Chainsaws are an extremely versatile power tool that can be used in many different ways and for myriad purposes. While some woodworkers and loggers mostly use chainsaws to cut down trees, woodcarvers use them to churn out works of art such as intricate figurines and visually-pleasing furniture items from the different types of wood. So, if you’re someone who likes to make beautiful things from wood, then all you’ll need is a carving chainsaw that ensures maximum productivity.
Here, I’ll take an in-depth look at the 5 best chainsaws for carving, based on power, precision, versatility, and my experiences with each of them – so you can make the right choice when it comes time to buy. That’s not all! You’ll also get to know the things to put into consideration before buying the best carving chainsaws.
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5 Best Chainsaws For Carving Wood
I’ve hand-picked 5 top chainsaws for carving wood to ensure maximum productivity. Let’s check out what they have to offer.
1. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16-inch Gas Chainsaw
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Husqvarna 120 is a powerful, durable, yet efficient chainsaw that delivers a smooth and clean-cut when you’re carving woods. I’ve been looking for the right chainsaw that I can use to create beauty in the woods. But when I found this Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16in Gas Chainsaw, I fell in love with it.
It’s a great all-around option for carving, thanks to its powerful 14-amp motor and 16-inch bar. This incredible power tool boasts some safety features that ensure optimal protection while also delivering excellent performance.
Kickback is a common problem with chainsaws. But that’s not the case with this saw. Thankfully, it has a built-in inertia-activated chain brake that helps to halt the rotation of the chain when there’s a kickback. Weighing only 4.22 pounds, you can expect the saw to be lightweight and so easy to maneuver around the job site.
I also like that it comes with an automatic oiler to keep the chain lubricated at all times. You won’t have to stop the cutting tasks to oil the chain as with other gas-powered chainsaws on the market. That’s not all! The X-Torq engine is a great feature that reduces fuel consumption and gasoline emissions, which is quite awesome.
Furthermore, I’m pleased with the excellent ergonomic comfort features of the saw, especially the simple tensioning system that makes it quick and easy to adjust. If you’re a wood carver or a homeowner looking for a lightweight and efficient chainsaw, you won’t get it wrong with this one.
What more? The Husqvarna 120 is easy to start up and simple to use even in colder regions. You won’t have to waste your energy trying to start it. That’s one of a reason why it’s a must-have cutting tool for carving, pruning, hobby work, and other light tasks.
Apart from the fact that the engine quits sometimes when gunned, I’m very pleased with this chainsaw and would recommend it to anyone looking for a casual-use saw.
Quick Facts
The Husqvarna 240 chainsaw is more suitable for homeowners and professional wood carvers since it comes with a powerful 14-amp motor and 16-inch bar for smooth and clean carving performance.
What I liked
- Comes with a powerful 14-amp motor and 16-inch bar
- Starts quickly and smooth to operate
- Environment friendly
- Low fuel consumption
- Powerful, durable, yet efficient
- Holds well against kickbacks
What I disliked
- The engine might stop sometimes when it’s gunned
2. Oregon CS1500 Electric Corded Chainsaw
- Powerful performance: 15A electric chainsaw with integrated PowerSharp self-sharpening system. The perfect chainsaw for homeowners and DIY, with a long-lasting 18-inch guide bar
- Built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system minimizes downtime by sharpening your chain in 3 to 5 seconds. Ergonomic design features Chain Brake for safety. Lightweight design.
- Tensioning without tools: Allows you to adjust your chain quickly and easily so that you can maintain the perfect tension for the ideal cut with next to no maintenance
- Automatic lubrication: Automatic oiling system provides continuous lubrication to the bar & chain from the oil tank. It keeps the chain lubricated for less friction to extend the life of your chain
- Instant startup: Corded electric chainsaw gets to work immediately. Low noise: makes less noise than a gasoline chainsaw. No assembly required, chainsaw comes pre-assembled. UL Certified. Comes with 2-year Oregon warranty
The Oregon CS1500 is a powerful and easy-to-use electric chainsaw that is perfect for anyone who needs to do some light to medium-duty cutting or carving tasks.
The built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system is an outstanding feature that you can only find in a few of the chainsaws on the market right now. This integrated PowerSharp self-sharpening system keeps the chain sharp and ready to go at all times. The saw will get itself sharpened in less than 5 seconds without having to remove the chain or use special gadgets.
Thanks to the automatic lubrication and instant startup features, you’ll find the saw very easy to start up and use. What it also means is less maintenance cost. Boasting an 18” blade and bar capable of cutting woods up to 16 inches in diameter, you’re assured of smooth cuts even on hardwoods.
Hardly will you find an electric saw that delivers a 15m per second rotation on the market today. Surprisingly, the Oregon CS1500 has it all! Furthermore, I’m impressed with the automatic oiling system of this chainsaw. It helps to continuously lubricate the chain and the bar for less friction. This incredible feature has a great impact on the longevity and durability of the chainsaw.
Besides, it weighs 12. 6 pounds which can still be considered lightweight since it’s easy to handle and maneuver on the job site. That’s not all! The Oregon CS1500 comes with a tool-free tensioning system that helps you to easily adjust the chain for the ideal tension for a smooth and perfect cut. Overall, the Oregon CS1500 is a great choice for anyone who needs a dependable and easy-to-use electric chainsaw.
Quick Facts
The Oregon CS1500 is a powerful, easy-to-use, affordable, and low-maintenance chainsaw for homeowners with a lot of cutting tasks who don’t mind using a cabled power tool.
What I Liked
- Instant start-up even in colder regions
- A Built-in self-sharpening system keeps the chain in good condition
- Easy to handle and maneuver around the job site
- An automatic oiling system keeps the chain lubricated for less friction
- An 18” blade and bar that can cut different woods up to 16” in diameter
- Low noise than most gas-powered saw
- Quite powerful for an electric chainsaw
What I Disliked
- The chain can slip off if it is tensioned incorrectly
3. Dewalt DCCS620B Cordless Chainsaw
- Cordless chainsaw comes with low kick back 12-inch bar and chain for construction and outdoor cutting applications
- Compact, lightweight design (just 9 lbs. with battery) of the battery chainsaw for maximum user control
- High-efficiency brushless motor of the battery powered chainsaw maximizes runtime and motor life
- Up to 90 cuts per charge on 4x4 pressure treated wood (using a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery)
- Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force
The Dewalt DCCS620B is a great choice for people looking for the best carving chainsaws with the most precision and control. I’m very impressed with this Dewalt cordless chainsaw. It’s got plenty of power for most of my needs, and it seems to have great battery life – can easily get up to 90 cuts on a single charge.
I’ve used it for several different projects around the house and the yard, and it’s performed very well each time. It is easy to maneuver, thanks to its compact and lightweight design, weighing less than 9 lbs. This battery-powered chainsaw is very efficient since it comes with a brushless motor.
There’s also an automatic oiler which contributes to its efficiency. You don’t need to worry about oiling the chain and the bar now and then. It will automatically do the oiling for you. You don’t have to worry about kickbacks, as it has a low kickback chain.
It’s an outstanding feature that ensures maximum safety during your carving jobs. What more? The Dewalt DCCS620B comes with tool-free tensioning, making it easier for wood carvers to adjust the tension on the chain at any given time. It’s a battery-powered chainsaw, so you will need an additional backup battery to ensure an uninterrupted power supply on the job site.
The only thing I disliked about this saw is that leakage occurs frequently and the oil cap durability is questionable. Overall, this is a great little chainsaw for anyone who needs a powerful, yet compact and lightweight chainsaw.
Quick Fact
The Dewalt DCCS620B is mostly suited for your personal carving needs. Although it’s not as powerful as another chainsaw on our list, it’s still efficient to carve woods with the most precision and control.
What I Liked
- Low kickback chain for optimal safety
- Low noise, environmentally friendly
- High carving precision for a smooth cut
- Quite affordable
- The automatic oiler keeps the chains lubricated at all time
- Tool-free tensioning offers smooth chain adjustment
- Compact and lightweight design
What I Disliked
- The oil cap durability is questionable
- Leakage occurs more often
4. Makita-UC4051A Electric Chainsaw
- "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
If you’re in the market for a high-performance electric chainsaw, then you will be amazed to find out what the Makita UC4051A offers as it is built especially for anyone looking to maximize their productivity. I’m really impressed with the Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw. It’s very easy to use and maintain, and the rubberized grip handles are very comfortable.
The chainsaw features a tool-free adjustment system. So, you can easily adjust the blade and chain tension without having to use additional tools. All you have to do is twist a knob to adjust the chainsaw.
Another feature that is particularly appealing to me is the low kickback feature. You’re assured of safety during kickbacks when carving with this power tool.
The next ideal feature of this electric chainsaw is its anti-burnout module. It practically regulates the amount of current flowing to the motor engine which prevents burnout under heavy strain.
Also, its large trigger with a soft start delivers smooth startups even in rigid environments. Looking for an electric chainsaw designed for efficient cutting performance and easy maintenance with the hassle of gas? Then look no further than this Makita UC4051A.
For heavy continuous cutting, there’s an automatic chain oiler. It ensures that the chain is lubricated for longer cutting tasks. Moreover, the large oil reservoir with a view window helps you to easily monitor the oil level.
I really like the rubber grips. They are very good and comfortable. But I have to say, Makita could have made them more efficient at reducing vibrations. Luckily, the amount of vibrations from the motor is low and comfortable to handle over longer lengths of time.
If you’re familiar with this tool, then you probably know that it’s not exceptionally powerful, but it can chop through thick trees and even hard branches – which is perfect for carving woods. Overall, I’m very pleased with this product and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for the best chainsaw for carving.
Quick Fact
Homeowners will love this product, while carvers looking to use it commercially may not appreciate its limited range of uses.
What I liked
- Rubberized handles for easy maneuverability and comfort
- Soft start-up button for easy start-up and smooth operation
- Tool-less chain adjustment for easy maintenance
- Large oil reservoir with view window showing oil level
- Low kickback function to ensure user safety
- Anti-burnout module prevents engine burnout under heavy strain
What I Disliked
- It vibrates a little
5. Echo CS-310-14 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
- Lanyard ring
- Automatic adjustable oiler
- Inertia type chain brake
The Echo CS-310-14 is a wonderfully versatile tool and perfect for homeowners or carvers who don’t have a ton of trees on their property, but still want the safety and reliability of having nearby access to a chainsaw. It offers all the power of a standard gas-powered chainsaw with all the ease of storage and weight similar to what the average homeowner might be used to with other tools in their home garage.
I found this tool to be the industry standard and I was very excited about using it for my carving tasks. Besides, I loved how lightweight it is and how easy it was to get good cuts. The 14″ bar made for a nice smooth finish and the 30.5 cc engine was great for the price you pay.
I used the Echo to cut down bluegum eucalypts and special timbers that were as hard as oak. Also, I navigated around rotten tree beams like a shark swimming through the water and carving through with ease. Furthermore, I was impressed at how easily the Echo CS-310-14 carved through anything in its path on all types of wood!
The chainsaw is made up of light materials, plastic, and aluminum, which make it a lot easier to use. However, they may bend while the saw is in use under pressure for a long time. They are not heavy or hard like other materials. So, you will be able to cut your way through any wood without causing any harm to yourself as it wouldn’t be too difficult to lift back up instead of taking its load on your shoulders.
Moreover, the ergonomic handle on this saw is great. It feels comfortable and it’s easy to use due to the anti-vibration mechanism built into it. The oiler system allows the user to apply oil when needed, and the sharpening system ensures that your saw stays in top shape at all times.
Quick Fact
If you’re looking for a small but the best chainsaw for carving, the Echo could be the saw to buy. It’s able to cut through wood at high speeds, making it easy to get the job done in no time. Overall, this is a great chainsaw for a reasonable price, definitely worth investing in!
What I Liked
- Anti-vibration mechanism ensures comfortability and ease of use
- Lightweight design for easy maneuverability
- Delivers clean cuts
- The sharpening system keeps the chain in good condition
- Great ergonomic handle
- Quite affordable
What I Disliked
- Cheap body construction
Factors to Consider Before Buying The Best Chainsaw For Carving
There are many factors to consider before purchasing the best chainsaw for carving. The most important factors are the type of wood you will be carving, the size of the chainsaw, power source, chain bar & chain, safety features, gas/ battery/corded electric, and the price.
Safety Features
It is essential to consider safety as your priority when buying any power tool. The saw you choose should provide some form of anti-kickback function which helps to stop the chain when a kickback occurs.
You should also look out for chainsaws with stable bases and safety breaks to help minimize accidents and vibration- this reduces the risk of getting snagged or having short delays.
The type of wood
One big factor to consider when choosing the best chainsaw for carving is what type of wood you will be carving. Different woods have different hardness levels so it’s best to know in advance what kinds you might want to carve into.
Harder woods like oak are known for being dense and difficult but mesquite is more forgiving even though it has fewer colors and tones than other types of wood at your disposal.
Size of the chainsaw
The size of the chainsaw is an important factor that needs to be taken into consideration when carving large pieces of wood or cutting thick trunks. If you are carving large pieces of wood, you will need a larger chainsaw chain with more teeth.
But if you are carving smaller pieces of wood, you can cut with a chainsaw with having small chain pitch and fewer teeth – because it’s actually faster and even better for precision!
Price
The price is indeed an important thing to consider when choosing the best wood carving chainsaw, however, it should not weigh so heavily on your potential decision. Chainsaws can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars to purchase.
However, the chainsaw you purchase doesn’t have to be in your budget and shouldn’t be the only thing you’re searching for when deciding which one to buy. It’s still essential that you recognize that money shouldn’t be your only concern.
Power Source
The type of power being used is important when it comes to determining the best chainsaw for carving wood. With this in mind, don’t choose a chainsaw if you’re simply going to be running it off an extension cord. That’s because you can’t handle either the power requirements or the voltage, specifically if you’ll be using a high-performance machine that can go through some tough products.
The actual process of making art from cutting and carving various types of materials such as tree trunks into functional or artistic pieces requires highly specialized equipment like a gas-powered chainsaw or an electric pedal-operated saw.
Gas/Battery/or Corded Electric
When choosing a chainsaw, you really are going to want to think about what it is that you need. Battery-powered is powered by battery, gas-powered chainsaws run off of gasoline, while cordless, electric types run on the power of electricity and corded ones use the cord attached to the wall. All three have different purposes for which they are best suited, some much better than others.
To be blunt, gas-powered chainsaws have more cutting power when it comes to thicker wood and can cut through much lumber at once quickly. Personally, I think gas-powered and battery-powered models are highly preferable for any type of woodcutting because they can do so much more; alas it is not without its faults either.
Final Words – Wrapping Up!
There are a lot of great chainsaws on the market, but these are the five best for carving. Each one has its own unique set of features that make it ideal for different types of carving projects. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro carver, you’ll find the best wood carving chainsaw for you. You need to find a chainsaw that is the right size for the type of wood you will be carving and that is within your budget. My top pick is the Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16in Gas Chainsaw. The 14-amp gas-powered chainsaw is my weapon of choice when I want to carve woods. It has a great motor and comes with some amazing safety features so you never have to stop working because you’re too worried about not doing things right.
