Safest Chainsaw for Beginners

While chainsaws are extremely useful power tools, they are also inherently dangerous. This equipment is known to cause serious injuries. Most of these accidents can be caused by the hazardous misuse of these powerful machines. Beginners are the most prone to chainsaw injuries, largely due to their limited experience handling these tools. Therefore, inexperienced woodworkers should use Safest Chainsaw models to nurture their trade and gradually graduate to the more unwieldy, full-size saws.

With that in mind, some of the safest chainsaws to help you begin your lumberjacking journey are detailed below.

Safest Chainsaw

WORX WG320 20V jaw saw – Editor’s Pick

This is the epitome of chainsaw safety. It features a unique scissor-like cutting technology that makes slicing timber a fast and exceptionally safe process.

State of the Art Technology

The WORX WG320 jaw saw has one-of-a-kind fully protective housing, making it the safest chainsaw on the market. Its blade housing resembles a jaw-type figure, with the saw neatly guarded in the centre. Due to this outstanding design is also the only chainsaw capable of cutting branches directly from the ground.

With traditional chainsaws, you had to prop the branch first before sawing. When not in use, the blade retracts into the housing’s base for added safety, ensuring no sharp chainsaw blade is idly lying around. Watch the video to understand how the jaw saw’s innovative safety technology works.

Lightweight Design & Efficiency

This chainsaw is also easier to handle. Its weight of 7 lbs. is evenly distributed across the jaw saw guard and shaft, making it easy to maneuver even during overhead projects. Cutting efficiency is another significant trait of this unit. Running on a 20V lithium-ion battery, the WORX WG320 jaw saw cuts wood of up to 4.5 inches in diameter at a speed of 1350 RPMs. You will spend less time sawing.  

Makita XCU03Z 14-inch chainsaw– Runners Up

Good things come in small packages. Regarding the Makita XCU03Z 14-inch chainsaw, the same thing applies. While it cannot compare to WORX WG320’s fully protective housing, this compact-sized chainsaw has a functional structure designed to maximize operator safety.

Safety Design

This unit features an inbuilt lock-off lever strategically positioned at the handle. You can prevent the chain and blade from accidentally engaging during cutting by continuously pressing on this lever. For added safety and convenience, the chainsaw has a led-on/off switch fitted with an automatic shutdown system. Rather than leave an active chainsaw lying around, this automatic function ensures the machine shuts off during delayed operations. Moreover, this automatic switch enables beginners to steer clear of the inconvenience of pulling a cord every time you start or shut off a chainsaw.

Power Efficiency

The Makita XCU03Z efficiently delivers up to 36V power thanks to its brushless motor. It can reach a cutting speed of 940 rpm in 3 seconds, allowing for convenient and fast cutting.

CMCCSL621D1 V20 cordless lopper – Budget Pick

With the Craftsman CMCCSL621D1 V20 cordless lopper, you get more bounce for the ounce. Its price is significantly lower than the average market rate, but it has many impressive safety features.

Clamping Jaws

Top of the list is its patented safe cutting technology. This chainsaw comes fully equipped with a pair of clamping jaws, a 6-inch bar attached to the upper housing, and a set of sturdy miniature clamps aligned on the bottom. This design enables operators to hold the wood firmly when cutting for optimum safety. It also has lock-off switches on each handle to prevent the blade from igniting accidentally.

Other notable features of this highly affordable chainsaw include high maneuverability due to its weight of 9.5 lbs., a high-performance 20V battery, and an ergonomic handle for a safe grip.

check out the Best Battery Chainsaw

Chainsaw Safety checks to Consider Before Use

To ensure that it is safe to use your chainsaw, you should start by performing some basic safety checks. First, ensure the blade and chain are well lubricated before starting the saw. Also, check to see that the teeth are not dull and that the chain has the ideal tension.

Thoroughly inspect every part of the chainsaw and ensure no loose bolts. The depth gauge setting should also be adjusted accordingly, and the batteries charged sufficiently.

Lastly, do not operate a chainsaw if you have not worn appropriate protective gear. These include a face shield, helmet, safety mitt, gloves, and ear defenders.

Best Practices to Reduce Kickback 

Kickbacks are a common hazard of using chainsaws. These are instances when the chain bar is forcefully thrown back towards the operator in a sudden arc. They are mostly caused by a loose chain, incorrect depth gauge configurations, blade pinching during slicing, or when the bar nose accidentally comes into contact with a foreign object.

How to Reduce Kickback

The key to reduced kickback is remaining vigilant when using a chainsaw. Make sure you hold the tool strongly with both hands and keep close tabs on the bar nose’s location. Try your level best to prevent it from hitting a different solid object other than wood.

Other recommended practices include testing the chain brake to confirm full function before starting and maintaining proper depth gauges. It is also important to stay alert when cutting twigs and other light items since they are more likely to get entangled in the chain.  

Conclusion

The chainsaw you choose will greatly affect your safety as a beginner. The WORX WG320’s robust protective housing, scissor-like cutting action, and power efficiency make it the prime safety pick for novice lumberjacks. Although it is the unwieldy traditional chainsaw model, the Makita XCU03Z also deserves mention due to its impeccable safety features, such as a lock-off lever and automatic on/off switch. Lastly, if you are looking for a more affordable unit, the Craftsman CMCCSL621D1 V20 cordless lopper is your safest bet.