Cutting hardwood can be a difficult task, but with the right chainsaw and chain, it doesn’t have to be. A good quality chainsaw is essential for cutting through hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch. But finding the best chainsaw for cutting hardwood isn’t always easy.
In this article, we will look at some of the best chainsaws available on the market today that are specifically designed for cutting through hardwood quickly and efficiently.
We’ll also discuss what makes a great saw chain for cutting hardwood and how you can find one that’s best suited to your needs. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to get the most out of your new saw when you’re ready to start tackling those tough woodcutting projects.
Best Overall: Oregon D72 Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: Stihl Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: 8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain
⇣ Jump to ReviewFeatures To Look For In The Best Chainsaw For Cutting Hardwood
Ready to find the perfect chainsaw for cutting hardwood? It’s not a ‘one-size fits all’ solution, so it’s important to select one that best meets your individual needs. Here are some important factors that you should consider when making this purchase.
Bar Length
The bar length of one’s chainsaw can vary greatly, so finding the perfect size chain is essential. Chains range from 10″ to 24″, and purchasing a chain that does not match the saw’s bar will lead to unfortunate consequences: if too long, it won’t fit tightly; if too short, it may be overly snug or impossible to install altogether.
It goes without saying – selecting an appropriate-sized chain is paramount for safety reasons.
Chain Gauge
To keep your chainsaw running at peak performance, the gauge size of its chain should be carefully chosen. If you select a chain that is too thin, it will not remain on the guide bar and could slip off in operation. On the other hand, if you buy one that’s too thick for your saw’s guide bar, it won’t fit properly and can’t even be used.
The majority of popular models function best with gauges between .050″ to .063″. You’ll find this information printed directly onto the guide bar itself.
Chain Pitch
Calculating the pitch of your chain drive links is a cinch – simply measure half the distance between them on the chainsaw’s original part. The size will typically be 1/4″ or .325″, 3/8″ or .404″. With measurements, you’re sure to get that perfect fit.
Drive Links of the Chain
To ensure the chainsaw chain functions correctly, each link must be sized precisely. The measurements of these links can generally be found on the bar; however, if not visible or you are uncertain, you should remove them from the guide bar and count them attentively. Located at the bottom of a chainsaw chain is where these critical components reside.
Tooth Style
Shopping for a chainsaw should be done with calculated precision. The type of tool style you choose will profoundly impact its performance, so it’s essential to consider the three options available: chirper, semi-chisel, and full chisel. We’ll tell you about each type in detail below.
Best Chainsaw For Cutting Hardwood Reviewed In This Guide
Oregon D72 Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain
No products found.
The Oregon D72 Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain is designed specifically for homeowners to use a variety of chainsaw models. It has a low-vibration and low kickback design, making it ideal for cutting hardwood.
The precision heat-treated semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly while the tough chrome outer layer and hardened rivets reduce wear and help make chain adjustments easier. Additionally, its built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system ensures maximum performance by delivering oil to key parts of the chain so that you can work smarter without downtime or maintenance hassle.
Make sure your chainsaw runs on a 3/8 Inch Pitch, .050 Inch (1.3 mm) gauge, 72 drive links before purchasing this best chainsaw chain for cutting hardwood.
Stihl Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain
No products found.
The Stihl Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain is the best chainsaw for cutting hardwood. Its cutter and tie strap design greatly reduces vibration levels, while its razor-edged, square-cornered cutter shape ensures minimum chain friction for an exceptionally smooth and clean cut in frozen wood.
This high-performance chain offers excellent cutting power with minimal kickback, making it ideal for forestry and industry professionals who need superior results.
The RS chain typically cuts faster than the RM chain but requires careful sharpening and maintenance to ensure long-lasting performance. Low-kickback green labeled reduced-kickback bars is recommended on all powerheads when using this product.
8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain
No products found.
The 8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain is the best choice for cutting hardwood. It has 16-inch specifications, with 55 drive links that fit OEM part number 36100050055, 61PMM355E; Husqvarna H3855, H38-55 TriLink CL14355TL2; Oregon 90PX055G, R55, and R55-21 chainsaws.
This chain is also compatible with Stihl Pole Saws HT (70, 73, 75,100, 101,130,131 and 250) models as well as Stihl Chainsaw Models 009 (L), 010, 011 etcetera.
With a durable design and superior sharpness, this chain helps give you more control when cutting through hardwoods quickly and efficiently.
Types Of Chainsaw Chain For Cutting Hardwood
Chirper
Chirper is the best tool for any branch- or wood-cutting chore. Whether you need to prune trees, clear away overgrowth, or do anything else in between – Chirper will get it done quickly and efficiently.
Semi chisel
Semi-chisel chains are ideal if you need a chain that quickly and effectively cuts through hardwoods, softwoods, or firewood. Not only do they have remarkable versatility – but also incredible durability with their edges lasting longer than other options available in the market today. Don’t waste any more time – invest in semi-chisels for all your wood-cutting needs.
Full chisel
Full chisel chains are impeccably crafted to take on the hardwood with ease, slicing through it in a jiffy. Nevertheless, their square-shaped teeth may become dull relatively fast. If you’re in the market for exceptional chainsaw blades, industry experts highly suggest semi-chisel or full-chisel choices – perfect for working with hardwood and firewood.
Common Questions About Chainsaws For Cutting Hardwood
Can a Chainsaw Cut Hardwood?
Absolutely, a chainsaw can be employed to cut any variety of wood. Yet it’s important to consider what type of chain you install on your saw since this will significantly impact its performance depending on the material being cut. The selection of chainsaw chains available is immense and somewhat daunting – some are better suited for cutting hardwood than others.
What kind of wood will you be cutting?
Gas chainsaws are the ideal tool for tackling hardwoods like hickory, oak, maple, and birch – something an electric chainsaw simply cannot do.
What type of chainsaw chain is best for hardwood?
Full chisel chains, available in 0.325 pitch and 1.3mm gauge to 3/8″ pitch and 1.6mm gauge sizes, are the perfect choice for cutting hardwood due to their superior edge retention qualities compared with other chain types.
Crafted from top-notch steel material and built to withstand more wear than other models on the market – premium quality chains will provide you with reliability season after season.
What bar size should the best chainsaw for cutting hardwood be?
For optimal performance when sawing through thick materials such as firewood, it’s best to use a chainsaw bar that is two inches longer than the material you are cutting. If your aim is to cut an eight-inch log, look for a chainsaw with a minimum 10-inch bar.
What is the most aggressive chainsaw chain?
For professional users, a .404″ chainsaw pitch is the most effective way to cut deep and long-lasting cuts. Moreover, for lengths of 24 inches or less, a full chisel or chisel skip chain is highly recommended as it offers unparalleled aggressiveness with no compromise on efficiency. Using these powerful tools can make any job easier.
Beginners should be wary of using an aggressive chainsaw chain due to its lack of safety. Instead, they are advised to opt for other types that offer greater security.
Does Hard Wood Dull a Chainsaw?
Hardwood is known to be more abrasive than softwood, so it can most certainly dull your chainsaw more quicker. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that your saw chain stays sharpened at all times. It’s important not to apply too much force when cutting into the wood and let the chain do its job instead.
Other factors like dirt on a log’s surface or a bent bar rubbing against the blade may likewise contribute to making your chainsaw less effective over time—so regular maintenance is key! To avoid having an inadequate cut due to dulled blades, touch up those teeth regularly before they reach their limit.
How to keep your chain sharp?
- When it comes to sharpening your chainsaw, you have an array of options. An electric grinder can be used or a handheld sharpener that attaches itself to the tip bar and presses down on top plate cutters while the engine runs slowly will suffice. Becoming proficient with a round file is still necessary for dressing each tooth’s vertical cutting edge perpendicular to the plate.
- Alternatively, investing in a bar-mounted sharpener is not only economical but also provides quick touch-ups when needed most – out in the field!
Video Review: Top 5 Best Chainsaw For Cutting Trees, Stumps, & Hardwood
Take a few minutes to watch this engaging video, where you’ll learn all about the best chainsaw for cutting hardwood and more.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the best chainsaw for cutting hardwood, there are a few things you should consider. The size of your saw and chain will determine how well it works in different types of wood. You also want to make sure that the power is sufficient enough to handle tough jobs like cutting through thick logs or branches.
Finally, pay attention to what type of chain best suits your needs; some provide faster cuts while others offer more durability and strength when dealing with harder woods.
With all this in mind, we hope that our guide has given you the information needed to find the best chainsaw for cutting hardwood so you can get started on those projects right away.
