7 Best Chainsaws for Carving(Factors Have to Consider)

Published on: March 25, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

Wood carving is one of the most beautiful jobs a chainsaw can do, and to do that incredible work, you’ll have to go for a rightful chainsaw to accomplish the curving precisely, accurately, and correctly.

best chainsaws for carving

So what precisely is regarded as the best chainsaw for carving?

Right here, we will assist you in getting the answer. Having the right chainsaw makes elegant and functional masterpieces out of logs of wood effortlessly and makes your carving projects enjoyable and satisfactory.

Factors to Consider Chainsaws for Carving

People become confused between a general chainsaw and a carving chainsaw. Chainsaw carving is a fast-growing form of art by chainsaw carvers. It combines the ancient art of woodcarving and the modern technology of chainsaw to produce the most decorated and beautiful wood carving chainsaw sculpture attractively and efficiently.

For precise carving, there are a few things you should consider before buying one.

Power Source

The power source is the most crucial consideration for every user’s accordance with the intended use. Well, wood carving comes after felled trees and chopped logs, so you don’t need the most potent chainsaw to create your art pieces, except when dealing with hardwood types. 

For a wood carving job, an electric corded or gas-powered chainsaw features high performance and is also popularly used. However, the choice is yours, whatever you like to use.

Chain Bar And Chain

For wood carving, it’s the combo of bar & chain functionality. Chainsaw carving bar means having a narrower bar design at the tip to make small cuts, angles, cut at corners, and create shapes with ease when detailing a workpiece. It is also referred to as a dime-tip bar or guide bar. The right size, and the length of the chain bar, give increased capacity.

On the same note, you should also meet the standards and commonly used chains 0.325 pitch and 0.050 gauges, which are equally essential and recommended for the experienced user.

Gas/ Battery/ or Corded Electric

This is usually a critical question to answer, which one to choose among them? A gas-powered chainsaw is run on gasoline, an electric corded chainsaw is run on an electrical supply, and lastly, an electric cordless runs on a battery charge. All the designs have distinctive purposes. So you’ve to choose according to your needs and depending on the type of work.

However, without a doubt, a gas-powered chainsaw is the number one pick for carving rather than any other chainsaw available in the market because it has more cutting power and chain speed.

Convenient Use

Often, massively powerful chainsaws are very heavy to control, and when unbalanced, they can be hazardous and causes damage and injuries. For wood carving, always select a relatively small size and lightweight with the top handle or rear handle chainsaw that must be convenient enough to work with by getting better control over the machine.

However, if you intend to purchase that kind that can do both wood carving and other cutting wood purposes, consider choosing a medium-sized chainsaw that provides convenient use.

Safety Features

Safety should be your fundamental concern when buying any power tool. The chosen saw should provide some kickback cancellation features along with a stable base. Another feature to look for is safety breaks and minimizing the vibration, which reduces sudden accidents. In most designs, an automatic oiling system reduces the risk of jams and accidents and doesn’t have to pause frequently.

View Top 7 Chainsaws for Carving

1. DEWALT DCCS620B Cordless Chainsaw

dewalt dccs620b cordless chainsaw
  • 12″ Cordless chainsaw;
  • Compact and lightweight design;
  • High-efficiency brushless motor;
  • Automatic oiler with window;
  • Tool-less chain tensioning adjustment;
  • Low kickback chain/bar.

Dewalt DCCS620B is one of the most comfortable and best chainsaws for carving wood for a modern carver in various projects they have to handle. This battery-powered chainsaw is designed with a brushless motor which contributes to high efficiency and can work with low kickbacks and less noise. Plus, the tool-free tensioning and bar tightening knob feature makes it easy for you to adjust the chain by yourself without any tension. 

The miniature size and lightweight design make it comfortable while used for several hours with minimal fatigue issues for outdoor landscaping, sculpting, artwork, carving, or gardening and trimming. This cordless chainsaw comes with an excellent addition, which is its automatic oiler. With it ensures you break-

free work, so you can just keep carving and let it do its thing. 

Pros

  • Easy maneuverability;
  • Offers maximum run time;
  • Noise-free operation;
  • Compact for user control;
  • A low kickback bar guarantees safety;
  • Automatic oiler for easy maintenance;
  • Ensures break-free work;
  • Suitable for construction and outdoor cutting applications.

Cons

  • Oil leaks often.

2. WORX WG303.1 Powered Chain Saw

worx wg303.1 powered chain saw
  • Electric chainsaw;
  • Low kickback chain/bar;
  • 14.5 amp reliable motor output;
  • Patented tool-free auto-tension-system;
  • Auto chain lubrication and built-in oil reservoir;
  • Three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The WORX WG303.1 16-inch electric chainsaw gives beginners and professionals the best carving experience because of its many features. The 14.5a motor with 12m/s speed makes it an excellent carving chain as it delivers smooth and similar cutting performance to a gas chainsaw.

It features a tool-free chain replacement and auto-tensioning system to ease your job to maintain the right chain tension. The integration of an automatic chain oiler offers less friction & better workability by keeping the bar and chain lubricated. 

You can easily trim tree limbs, clear bushes, cut firewood, or carve pretty pieces of art out of wood because of its lightweight design, rubber rear handle, and ergonomic full-wrap front handle. All the features let you work with convenience, full control & comfort even with the most robust wood carving operation.

Pros

  • Lightweight and robust;
  • Ergonomic and comfortable handle;
  • Excellent power ensures high efficiency;
  • Built-in safety features;
  • Integrated chain brakes for added safety;
  • Easy to handle;
  • Built-in oiler for continuous lubrication;
  • Specially designed for beginners;
  • No loud noise, lower vibrations.

Cons

  • Automatic oil adapts only thin oil.

3. Husqvarna 120 Mark II 14″ Gas Chainsaws

husqvarna 120 mark ii 14″ gas chainsaws
  • Gas-powered chainsaw;
  • X-torque engine;
  • Automatic chain oiler;
  • Centrifugal air filtering system;
  • Low kickback with built-in safety features.

Quality engineering, maneuverable structure with ergonomic design, several customizable features like comfortable features, and safety features make Husqvarna 120 mark ii 16 inches the best small gas chainsaw ideal for a homeowner in everyday tasks such as tree pruning, carving, hobby work or firewood cutting.

This gas-powered chainsaw has a 38.2cc capacity integrated engine, 1.8 horsepower, 14-inch chain, and chain bar (max: 18 inches) that meets any specific woodcut demand efficiently by initiating powerful cuts. As this chainsaw runs on gasoline with x-torque technology features, it is prone to feed a low fuel and reduce air emissions. 

Pros

  • Durable & lightweight;
  • Compact & portable design;
  • Quick and easy start-ups;
  • Ensures ergonomic comfort;
  • Use less fuel;
  • Lower machine vibration;
  • Low emission;
  • A simple chain tensioning system allows for quick adjustments.

Cons

  • Takes time to start up.

4. Husqvarna 20 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

  • Gas-powered chainsaw;
  • X-torque engine;
  • Automatic chain oiler;
  • Flip-up caps;
  • Anti-vibration;
  • Centrifugal air injection cleaning system.

Another powerful and excellent gas-powered chainsaw you could use for carving like mahogany or oak carving wood or cutting trees for prune, limb, or firewood is the Husqvarna 20-inch 460 rancher chainsaw. Compared to other chainsaws, this gas-powered chainsaw has been designed ergonomically, and technologically, and with so many encouraging features for more comfortable chainsaw operation. 

Its 60.3cc of power and a two-cycle engine with an intertie activated chain brake can go after both thick hunks of wood and hardwoods to carve. Its x-torque engine can deliver lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions. This chainsaw machine needs gas and oil on hand to keep it fueled and going to meet all your projects for carving. 

Pros

  • Powerful and solid;
  • Easy to start;
  • Use less fuel;
  • Low emission;
  • Quick-release air cleaning system for easy cleaning and replacement;Q
  • A simple, side-mounted chain tensioning system allows for quick adjustments.

Cons

  • Expensive;
  • Faulty oiler in some situations.

5. Makita XCU03PT (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw

  • Battery-powered;
  • 5.0ah 36v lithium-ion battery;
  • 14″ guide bar for increased capacity;
  • Zero-emission, less maintenance.

Makita XCU03PT is a two 18-volt lithium-ion batteries-powered chainsaw that delivers 36v power and the best cutting performance without leaving the 18v LXT platform. Using the 36v, it can generate an enormous 0-3,940 FPM chain speed for faster cutting, carving & shaping of the timber.

Through a 14″ guiding bar, it can perform several types of woodcutting jobs. With LXT battery technology & XPT system features, this chainsaw reaches its peak to be used for harsh and heavy-duty jobs by ensuring overall efficiency for wood carving. 

This cordless chainsaw has zero emissions. That is, no dirt or debris will mess with your view & tool accuracy against a moderately low noise level. With zero emissions, less maintenance, and toolless tensioning adjustment, the top handle makes this chainsaw free to use anytime.

Pros

  • Faster charging;
  • Electric chain brake;
  • Tool-free chain adjustment;
  • Efficient power management;
  • Low noise level.

Cons

  • No cons.

6. Oregon CS1500 Corded Electric Chainsaw

oregon cs1500 corded electric chainsaw
  • Electric corded chainsaw;
  • 18-inch guide bar;
  • 15 amps high power motor;
  • Power sharp sharpening system;
  • Automatic oiler with view-through window;
  • Toolless chain tensioning system.

Another more powerful corded electric chainsaw you will find on the market is the Oregon cs1500. This electric chainsaw is known as a beast to its user because of its well-balanced ergonomic design, excellent balance of force, control, innovation, and comfortable features. With its 18-inch bar, you can easily take on bigger logs dry or live, and a 15-amp high power motor can efficiently cut through sturdy wood.

The genuinely innovative and main claim to fame about this model is its built-in power sharp chain sharpening system that significantly increases efficiency. Pulling the red lever on the saw’s body, it sharpens the blade in a few seconds and is ready 

for cutting without letting you spend more time cutting and less time fiddling with maintenance. 

Pros

  • Instant start capability;
  • Ergonomic design;
  • Low noise;
  • Good cutting power;
  • Chain brake for added safety;
  • No-load chain speed;
  • No assembly is required;
  • No batteries or fuel.

Cons 

  • Has an improved model.

7. Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chain Saw

  • Corded-electric;
  • 2,900 fpm chain speed;
  • Built-in current limiter;
  • Electric chain brake;
  • Tool-less blade and chain adjustments;
  • Large oil reservoir with view window.

Another reliable and efficient chainsaw for fast and efficient cutting with smooth operation and maintenance is the Makita uc4051a 16″ electric chainsaw. Many wood carving experts recognized this electric chainsaw because of its superb performance and compactness in heavy-duty carving.

This quality chainsaw has a 14.5a motor that can operate at 2900 fpm and 2,900 fpm with a 16″ bar for efficiently cutting and trimming any-sized wood. The motor has an electric chain brake for maximum productivity and a built-in current limiter to protect the engine from burnout by minimizing power when overloaded. The corded saw has ergonomic rubberized grip handles to ensure better control over the machine for increased comfort to users and a large trigger switch with a soft start for smooth start-ups.

It has other features like a Tool-less blade. Chain adjustment offers uncomplicated adjustment, an automatic chain oiler for heavy continuous cutting, and a large oil reservoir with a view window that allows the operator to check the oil level quickly. All these features make this chainsaw an efficient carving tool for home-based projects or carving.

Pros

  • Ergonomically designed handles;
  • Gives maximum productivity;
  • Ensures fast and efficient cutting;
  • Soft and smooth start-ups;
  • Easy to handle;
  • Easy sight check of oil;
  • Automatic chain oiler for heavy continuous cutting;
  • Zero emissions and reduced maintenance.

Cons

  • A bit more pricey than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Tree Carvings Last?

It can be tolerated anywhere in a few lifetimes from year to year or more depending on how they were dealt with and where they were removed. They can undoubtedly stay out for the last several years if directly out of daylight and treated and fixed regularly. They can endure endlessly inside and the wood is stable.

What Equipment Do I Need to Get Started?

You’ll require a few things prior to beginning any undertaking. You’ll require a suitable chainsaw fueled by gas or power. You’ll likewise require a strong workbench, well-being goggles to safeguard your eyes, gloves to protect your hands, and a sufficient wellspring of light.

What Are Some Basic Designs?

Some exceptionally common chainsaw cutters are Halloween pumpkins, hearts for Valentine’s Day, tree trunks, and moving shapes or sculptures. You can similarly place your air in the tone of the wood using awesome paint while cutting as opposed to finishing the whole enterprise.

Conclusion

Every chainsaw user is not lumberjacked or does not use a chainsaw to cut the fireplace wood. Even some users know as a wood artist or a woodcarver who uses a chainsaw to meet their artistic needs. Chainsaw carving is a fascinating subject and something that takes years to master.

But where to find the best chainsaw for carving? 

With an impressively professional chainsaw, you will get your taste and can meet your challenging work requirements with great convenience for years. If you love art and using machines, you can choose any one of these. As mentioned earlier, all the chainsaws will work well for your art and carving needs without looking any further.

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About This Writer

david rowan author

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

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