couple of tips that can help:
Protect yourself
Before you embark on your firewood cutting process, arm yourself with protective gear. Ensure that you’re wearing this protective equipment from head to toe. Examples of such protective gear include:
- Chainsaw chaps or pants
- Chainsaw gloves
- Face shield or eye protection
- Helmet
- Earmuffs
- Chainsaw boots
You may also invest in a few other accessories, such as a first-aid kit and chainsaw manual. If you’re cutting the firewood alone at a location that’s far from your home, have a means of communication. This could be a walkie-talkie that’s hooked to your belt or even a cellphone.
Space
Another thing you’ll want to ensure is that you have adequate space around you. Preferably, you should slice logs in an open outdoor area, where there’s no risk of harming people.
And when you’ve reduced the tree trunk to a smaller size, look for a chopping block to act as a support structure for the rest of the cutting process.
Timing and Seasoning
Another tip that helps is timing your firewood-cutting process correctly.
Regardless of the kind of wood you’re using for firewood, it’s important that you season it properly. "Seasoning” is the technical term given to the act of drying firewood.
Here’s the deal, even though the wood looks dry on the surface, its interior could be holding a ton of moisture. In fact, when a tree is cut, it’s found to contain at least 50% moisture. And unfortunately, wet wood is not suited for combustion.
If you’ve ever tried burning wet wood, then you know just how much smoke it gives out. Worse even, wet wood generates less heat than well-dried wood.
This is why experts recommend cutting firewood either in late winter or early spring. By this time, the wet wood has had enough time to dry.
Cutting technique
And now to the fun part!
If you’re starting with a tree trunk, your first step should be to reduce it to usable logs. For instance, you can reduce it to logs that are about four feet in size.
Next, slice the logs further, turning them into long pieces of 16 inches in length. Finally, cut the logs in half to get your firewood.
Quick tip: when slicing logs, it’s good to cut the ends of the wood in a flat and square structure. This allows them to stand upright on their own for the splitting process.
Keep your chainsaw sharp
From the previous tip, it may seem like the cutting process is pretty straightforward. But, it’s one that carries risk. One thing that can minimize the risk of injury is keeping your bar and chain sharp.
Here’s the thing, a dull chain is at a higher risk of kickback. A kickback occurs when the front part of your chainsaw catches or gets stuck in the wood while the bar is thrown up and back into your direction.
Check out some the best chainsaw sharpeners.
Stacking firewood
Once it's ready, the next thing you'll need to do is stack firewood for proper storage. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always place the cut firewood in an elevated area rather than leaving it on the ground
- Stack the firewood in distinct rows to facilitate airflow
- Stack it in an open area that will receive sun exposure
FAQs
What size chainsaw do I need for firewood?
The right chainsaw is one that has a correctly-sized guide bar for the task at hand.
If most of your projects entail cutting 20-inch logs, then an 22-inch chainsaw will come in handy. However, if you only cut logs that are about 12 inches in diameter, then a quality chainsaw for cutting firewood is one that’s 14 inches.
What's the best tool to cut firewood?
There are several tools that you can use to cut firewood, such as axes and log splitters.
But in our view, a chainsaw is the best tool for several reasons. First off, it saves you a lot of time as it works much faster than say an ax.
Secondly, a chainsaw is much easier to use. Unlike other tools that call for a lot of swinging action or physical strength, this tool does most of the work; hence, saving you energy.
Which chainsaw will cut a thick piece of wood faster?
If what you’re after is cutting speed, then a gas model is better than a battery-operated chainsaw. Gas-powered saws provide greater cutting power and speed, enabling you to cut multiple pieces of firewood in a timely fashion.
Can you cut wet wood with chainsaws?
Do you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall? If you do, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to use a chainsaw to cut wet firewood.
The answer to this is yes, it is. The extra moisture doesn’t pose any danger to your power tool. And, it doesn’t require any more effort than you’d use when cutting dry wood.
The only thing you’ll want to be mindful of is the grip of your handle. Ideally, the best chainsaws for cutting firewood have slip-resistant handles. So this shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
Can I use a chainsaw to split wood?
Yes, you can. But there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
For starters, it’s best to split the wood of a reasonable size. So if you have very long tree trunks, consider reducing them to 3 or 4 feet lengths. This way, it will be much easier to cut them into smaller blocks.
Secondly, you’ll find it more convenient if you’re working from the ground. Splitting firewood from an elevated position is not only ineffective but also risky for the operator.
Finally, consider supporting the wood you plan to cut with some wedges. These will hold the log in place so that it doesn’t roll away during the cutting process.
Wrap Up
Have you been looking to buy the best chainsaws for cutting firewood? If you have, check out the Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
A gas-powered chainsaw, this tool gives you more than enough power; thus, helping you tackle any project. This is thanks to the 55.5 cc engine that also helps to lower fuel consumption and gas emissions.
It’s fitted with an 18-inch bar, which is the ideal length for cutting firewood and other applications.
It also boasts an automatic oiler that provides a steady oil supply to keep the moving parts lubricated. And it has a side-mounted chain tensioner, helping you keep the bar and chain properly tensioned.
Gas chainsaws are known for their high maintenance requirements. But this one isn’t as difficult to maintain thanks to the quick-release air filter.