What Are the Best Chainsaws for Milling? [Top Reviews 2024]

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When it comes to choosing the best chainsaw for milling, the more powerful your machine the better in order to ensure that you can perform the task quickly and easily without any risk of damaging your chainsaw or getting it stuck in the wood.

Keep scrolling to find the perfect option for you...

Top 5 Chainsaws for Milling

Oregon 570995 CS1500 Self Sharpening Chainsaw
5/5
Makita UC4051A 16" Electric Chain Saw
5/5
GreenWorks 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
5/5
Black and Decker LCS1240 40V Saw
5/5
Remington RM1425 14" Saw
5/5

1. Oregon 570995 CS1500 Self Sharpening Chainsaw

If you have ever used a chainsaw before then, you know the perils of running your saw blade into dirt or stone debris.

It will result in a blunted blade, and you will waste a considerable amount of time trying to fit a new.

Luckily you need not worry about that when using the Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw.

It features the cutting-edge self-sharpening technology that gets your blade functioning optimally within 3 seconds hence making it the top item on our chainsaw review article.

Driven by a 15 amp motor and delivering up to 1800 watts, the Oregon CS1500 is an ideal electric chainsaw for light and medium duty tasks. It weighs approximately 12 lb. which makes it easily portable.

This chainsaw has a cord hence you need to operate it while it’s tethered to a mains switch.

Most users cite this as a limitation to its portability although you can always purchase a long, high-quality extension cable of up to 100ft.

Additionally, this saw comes with an 18’ guide bar that comes fitted a small radius nose to minimize kickback.

The blade also contains a nose sprocket which helps to reduce friction and thus enhancing its cutting performance.

When it comes to the overall construct, the Oregon CS1500 features an ergonomic design and over-mold handle for comfort.

Pros

  • Features a self-sharpening chain system
  • Powerful cutting power
  • Suitable guide bar length for a wide range of domestic tasks
  • Tool-less chain adjustment system

Cons

  • Needs to be connected to a mains power outlet
  • Users have reported cases of the chain slipping off the bar

2. Makita UC4051A 16" Electric Chain Saw

Makita has always been devoted to guaranteeing their customer, and this model offers nothing less.

The Makita UC4051A is a replacement of the UC4030A model that has evolved over the years to provide impressive cutting performance.

It comes outfitted with a 1.8KW motor delivering 2900 RPM thus designed for quicker cutting performance.

This model included several safety features to guarantee your safety and that of the machine.

The anti-burnout module is one invaluable feature that helps to maintain the motor in a pristine state by regulating the amount of current entering the device.

It also comes with an ergonomic handle specially designed for enhanced grip.

Although it lacks an anti-vibration module, the overall vibration is tolerable. The incorporated trigger switch also comes in handy, especially during emergency situations.

It immediately stops the chainsaw once the power trigger is disengaged.

Furthermore, the Makita UC4030A is engineered for comfort and ease of use. You do not require tools to tighten or adjust the chain and blade.

You simply change the chain tension by rotating the chain tension knob either clockwise or anticlockwise.

If you are looking for a better performance electric chainsaw that can run efficiently and withstand harsh conditions, then this model is the right candidate.

Pros

  • Relatively large oil reservoir
  • Hand protector to protect you from flying debris
  • Offer better performance
  • Reasonably lightweight for easy handling

Cons

  • The position of the anti-kickback guard is bothersome to some users
  • Fairly expensive

3. GreenWorks 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks is a fairly popular and trusted brand that has specialized in manufacturing excellent lawn equipment, and the GreenWorks 20312 model is one of its outstanding products.

The 20312 runs on state of the art brushless technology for improved efficiency, more torque, and longer life.

Moreover, the smart technology common in brushless motors helps to minimize sparking and speeds up the cooling process.

A key determining factor when selecting the right chainsaw is the amount of torque and vibration it produces.

Luckily, this chainsaw provides more torque with less vibration to offer more stability and enhance your precision when working on pieces that require a delicate touch.

It is powered by a 40V 4AH lithium battery that provides a run-time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes and takes roughly two hours to attain a full charge.

The Greenworks 20312 offers a cutting of 11m/s which is efficient for basic household cutting tasks.

To minimize accidental startups, this model has a switch that needs to be turned on for the trigger to activate.

Pros

  • Produces less noise
  • Impressive cutting performance
  • Cordless for enhanced flexibility
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • There is the possibility of oil leakage
  • Requires regular maintenance of the chain tension

4. Black and Decker LCS1240 40V Saw

The portability, performance and lightweight nature of Black + Decker LCS 1240 make it a suitable choice for small to medium tasks such as trimming and pruning among others.

This cordless chainsaw is powered by a 40V lithium-ion battery that can last 30 to 60 minutes.

Remember hot temperatures associated with cutting hardwood can reduce the battery life so consider using it for its recommended application.

This model features a 12-inch guide bar which is slightly below the standard saw but still fits the overall theme of the chainsaw.

It comes with a low-kick Oregon chain and an automated oiling system which reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

The oil chamber has a small window that makes it easier for you to track the oil level.

The Black + Decker LCS 1240 has a quality construction made of plastic which is relatively durable given that its lightweight.

More importantly, it has a small learning torque hence the ideal choice for starters.

Pros

  • Virtually no maintenance required during operation
  • Quiet operation
  • Decent performance given its low price
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Takes long to attain a full charge
  • One cannot upgrade the bar guide

5. Remington RM1425 14" Saw

The Remington RM1425 comes with all desirable features for first time users: throttle lockout switch, adequate safety guards and sufficient torque enough for pruning and trimming small to medium branches.

One of its selling points is that it weighs 6.25 pounds only which makes carrying it a breeze.

Another benefit of operating such a lightweight chainsaw is that you do not have to deal with the tension and strain maintaining it after completion of every task.

With a push button oiler, you can regulate the amount of oil released to the chain for enhanced efficiency.

The Remington RM1425 employs several safety precautions to minimize the occurrence of accidents and injuries.

Handguards, low kickback gear, and bar lock are some of the valued safety features.

The 8 amp motor combined with the 14 inch Oregon bar is useful in achieving an effective cut.it is capable of producing 1.3 brake horsepower which makes wood trimming easier.

On the occasion where there is no mains supply outlet, you can always use a generator to power this chainsaw.

The generator should have a minimum running power of around 1200 but preferably considered a 1500 watts generator for better performance.

Pros

  • Very cheap (in price, not quality)
  • Comes when fully assembled
  • Features a lightweight, compact design
  • Easy adjustment screw for tension adjustment
  • Has hand guards to protect you from flying debris

Cons

  • Debris accumulates in the machine hence the need for regular cleaning
  • The safety switch fails at times
  • It breaks down often when used for long

About THE AUTHOR

Drew - CountrySilo

Drew

Co-Founder CountrySilo

Growing up around the farmlands of the Midwest you learn at an early age getting your hands dirty is a way of life. Whether it was helping my Grandpa make cedar furniture, mowing neighborhood lawns or throwing bails of hay the do-it-yourself mentality runs strong in our family.

I am excited to help you tackle your projects and discover new ways to make your house a home!

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