Cordless chain saw: an indispensable assistant at construction sites and in the garden

Battery-powered chainsaws are a tool that is usually used for working in hard-to-reach places (for example, at heights) or in situations where it is not possible to connect the equipment to power from the network.

Just five years ago, battery-powered models were not particularly powerful or fast cutting, did not last long, and were used only for small projects. Currently, independent testing has shown that the premium cordless saw is capable of, for example, making 152 cuts in a 25cm thick oak beam in a single charge. This indicates an increase in cutting power and speed.

Rating of cordless saws

The market offers chain saws, reciprocating saws, and circular saws for wood. The VyborExperta.ru team decided to find out which models are worthy of the attention of professionals, home craftsmen, and summer residents. When compiling the review, power saws from well-known brands were studied, experts checked the compliance of the performance characteristics with the passport data, and assessed the ergonomics when used in different conditions. The opinions of professional carpenters, utility specialists, and reviews from owners of electric saws were taken into account.

When compiling the TOP-8, the main attention was paid to the following characteristics:

• Electric motor power – affects the ability to process hard wood and materials with high humidity;
• Speed ​​– the number of revolutions affects performance;
• Cutting part - the dimensions of the wheel or tire used determine the scope of application;
• Battery capacity – the parameter affects the battery life;
• Number of batteries – two batteries included to avoid downtime;
• Weight – a heavy tool negatively affects productivity;
• Functionality - backlight, dust collector, airflow for the cutting area increase the level of comfort.

Not all tools meet generally accepted standards. Low battery capacity, quickly overheating engine, backlash - models with such shortcomings were excluded from our rating.

Best Miter Saws

Comparison of presented products

We present to your attention a comparative table of the presented models.

The best cordless chainsaws

Chain saws are used when working with timber, logs, thick boards, and are used in the construction of frame houses and log houses. The tool is effective for pruning old trees and preparing firewood. Good reviews of cordless chainsaws are left by summer residents and country property owners. It differs from analogues with gasoline engines in the absence of harmful emissions and reduced noise levels.

Elitech PC 36BL

A model with a longitudinally mounted electric motor is produced by a Russian company. It is small in size compared to analogues. The double handle simplifies intensive work; charging the battery is enough for 280 cuts of 50x50 mm timber. The installed brushless electric motor is characterized by low noise level, efficiency, and increased service life.

To protect against overloads, a microcontroller is installed that monitors the load level and regulates the operation of the electric motor. The instant chain stopping system protects against injury during a kickback. Accidental starting is not possible thanks to the double trigger lock. Visually checking the presence of oil helps to perform scheduled maintenance in a timely manner.

Advantages:

• Chain, Oregon brand tire;
• Inertia brake;
• Anti-slip handle material;
• The presence of a gear stop;
• Works with any ELITECH batteries;
• Cutting speed 15 m/s.

Flaws:

• No battery or charger included.

The model is easy to maintain. To adjust chain tension or change it, no tools are required; an external adjuster is used. Lubrication is performed automatically. This allows you to perform maintenance yourself and reduce operating costs.

Greenworks G40CS30

Designed for cutting branches, dry branches, sawing small logs. It is lightweight, allowing you to work with one hand. The cordless mini chain saw is equipped with a rubberized handle and a protective screen. To unlock, just press one button and you can start completing the task.

The powerful brush motor has low power consumption and can operate for up to 60 minutes with a 4 Ah battery. The oil tank is made of transparent impact-resistant plastic, which allows you to visually control the level of lubricant. Equipped with a 30 cm tire and an Oregon chain. Effective overload protection increases service life. Supplied without battery, runs on a universal 40V battery created for the G-MAX series.

Advantages:

• Smooth cut;
• Sharp silicon steel chain;
• Chain adjustment without a special key;
• Smooth start;
• Low noise level.

Flaws:

• The kit does not include an oil funnel.

Makita DUC302Z

Created on a single proprietary LXT platform. The power source is two universal 18 V batteries. According to user reviews, on one charge you can make up to 80 cuts of 200x200 mm timber. Small size and light weight allow you to work with one hand. The chain tension is adjusted using an external regulator conveniently located on the body.

The protective shield protects against branches and shavings, and when pressed, it slows down the chain, stopping it in 0.5 seconds. Lubrication is performed automatically, and convenient visual control is provided for the oil level. The case is reliably protected from dust and high humidity. The microcontroller evaluates the battery charge level, preventing deep discharge, overload and temperature rise.

Advantages:

• Anti-slip handle;
• Convenient oil tank neck;
• Low noise level;
• Smooth cut;
• No backlash.

Flaws:

• Not the highest speed.

Review of manufacturers

Each of the well-known manufacturers regularly updates their model range, so there is no point in highlighting specific models, especially since each consumer has different needs. But you should evaluate the specifics of certain manufacturers - in general, choosing a more famous and expensive brand is almost always justified. As often happens with various industrial products, Western-made cordless saws (including Japanese ones) often have the highest quality, but also a fairly high price.

Companies such as the American DeWalt, the German Bosch or the Japanese Makita have been developing a positive image for themselves for decades and simply do not have the right to erase it with childhood mistakes, so their products are always impeccable. It is these manufacturers who are often the first to introduce new technologies aimed at increasing the safety of the operator and the tool itself.

If you want to save money, but don’t want to take too many risks, you can choose lesser-known brands - provided that their production is also located somewhere in Europe or North America. Without being promoted, such a manufacturer does not allow itself to inflate prices, but at the same time you cannot be sure of the high quality of the product or that it is not made in China.

Such companies often turn out to be one-day companies, so we will not advertise any of them. Another saving option would be to purchase domestic power tools - for example, from Interskol. Products manufactured in our country are often difficult to call ideal; they are little exported abroad, but at least we know about their shortcomings, and besides, service centers are always somewhere nearby, as is the case with famous foreign brands. The guaranteed availability of instructions in Russian is another reason why such an inexpensive saw can be a good choice for a beginner.

Chinese products are completely unpredictable. Manufacturers from this country like to save money even where saving is obviously inappropriate, and this may affect the quality of the tool or the safety of working with it.

Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws

To work in cramped conditions, reciprocating saws are used. They are used when pruning trees, cutting drywall, laying laminate flooring, and laying plastic pipes. The main feature is a short blade, which is easy to replace, and a pendulum system that speeds up the cutting process. There are three models in our rating of cordless reciprocating saws, characterized by high performance, reliability, and easy maintenance.

Metabo PowerMaxx SSE 12 BL

Equipped with a brushless electric motor of our own production, which is characterized by low energy consumption and increased service life. The saw blade stroke of 16 mm ensures high performance when working with plastic and metal. The 180-degree cutting tool swivel feature makes it easy to use the saw at high heights. The stroke frequency is controlled by a microcontroller, which takes into account the density of the material being processed.

Mini file blades can be changed quickly by pressing one button. The depth stop is adjustable, which expands the scope of application. LED backlight makes working in low light comfortable. Works well on damp wood.

Advantages:

• Charge level indicator;
• Plastic box;
• Anti-slip handle material;
• Maximum speed 3000 rpm;
• Light weight.

Flaws:

• High price.

Black+Decker BDCR18N

Designed for sawing plastic, wood, and metal. The blade can be changed without a special key. The sliding battery has a spring mechanism that protects the contacts from contamination. The rubberized soft handle does not slip and dampens vibration well. The 22 mm blade stroke has a positive effect on productivity.

A brush motor with an increased resource and low power consumption is installed. The speed of the blade is adjusted automatically, the speed is selected taking into account the characteristics of the material being processed. Powered by an 18V battery, which is purchased separately. The battery is universal; the entire fleet of Black+Decker power tools can operate on its basis.

Advantages:

• Good balance reduces stress;
• Light weight;
• Low noise level;
• No backlash.

Flaws:

• There is no work area lighting.

Bosch Keo

The Bosch cordless reciprocating saw is designed for garden work. It can be used for processing plastic and metal when installing a special blade. Easily copes with branches 60 mm thick, maximum cutting depth is 80 mm. The delivery set includes an A-shaped stop, which makes it easy to cut down old branches and overhanging branches.

The Bosch brushed electric motor is economical and operates with low noise levels. The rechargeable battery is lightweight, and the absence of memory effect increases service life. Adjusting the speed by changing the force of pressing the trigger. The charge indicator helps you replace the battery in a timely manner.

Advantages:

• Easy blade replacement;
• Stopper to protect against accidental operation;
• Quick stop;
• Light weight;
• Smooth cut.

Flaws:

• Small capacity of the standard battery.

Peculiarities

Any electric saw is designed to replace the classic manual one in terms of the main source of effort - instead of the human hand, the entire burden of performing the task is now placed on the electric motor. However, if the first electric saws were dependent on sockets, and therefore were used exclusively stationary in a workshop, the battery allows you to perform work autonomously for several hours. However, rechargeable devices may have certain limitations related to the specifics of the battery.

Another feature of choosing a specific model of cordless saw is that different types of batteries impose special conditions for their operation. Thus, nickel-cadmium batteries, considered obsolete almost everywhere, had a “memory effect”, that is, they regularly required a complete discharge and then the same charge, otherwise they quickly lost their charge, but they were practically not susceptible to cold.

Modern lithium-ion batteries, often used not only in saws, but also in other battery devices, with a small weight can boast of a significant charge, and even without harm they can be charged at any time, without losing charge during prolonged inactivity, but they quickly discharge when operation or storage at low temperatures. Considering that in cool regions, of which there are many in our country, the choice may not be so obvious, some manufacturers still offer two batteries of different types in the kit.

The best cordless circular saws

A hand-held cordless circular saw is designed for sawing boards and timber. Features high performance. The choice in favor of a circular saw is relevant for a roofer, a specialist in working with slab lumber. The best manufacturers offer power tools with effective safety systems and protection against injury.

DeWALT DCS576N

Although small in size, it is equipped with a powerful motor that rotates a disk with a diameter of 190 mm. Speed ​​of 5800 rpm ensures high performance. Brushless electric motor with overheating protection. The motor does not require constant maintenance. Easily cuts 60mm thick boards at right angles. Convenient guide rulers make cutting precise, regardless of the size of the workpiece.

Constant airflow of the cutting line allows for visual control. An industrial vacuum cleaner can be connected via the included adapter. The cutting depth is set with high precision. The smooth sole ensures easy gliding on rough workpieces.

Advantages:

• Protective cover;
• Instant disk stop;
• Availability of backlight;
• Rubberized handle with anti-slip material;
• 3 year warranty.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Ryobi R18CS-0

Equipped with a reliable brushed motor powered by an 18V battery. The speed of 4700 rpm guarantees high performance. The battery capacity is enough for 270 cuts of 50x100 mm timber. Light weight makes it convenient to work in difficult conditions. Adjustment of the cutting angle and depth of cut is carried out without using a key. A rotating pipe is provided for connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner.

Works with a thin disc with a diameter of 165 mm. A distinctive feature is a neat, even cut at any angle. This is the ideal cordless saw for wood, plywood, chipboard and countertops. The depth of cut at a right angle is 52 mm.

Advantages:

• Smooth operation of the start key;
• Low level of vibration, noise;
• Performance is not inferior to network models;
• Easily handles oak boards;
• Transparent protective cover;
• Carved degree scale.

Flaws:

• Shortage of branded discs.

Criterias of choice

How to choose a cordless saw

Manufacturers offer electric saws that operate on different principles. You need to choose a tool taking into account the power of the installed electric motor and the presence of a safety system. The user should pay attention to the noise level, ergonomics of the handles, and the presence of anti-slip pads. Good functionality will extend the service life and help accurately cut workpieces.

Saw type

It is recommended to buy a chain saw for collecting firewood, caring for a large garden, and general construction work with logs and large-diameter timber. For a tool of this type, the cutting element has a length of 30-40 cm, which ensures high productivity and makes it convenient to work with large lumber. For work in the country, a reciprocating model is sufficient, which can be used not only for cutting dry branches. When replacing the blade, it cuts plastic pipes, laminate, and parquet boards well.

For precision work, circular saws are recommended. This is the best choice for cutting chipboard, chipboard, plywood, OSB. The thin cut and the ability to adjust the cutting angle allow you to cope with complex tasks during the construction of a frame house.

Power

With a powerful engine, productivity increases, the cutting part copes more easily with hard wood. The battery capacity must match the characteristics of the electric motor. A powerful motor will quickly drain a weak battery, making intensive work impossible.

Noise level

The cordless tool is quieter than gasoline-powered models. The noise level affects comfort and productivity. For intensive use, it is recommended to buy a model with a brushless motor, which has a reduced level of vibration, noise, and reliable protection against overheating. You can work in the garden or on an open construction site with a tool equipped with a standard brush electric motor.

Convenience

A powerful tool needs to be operated with two hands: for this, two handles must be provided. The elements are made of anti-slip material, which provides not only comfort, but also an increased level of safety. When choosing, you should pay attention to the balancing of the instrument and weight. This is especially important when working with one hand while suspended.

Functionality

Electronic speed control, taking into account the specifics of the material being processed, will help improve the quality of work. The built-in LED flashlight will be a good helper. Durable protective covers make use safer. The soft start system will increase the service life of the electric motor and help make accurate cuts. A professional tool must be equipped with a nozzle for an industrial vacuum cleaner, which will remove chips from the cut area.

Recommendations from professionals

In order for the selected cordless saw to work for several years in a row without breakdowns, you must follow the operating and maintenance rules:

• It is necessary to add oil to the saw tank on time to ensure long service life of the saw equipment and prevent rust. The oil must be specialized. If suddenly during operation the vibration of the saw increases and the sound becomes different, it means that the oil has run out and you need to top it up.
• If the saw begins to cut crookedly, carefully inspect the chain; perhaps one row turned out to be dumber than the other. To avoid this, turn the tire over periodically.
• Over time, the carbon brushes wear out, causing the engine speed to drop.
• Every half hour, let the saw rest for 15 minutes to avoid overheating the engine.
• Please read the instructions carefully before use. You should not cut thick logs with a model that is not designed for this load, otherwise you will have to spend money on repairing the tool.
• To avoid running into a fake, purchase only from specialized retail stores.

Which cordless saw is better?

Electric saws are used to process various lumber, which have their own requirements for power, width and accuracy of the cut, and productivity. It is difficult to choose a universal tool due to the use of different cutting techniques. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends purchasing equipment taking into account the assigned tasks. The leaders in our rating of cordless saws are:

• Elitech PCA 36BL – will help you build a log house, frame house, and handle the procurement of firewood;
• greenworks G40CS30 – a low-noise assistant to the gardener and utility service employee;
• Metabo PowerMaxx SSE 12 BL – convenient for processing metal, waterproof plywood, plastic pipes;
• DeWALT DCS576N – professional choice for cutting laminated chipboards, countertops, premium boards;
• Ryobi R18CS-0 is a “circular tool” for a home craftsman engaged in construction or repair of outbuildings.

All the models presented in the review are distinguished by their reliability, good performance, and easy maintenance, but only a tool equipped with economical electric motors is worthy of the title of the best electric saw in its category.

Content

1. Rating of the TOP 7 best cordless saws Einhell GE-GS 18 Li-Solo 3408220
2. Ryobi ONE+ R18RS-0 5133002637
3. Bosch EasyCut12 0.603.3C9.020
4. Ryobi ONE+ R18CS7-0 5133002890
5. DeWALT DCS570NT
6. Bosch GSA 18 V-LI C Professional 0.601.6A5.001
7. Makita HS301DWME