Chainsaws are the unsung heroes of woodworking and the forestry industry. Their versatility, precision, and power are the stuff of legends. However understanding how to choose the right chainsaw, particularly the size of the chain bar, is critical for both efficiency and safety. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional in the arborist or woodworking community, ensuring your chainsaw’s chain bar is the correct match for the task at hand can make all the difference.
In this definitive guide, we break down just how sizable a tree a 20-inch chainsaw can tackle. We’ll explore key measurements and the science behind cutting power, delve into real-life case studies, and address the utmost importance of safety protocols. Whether you’re venturing into the backyard to fall a few trees or are deep in the woods for professional duty, this information is fundamental to shaping your next chainsaw experience.
Understanding Chainsaw Measurements
When you pick up a chainsaw, the numbers can be a bit overwhelming. You might see something like 18, 20, or 24 inches, often referring to the length of the chainsaw bar. This measurement isn’t the exact limit to what you can cut, but it does dictate the maximum diameter of a tree you can handle in a single pass. Let’s take a closer look at why this matters.
Why It Matters
The bar length is the distance from the chainsaw’s front to the cutter tip. This length will determine the radius of a log you can cut in one pass because the chain won’t be long enough to encircle anything with a diameter greater than this distance. Think about it as the size of the dance floor— to cut larger circles, you’d need a bigger ‘dance floor’ or a longer chain.
To get an accurate picture of the tree’s maximum diameter, simply divide the bar’s length by two. Keep in mind, you’ll be working with the radius, not the diameter of your cut. So a 20-inch chainsaw has a 10-inch radius, which means it can comfortably cut through a tree with a diameter just under 20 inches.
Factors to Consider
Choosing the right chainsaw length isn’t just about the bar. Here are the critical factors that should guide your choice:
Tree Diameter
The golden rule is that the length of the chainsaw should exceed the width of the tree. For a 20-inch chainsaw, anything less than 20 inches in diameter should be manageable, provided the wood isn’t too dense or knotty.
Types of Wood
Soft, moist woods will cut more easily than dense, dry hardwoods. The same 20-inch chainsaw that can breeze through a 20-inch pine might struggle with a 15-inch oak, given that oak is denser.
Chainsaw Power and Bar Length
The engine power of your chainsaw is also a vital consideration. A 20-inch chainsaw can be powered by engines ranging from 40cc to 70cc. The higher the power, the more torque the chainsaw will have, allowing for smoother and faster cuts, especially in larger or tougher wood.
Safety Considerations
It’s not just about the size of the tree you’re cutting—it’s about staying safe while doing it. Safety is paramount, and it’s crucial to adhere to best practices at all times.
Proper Protective Gear
Any time you’re working with a chainsaw, you should be wearing a hard hat, gloves, chainsaw chaps, eye protection, and noise-cancelling headphones. Slip-resistant boots with steel toes are also a good idea to protect your feet.
Handling and Operating Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with your specific chainsaw’s manual, learning the proper stance and grip, how to make a ‘limbing cut’, and the essential techniques for bucking. Always ensure there’s no one within two tree lengths of you when felling a tree, and make sure your escape route is clear.
Choosing the Right Chainsaw Size
When picking your chainsaw, you need to match the size of your biggest cutting projects to the chainsaw size. Here’s how to ensure you’re making the right call.
Matching Chainsaw Size to Tree Size
For a typical homeowner with average tree-clearing needs, a 20-inch chainsaw is a good all-rounder. This size can handle most trees you’ll come across in your yard or on your property, without being overly heavy and cumbersome. If you regularly fell trees larger than 20 inches in diameter, you might opt for a longer chain bar for occasional task needs.
Considerations for Different Wood Types
The species of the tree is crucial. Pine, cedar, or spruce are softwoods and cut relatively easily. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry are denser and require more power to cut effectively.
Case Studies and Examples
To put theory into practice, let’s look at some real-life examples. Imagine a 20-inch chainsaw in the hands of an experienced arborist:
Pine Tree – Aged 20 Years
A pine tree of this age might have a diameter of around 14 inches. A 20-inch chainsaw can comfortably handle this, cutting sections for firewood or clearing away a felled tree efficiently.
Oak Tree – Average 30 Years
An oak of similar age might measure up to 24 inches in diameter. While the 20-inch chainsaw can still cut through a tree of this size, it will require more skill and time due to the hardwood’s density.
Maple Tree – Average 40 Years
A maple of 40 years could reach just over 30 inches in diameter. This is where a 20-inch chainsaw might work, but the preference would lean towards a longer bar for a more efficient job, especially if there are larger trees to fall.
Conclusion
The 20-inch chainsaw is a versatile tool and, in the right hands, can tackle a surprising range of tasks. But before you rev up and begin to cut, make sure you’ve sized up the tree correctly. Understand that the 20-inch measurement isn’t a definitive ruler for all types of wood and that other factors, like engine power and personal skill, come into play.
By prioritizing safety and choosing the right equipment, you ensure that your chainsaw experience is not only productive but also injury-free. Remember, knowing your tool’s limits is just as important as knowing your own. With these insights, you’re now equipped to make informed decisions that will not only enhance the quality of your work but also keep you firmly in control of your cutting adventures.
Faq’s
Is a 20-inch chainsaw big enough?
Yes, for most users, a 20-inch chainsaw presents an ideal balance of size and power, suitable for a variety of tasks from general garden maintenance to handling moderate clearing work. Its ability to accommodate the average tree sizes found in residential areas makes it a practical choice for homeowners. However, when tackling particularly large or dense woods, or for professional-grade timber-cutting tasks, a longer bar might be necessary to ensure both efficiency and safety.
How big of a tree can an 18-inch chainsaw cut?
An 18-inch chainsaw offers a slightly smaller range than its 20-inch counterpart, but it is still a formidable tool for a variety of cutting tasks. Ideally, this size chainsaw is well-suited to slicing through trees with a diameter of up to 16 inches — the bar being 18 inches means there’s a little extra room to maneuver around obstacles and knots in the wood.
The reduced bar length can make it lighter and more manageable, particularly for users who aren’t professional lumberjacks, but it still retains enough power to take on substantial trees, provided the chainsaw’s engine is robust enough to support the activity. It’s always advised to assess the project at hand and employ a chainsaw size that ensures control and safety, prioritizing personal ability and the chainsaw’s specifications over merely the task’s demands.
What size chainsaw for large trees?
For dealing with large trees, a chainsaw with a bar length of at least 24 inches is often recommended. These larger chainsaws are capable of tackling trees that are well over 20 inches in diameter.
Professionals such as arborists and loggers opt for these powerful tools when faced with substantial trees like mature oaks, walnuts, or elms. Not only does the longer bar provide the necessary reach, but these chainsaws typically have more potent engines with higher cc’s to match, ensuring efficient cuts through the dense wood.
However, it’s crucial to consider that with increased size and power comes the need for greater control and strength from the user to handle the machine safely. Therefore, such equipment is recommended for those with more experience or for situations where smaller chainsaws are not up to the task.
What can I cut with a 16 inch chainsaw?
A 16-inch chainsaw is an excellent option for those who have lighter cutting tasks to manage. It is particularly suited for trimming branches, cutting down small trees with a diameter of less than 14 inches, and general yard maintenance work. This size offers a great compromise between maneuverability and power, allowing for precision in tight spaces without sacrificing cutting capability.
With its compact design, it’s also an ideal choice for homeowners who require a chainsaw for occasional use, ensuring it is not overwhelming for less frequent projects. Whether shaping hedges, preparing firewood, or undertaking DIY woodworking projects, a 16-inch chainsaw presents a practical solution for domestic environments with its ease of use and sufficient power.
I’m Ethan Knight, a mechanical engineer and writer. I’ve been writing for blogs and university projects for ten years, sharing my expertise in engineering and product tools. I’m passionate about empowering readers to choose and use their tools effectively, enabling their creativity and efficiency. Join me on this journey to unlock the potential of our tools together.
