Which is the best electric chainsaw for carving? There are a wide variety on the market, but choosing the best electric chainsaw for your needs can be confusing.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of six products by trusted brands to limit your headache when you search for the best models on the market.
1. Oregon Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw
Being an electric chainsaw, you’ll save yourself the stress of mixing fuel with oil every time you want to use your chainsaw. You don’t need any extra tools to give the chain some tension, as you only need to tighten the ring on the side cover.
The chain is 18 inches in length and powered by a 120-volt motor. You just need to push a button to start it. In between cuts, the saw is virtually noiseless and emits low vibrations during use. This chainsaw is ergonomically-designed and lightweight, making it a great contender.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 18 x 37.5 x 10.5 inches
- Item weight: 12.6 pounds
- Power source: Corded electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Size: 1 Pack
- Manufacturer: Blount International/ Oregon PowerNow
- Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Makes little to no noise
- No emissions
- Low vibration
Cons
- Use is limited to the availability of an electric outlet
2. Earthwise Corded Electric Chainsaw
It comes assembled, which means you can start using it right away. Since you’ll need to keep it lubricated for continued use, its automatic oiling system with a see-through gauge helps you keep track of the oil.
The handle is cushioned to give you a firm, non-slip grip and better cutting precision. Adjusting the tension has never been easier, as it requires no tools. Just make use of the side adjustment knob and you are ready to start working.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 34 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches
- Item weight: 9.9 pounds
- Power source: Corded electric
- Size: 16 inches
- Color: Green
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Manufacturer: American
- Customer reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Easy to use and comfortable
- Protective cover included to keep your chainsaw intact when not in use
- Low noise
- Automatic oiling system
Cons
- Does not have a mechanical chain brake
3. Craftsman Electric Chainsaw
The chain is 16 inches in length and has a low kickback. You can rest assured that lubrication will not take you by surprise, as its auto-oiling system means you don’t need to prime the oil very frequently.
The chainsaw has tool-free tensioning that you can easily adjust with a knob on the side.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 18.63 x 11.94 x 8.37 inches
- Item weight: 6.19 pounds
- Power source: Corded electric
- Color: Red
- Manufacturer: Craftsman
- Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Loaded with several safety features
- Low level of noise
- Powerful enough for cutting tough materials
- Auto-oiling system
- Tool-free tension knob
Cons
- Cutting speed may be a little lower than other models
4. Worx Corded Electric Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
The saw is lightweight and can easily be carried around your yard. Like some other products, It features an auto-oiling system and tool-free tensioning. Thanks to its long chain, this product can take down even the tallest trees and chop them into pieces in a matter of minutes.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll be happy with its kickback prevention, as well as the built-in chain brake that gives you the option of stopping the chain instantly.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 20.6 x 13.6 x 8.1 inches
- Item weight: 13.97 pounds
- Power source: Corded electric
- Manufacturer: Worx
- Customer reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Comes with a small bottle of chain oil
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Enough safety features to keep you safe
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Plastic drive gears can easily strip out over time
5. Oregon CS1400 Corded Electric Chainsaw
This chainsaw is also not so susceptible to wear and tear, as it features an automatic oiling system.
The saw has an instant start option with the pull of just one trigger. It emits a low level of noise, with almost silent operation between cuts. The no-load chainspeed is 2,888 FPM, and is powered by a 12-amp motor. All in all, another great choice, but make sure you prime the oiler when using the chain for the first time.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 34 x 11 x 10 inches
- Item weight: 14.22 pounds
- Power source: Corded electric
- Manufacturer: Blount International/ Oregon
- Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Loaded with plenty of safety features
- Lightweight and can easily be carried
- Auto-oiling system
- Low noise
- Offers great value for the price
Cons
- Does not come assembled
6. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw
The cord is long enough to be used around the yard, and the auto-oiling system keeps the chain well-lubricated. The chainsaw does have any emissions during operation, making it environmentally friendly, and you can use it anytime without getting in trouble with your neighbors as a result of noise.
This chainsaw is powered by a 12-amp motor and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 31 x 10 x 6.5 inches
- Item weight: 10 pounds
- Power source: Corded electric
- Manufacturer: WEN
- Customer reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Lightweight and an ergonomic design
- Zero emissions
- Low noise
- Easy to use
- Well-lubricated chain
- Great value for money
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- This particular manufacturer does not ship to every location
Why Choose a Corded Electric Chainsaw?
Corded electric chainsaws are not battery-powered, and so they require a power outlet for operation. While many will tell you that they prefer the battery-powered chainsaws, what we’re about to share may convince you that there are more than enough benefits provided by electric chainsaws.
Electric Chainsaw Power
The power of a chainsaw is directly responsible for its performance. While they might not boast the convenience that their cordless counterparts offer, electric chainsaws make up for this with powerful motors. There are electric chainsaws that come with powerheads that operate at incredible RPMs (revolutions per minute).
While they may have their limitations, the power electric chainsaws possess is enough for any cutting or carving you need to do, either on soft or hardwood.
Lower Budget Chainsaw
Another advantage to electric chainsaws is their low budget. While many prefer their cordless alternatives, the exorbitant prices they can come with are not so attractive.
One reason why electric chainsaws are more affordable is that many companies are now producing them. With more products on the market, there is plenty of competition for customers. To counter other competitors, companies are forced to bring down their prices. This can work to your advantage.
Electric Chainsaw Safety
Good manufacturers always put the safety of their customers first when making power tools. Chainsaws are highly dangerous when they aren’t handled properly. This is why electric chainsaws have several safety features that make them better than cordless or gas-powered chainsaws.
For example, they run on lower chain speeds, their chains are no longer than 18 inches, and the chains are designed to speed up only when you’re actively cutting. With these features, you are firmly in control of the chainsaw.
Electric Chainsaw Ease
You can use electric chainsaws to do more than carve wood. If there’s a storm and trees are obstructing the walkway, you can use a chainsaw to clear off the fallen branches. The beauty of any power tool is the ability to operate them in different ways without much difficulty.
Consider some of the features that make electric chainsaws easier to operate. Most come with a simple button that you only need to push once to turn the machine on and off.
They’re also lightweight and easy to carry. Handheld power tools need to be lightweight in order to prevent unnecessary strain and fatigue.
With electric chainsaws, you don’t need to constantly refuel your engine, since they run on electric current. This means there are no fuel filters and tanks to regularly clean, and you won’t need to mix fuel and oil every time you start your chainsaw.
And to top it all off, most of the parts require low maintenance. If you buy an electric chainsaw, you’re saving yourself from a lot of problems down the road.
Low-Pollution Chainsaw
Electric powered chainsaws do not have fuel emissions. Compared to their gas-powered counterparts, they are environmentally friendly. They also pose little to none of the risks you might encounter while being constantly exposed to the fumes from a gas-powered model.
Low-Noise Chainsaw
Finally, electric chainsaws are quieter when in operation. With other types of chainsaws, you can hear them from 4 to 5 blocks away. Electric chainsaws have a noise level that is 10 to 20 decibels lower than other types of chainsaws.
In other words, they are about 2 to 3 times quieter than other models. This makes them less likely to cause hearing damage or trouble with your neighbors.
Conclusion
With electric chainsaws, there is no universal rule for buying a good one. As you have already seen in this guide, several factors can come into play when making your choice. Your needs and requirements should determine the kind of power tool you choose.
That being said, all six of the options in this guide would make excellent tools to add to your workshop. Pick the best electric chainsaw for carving, and get to work!