Chainsaws provide you with one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut large pieces of wood. That said, although chainsaw blades are very sharp and durable, they can still get dull over time. If you notice yourself having to apply a lot of pressure to make cuts, and it still takes a long time, it may be time to sharpen the blades on your chainsaw. So, how do you sharpen a chainsaw blade?

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw: Step-By-Step Tutorial

We will take you through a step by step process on how to sharpen your chainsaw’s blade.

1. Clamp the Chainsaw

The first thing is to clamp the bar of the chainsaw to your work surface. You can use a vice or tabletop clamp to hold the bar of the chainsaw. This will help make it easier to sharpen as it will hold the chainsaw in place.

If you don’t have a vice or clamp that can hold the bar of the chainsaw, you can also remove the chain from the bar and put it directly in the clamp. It is possible to sharpen the blade without clamping it, but it is much harder because you’ll have to stop the chainsaw from moving as you file the teeth.

2. Tighten the Chain

The next thing you need to do before you start sharpening the individual teeth is to tighten the chain. Locate the tension adjustment screw at the base of the bar.

Make sure to tighten the chain to the point where it is not at all loose, but can still move around the bar if need be. This will help stop the chain from moving as you go to file the teeth.

3. Mark the First Tooth

Now you want to use a permanent marker or something similar to mark the first tooth of the blade that you plan on sharpening. This will make it easier to remember where you started, so you don’t end up sharpening a bunch of teeth twice.

4. Selecting the Right File

You will need a round file to sharpen the individual teeth on the chainsaw. The round file needs to have the same diameter as the teeth on the chainsaw. You may have a chainsaw with larger or smaller teeth, which means that you will need a specific-sized round file to sharpen your blade.

5. Setting the File

Now that you have selected the right round file for the job, it’s time to set it in its place. Here, you want to place the file in the first notch in front of the first cutter tooth that you marked. The cutters are the angled teeth on the front of the flat surface of the chain.

You want to place the file inside this cutter notch, in front of the tooth that you marked earlier. You want about 20% of the round file’s diameter to be above the tooth. Keep in mind that chainsaws have cutters that face in both directions, so try to focus on all those facing one direction first, then move to the ones facing in the other direction.

6. Checking the Angle

Next, check the angle of the file in relation to the cutter. You will need to read your owner’s manual to check the angle at which the teeth were initially ground.

The two most commonly seen angles are 25 and 30 degrees. The teeth on your blade may have markings which indicate how the sharpening file needs to be placed. You can use a special chainsaw file holder to ensure that you have the right angle.

7. Sharpen

Slide the file forward along the cutter at the angle you determined above. Make sure to only move the file forward.

Never pull it backwards through the teeth, as this will make it duller. Repeat this between 5 and 10 times. Be sure to sharpen every cutter. Once the first is done, sharpen every second tooth from there. Remember that chainsaw teeth alternate directions.

8. Rotate and Keep Going

Seeing as you only got every second tooth, you now have to rotate the chainsaw 180 degrees. Turning it around will reveal the alternate teeth you didn’t get the first time around.

Flipping the saw will allow you to sharpen those alternate teeth without changing the direction or angle of filing. Use the same technique to sharpen these teeth as for the other teeth as described in the previous steps.

9. Filing the Rakers

Now that all of teeth are sharp, it’s time to deal with the rakers. The rakers are those little bumps along the chain in between each cutter. These help maintain the depth of cutting consistency, so they are quite important.

Use a depth gauge and place it over the chain. Place it at the first tooth you sharpened and push it forward until you get to the first raker. You will see that the rakers either protrude out from above the depth gauge or not. If the raker does not protrude out the top, move onto the next one.

If the raker does protrude from the top of the depth gauge, you’ll need to use a flat file to file it down. If you notice that the raker ends up having a flat top, you can file off the sides a little bit to create a point, but be sure not to remove any of the height if you do this. Continue doing this until you have taken care of all of the rakers.

10. Loosening the Chain

All that’s left is to use the chain tension screw to loosen the chain back down to a usable level. Your chainsaw is now sharpened and ready to go.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is to always take your time. Be sure to read your  user’s manual before starting this process, as you really don’t want to get anything wrong.

If you need a basic chainsaw for home use, you have come to the right place. Let’s get right to it and help you find the best chainsaw for home use of 2020.

Reviews

WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw

Worx WG304.1 15 Amp 18" Electric Chainsaw

• 15.0 Amp motor output delivers a more powerful cutting performance to the extended, 18-inch bar
• Patented auto-tension chain system prevents over-tightening; stays at the right tension for hundreds of uses
• Low kickback bar and built-in chain brake for added safety
• Automatic oil lubrication and built-in oil reservoir with window level indicator
• Comes fully assembled right out of the box, and includes 3-year manufacturer’s warranty

$144.00

Buy on Amazon

If you are looking for a mid-sized, fairly powerful, and affordable chainsaw that is corded, you might want to check out this WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw.

Review

One benefit is that the WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw weighs just over 10 pounds, making it fairly lightweight, all things considered. This chainsaw features a bar length of 18 inches, which should be more than long enough for basic home use.

This is a 15 amp chainsaw, so it does have a fair amount of power, and it is corded, so while you do have to deal with a power cord, you never have to worry about running out of gas or battery life.

There is an included auto tension system which helps to maintain the proper amount of tension while sawing. Also, there is an automatic chain oiling system.

The WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw comes with a rear rubber handle for comfort and a front wraparound handle for stability. What you may really like is the 3-year warranty it comes with.

Pros

• Great price
• Good size bar for home use
• Quite powerful
• Auto tension adjustments
• Auto chain oiler
• Comfortable and safe handles
• lightweight

Cons

• Have to deal with power cords
• Gears are made of plastic

Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Sale

Greenworks 40V 12" Cordless Compact Chainsaw (Great For Storm Clean-Up, Pruning, and Camping), 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

• 40V COMPACT CHAINSAW – perfect for homeowners and occasional users.power: Cordless
• 12" BAR AND CHAIN – Low kickback safety chain with hand guard for added protection
• AUTOMATIC OILER - applies oil to bar and chain when needed to ensure durability and optimal use
• TOOL-LESS TENSIONING – for easy bar and chain maintenance
• EASY TO USE – electric start, no gas or fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, and no starter rope

$124.15

Buy on Amazon

This is a slightly smaller and less powerful chainsaw designed for small cutting jobs and general home use. It’s a battery powered model, and due to this convenience factor, it is a bit more expensive than the chainsaw reviewed above.

Review

This Greenworks chainsaw is fairly small with a 12 inch bar, which makes it ideal for smaller cutting jobs, although not for larger ones. The 3/8 inch chain pitch which allows for efficient cutting with as little kickback as possible.

What stands out is the tension adjustment system which does not require any tools to operate. Moreover, the automatic oiler ensures that the bar always has an adequate amount of oil on it.

The fact that this is a battery-powered chainsaw, with the battery and charger included, allows for a great deal of portability and versatility. However, keep in mind that the battery life could be a bit better.

Pros

• Cordless convenience
• Very lightweight
• Low kickback
• Tool free tension adjustments
• Automatic oiler

Cons

• Battery life is not great

BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw

Sale

BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw, 18-Inch, 15-Amp, Corded (CS1518)

• SMOOTH, FAST CUTS – OREGON Low-kickback 18 in. bar and chain help make every cut seamless.
• LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN – Electric chainsaw is easier to maneuver in different cutting orientations.
• POWERFUL MOTOR – 15 Amp motor for optimal performance when making demanding cuts.
• TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING – Make fast and easy chain adjustments without needing any extra tools.
• CHAIN BREAK – For optimal safety during use.

$93.94

Buy on Amazon

This is one of the most affordable chainsaws on our list, and even though it doesn’t cost all that much, it has a surprising amount of power and is more than enough for basic home use.

Review

This is a corded chainsaw so you never have to worry about running out of juice, but of course, it also means having to deal with a power cord. However, thanks to this saw being corded, it provides for long-term cutting power, thanks to the 15 amp motor.

Keep in mind that the BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw has an 18-inch bar, which should be more than enough for most sawing jobs around the home. Both the bar and chain are designed to produce minimal kickback.

What is nice about the BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw is that it comes with an automatic bar and chain oiler, as well as a chain brake for safety. The easy tension adjustment system does not require any tools.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Tool-free tension adjustment
• Automatic oiler
• Quite powerful
• No need to worry about fuel
• Large enough for most home jobs

Cons

• Need for a power cord
• Durability is questionable

Echo Gas Chainsaw

Sale

Chain Saw, Gas, 14 In. Bar, 30.5CC

• Lanyard ring
• Automatic adjustable oiler
• Inertia type chain brake

$220.00

Buy on Amazon

Here we have a small-medium size chainsaw ideal for the smaller sawing jobs around the house. It is a gas chainsaw, so you can expect a good deal of power.

Review

The Echo Gas Chainsaw has a powerful 30.5 cc motor, which is more than enough to make it through even the densest and hardest of wood. This is a two-stroke oil motor with a fuel capacity of 8.5 ounces, which should be enough to last for a couple hours of sawing before a fuel refill is required.

Keep in mind that the Echo Gas Chainsaw has a 14-inch bar and chain, thus making it ideal for smaller and medium size jobs. Something which you may appreciate is the anti-vibration handle to allow for precision cutting and less fatigue.

Pros

• Ideal for most jobs around the home
• Powerful motor
• Anti-vibration handle
• Fairly lightweight for a gas chainsaw
• Ergonomic handles
• Automatic chain oiler

Cons

• Not eco friendly
• Very loud

Makita Electric Chainsaw

Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar - Sliver

• "Tool-less" blade and chain adjustments for convenient operation and easy maintenance
• Rubberized grip handles are ergonomically designed for comfort
• Large trigger switch with soft start for smooth start-ups
• Built-in current limiter helps protect motor from burnout by reducing power to motor when saw is overloaded
• Large oil reservoir with view window allows operator to check bar oil level

Buy on Amazon

This is by far one of the most expensive chainsaws on the list today, but realistically, it is also one of the best.

Review

The Makita Electric Chainsaw is corded, so you never have to worry about running out of power, although you do need to watch out for the power cord at all times.

This chainsaw features a fairly powerful motor combined with a 16-inch bar and chain, which together should be more than enough to take care of most jobs around the home.

The large trigger switch and the smooth start making operating this chainsaw easy, plus it also does not vibrate much, and has ergonomically friendly handles.

Both the automatic chain oiler and the tool-free chain tension adjustment system help make using it a lot easier. To top it off, it comes with a full 1-year warranty.

Pros

• Quite powerful
• Ideal size for most home jobs
• Low vibration
• Ergonomic rubberized grips and trigger
• No need to worry about running out of power
• Automatic oiler
• Tool-free tension adjustment

Cons  

• Quite expensive
• Need to watch out for power cord

Conclusion

The main thing you want to consider before making a purchase is whether you want a corded, battery-powered, or gas chainsaw. Other than that, you should also look for the size, power, and other important features. If you do this, you should have no problems finding the best chainsaw for home use.

Complete Reviews with Comparisons

Are you going camping and need something small and efficient to cut down small trees and prepare some firewood? If so, you’ve come to the right place, because we are here to help you find the best pocket chainsaw for camping that the market has to offer!

Best Pocket Chainsaws For Camping: Reviews

UST SaberCut Chain Saw

UST SaberCut Chain Saw with 24 Inch Bi-Directional Blade, Compact Design and Nylon Carry Case for Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Hunting and Outdoor Survival

• DIMENSIONS: 24” L weighs 4.3 oz (saw only)
• EASE OF USE: Comfortable wrist straps prevent stress on your hands and the reach can be extended by adding extra cordage to each handle (rope not included)
• RELIABLE: Flexible, pocket size blade cuts at a variety of angles with little clearance making is great for cutting limbs and branches at ground level or while up in your stand
• DURABLE: Double sided, non-binding chain is just like a regular chainsaw and the self-cleaning saw teeth last long periods of time with hardly any maintenance required
• CONVENIENT: Teeth can be sharpened with a standard 1/8-inch saw blade sharpener and comes in a handy nylon carry case with hook and loop closure to store in any backpack or gear while not in use

Buy on Amazon

Here we have a super small, portable, affordable, and useful pocket chainsaw, perfect for camping and for people on the go.

Review

The UST SaberCut Chain Saw is very compact and can be easily folded down to size, and it does fit perfectly into the included carrying pouch. The saw itself only weighs a few ounces and the pouch can be attached to your pant loops, or just put in a backpack. It’s a lightweight and portable option.

It comes with nylon handles that are very easy to hold, and quite durable too. The UST SaberCut Chain Saw comes complete with a bi-directional 24-inch steel chain with some pretty sharp teeth. The saw teeth are actually self-cleaning, although they are not self-sharpening. It’s a good option to keep in mind for cutting down very small trees or cutting apart small logs.

Pros

• Great price
• Lightweight and portable
• High quality self-cleaning teeth
• Good nylon handles

Cons

• Not self-sharpening
• Cannot deal with very big jobs

Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw

Sale

Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw 36 Inch Long Chain With Fire Starter Best Compact Folding Hand Saw Tool for Survival Gear, Camping, Hunting, Tree Cutting or Emergency Kit. Replaces Your Pruning & Pole Saw

• LENGTH MATTERS - While other 24 inch saws are too short, too weak, or saws with too many teeth causing the saw to constantly get stuck, our saw has a longer, thicker chain that won't bind. The bi directional, self cleaning 16 chainsaw style cutting teeth that tears through wood cutting both ways! Made of 65 mn high carbon heat treated steel, our saw cuts larger limbs with incredibly fast cutting times with razor sharp blades sawing 3 sides of a limb at once.
• QUALITY DOES COUNT - Our saw rips through anything from thin branches to large tree limbs in seconds and cuts over head branches with ease. It has heavy duty rugged handles with metal brackets and can easily be re-sharpened unlike other sharp pointed pocket saws. The Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw comes with a tough nylon front snap storage pouch and belt loop with a free firestarter. Perfect Multitool for all your Bushcraft needs.
• THE MOST DURABLE SURVIVAL HAND SAW ON AMAZON - You can find pocket saws for less, but they offer you MUCH less. We all know, typically if you spend less now, you'll pay MORE later as the quality of hand chainsaws are NOT all the same Other CHEAPER saws are simply made with a thinner chain & handles You get what you pay for and we guarantee our heavy duty saw for "LIFE"... for a reason.
• CARRY AMERICA'S TOP RATED CHAINSAW IN YOUR POCKET- Our pocket chainsaw isn't just a tool; it's the ignition for epic outdoor escapades. From hunting to hiking, clearing trails for you ATV to conquering the wild, this folding saw transforms you into an adventurer of the highest order. Embrace the journey the wilderness awaits.
• THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION - Whether it's Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, our pocket chainsaw makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Give the gift of adventure to your father, mother, husband, son, or boyfriend with our powerful and reliable pocket chainsaw.

$19.95

Buy on Amazon

This is a slightly more expensive option, one that is also a bit larger and more heavy-duty than the one we just looked at.

Review

If you are looking for a tough-as-nails pocket chainsaw, the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw is a great way to go. The high carbon heat-treated steel is about as tough as possible, and it should ensure that the chain won’t snap, rust, and that the teeth won’t break off; it’s probably one of the toughest options out there right now.

Moreover, the chain is bi-directional, plus the teeth are self-cleaning, although not self-sharpening. Keep in mind that the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw has a 36-inch chain, so it can be used for some pretty substantially sized jobs. We like how the handles are pretty tough, but in all honesty, they could use slightly better grip. Other than that, the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw is a great choice to consider.

Pros

• Tough and durable
• Good for fairly large jobs
• Compact and portable
• Good price

Cons

• Grip could be a bit better

SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw

SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw and Fire Starter - Survival Hand Saw, , Firestarter with Built in Compass & Whistle, Embroidered Pouch for Camping & Backpacking - Green Straps, 24" Chain

Buy on Amazon

If you are looking for a pocket chainsaw that comes in different sizes, you don’t want to spend a lot, and you want something fairly durable, the SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw is a fine option.

Review

The SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw comes in 2 different sizes, these being 24 inches and 36 inches, so you can choose the length that works best for you and your purposes. The chain is made of heat-treated high-strength carbon alloy and steel, which is super tough, and it should be more than durable enough to prevent snapping or the broken teeth, as well as rusting too.

This is a bi-directional model, so it works when moving in both directions. Now, it is not self-cleaning or self-sharpening, which is a bit of a drawback, but other than that, it’s a very tough, affordable, and compact option to go with, one that comes with its own carrying pouch and a fire starter.

Pros

• Multiple sizes
• Very tough build
• Decent handles
• Affordable
• Portable and compact

Cons

• Not self-sharpening or self-cleaning

Chainmate CM-36SSP Pocket Saw

This is a slightly more expensive pocket chainsaw to keep in mind, one which comes in multiple lengths and is definitely super tough.

Review

What is nice about the Chainmate CM-36SSP Pocket Saw is that it comes in 24-, 36-, or 48-inch options, so you can choose the one which works best for you. That said, on today’s list, it’s the only option that comes in a 48 inch chain length, so it is something that can be used for some pretty large tasks. Something else which stands out about the Chainmate CM-36SSP Pocket Saw is that it comes with heavy-duty and oversized handles that are tough, have great grip, and are easy to hold.

The carbon steel teeth are fairly durable, and they should last for a good few years to come, although they are not self-sharpening or self-cleaning. All of that said, the Chainmate CM-36SSP Pocket Saw is one of the most durable, versatile, and lightweight options out there. Even the 48-inch option is still quite lightweight, and the included carrying pouch helps make life a bit easier too.

Pros

• Comes in various sizes
• Quite durable
• Really good handles
• Small and portable

Cons

• Not self-cleaning or self-sharpening

Nordic Pocket Saw

Nordic Pocket Saw - Pocket Chainsaw 25.6" or 36" - 3 Colors - Hand Chainsaw with Nylon Case - Manual Chainsaw with Bi-Directional Teeth - Hand Chain Saw - Chainsaw Manual Chain Saw Backpacking

• This pocket chain saw is a versatile and lightweight tool designed for outdoor activities. It can be used for cutting firewood, clearing paths, and removing fallen trees during camping, hiking, mountain biking and other adventures. The Nordic Saw is easy to bring along and pack in your backpack or attach on your belt, as it only weighs 4.7 oz.
• The pocket saw chain is outfitted with bi-directional teeth on every link, ensuring an efficient and smooth cutting experience in both directions. A greater number of teeth compared to most competitors results in quicker and smoother cutting.
• Each nylon handle is stitched with three durable bar tack seams that ensure longevity. Unlike many competing products, our handles are designed with generous dimensions. This enables individuals with larger hands to easily fit the entire hand within the loop. Additionally, larger handles acommodates the use of protective or winter gloves during colder seasons.
• The chain is 25.6 inches long, made of heat-treated high carbon steel and features 33 bi-directional teeth. To maximize its lifespan, it is important to keep the chain clean, lubricate it with chainsaw oil, and sharpen it using a 11/64" round file. Additionally, ensure to keep it dry and allow the item to remain outside of its pocket for a duration of 24 hours if the handles have become wet due to rain.
• This pocket hand saw works best for logs with a thickness of around 3 inches, but it can also handle pieces ranging from 1 inch to 18 inches in diameter. For thinner sticks and branches we recommend using a foldable saw instead. Be prepared with this survival saw, as its compact size also makes it a dependable tool to keep in your vehicle, ensuring that you are always prepared for unexpected obstacles on the road.

$49.00

Buy on Amazon

This might be the final option on today’s list, but still a good one, to say the least. It is by far the most expensive pocket chainsaw, but also one that is super durable.

Review

The Nordic Pocket Saw is made of heat-treated high carbon steel, and we do have to say that it is probably by far the toughest option we have reviewed today. What is also cool is that it comes with double bi-directional teeth on every single link, making all kinds of sawing about as fast and efficient as humanly possible. It comes with oversized handles that are easy to hold, it’s super tough, it’s lightweight and compact, and features a carrying case too. The only drawback is that it is fairly expensive.

Pros

• Superior durability
• Great cutting teeth
• Fast and efficient
• Portable and lightweight
• Good handles

Cons

• Comparably expensive

Conclusion

In the end, it really all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend, the quality of the materials, and the length of the chain you need. Once you have figured all of this out, making a choice in terms of the best pocket chainsaw for you, should be easy

Complete Reviews with Comparisons

Milling your own lumber at home is not particularly hard, but you do need the right tools, mainly a good chainsaw. That’s why we’re here today — to discuss some of the best chainsaws for milling, so let’s get to it!

Best Chainsaws For Milling: Reviews

Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw

Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

• 455 Rancher chainsaw is an ideal saw for landowners or homeowners who require a high powered and heavy duty chainsaw
• 55. 5cc 20 inch gas chainsaw with guide bar and chain
• 2 cycle engine with Intertie activated chain brake for safety while operating
• Comes with Husqvarna chainsaw Bar cover and 2. 6 ounce bottle of pre-mix fuel Included, Bar and chain oil must be purchased Separately
• Automatic chain oiler delivers a steady supply of bar and chain oil for safe and effective use

Buy on Amazon

Here we have a simple yet high-quality chainsaw that comes at a moderately expensive price. It’s tough, simple to use, and can definitely help you mill some lumber with ease.

Review

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw features a 55.5cc gas engine, so it should have more than enough power for basic jobs and for lumber milling. Keep in mind that you can choose from an 18- or 20-inch arm length, which should be enough for smaller jobs, although not for huge jobs. It is a 2-cycle engine, so it is powerful and reliable.

A good feature is the activated chain brake, something which helps keep you safe. The automatic chain oiler is something else which helps increase the longevity of the Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw. The side-mounted chain tension system is very easy to use, for quick adjustments and chain changes, and it has a quick-release air filter too.

Pros

• More than powerful enough for milling
• Good size for small milling jobs
• Very safe and reliable
• Many user friendly features

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Too small for large tasks

Echo Chainsaw

Chain Saw, Gas, 20 in. Bar, 59.8cc

• Price For: Each Fuel Type: Gas Anti Vibration Handle: Yes Item: Chain Saw HP: 3.9 Chain Oiler: Auto/Adjustable Includes: Chain, Bar, Operators Manual Bar Length: 20" Fuel Type: Gas Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.8 oz. Engine Displacement: 59.8cc Anti Vibration Handle: Yes Replacement Chain: Mfr. No. 72LPX70CQ Item: Chain Saw Country of Origin (subject to change): Japan

$449.00

Buy on Amazon

This is a fairly expensive and heavy-duty chainsaw to go with, one that is more than powerful enough to mill lumber with ease.

Review

The Echo Chainsaw features a 59.8cc engine, so a bit more powerful than the one we just looked at, and it features a 20-inch arm. So, it terms of power and length, it’s more than enough for some basic tree sawing and lumber milling. No, it’s not fantastic for huge jobs, but it works well enough.

This chainsaw weighs close to 20 lbs., so you need a bit of muscle to operate it effectively. However, other than that, it comes with an automatic and adjustable chain oiling system, a user-friendly chain tension adjustment system, an anti-vibration handle, and a large fuel tank too. It might be expensive and heavy, but the quality is up there with the best of them.

Pros

• Powerful
• Ideal length for basic milling
• Anti-vibration handle
• Many automatic functions

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy

Poulan Pro Chainsaw

Here we have what is so far the most affordable option in our review, but one that should do just fine for milling. It’s nothing super special, but it gets the job done.

Review

The Poulan Pro Chainsaw is a 50cc 2-cycle gas-powered chainsaw, and 50ccs should be more than enough for basic sawing and milling. Again, this is a 20-inch model, so it’s long enough for basic milling tasks, although not great for very large logs. What is great about the Poulan Pro Chainsaw is that it uses special technology to save you money by reducing fuel consumption by 20%, plus it reduces emissions by 70%, making it fairly eco-friendly.

The awesome pull-start system takes about 30% less power to pull and start than with other saws. All in all, the Poulan Pro Chainsaw is a perfectly fine option to go with. No, it’s not the most durable or most lightweight chainsaw, but it’s affordable and more than fine for basic tasks.

Pros

• Fuel efficient
• Easy start
• Great for milling and basic tasks
• Very affordable

Cons

• Limited durability
• A bit heavy

Echo CS-800P Chainsaw

This chainsaw is by far the most expensive, the largest, and the most powerful option on our list so far today. It’s a big machine for big jobs.

Review

The Echo CS-800P Chainsaw comes complete with an 81cc gas powered engine, and it’s got a lot of power, more than enough to get through some really tough and knotted hardwood with ease. Moreover, it features a long 27-inch bar, so it is significantly longer than any of the other chainsaws we have looked at today, making it ideal for some pretty big jobs.

It is big and powerful, and yes, it is heavy, but at least it also comes with a high quality anti-vibration handle to make using it a bit easier. Other than that, it’s a pretty basic chainsaw with normal user-friendly features. It’s a high-end, large, and heavy-duty model intended for big tasks.

Pros

• Very powerful
• Good for large tasks
• Anti-vibration handle
• High level of durability

Cons

• Very expensive
• Very heavy

Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw

If you are looking for a high level of quality, durability, and functionality, and are willing to pay a more than you would for similar models, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw is the model to go with.

Review

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw is a 60cc chainsaw, so it’s more than powerful enough for most milling jobs, plus it has a 24-inch bar, so it should also be large enough for most tasks. What is really nice is that it comes complete with 3 replacement chains.

The combined choke/stop control is great for easy starting, plus it reduces the risk of engine flooding. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw also has a great centrifugal air cleaning system to help reduce debris that gets into the air filter, and overall, we do have to say that it’s probably one of the most durable and longest-lasting chainsaw today.

Pros

• Quite powerful
• Long enough for most jobs
• Many replacement chains
• Easy to start
• Superior durability

Cons

• Extremely expensive

Conclusion

When all is said and done, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw and the Echo CS-800P Chainsaw are the biggest and most powerful options today. However, if you want something far more cost effective, any of the first 3 chainsaws on the list, especially the Poulan Pro, are all worth looking into as well.