There are many uses for a chainsaw for the typical homeowner: - Keeping tree branches in check so there is little overhang over a neighbor's yard or your house.
- Trimming and removal of brush and bushes that have branches and stems too think for traditional hedge trimmers.
- Stump removal from trees downed in a storm.
- Easy breakup of fallen branches in a yard.
- Quicker way to breakup firewood if a wood stove or fireplace is frequently used.
There are other uses for a chainsaw than the typical yard work, if you are the creative type they are the tool of choice for roughing out ice sculptures before the fine details are laid out.
Have a thing for totem poles? Or large wood sculptures? A chainsaw is a much better tool for removing the bulk of the wood and roughing out the shape before digging in with chisels and other fine detail tools.
There are several things to consider when purchasing your chainsaw.
Electric is often the cheapest and can be found almost anywhere.
These are great tools for light yard work but honestly lack durability, and you always have to be within reach of an electric socket.
However they are extremely easy to maintain and often include self lubricating moving part and easy tightening of the cutting chain.
If you plan to use the chainsaw for both light and heavy yard work or for artistic endeavors it is recommended that a gas powered saw be used.
These come in several different sizes and price ranges, from the small lightweight saw for basic yard work, up to the gargantuan heavy duty ones you may have seen on lumberjack competitions that can cut through and 8 foot log like a hot knife through butter.
Below are some examples of the different groups of chainsaws and based on use: Electric, Light Duty, Occasional Use: - Poulan 14, 8 AMP motor, equivalent to a 1.
5 HP motor.
- Poulan 16, 13.
5 AMP motor, equivalent to a 3.
5 HP motor.
- Poulan 18, 14 AMP motor, equivalent to a 4 HP motor.
Gas Powered, Light Duty: - Husqvarna 14, 34cc 2 cycle engine, tool-less tensioning system and low vibration system.
- Husqvarna 16, 37cc 2 cycle engine, low vibration system.
- Husqvarna 16, 38cc 2 cycle engine, low vibration system.
- Poulan 14, 33cc, 2 cycle engine, automatic oiling system.
- Poulan Pro 16, 35cc, 2 cycle engine, automatic oiling system and tool-less chain tensioning system.
Gas Powered, Medium & Heavy Duty: - Husqvarna 18, 46cc 2 cycle engine, low vibration system.
- Husqvarna 20, 55cc 2 cycle engine, low vibration system.
- Poulan 18 Wildthing, 40cc 2 cycle engine, automatic oiling system.
- Poulan 18, 42cc 2 cycle engine, automatic oiling system, low vibration system, and tool-less chain tensioning system.