Choosing a Chainsaw

Q: What should I look for when buying a new chain saw? I have an old and troublesome one now but can’t get parts anymore (a blessing, really). I’m looking for a model with all the latest safety features for cutting firewood at the cottage.

A: From the various chainsaws that I've owned and observed over the last 20 years, I'm convinced there are no bargains. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to chainsaws. That's why I recommend you buy more quality than what's usually marketed to homeowners. And I’ve found there are some specific features that separate the serious saws from the wannabees. The first is chain size. The larger chain (described as having a “3/8-inch pitch” in the trade) cuts much more aggressively than the smaller 1/4-inch pitch chain usually found on little saws. This bigger size is also easier to sharpen. If you're cutting anything more than a few tree limbs a year, consider a saw with either a 3/8-inch or the similarly effective 0.325-inch pitch chain. And to spin this sort of hardware a saw needs a substantial motor. The saw I own now has a 61.5 cc engine, and if I were recommending something to a friend with any kind of a woodstove to feed I’d say look at a model with at least a 45 to 50cc motor. Also, be sure to choose a saw with both a chain brake and an inertia brake. New machines typically have both, but some used models might not. Both features stop the chain quickly during a kickback event, reducing your chances of sustaining serious injury.