16 Inch Chainsaw for Home Use (Top Picks for Woodworkers)

Ever been stuck with a pile of branches after a storm, or dreamt of a cozy winter fueled by your own firewood, but felt intimidated by the chainsaw? I get it. A chainsaw is a powerful tool, but with the right knowledge and a little practice, it can become your best friend for tackling wood-related tasks around the house. If your chainsaw won’t start, first, check the fuel mixture – an incorrect ratio is a common culprit.

Why a 16-Inch Chainsaw?

A 16-inch chainsaw hits a sweet spot for many homeowners. It’s long enough to handle reasonably sized logs and branches, yet short enough to remain lightweight and maneuverable for tasks like pruning, limbing, and even light milling. It’s a great all-around tool that bridges the gap between smaller, less powerful models and larger, more cumbersome professional chainsaws. The 16 inch chainsaw is a great choice for those looking for a balance between power and maneuverability.

Understanding Chainsaw Basics: Key Concepts

Before diving into specific models, let’s define some essential terms:

• Bar Length: The length of the guide bar, which determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut. A 16-inch bar can effectively cut logs up to around 30 inches in diameter, though it’s best to avoid consistently cutting at its maximum capacity.
• Engine Size/Power: Measured in cubic centimeters (cc) for gas-powered saws or amps (A) for electric saws, this indicates the engine’s power. Higher numbers generally mean more cutting power. For a 16-inch chainsaw, a gas engine in the 35-45cc range or an electric saw with 12-15 amps is generally sufficient.
• Chain Pitch: The distance between the rivets on the chain, measured in inches. Common pitches are 3/8″ and .325″. Matching the correct pitch to your saw is crucial for safe and efficient operation.
• Chain Gauge: The thickness of the drive links on the chain, which fit into the groove on the guide bar. Common gauges are .050″ and .058″. Like pitch, using the correct gauge is essential.
• Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut wood with a high moisture content (often above 30%). Seasoned wood has been air-dried or kiln-dried to reduce its moisture content (ideally below 20% for firewood). Green wood is heavier and harder to split, while seasoned wood burns more efficiently.
• Limbing: Removing branches from a felled tree.
• Bucking: Cutting a felled tree into shorter, manageable lengths.
• Felling: The act of cutting down a tree.

Choosing the Right Type of Chainsaw: Gas vs. Electric

The first major decision is whether to go with a gas-powered or electric chainsaw. Both have their pros and cons:

Gas Chainsaws:

• Pros: More powerful, portable (no cords), suitable for larger jobs, longer run times (with refueling).
• Cons: Noisier, require more maintenance (fuel mixing, carburetor adjustments), produce exhaust fumes, heavier.

Electric Chainsaws (Corded or Cordless):

• Pros: Quieter, easier to start, less maintenance, no exhaust fumes, lighter.
• Cons: Less powerful than gas, corded models have limited range, cordless models have limited battery life, may struggle with larger, denser wood.

My Experience: I started with a gas-powered chainsaw for its raw power when clearing storm damage on my property. However, I quickly realized the convenience of an electric chainsaw for smaller tasks like pruning and cutting firewood rounds. Now, I use both, depending on the job.

Recommendation: For most homeowners, a cordless electric chainsaw with a 16-inch bar is an excellent choice. The technology has improved significantly in recent years, and they offer a great balance of power, convenience, and ease of use. However, if you anticipate regularly cutting larger logs or working in remote areas without access to power, a gas-powered chainsaw is still the better option.

Top Picks for 16-Inch Chainsaws (Home Use & Woodworkers)

Here are some specific models I recommend, based on my experience and industry reviews:

1. Stihl MSA 200 C-B (Cordless Electric): A high-performance cordless chainsaw that rivals some gas models in power. Features a powerful brushless motor, excellent battery life (with a larger battery), and Stihl’s reputation for quality and durability. I have used this model for milling small logs into lumber. The consistent power delivery is very important when using an Alaskan Mill. Expect to pay around $400-$500 (without battery and charger).
2. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 16 in. Chainsaw: A great value option for homeowners. Offers good power and runtime for the price. Brushless motor provides increased efficiency and longer tool life. Available at most home improvement stores for around $250-$350 (with battery and charger).
3. Husqvarna 455 Rancher (Gas): A classic gas-powered chainsaw known for its reliability and power. A good choice for those who need a gas saw for larger jobs. The 455 Rancher has been a workhorse for many loggers and homeowners for years. Expect to pay around $400-$500.
4. Oregon CS1500 (Corded Electric): A powerful corded electric chainsaw with a unique self-sharpening system. Simply pull a lever to sharpen the chain in seconds. A good option for those who prefer the consistent power of a corded saw. Available for around $200-$250.
5. Echo CS-400 (Gas): A lightweight gas-powered chainsaw that’s easy to handle. A good option for those who want a gas saw but don’t need the power of a larger model. Expect to pay around $300-$400.

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Your budget: Chainsaws range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.
• The types of tasks you’ll be performing: Pruning, limbing, bucking firewood, or felling trees?
• The size of the wood you’ll be cutting: Smaller branches or larger logs?
• Your experience level: Are you a beginner or an experienced chainsaw user?
• Maintenance requirements: Are you comfortable performing basic maintenance tasks like sharpening the chain and cleaning the air filter?

Safety First: Essential Chainsaw Safety Gear and Practices

Chainsaws are powerful tools and must be treated with respect. Always wear the following safety gear:

• Chainsaw Chaps: These are essential for protecting your legs from accidental cuts. I’ve seen firsthand how chaps can prevent serious injuries.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Chainsaws are loud and can cause hearing damage.
• Gloves: To improve grip and protect your hands.
• Steel-Toed Boots: To protect your feet from falling logs and accidental cuts.
• Helmet: Especially important when felling trees.

Safe Operating Practices:

• Read the Owner’s Manual: Before using any chainsaw, read the owner’s manual thoroughly.
• Inspect the Chainsaw: Before each use, inspect the chainsaw for any damage or loose parts.
• Sharpen the Chain: A sharp chain is safer and more efficient than a dull chain.
• Maintain Proper Posture: Keep your feet firmly planted and maintain a balanced stance.
• Use Both Hands: Always use both hands to operate the chainsaw.
• Be Aware of Kickback: Kickback is a sudden, uncontrolled upward or backward movement of the chainsaw that can cause serious injury. Avoid cutting with the tip of the bar, which is the most common cause of kickback.
• Clear the Work Area: Remove any obstacles from the work area.
• Don’t Overreach: Avoid reaching too far or cutting above shoulder height.
• Take Breaks: Chainsawing can be physically demanding. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Never Use a Chainsaw Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: This should be obvious, but it’s worth repeating.

Mastering Basic Chainsaw Techniques

Here are some essential chainsaw techniques for home use:

1. Limbing:

• Stance: Stand to the side of the log, with your feet firmly planted.
• Cutting: Start by cutting the branches on the upper side of the log, working from the base of the tree towards the top. Use a downward cutting motion.
• Undercutting: When cutting larger branches, use an undercut to prevent the branch from pinching the saw. Make a small cut on the underside of the branch, then finish the cut from the top.
• Safety: Be aware of the potential for branches to spring back after being cut.

2. Bucking (Cutting Logs into Lengths):

• Support: Ensure the log is properly supported to prevent pinching the saw. Use logs or rocks to elevate the log.
• Cutting: If the log is supported at both ends, make a cut halfway through the top of the log, then finish the cut from the bottom. If the log is supported in the middle, make a cut halfway through the bottom of the log, then finish the cut from the top.
• Rolling the Log: If you need to cut a very large log, you may need to roll it over to access the other side. Use a cant hook to roll the log safely.

3. Felling Small Trees (Proceed with Extreme Caution):

• Planning: Before felling a tree, carefully plan the direction of the fall. Consider the lean of the tree, the wind direction, and any obstacles in the area.
• Clearing: Clear the area around the tree of any obstacles.
• Notch Cut: Make a notch cut on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
• Back Cut: Make a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch cut. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
• Wedge: Use a felling wedge to help direct the fall of the tree.
• Retreat: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely away from the tree.

Important Note: Felling trees is a dangerous activity and should only be attempted by experienced individuals with the proper training and equipment. If you are not comfortable felling a tree yourself, hire a professional arborist.

Case Study: Efficient Firewood Production

I once helped a friend prepare for winter by processing a large pile of logs into firewood. We used a combination of techniques to maximize efficiency:

1. Sorting: We sorted the logs by diameter, separating the smaller logs for easier splitting.
2. Bucking: We used a 16-inch gas-powered chainsaw to buck the logs into 16-inch lengths (ideal for his wood stove).
3. Splitting: We used a hydraulic log splitter to split the larger rounds, and a splitting axe for the smaller ones.
4. Stacking: We stacked the firewood in a well-ventilated area to allow it to season properly.

Measurements: We aimed for firewood rounds that were approximately 16 inches long and split to a diameter of 6-8 inches. This size was ideal for his wood stove and easy to handle.

Tool Specifications: The hydraulic log splitter had a 25-ton splitting force, which was sufficient for splitting most of the logs. The splitting axe had a 6-pound head and a 36-inch handle.

Wood Type Selection: We were processing a mix of oak and maple, both excellent choices for firewood.

Strategic Advantages: By using a hydraulic log splitter, we significantly increased our efficiency and reduced the amount of physical labor required. Stacking the firewood in a well-ventilated area ensured that it would dry properly and burn efficiently.

Chainsaw Maintenance: Keeping Your Saw in Top Condition

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your chainsaw running smoothly and safely. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

• Sharpening the Chain: A dull chain is not only inefficient but also dangerous. Sharpen the chain regularly using a chainsaw file or a chain grinder. I prefer using a chainsaw file for quick touch-ups in the field, and a chain grinder for more thorough sharpenings.
• Cleaning the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and cause damage. Clean the air filter regularly with compressed air or soap and water.
• Checking the Spark Plug: A faulty spark plug can cause starting problems. Check the spark plug regularly and replace it if necessary.
• Lubricating the Chain: The chain needs to be properly lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Use a chainsaw bar and chain oil specifically designed for this purpose.
• Checking the Bar: Inspect the bar regularly for wear and damage. Clean the bar groove and file off any burrs.
• Adjusting the Chain Tension: The chain tension should be adjusted so that the chain is snug on the bar but can still be pulled around by hand.
• Storing the Chainsaw: When not in use, store the chainsaw in a dry place. Drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls to prevent fuel from gumming up the carburetor.

My Tip: I keep a small toolbox with essential chainsaw maintenance tools, including a chainsaw file, a spark plug wrench, a bar groove cleaner, and a bottle of bar and chain oil. This makes it easy to perform routine maintenance tasks in the field.

Woodworking Applications: Using a Chainsaw Creatively

While chainsaws are primarily used for cutting firewood and clearing trees, they can also be used for a variety of woodworking applications:

• Roughing Out Shapes: A chainsaw can be used to quickly remove large amounts of wood when carving or sculpting.
• Milling Lumber: With a chainsaw mill attachment, you can mill your own lumber from logs. This is a great way to save money and create unique pieces of wood.
• Creating Rustic Furniture: Chainsaws can be used to create rustic furniture with a natural, rugged look.
• Carving Signs and Sculptures: Skilled chainsaw carvers can create amazing works of art.

Example Project: Building a Rustic Bench

I once built a rustic bench using a chainsaw to rough out the shape of the legs and seat. I used a 16-inch gas-powered chainsaw to cut the legs from a large log, and then used a smaller electric chainsaw to refine the shape. The result was a unique and sturdy bench with a natural, rustic look.

Cost Analysis: Chainsaw vs. Hiring a Professional

It’s important to consider the cost of owning and operating a chainsaw versus hiring a professional for certain tasks. While a chainsaw can save you money in the long run, it also involves an upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

Example:

• Chainsaw Purchase: \$300 – \$500
• Safety Gear: \$100 – \$200
• Maintenance (Annual): \$50 – \$100 (oil, sharpening, parts)

Total First Year Cost: \$450 – \$800

Hiring a Professional:

• Tree Removal (Small Tree): \$100 – \$300
• Firewood Delivery (1 Cord): \$200 – \$400

Analysis: If you only need to remove a small tree or purchase a cord of firewood once a year, hiring a professional may be more cost-effective. However, if you anticipate using a chainsaw regularly for various tasks, the investment in a chainsaw can pay off over time.

Strategic Considerations: Owning a chainsaw gives you more control over your property and allows you to tackle projects on your own schedule. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.

Drying and Seasoning Firewood: The Key to Efficient Burning

Properly drying and seasoning firewood is crucial for efficient burning and reducing creosote buildup in your chimney.

• Splitting: Splitting firewood exposes more surface area to the air, which speeds up the drying process.
• Stacking: Stack firewood in a single row, with space between the rows to allow for air circulation.
• Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated location for stacking firewood.
• Covering: Cover the top of the firewood stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow.
• Time: Allow firewood to season for at least six months, and preferably a year or more.

Moisture Content Targets:

• Green Wood: 30% moisture content or higher.
• Seasoned Wood: 20% moisture content or lower.

Measuring Moisture Content: Use a wood moisture meter to measure the moisture content of your firewood.

Drying Times: Drying times vary depending on the type of wood, the climate, and the stacking method. In general, hardwoods like oak and maple take longer to dry than softwoods like pine and fir.

My Method: I stack my firewood in a single row, with about 6 inches of space between the rows. I cover the top of the stack with a tarp and allow it to season for at least a year. I use a wood moisture meter to check the moisture content before burning it.

Global Considerations for DIYers and Small-Scale Logging Businesses

Chainsaw safety and wood processing techniques are universal, but there are some regional variations to consider:

• Tool Availability: The availability of specific chainsaw models and brands may vary depending on your location.
• Wood Types: The types of wood available for firewood and woodworking vary depending on your region.
• Regulations: Local regulations regarding tree felling and firewood harvesting may vary.
• Climate: Climate conditions can affect the drying time of firewood and the durability of wood products.

Challenge: In some regions, access to affordable and reliable chainsaw maintenance services can be a challenge. DIYers in these areas may need to learn how to perform more advanced maintenance tasks themselves.

1. Choose the Right Chainsaw: Based on your needs and budget, select a 16-inch chainsaw that’s appropriate for your home use and woodworking projects.
2. Gather Safety Gear: Invest in essential safety gear, including chainsaw chaps, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
3. Practice Basic Techniques: Practice limbing, bucking, and felling techniques in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Maintain Your Chainsaw: Perform regular maintenance tasks to keep your chainsaw running smoothly and safely.
5. Process Firewood: If you plan to heat your home with wood, learn how to properly dry and season firewood.
6. Explore Woodworking Applications: Experiment with using a chainsaw for various woodworking projects.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the right chainsaw is just the first step. Mastering safe operating techniques, performing regular maintenance, and understanding the nuances of wood processing are essential for success. With the right knowledge and a little practice, you can confidently tackle a wide range of wood-related tasks around your home and create beautiful woodworking projects. Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the power of the chainsaw.

Learn more