What Size 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 Size Chainsaw I Need?
Many people mistakenly believe that the entire machine is measured by the chainsaw. It really only refers to the cutting bar. The cutting bar allows you to cut through different materials and has many sizes that can be customized for your cutting needs.
The more difficult the task, the larger the chainsaw. To determine the right size chainsaw for your job, first identify the material you are cutting.
The length of your chainsaw will depend on whether it is used for small-scale projects such as limbing and maintenance grooming, or for cutting medium-sized trees. The length of a chainsaw cutting bar is 6-51 cm. The larger the number, the more powerful the saw.
Most six-inch chainsaws can be operated by an electric motor, but larger models are usually powered by gasoline. These larger models, with 51 cm bars, are often used for personal home use.
Here’s how to measure your chainsaw bar if you aren’t sure what size you need.
- Measure from the bars tip to where the chain ends at the furthest end with a tape measure. The base of the guide bar entering the housing is the furthest.
- Round the odd length measurement to the nearest even number.
Correct Size Chainsaws
It is important to decide the type of use when choosing the right size chainsaw. This guide will help you solve this common problem.
Sometimes, you might need to use the light
Light-use is usually used to maintain and prune trees and shrubs. A cutting bar less than 36 cm is sufficient for light pruning and occasional light cutting.
Because there are no thick branches you can do the job even with beginner-friendly models. These models are electric, making them among the most safe on the market.
For occasional use, some prefer to use pole saws with shorter cutting bars. This is often used to cut long, thin tree branches.
Moderate Use
For moderate to heavy use, we recommend a 41 cm- or 46 cm-long cutting bar. These medium-sized tools are also preferred by homeowners. They can be used for general purpose cutting chainsaw bars and are especially useful if they are used more frequently than 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. If you live in rural areas, and your job requires heavy-duty sawing, a bigger chainsaw might be more suitable.
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.
For lighter tasks, a smaller model is required. Usually, models smaller than 41 cm are needed. 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. Remember that the bigger the chainsaw, the more difficult it will be to cut smaller or more precise jobs.
Chainsaws that are larger than 51 cm can be found. While they may appear more powerful, this will not compromise safety. If you are interested in big cutting jobs, a larger chainsaw may be appealing. However, it is heavier and more difficult for you to control.
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. You can increase the pressure on the teeth and blade of the chainsaw to ensure sufficient power.
Because they are heavier, longer bars can be more tiring to operate. A chainsaw with a lower kickback will give you more control and safety.
Since your physical strength is what powers the chainsaw, we recommend that you tailor the choice of chainsaw to your cutting power. Your physical strength is essential when operating a chainsaw.
Electric chainsaws are preferred by homeowners because they are lighter and easier to use. Although they have lighter parts, electric chainsaws offer less cutting power than gas ones.
Chainsaw Components (Bar Length And Engine Lengths, Guide Bar Lengths)
The chainsaw components are another important aspect to consider when deciding which chainsaw is right for you. The size of the engine will be determined by how long the guide bar is and how long your chain is.
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 will require more power and a larger engine displacement. This can cause fatigue in the operator or user if it is used for prolonged periods of time. 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.
Gasoline Or Electric Type
Gas-powered chainsaws are more common. Most users wind up using gas-powered models because they’re readily available at hardware stores.
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. An electric chainsaw has a disadvantage: it produces less power than gas-powered ones.
A battery-powered chainsaw measures in amps. An electric one is measured by volts.
Take The Chainsaw Up-Close
Take a close look at your chainsaw to determine if it has different fittings. This is especially important for large tree cutting.
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.
Removal Of 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
When choosing the right size chainsaw, consider the tree’s trunk thickness. 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. To ensure a smooth job, the chainsaw size you need to cut firewood is between 36 and 41 cm.
Cutting Medium Trees
A larger chainsaw is needed to cut medium-sized trees. To cut a tree trunk measuring 36 cm to 41cm in length, a chainsaw that measures 41 cm to 46cm is required.
We recommend that professionals handle larger trees. A 51 cm chainsaw might be a better choice if you are more skilled with your saw.
What Happens If 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 can be more difficult to handle and master. You can maximize the use of your chainsaw by choosing a saw that is manageable based on your skills and mastery.
Chainsaws with longer blades have higher kickbacks. Don’t buy a saw that is too long for what you need. Choose the right version for you.
What Happens If The Chainsaw’s 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. If the log’s diameter is too large, a smaller chainsaw will not be able to draw the job.
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.
We don’t recommend that amateurs play with these amazing tools. It is not safe and can be dangerous for novice 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. If your saw is not made for substitution, this will prevent you from damaging it.
If you are more focused on the aesthetics of your tools, however, you can still change the color.
Is It A Good Idea To Equip My Chainsaw With A Shorter Bar?
It is possible to have your chainsaw equipped with a shorter bar. The majority of units on the market can accept three sizes. 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. It is a crucial component, especially for 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.
Your chains may snap if they are too big. 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 powers the engine’s chain, and the fully functional chainsaws help the chain work efficiently.
It is not a good idea to just replace the parts.
Conclusion
To determine the right size chainsaw for you, it is important to take into account the following essential factors. 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.
