If you’re just starting with woodworking, it’s common to get overwhelmed by the terminology. Saws can be particularly confusing, as each saw is designed for specific project types. You are probably familiar with more common saws like circular saws, chainsaws and miter saws. The chainsaw family’s little cousin – pole saw, is one of the most overlooked saws these days despite its many benefits. I personally know some folks who could benefit from utilizing pole saws for certain tasks but ignore them for whatever reason.
When it comes to essential power tools for a DIY enthusiast, a pole saw is an absolute must-have. How do I know if I need a pole saw? If you are a homeowner who needs your garden to look beautiful or yard manicured at all times, you should seriously consider purchasing a pole saw. Trees need constant pruning to thin out thick limbs and to get rid of broken branches for them to stay healthy and look their best.
Keeping your trees and hedges in good shape can be boring and tedious if you use traditional pruning tools. Proper pruning may seem like a daunting task, but you don’t need to waste money on a landscaper. Avoid unnecessary expenses by investing in the right arsenal of landscaping tools. Among the various gardening accessories and tools, a pole saw is one of the most important tools to have. A pole saw can help you bring magical results by getting the job done efficiently and economically. A neat, well-manicured garden can enhance the curb appeal of your property.
If you are among the lot that is unacquainted with pole saws and their amazing benefits, this article is for you! We will explain in detail, why you need to invest in a quality pole saw. We will highlight the reasons why you should get yourself a pole saw, the different varieties available and their uses. But first, you need to understand what a pole saw is. Read on to learn all you need to know.
What Is A Pole Saw?
As the name puts it, a pole saw is basically a saw attached to the end of a pole useful for simple tasks in and around the home. It is a sort of a miniature but powerful saw and the best choice if you do plenty of landscaping or own a garden with trees. This versatile garden equipment can be powered by gas, electricity or batteries. You can go for any of the three depending on your personal liking and of course, budget.
The concept of a pole saw is simple, but there are moving parts involved within. There are times when you need to cut vines, thick branches or shrubs, and this when a pole saw comes in handy. You can prune, cut, fell and trim up to a height of 14 feet using a pole saw. If you are trying to prune really high branches, you won’t have to use a step ladder to reach them. Pole saws come with added features like extra height and portable aluminum body.
When it comes to picking a pole saw, it is vital you pick the right one for your project and comfort. Having the right kind of pole saw can make your job much easier. Heavy pruning needs an electric pole saw, but for light pruning, you can use a non-electric pole saw.
Like any tool, pole saws carry inherent risks. To prevent any injuries or mishap, you should take the necessary safety measures and consider the guidelines. This can include wearing appropriate costumes, using protective gear and clearing work area. Also get familiar with your power saw before you dive into big projects.
Types Of Pole Saws
If you thought there was only a single type of pole saw, think again. When it comes to selecting a pole saw, you have a few options: manual, gas-powered and electric. Each of the options is tailored to meet varying needs. You need to settle for a pole saw that meets your unique needs. You also need to consider how often you will use the saw, if you have access to power supply and whether or not you are capable of carrying out regular maintenance.
Cordless Power Saws
A cordless power saw is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for an hour. It lets you cut tree trunks without the use of cords. This means that you no longer have to worry about the inconvenience of power cables or power cuts. They also make the least noise.
I highly recommend going for a cordless pole saw with the Lithium-Ion battery as it has higher durability and performs better than the Ni-Cd battery. This pole saw is easy to maintain as you don’t incur extra expenses apart from periodic chain sharpening. Being rechargeable and cordless means that you can use this pole saw anywhere. Cordless Power Saws may not be as powerful as the other types, but they do a decent job.
Gas-Powered Pole Saws
Gas-powered pole saws offer more powerful performance than their cordless and electric counterparts. Being the preferred choice for professional users, they also provide more functionality and high-end versatility. They run on a mixture of gas and oil, and are equipped with heavy duty bars and chains to enable them to cut thick branches. They might be heavier than electric motors, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t be easily operated and balanced.
The only downside to gas-powered pole saws is that they create a lot of noise and they require a degree of maintenance.
Electric Pole Saws
Electric pole saws are probably the most common type for homeowners with small yards. This can be attributed to their convenience of use. To use an electric pole saw, simply plug it into an electric socket and begin to trim your trees. Electric pole saws have 6-10” blades designed for smalls works of trimming. Since they don’t require a battery to be operated, they are much lighter than gas-powered and cordless pole saws. The only downside to electric pole saws is that how far you can trim is limited by the extension cord.
Benefits Of Using Pole Saws
1. They are easy to use even by the novice. You start a pole saw with a push of a button, and it is also easy to handle. You don’t need a step ladder to reach higher branches.
2. You have a good number of options to choose from. You can use any of the 3 pole saw types for a wide range of tasks like manicuring your trees, trimming hedges or pruning limbs and branches.
3. They are affordable and still have enough power to cut down branches several inches across.
4. They are lightweight which comes in handy when it comes to trimming trees as holding it will not tire your arms and shoulders.
5. You can choose the right length of the pole to meet your personal needs. You will find the adjustable buttons convenient when adjusting the size of the pole.
6. They require less maintenance with the automatic lubrication system delivering the right amount of lubricant to ease operations.
7. They are equipped with extra-power and fast cutting technology to work efficiently.
8. Cordless pole saws have a Lithium-Ion battery that provides long operation time.
9. Pole saws have a long lifespan meaning they can give you hours of better experience pruning or cutting.
10. They take up less space and are easy to transport.
Conclusion
Alright then. Now you have a much better idea as to why you should invest in a pole saw. Pole saws are not the most complicated tools, but they need some practice to master. Try to learn about pole saws as much as possible to make the most out of them.