Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood: Power as Well as Durability

In today's article, we'll provide you with all the information you need before you pick the best chainsaw for cutting firewood.

Quick Comparison: Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood

Best Types of Wood for Firewood

Different types of firewood produce various results and behave differently while burning, making them ideal for various situations. For instance, natural firewood is split into two types: hardwood and softwood.

Hardwood types grow very slowly, so they become very dense, hence the name. As a result, they burn slowly and for a long time, saving a lot of wood. This makes them ideal for home usage for heating stoves.

On the other hand, softwoods season quickly, so they're lighter and lower in density than hardwood. This makes them unreliable for home-usage. However, they ignite much faster, making them ideal fire starters for camping, kindling, and outdoor use.

In the following section, we'll walk you through some of the best types of wood for firewood so that you can pull this task off efficiently.

1. Oak

Oak is known for being one of the best firewood out there. It's a hardwood that It has been a favorite among firewood users thanks to its slow and long burn as well as its vast availability across North America.

Although it possesses a very high heat value and burns for a long time, it might take a while before it's seasoned in your stove.

That's why it's best mixed with some firestarters. However, that doesn't stop it from being one of the best all-round logs for firewood stoves.

2. Ash

Ash is one of the hardwood types that earns a spot in the top list thanks to its remarkably steady burns. Not only that, but you'll also love how "chainsaw-friendly" it is while splitting the logs.

Similar to oak wood, ash is widely available in America, but it's more focused in Eastern and Central North America.

Unfortunately, the availability of quality ash is lowered due to an invasive Asian beetle known as "Emerald ash borer."

3. Maple

Maple is a highly similar hardwood to ash when it comes to burning properties. It produces a very stable and long burn when it's properly seasoned.

The wood logs are also easy to split and use, and it's found throughout the United States, which is why it's highly common and widely available there.

4. Birch

Although it's slightly more costly than other types of hardwood, birch is an excellent option when it comes to producing steady burns even when it's unseasoned.

Additionally, birch also burns quicker than most hardwoods because of its bark, which can be used as a natural alternative for fire starters.

Thanks to its quick-burning properties, even when unseasoned and its price, it's usually mixed with slow burners, such as oak, for the best results.

Birch is available in America in three popular species (black, white, and yellow), in which they have various levels of efficiency.

5. Cedar and Larch

Softwoods, in general, aren't ideal for firewood, as they burn extremely quicker than hardwood. However, some softwood options, such as cedar and larch, can be used in some situations.

Cedar produces a pleasant smell upon burning with little flame and mesmerizing crackling sounds, which makes them a popular addition to the firewood mix.

Being one of the hardest types of softwood and even harder than some hardwood species, larch is also commonly used. It's known for its low maintenance as well as giving out a lot of heat. Moreover, they're relatively more affordable than some hardwoods.

Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood: Top 6 Reviews

Here are brief reviews of the top 6 options that you can find on the market to help you make the search process more streamlined!

Video: Echo CS-271T Top handle Chainsaw First Run

Description

The Swedish giant Husqvarna is one of the biggest names in the industry of hardware and power tools.

They've known for their excellent quality products and their relative affordability compared to the features they pack, and this chainsaw model lives up to the name of the brand.

This chainsaw features a gas-powered 39.5 cc professional-grade engine that reaches up to 9,000 revolutions per minute, which is great for all sorts of jobs like firewood cutting as well as pruning and hobby work.

The power of the engine is also coupled with X-Torq technology. This one allows for maximum fuel efficiency while producing high power.

This helps the device in reducing exhaust emissions, allowing it to comply with any environmental regulations for emissions in your area.

It features a 16-inch saw bar, which lies in the sweet spot that works quite well with most firewood logs.

Additionally, The device features premium Champion RCJ7Y spark plugs, which ensures excellent kick starts with continuously yank the chainsaw.

What's great about this immensely powerful chainsaw is that it's surprisingly lightweight and balanced so that you can use it steadily for a long time without arm fatigue.

The chainsaw features protective brakes as well as anti-vibration handles for the highest level of safety and performance.

Features and Specifications

• Power type: gas-powered
• 39.5 cc professional-grade engine
• Bar length: 16 inches
• Fuel tank capacity: 12.48 fl oz
• X-Torq technology for fuel efficiency
• Weight: 9.5 lb

Video: Husqvarna 135 Unboxing and Review

Description

If you're looking for an electric chainsaw that's extremely easy to use and adjust, you should look no further than this model.

Makita Chainsaw features a corded electric motor that's powered by 110 volts. This gives it enough power to rank highly among efficient chainsaws for cutting logs of soft and hardwood easily.

The motor also features a smart built-in current limiter, which helps in protecting the motor from burnouts whenever the saw is overloaded.

This feature is ideal for the device's safety and longevity despite being quite annoying while you're working.

You'll also be able to adjust the chains and blade's ups and downs easily and without needing any special tools thanks to its innovative built-in adjustment system.

The saw bar has a minimum length of about 14 inches and a maximum length of 16 inches, which is ideal for firewood as well as pruning thanks to its large and well-crafted spikes.

We like the automatic oiler features and the oiler tank's view window, which allows the operator to keep the oil level in check.

One of the few downsides of this chainsaw is that it's quite heavier than some of the list models.

While 14 lb might not be a lot, it is surely questionable because an electric chainsaw should be lighter than gas-powered models.

However, the balanced distribution of weight, as well as the large rubberized handles, make up for the additional weight.

Makita also trusts the quality of their products. That's why it backs this chainsaw up with a 1-year warranty as well as 30 days satisfaction guarantee.

Features and Specifications

• Power type: electric
• 110 volts motor
• Bar length: 16 inches
• Automatic chain oiler with oil level view window
• Weight: 14 lb
• 1-year warranty

Video: Makita 16-in. Electric Chainsaw

Description

If you're looking for a gas-powered chainsaw with a powerful motor while staying relatively affordable, consider this PR4016 model from Poulan Pro.

This one comes with multiple high-end features for a little as half the price of some other market options.

For starters, it features a two-stroke professional engine with a capacity of 40 ccs, which is much higher than various models in the same price range.

In addition to its powerful engine, it's also equipped with OxyPower technology that allows for more economic fuel consumption, so you won't need a huge tank that requires multiple refills.

This led the device to be only about 13 lb, which is relatively lightweight, considering its a gas-powered model.

Additionally, it has a 16 saw bar, which is an excellent size considering its price. Moreover, the device's oiling system is automatic and gear-driven to keep the bar clean and well lubricated.

The bar is, and the chainsaw is designed in a way to prevent vibration. The manufacturers also added an onboard scrench storage section to allow a worry-free adjustment.

Features and Specifications

• Power Type: gas-powered
• 40 cc two-cycle professional engine
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Clutch driven automatic oiler
• OxyPower technology for fuel consumption
• Effortless Pull Starting (EPS) technology
• Weight: 13 lb

Video: Poulan Pro - Chainsaw Maintenance

Description

If you're on a budget and looking for a corded electric chainsaw, you shouldn't compromise on its quality. Luckily, a budget-friendly option like Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw is here to save the day!

Despite costing you a fraction of the price of high-end chainsaws on the market, it features a highly impressive 18-inch guide bar with ⅜ inch profile. This allows you to use the chainsaw to cut through the largest firewood logs.

Another highly impressive feature of the chainsaw is that it features a self-sharpening system. This PowerSharp technology allows you to sharpen the chain in less than 5 seconds, eliminating any downtime due to resharpening dull chains.

All that is powered through a 15 amp rated motor capable of producing 120 volts of power. The electric chainsaw also makes it much easier to start the device instantly with a push of a button!

The CS1500 is noticeably quiet, especially between the cuts. Despite all its merits, there are a few tradeoffs for its great price and multiple features.

For example, this device uses up lubrication oil like there's no tomorrow. That's why you need to be extra careful not to run out of oil. Luckily, the automatic oil feeder comes with a wide viewing screen to monitor its level.

Features and Specifications

• Power Type: corded electric
• 120 volt 15 amp motor
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• PowerSharp Sharpening System
• Weight: 12.9 lb

Video: Oregon Electric Chainsaw CS1500 - Quick Overview

Description

Electric options are excellent for continuous usage with zero-emissions, but they're always bound by electric cord length.

GreenWorks chainsaw offers the ultimate solution with a cordless chainsaw that is powered by a large G-MAX lithium-ion battery that lasts for quite a long time on a single charge.

The 40-volt brushless motor will give you enough power to cut through firewood easily with up to 30% torque increase and 70% less vibration for a steady hand and comfort while working.

GreenWorks are also popular for their safety features; that's why they add a low kickback chain and brakes for added security while using the chainsaw.

The device fires up instantly with a quick-start feature to eliminate continuous yanking on pull cords in addition to all these features.

Moreover, the chainsaw features an automatic oiler as well as an oil level indicator, so you're always ready to replenish the oil tank whenever it's about to become empty.

Features and Specifications

• Power Type: cordless electric (battery-powered)
• 40V motor and 4Ah Li-Ion battery and charger
• Bar Length: 16 inch
• Low kickback
• Weight: 10.36 lb

Video: Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw Demo and Review

What to Look for When Buying the Best Chainsaw for Firewood Cutting

While shopping for a chainsaw to cut through firewood, there are some aspects that you need to consider. Let's have a quick look at those aspects so that you can pick the ideal one for you.

Power Type

Chainsaws come in a wide variety of power options. The most common and standard type is the gas-powered ones.

These offer the maximum amount of cutting power as well as portability as long as you have fuel available.

However, they're louder and usually more difficult to start than the electric ones. Electric chainsaws are available in both corded and battery-powered cordless options.

While they offer more eco-friendly and quieter operation, they're less favored when compared to gas-powered options that give you more power, and therefore, cleaner cuts.

Guide Bar Length

Guide bars are those bars that the spiked chain runs on to cut wood. You need the guide bar to have a comfortable length to accommodate thick wood logs.

The ideal length for firewood cutter wood bars is 16 inches. However, a range of 12 to 18 inches can also work if it's coupled with enough operational power.

Comfort

Holding the chainsaw with steady hands requires comfort, which relies on multiple aspects. For example, you need an easy start option to eliminate yanks and arm fatigue.

The device also needs to be designed with rubberized anti-vibration handles for added comfort while cutting.

The availability of holding belts attachment lanyard as well as being relatively light weight also contributes to the overall experience of using the chainsaw.

Safety

To avoid accidents, make sure that the chainsaw comes with modern safety features, such as kickback guards and chain brakes, to prevent the chain's upward jolts.

Chain Oiler

To make sure that everything is running smoothly, the chainsaw needs to have an automatic oiler to keep the chains lubricated.

Also, make sure that the chainsaw comes with a clear view window that helps you monitor the oil level in the tank.

Chainsaw Alternatives - Other Ways to Cut Logs

In addition to chainsaws, there are various other methods to cut logs. While a chainsaw is currently the ideal way to do this job effortlessly, these alternatives can work as a temporary fix!

Axes

Axes are primitive yet handy tools that have been used for a wide variety of purposes for years. They're suitable for thin trees and quick cuts to small twigs.

However, it's extremely tedious and requires a lot of elbow grease to cut trees down with one of these.

Log Splitter

Log splitters are a more professional tool that's specifically designed for cutting logs.

However, some of these splitters can set you back a few hundred bucks, and they take up considerable space in your garage. That's why they're more ideal for professional woodcutters.

Crosscut Saws

Crosscuts saws look extremely similar to a regular hand saw. However, it has an additional front handle to help you lay more pressure while cutting down wood.

Two persons can use it for quicker results. However, it needs frequent replacement as the blade spikes wear away.

Bowsaw

A Bowsaw is a reliable tool that you can use to cut down on smaller firewood logs with ease. Yet, it's not ideal for cutting down on felling trees and pruning.

Wire saw

The most portable method for cutting wood logs. Wire saws are available in various styles and can also be used for cutting felling trees. The most significant part about them is that they can fit in your pocket.

Conclusion and Best Offer

There you have it! A complete guide with everything you need to know before you pick the best chainsaw for cutting firewood.

As you can see, choosing a chainsaw depends mainly on the kind of wood you're cutting. In that case, you need a powerful one to cut through hardwood like oak and ash wood. The chainsaw also needs a decent sized guide bar that's easy to use and adjust

For all these reasons and more, we recommend Husqvarna 16" 966761807 Model 135, Gas Powered Chainsaw as the best option to go for.

It ticks every item on a firewood cutter checklist despite being a little smaller than other options. However, this keeps it extremely lightweight, allowing you to use it for a long time.

The Alternative

If you're looking for a space-efficient with a smaller guide bar for portability and storage, you need to make sure that it's a heavy-duty chainsaw that will cut through hardwood like butter.

In that case, you should go for the space-efficient and ultra-performing alternative ECHO 12" CS-271T Gas Chainsaw. 

ECHO 12" CS-271T Gas Chainsaw

Although it's quite pricey for its sizes, it makes it up by offering a ridiculous amount of power as well as a generous 5-year consumer warranty!