Best Chainsaw for Beginners: Affordable for Safe and Convenient Cuttings

If you are just starting in the world of tree cutting, the various chainsaws available in the market could overwhelm you. As a result, making the right choice of the best beginner chainsaw becomes tough.

Chainsaws are great cutting tools that can get your woodcutting projects done quickly. Despite being powerful, they also pose a significant danger, which is why a beginner must be careful in the choices they make.

Most beginners crave a chainsaw that’s affordable, powerful, safe, and easy to use since they would be using it for the first time.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be extremely meticulous when choosing the best entry-level chainsaw. My team and I have done the difficult part of testing various chainsaws for beginners and reviewing the best options in the market.

Quick Picks: Best Chainsaw for a Beginner

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Chainsaw for Beginners

A chainsaw is a mechanical machine with teeth revolving around a chain, with the chain being held by a guide bar. This fantabulous machine has the power to cut through extremely tough surfaces but is mainly used for cutting through wood.

Chainsaws are the number one tool used for tree felling, pruning, and bucking. They are also used in the suburbs and villages by the locals to collect firewood, and for wildfire suppression in cases of fire outbreaks.

In the health industry, certain chainsaws called “osteotome” are used for slicing through bones. Chainsaws have also made it to construction works and for making ice sculptures.

Whatever the reason is, before you purchase a chainsaw for personal or factory use, you would need to keep certain factors in your mind. Let’s first take a look at this chainsaw buying guide to understand how the mechanism works.

Chainsaw Types: Corded Electric vs Cordless Electric/Battery Powered vs Gas Powered

When in the market for a chainsaw, users are usually confronted with choosing between a corded electric, cordless electric/battery-powered, or gas chainsaw. For a newbie, this can be tough to decide.

What’s a Corded Electric Chainsaw?

Corded chainsaws are chainsaws that require electricity to operate via an electrical outlet.

What’s a Cordless Electric Chainsaw?

Cordless chainsaws require no cords because they typically run on batteries.

What’s a Gas Chainsaw?

A gas chainsaw uses gasoline to operate. Gas chainsaws are divided into two – 2-cycle and 4-cycle chainsaws.

2-cycle chainsaws allow you to mix gasoline with oil and pour the mixture into the fuel tank to run the engine.

With a 4-cycle chainsaw, you don’t need to mix oil with gas as it comes with two separate tanks – one for the oil and the other for the gasoline.

To help you make the right choice, I’ll be comparing all chainsaw types based on their features in the table below.

The Engine

The engines of traditional chainsaws are two-stroke gasoline ones, while the engines in modern electrical chainsaws run using electrical motors.

The two-stroke gasoline engines are also known as internal combustion engines, and they run using 30 to 120cm³ of cylinders. Traditional or electronically adjustable carburetors are utilized for chainsaws that run on combustion engines in modern times.

The electrical corded chainsaws, on the other hand, run on batteries or a direct power supply. Battery-powered cordless chainsaws are rarely used because batteries limit the duration of the time you can use the chainsaw, and the mechanical power of the machine is also questionable.

Electrical chainsaws also have self-lubricating features. Because of their easy-to-use nature, they are handy tools for home and even for gardening—they could be used to trim small tree branches from time to time.

Fuel oil-gasoline ratio in traditional carburetors needs adjustment in different climatic conditions, say in higher or lower altitudes. On the other hand, electronically adjustable carburetors make adjustments automatically.

While the traditional gasoline-run engine doesn’t cost you a fortune, the electric one may be a bit heavy on your pocket. So, if your budget is flexible, you can go for the electric one.

Filters

Certain chainsaws have winter and summer mechanisms—these chainsaws have holes in their covers that let warm air pass to the filters so that the insides do not freeze in sub-zero temperatures.

These filters are available in finer or thicker mesh, whichever is applicable—finer mesh can filter out dust quite efficiently; therefore, they can be used in dusty environments to prevent engines from clogging up.

So, make sure you are getting the finest filter out there. Otherwise, the saw will be nothing but a frozen trash in the cold season.

Drive

Two components control the driving mechanism of a chainsaw—a centrifugal clutch and a sprocket. The clutch keeps expanding at accelerating speeds with the assistance of a drum. On this drum, there is a sprocket which could be either fixed or interchangeable.

The centrifugal clutch has three functions mainly:

• Stopping the engine
• Protecting the engine from damage
• Keeping the operator safe from kickbacks

When the chainsaw is idle, the clutch makes the chain stops moving. If the chain ever gets stuck into wood or any other dense and hard material, the clutch stops the chain and protects the engine from getting defected. During a possible kickback, the clutch releases instantaneously, and the drum stops.

The modern-day chainsaws can be operated while being held in different positions—upside-down, slanted, or held at 90 degrees, without causing any harm to the interior mechanisms.

So, before you make up your mind on a certain model, do make sure that the centrifugal clutch functions optimally. Otherwise, it’s a big ‘NO’!

Are you aware of the importance of lubrication in chainsaws? Keep reading through this beginner chainsaw buyers guide to know more!

Guide Bars

Guide bars are elongated bars of 40-90 cm in length with round edges that keep the cutting chain in check. They have certain components working in harmony.

• The first component would be the gauge through which the lower part of the chain passes, and oil or lubrication gets transferred to the chain’s nose.
• At the end of the powerhead, there are two oil holes that let the oil get pumped to the lower part of the gauge.
• There are grease holes at the nose of the guide bar through which grease is pumped to keep the sprockets lubricated.

Now, there are different types of guide bars—laminated, solid, and safe. Laminated bars have several layers to adjust the weight of the bar.

Solid steel bars are reserved for professional use only, whereas the safety bars are small laminated bars with sprockets that protect operators from kickbacks and are used for daily consumer purposes.

So, in case you are a professional, solid guide bars are what you should be looking for. Otherwise, either a laminated or safe bar should suffice for you.

Chain

Chains of saws resemble bicycle chains with riveted sections made of metal, and each segment features small, cutting teeth. Each tooth contains a folded flap of chromium-plated steel with one curved corner and two beveled cutting edges. A series of teeth sit on either side of the chain, left and right, alternately.

These have variable pitches and gauges. Pitch-length is half of the length covered by any three consecutive rivets on the chain, whereas gauge is equivalent to the drive link’s thickness that fits exactly into the guide bar.

Chains are of two different types depending on the frequency of the teeth’ positioning —conventional full complement chain and full skip chain. While the conventional chains have one tooth for every 2 drive links, full skip ones have one tooth for every 3 drive links.

So, if you need maximum chain movement while chopping down those timbers, the full skip chain should be a great option for you.

Raker

Depth of the gauge or “raker” is another important factor. A raker rides ahead of a tooth and constricts the depth of a cut—a component that is critical when it comes to safety. If the rakers are left too high, then cutting would be too slow, and if set too low, then there would be a lot of vibration and higher possibilities of kickbacks.

Thus, make sure the raker is placed just at the right position to eliminate risks of slow cutting and high kickback.

Tension

A component called tensioner, which is controlled by spinning a screw or a wheel, makes sure that the chain does not bind around or fall off the guide bar. The tensioner is located underneath the clutch cover or the exhaust.

Tensioners that are fitted underneath the clutch cover are easier to operate, but then it becomes difficult to put on the clutch covers. There is usually a screw or a wheel, which, when turned, moves the bar in or out, making the chains tight or loose.

While tensioning is being done, I would suggest that you hold the chainsaw in such a way so that the bar nose is facing upwards, and then screw the nuts tighter. Holding the chainsaw in this position is important, or else the chains might get derailed.

Though chainsaws are efficient machines equipped with an array of protective features, accidents may still occur. This chainsaw guide to buying will tell you more about it.

Safety Features

Kickbacks are commonly occurring phenomena during cutting, and they happen when the teeth of the chain get stuck into the wood or any other hard or dense material, instead of cutting through it.

As a result of such kickbacks, the bar and the moving chain arc back toward the operator, which could lead to severe injury or even fatality.

The noise and the vibration emitting from the chainsaws could cause problems as well, like tinnitus, industrial deafness, or “vibration white finger.” To lower these risks, nowadays, manufacturers use damping or suppressing elements like rubber or steel springs.

If you are looking for less noise, cordless electric chainsaws would be good because they use brushless motors that work great at reducing noise and vibration when compared to traditional gasoline or petroleum-powered versions.

Gasoline-powered models are also known to emit carbon monoxide, which could be harmful, especially in enclosed areas.

Size and Weight

Corded or cordless electric chainsaws are much lighter when compared to their heavy-duty gas-powered counterparts. How heavy or how large a chainsaw you should head for depends on the nature of usage.

The size of a chainsaw mainly lies in the length of the guide bar, and different models have variable motors.

Nevertheless, broadly speaking, there are 3 sizes of chainsaws—mini, mid-size, and heavy-duty.

• Mini Chainsaws

These have a guide bar length ranging from 12 to 14 inches, with a motor power between 30 and 40 CC. They are best for residential uses and for trimming trees.

• Mid-Size Chainsaws

Here, the guide bars are as long as 16 to 24 inches with a motor power of 40 to 60 CC. It can be easily maneuvered, so inexperienced users may also use it for medium to big cutting projects.

• Heavy-Duty Chainsaws

Now comes the heavy-duty chainsaws. They are the biggest in comparison, with guide bars as long as 24 inches and a motor power of 60 to 120 CC. These gigantic machines should be handled with caution and are meant for use by professionals only.

So, depending on your user experience, choose among these sizes to get the best one for you.

Best Beginner Chainsaws for Seamless Tree Cuts

Here are the reviews of the 9 best chainsaws for beginners.

Best Corded Electric Chainsaw for Beginners

1. Oregon CS1500 18-inch Corded Electric Saw

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If you want a corded electrical chainsaw with enough power to make cutting precise, Oregon CS1500 is an excellent option.

This great chainsaw has everything that will make cutting convenient for a beginner.

What does it offer? It comes with a powerful engine motor for effective and speedy slicing. The 15-Amp motor ensures that you finish your task in a shorter timeframe.

Additionally, the chainsaw includes an 18-inch bar length that makes it possible to cut through most wood types. As such, users won’t find it challenging to cut thick branches, hardwood, and firewood.

I’m most impressed with the PowerSharp Sharpening System. It allows you to sharpen the chain in seconds if the blade gets dull. You can do this comfortably while on the job.

Also, my team loves the chainsaw’s ergonomic design, particularly the handle, which seems balanced and comfortable when using it.

However, I was slightly unimpressed with the use of plastic in designing the chainsaw. This might compromise its durability and resistance to pressure.

The chainsaw produces low vibrations, meaning you can use the cutting tool for an extended period without hand strain.

What We Liked

• Lightweight and balanced in the hand
• Ergonomic design
• Produces no noise
• Suitable for cutting large logs of wood
• Powerful motor
• Self-sharpening system
• Tool-less chain tensioning system

What We Didn’t Like

• Plastic design
• Sometimes, the chain falls off the bar when tensioning.

2. Black+Decker Looper LP1000 Corded Chainsaw

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I love Black+Decker Looper because of its comfortable and user-friendly features, which I’m confident that all beginners would love.

Whether you’re pruning trees or cutting some logs, this chainsaw is equal to the tasks. Thanks to its outstanding cutting abilities.

The chainsaw comes with a 4.5 Amp power to make tree cutting fast. Though the motor is not the most powerful, it’s more than enough for a beginner who needs a pretty decent option for light-duty tasks.

It comes with a 6-inch cutting bar length, capable of handling light-duty tasks. It also has automatic chain tensioning that makes it easier to adjust the chain for better cutting.

Unlike most chainsaws that slice through, the Black+Decker has fast alligator-like clamping jaws, like that of a plier.

This clamping jaw is effective at grabbing logs of wood and chopping them in one swift motion. The scissors-like jaw is pure innovation and one of the best features of this revolutionary chainsaw.

This device is ruggedly designed to withstand pressure and prolonged use. It’s also lightweight, weighing a little above 6 pounds, which makes transportation and handling easy.

There’s also a user guide included in the saw to help beginners make better use of the saw.

What We Liked

• It takes little effort to use
• The chainsaw is lightweight and well-balanced in the hands.
• Safe to use
• Includes a comprehensive manual for more straightforward use
• Rugged design
• Easy to adjust chain tensioning

What We Didn’t Like

• The chain oiler doesn’t work efficiently.

3. Worx WG303.1 16-Inch Corded Chainsaw

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As far as power cords are concerned, Worx WG303.1 is best for performance and value for money.

This chainsaw comes with a powerful cutting speed and other features that make woodcutting stress-free.

The corded saw possesses a 16.5-inch bar that’s capable of cutting any wood, whether softwood or hardwood.

What’s more? It includes a 14.5 amp motor that ensures you have an excellent cutting speed.

I love how incredibly light this chainsaw is despite its many features. At just 11 pounds, I can say that this chainsaw is one of the lightest corded electrical saw I’ve ever tested.

I also love the ergonomic handle. Thanks to the rubberized rear handle. This gives you superb control of the saw for seamless vertical and horizontal cutting.

Though the chainsaw’s handle is ergonomic, I experienced some vibrations when using it on a medium-duty task. As a result, using this chainsaw for an extended period could be problematic.

The chainsaw has an automatic chain oiler that lubricates the chain automatically without manual input. This keeps the engine running smoothly.

Additionally, it has an automatic chain tensioner that makes adjusting the bar chain so easy!

More importantly, this chainsaw includes a chain brake that prevents accidental cutting, guaranteeing the user’s safety.

What We Liked

• Has three years warranty
• Balanced weight
• Excellent cutting speed
• Adjustable chain tensioner
• Lubricates automatically
• Easy to use

What We Didn’t Like

• It consumes too much oil.
• Users may experience some vibrations when cutting.

Best Cordless Chainsaw for Beginners

1. Dewalt DCCS620B 12-Inch Battery Chainsaw

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Dewalt is famous for making top-quality chainsaws. DCCS620B 20V Max XR 12-Inch Chainsaw is one of those chainsaws.

This 20V powerful machine is equipped with a 12-inch bar and chain and brushless motor that makes cutting clean, effective, and super fast. Plus, it features a tool-free chain tensioning bar and chain that makes it pretty easy to adjust the chain for more effective cuts.

This battery-powered chainsaw features a rubberized handle that makes operating the machine stress-free. Unlike some chainsaws, this device is best utilized with two hands, giving the user better control.

I was pleased with the saw’s compact and lightweight design, as it weighed 8.8 pounds. This made it more comfortable for me to move and control it.

The battery life is another standout feature, as it’s compatible with 20V max Lithium-Ion batteries. This battery guarantees long hours of usage, so there’s no abrupt running out of power once you fully charge the battery.

The best thing is it runs silently. I was quite amazed by the quietness of the saw, considering the low price tag. For me, I’d say that this chainsaw offers way more than the price tag.

What We Liked

• Runs silently
• Lightweight and compact
• Well-balanced in the hand
• Long-lasting battery
• Easy to control
• Slices efficiently

What We Didn’t Like

• Difficult opening the oil cap
• The cutting tool pumps too much oil.

2. Black+Decker LCS1020B 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

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Most users crave a chainsaw that’s not only powerful but lightweight for easy handling and transportation. If you are looking for such chainsaws, Black+Decker LCS1020B is the ideal choice.

The battery-powered chainsaw bears a similar design to Echo chainsaws. However, this chainsaw is relatively lighter, weighing 7.59 pounds only.

This cutting tool has a comfortable wrap-around handle that ensures you make convenient horizontal and vertical cuts. Additionally, it includes a 10-inch bar+chain that delivers smooth and fast cuts. It’s also safe to use, thanks to its low kickback safety feature.

Black+Decker features an easy-to-adjust tool-free chain tensioning system that allows you to modify the chain on the go for improved cuts. It’s also fast adjusting.

Lubricating the cutting tool is not difficult, as it comes with an oiling system. However, there’s no chance of knowing that the oil in the system is low unless you open it due to the opaque oil tank.

I must say that this chainsaw’s battery life is average, although I used the 4.0ah battery. If you’re not in for some extensive woodcutting tasks, this chainsaw will last through your cutting period with a 4.0ah battery.

Overall, this chainsaw was easy to use, and I was impressed with its cutting result.

What We Liked

• Easy to use
• Ergonomic handle
• Adjusting the chain tension is not complicated.
• Cuts effectively
• Sturdy design
• Balanced weight

What We Didn’t Like

• The chain oiler has issues.

3. Greenworks 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

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Using a cord can be exhausting sometimes, especially when it meddles in your extensive cutting job. Greenworks G-Max saves you the trouble of such delay and exhaustion.

The Greenworks cordless chainsaw slices through logs of wood and thick stumps with relative ease. Thanks to its brushless motor and 16-inch bar and chain bar. The chainsaw delivers 30% more torque than most cordless chainsaws, which is adequate to make up to 100 cuts simultaneously.

During testing, Greenworks impressed greatly, particularly regarding battery capacity. The 40V Lithium-ion battery lasts for a long time in just one charge, so you have enough power to make those cuts without thinking of running out.

Starting this cordless chainsaw is also convenient. Unlike gas chainsaws, you don’t need to pull to get it started. All you need to do is to push the button to start.

Handling this chainsaw is extremely comfortable. Its vibration is so low that you wouldn’t notice it. This means that you can use this chainsaw for a long time without feeling exhausted.

Plus, the chainsaw works smoothly and creates less noise in operation, promoting a safe and quiet environment.

I love that the auto oiler comes with a transparent tank. It allows you to see if you’re running low on oil.

What We Liked

• Smooth and noiseless operation
• Long-lasting battery
• Easy to detect if you’re running low on oil
• Low vibration
• Comfortable starting option
• Includes safety chain brake to prevent kickbacks.

What We Didn’t Like

• Sometimes, the chainsaw shuts down automatically.
• The chain’s tensioning design isn’t up to par.

Best Gas Chainsaw for Beginners

1. Poulan Pro PR5020 20-Inch 50cc Gas Chainsaw

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Poulan Pro PR5020 is one of the cutting tools for homeowners. This powerful gas-powered chainsaw will not only make cutting rapid but smooth and clean.

It comes with a 50cc 2-cycle engine, powerful to slice through the thickest of all woods surreptitiously.

That’s not all! The chainsaw features an innovative technology, known as OxyPower Engine Technology, that offers extra power to cut stubborn firewoods. Because of this OxyPower Engine Technology, the chainsaw emits very low carbon (70%) and consumes the lowest fuel (20%). The air filtering system also ensures that fuel is minimized without compromising its power.

Starting the machine is effortless, thanks to the Effortless Pull-Start System. EPS makes it easy to pull the cord with minimal effort.

Surprisingly, this chainsaw doesn’t weigh much. Its overall weight is about 17 pounds when the cutting equipment and chain are added. I didn’t experience any difficulty carrying.

Even with its satisfying features, the chainsaw didn’t fare well in terms of handling. It’s somewhat difficult to handle due to the 20-inch long chain and bar length.

What We Liked

• Low fuel consumption
• Low carbon emissions
• Produces ample power for cutting thick woods
• Effortless starting option
• Good for the price

What We Didn’t Like

• Tightening the chain assembly is challenging.
• Cranking it is not easy.

2. Remington 42cc 16-Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw

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Remington 42cc Full Crank 2-Cycle 16-Inch super-suitable for heavy-duty woodworking projects.

What makes Remington great for heavy-duty woodworking projects?

It comes with a 42cc full crank 2-cycle engine. With this, the chainsaw offers ample power that makes any wood go into pieces in a split second.

Additionally, the Remington chainsaw includes a 16″ bar, with a chain brake kickback feature that efficiently and safely cuts through the thickest wood.

This chainsaw is easy to pull, thanks to its incredible quickstart technology. The easy pull-start ensures that you get to work without any delays.

This gas chainsaw is better in terms of ease of use than most chainsaws my team and I have tested.

It includes a 3-point Anti-Vibration System that minimizes the amount of vibration the piece of equipment generates when in use. Coupled with the ergonomic handle, you’ll have better control over the chainsaw and experience less fatigue.

I was pleased by how easy it was to adjust the side-mounted tensioning system.

What’s more? The auto oiler allows you to adjust the oil flow levels for the smooth running of the machine.

The chainsaw also includes a robust storage case and is backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

What We Liked

• Easy to operate
• Creates low vibration
• Easy to adjust the chain tension
• Durable design
• Includes a chain brake to prevent kickbacks
• Robust engine

What We Didn’t Like

• You may need to tighten the chain frequently while in use.
• The parts aren’t as durable as the body.

3. Echo CS-400 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw

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If you want a gas chainsaw with a good amount of power to keep your yard clean, Echo CS-400 18-inch may be what you are looking for.

This gas chainsaw features a two-stroke, 40.2cc engine, powerful to make cutting expedite and efficient. The Echo chainsaw can slice through any thick log of wood smoothly and efficiently, thanks to the 18-inch bar.

This chainsaw isn’t the lightest gas chainsaw out there. It weighs slightly over 10 pounds, which most beginners may find quite heavy since it’s a gas chainsaw. However, I didn’t encounter too much difficulty carrying it during use, and the ruggedness of the machine was outstanding.

Though most gas-powered chainsaws are complicated to start at first, I didn’t experience such with the Echo. It fired up after two starts, so I’d say it is relatively easy to start.

This chainsaw has a sizeable 14-ounce fuel tank with a considerable amount of fuel that will last through your woodworking project. This means you won’t have to stop halfway through your project to refill when you are low.

An impressive five-year warranty backs this Echo product for non-commercial use, asserting how durable and long-lasting the chainsaw and its parts are.

What We Liked

• Suitable for cutting all types of wood with varying thickness
• Powerful engine
• Large fuel tank
• Cuts smoothly
• Coms with five years warranty
• It comes at a reasonable price.
• Rugged design

What We Didn’t Like

• Users may find it slightly cumbersome.
• The saw isn’t ergonomic.

Final Verdict

Different chainsaws available in the market come with great features that make choosing hard, especially for a beginner.

However, choosing the best chainsaw for beginners would no longer be an issue, thanks to this detailed review.

The best starter chainsaw in this review is Oregon CS1500. I was pleased with the chainsaw capabilities, particularly the innovative PowerSharp Sharpening System.

The chainsaw delivers a tremendous amount of power that cuts precisely and speedily.

Additionally, the ergonomic design is impressive, and the low vibrations it creates is more than satisfying.

Are you a beginner and want to have a convenient cutting experience? Click here to purchase the best beginner chainsaw.

Read More: Chainsaw Tips for Beginners – Do’s & Don’ts