Before getting any deep knowledge about the best chainsaw for wood carving, I was a wee bit confused about the actual carving chainsaws. As you know, all the chainsaws available in the shop aren’t compatible with the trickiest task, “carving.”
So, it’s crucial to get the one that is specifically designed for wood carving.
After spending plenty of hours researching tons of products and taking customer reviews, I’ve successfully ended up with the six best chainsaws great for carving. But why are they “great?”
Well, because most of these are loaded with features like a lightweight body, a comfortable gripping area, and a couple of safety features for your protection! And these things can easily make a chainsaw GREAT for wood carving. Clear?
Okay, let me show you all along with their highlighted features, descriptions, pros, and cons!
Table of Contents
COMPARISONS OF 6 BEST CHAINSAW FOR WOOD CARVING
Here, I’ve included some of the unique features of my handpicked chainsaws. Take a look at them and click on “check price” to get their current rate.
BEST CHAINSAW FOR WOOD CARVING REVIEWS
Probably you are waiting to know about my picks in detail, correct? If yes, then just move forward and read the reviews straight away on the top 6 chainsaws for wood carving.
1. DEWALT DCCS620B - Overall Best Chainsaw for Carving
OVERALL BEST CHAINSAW FOR CARVING
FEATURES :
- Power Type: Cordless
- Battery: 20V Max
- Bar Size: 12-inch
- Weight:8lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 25 x 9 x 9 inches
Professional carvers need to have a chainsaw that equips all the good qualities possible. That’s why my first pick goes to a pretty well-known brand from DEWALT, a fantastic battery-powered chainsaw that suits every expert worker.
Compact, lightweight, portable, you name it; the champion right here weighs only about 8.8lbs, ensuring maximum comfort, especially when you need to carry your chainsaw for a couple of hours to keep on your carving task.
For more convenience, the maker has given you a 12-inch bar with a low kickback. As a result, anyone will be able to use it pretty safely for any cutting applications.
Speaking of the power, DEWALT offers you a superior brushless motor, increasing running time as well as the overall lifetime of your device.
Using a 20V (max) battery, you can make no less than 90 cuts in a single charge. But you’ll need to get the battery and charger separately!
What’s more? There is a specific knob designed for both chain tensioning (tool-free) and bar tightening with ease. So overall, I think it’s the best chainsaw for wood carving tasks!
THE GOOD
- 8.8lbs lightweight structure for easy applications
- The 12-inch bar offers low kickback while carving
- Brushless motor maximizes functionality
- Capable of making 90 cuts in one charge
NOT SO GOOD
- The oil cap seems extremely tight, a little tough to remove!
PRO TIPS
From the portability to functionality, DEWALT stands out from the rest. It’s a powerful chainsaw that makes 90 cuts easily in just a single charge. It’s my personal favorite!
HUSQVARNA 18 INCH 455 RANCHER
BEST GAS CHAINSAW FOR CARVING
FEATURES :
- Power Type: Gasoline-Powered
- Engine: 5 cc (3.49 HP)
- Bar Size: 18-inch
- Weight: 2lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 41 x 10 x 14 inches
Are you looking for a gas-powered chainsaw for carving? Have a look at my 2nd choice from Husqvarna. Undoubtedly, it’s an ideal pick for homeowners and landowners looking for a heavy-duty chainsaw.
Here, you’re getting an 18-inch bar that’s comparatively bigger and able to take heavy loads. Besides, you’ll find a 2-cycle engine along with an activated chain brake for maximizing safety while carving.
The 55.5cc (3.49 HP) engine seems pretty stronger and long-lasting than commercial choices. To take better care of the chain, Husqvarna features an auto chain oiler, thankfully!
In addition, the effective chain tensioner (side-mounted) lets you adjust the chain pretty quickly while carving, and that too without any risk.
And guess what? Both cleaning and replacing the air filter will be nothing but a snap; the credit goes to the fast-release air filter it comes with.
Lowvib system, quick-start technology, air injection; you’re getting a lot more unique features on this chainsaw to take your carving task to a whole new level!
THE GOOD
- 2-cycle 55.5cc engine for carving more effectively
- The chain tensioner lets you adjust the chain while carving
- A fast-release air filter allows easy cleaning and replacing
- It gives you less noise and vibration despite being powerful
NOT SO GOOD
- Oil leaks at times!
PRO TIPS
It’s possible to work with the Husqvarna 455 Rancher effectively. Thanks to its powerful engine, 18-inch large bar, and the unique “LowVib” technology.
3. ECHO CS-310
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT GAS CHAINSAW FOR CARVING
FEATURES :
- Power Type: Gasoline-Powered
- Engine: 5cc 2-stroke
- Bar Size: 14-inch
- Weight: 42lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 15 inches
Gasoline-powered chainsaw lovers will surely love this one since it is powerful, able to bear heavy loads, and durable. ECHO CS-310 has a 14-inch bar, enabling you to keep on carving without dealing with accidental kickback!
I personally liked the “anti-vibration handle” it comes with. Along with a weight of only 6.42 pounds, it gives you enough stability to perform your wood carving task more accurately and more safely. Even the level of noise will be minimal.
Talking about the engine, it gets 2-stroke 30.5cc that seems good enough for every carver. Despite being powerful, it allows everyone to carve multiple types of woods without any risks. The capacity of the tank is about 8.5 ounces.
But when it comes down to the chain, it sometimes comes off in the middle of the work, especially when you don’t replace the chain for a long period of time!
THE GOOD
- The 14-inch bar delivers minimal kickback
- 6.42lbs of lightweight structure maximizes comfort while carving
- Anti-vibration handle decreases the rate of vibration
- A 2-stroke engine gives enough support for heavy loads
NOT SO GOOD
- The chain needs frequent replacement!
PRO TIPS
ECHO CS-310 has earned a great value for its low-kickback bar, powerful engine, lightweight frame, and of course, the anti-vibration handle aids in reducing the rate of vibration as much as possible while carving.
4. WORX WG303.1
BEST ELECTRIC SAW FOR CARVING
FEATURES :
- Power Type: Gasoline-Powered
- Engine: 5cc 2-stroke
- Bar Size: 14-inch
- Weight: 42lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 15 inches
Let me show you a popular electric-powered chainsaw from WORX, which gets a unique auto-lubrication system in order to keep the chain always smooth. Due to this benefit, you’ll be easily able to continue your wood carving task without facing any problems.
Apart from that, this one right here also features an auto-tensioner, increasing the life of the bar, chain, and motor.
Thanks to its effective oil-level indicator, enabling users know when it’s mandatory to refill.
You can also stop accidental cutting through the “fast-stop chain break” system. As you can see, WORX has got almost all the safety features you need, making it suitable for every beginner carver.
I really like its ergonomic front gripping area along with the rear rubber-molded handle. Both play an essential role in keeping your hands away from fatigue. Plus, the 11.1 pounds lightweight structure makes it easy to carry for an extended period!
THE GOOD
- Affordable yet powerful with its 14.5 amp motor
- Allows you to monitor the oil level through an indicator
- It can be stopped immediately through the fast-stop chain break
- Rubber-molded gripping area enhances comfort for carving
NOT SO GOOD
- The automatic oiler is only compatible with thin oil!
PRO TIPS
The unique oil-level indicator makes the WORX unique. Besides, the lightweight design, along with the ergonomic gripping area, lets you continue your job without any trouble!
5. BLACK + DECKER LCS1240
BEST FOR THE BEGINNER
FEATURES :
- Power Type: Cordless
- Battery: 40V Max (Interchangeable)
- Bar Size: 12-inch
- Weight: 10.4lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 56 x 8.81 x 9.63 inches
If you ask me to show you a single chainsaw that gives more value for its price, I’ll show you this one from BLACK + DECKER. This multi-functional power tool gives you a superior 40V battery (interchangeable) at this price range!
Safety matters a lot? No worries, you’re getting a specific lock-off button along with a handguard (front) for improving the amount of safety as much as possible.
Besides, the tool-less tensioner aids in adjusting the chain more quickly and more easily. I think it’s a big plus for newbies, what do you think?
Well, unlike the typical ones, BLACK + DECKER isn’t those type of chainsaws that offer extreme kickbacks! Despite being powerful, you won’t have to deal with higher kickbacks at all while wood carving.
Weighing nearly 10.4lbs, you’re getting wrap-around handles to perform your tasks way conveniently. But unfortunately, oil terribly leaks from time to time, especially when you aren’t operating the chainsaw.
THE GOOD
- Maximizes safety with its lock-off button and specific handguard
- The 12-inch bar gives you low kickback while working
- Wrap-around handles are great for users' comfort
- It runs for long without stopping due to its 40V battery
NOT SO GOOD
- Sometimes, oil leaks when you aren't running the chainsaw!
PRO TIPS
Are you looking for a wood carving chainsaw with a superior battery? BLACK + DECKER is going to fill your needs at a fair price!
6. Greenworks 20362
BEST FOR THE MONEY
FEATURES :
- Power Type: Cordless
- Battery: 24V Li-ion
- Bar Size: 10-inch
- Weight: 7.85lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 8 x 8.07 x 12 inches.
Since battery-powered chainsaws have always been my personal favorite, I’m going to wrap up my list with a cordless one named Greenworks 20362.
Although the size of the bar it gets seems small, it’s ideal for cutting limbs and branches. Don’t be afraid by thinking of kickbacks; the 10-inch bar doesn’t have such issues.
Thankfully, the maker offers you a 24V Li-ion battery (2.0 AH); even the charger is already included with the device, so you won’t have to spend any extras on them. You can easily make up to 35 cuts in just a single charge.
The tool-free chain tensioner adds convenience when you need to make any quick adjustments while wood carving.
With a translucent tank of oil, you’ll find an auto oiler on this power tool, extending the life of the chainsaw’s chain as much as possible.
What about the weight? It’s about 7.85lbs, giving you a lot of support so you can continue your job without any discomfort. I’ve noticed the handle is also pretty cool, and it seems comfortable to reduce users’ fatigue.
But as it has overheating issues, it is not considered to be the best chainsaw for carving. It requires frequent resting and can’t be operated for a couple of hours at a stretch due to that particular problem.
THE GOOD
- The auto oiler increases the life of your chainsaw's chain
- Able to make 35 cuts in one charge
- Enables you to make quick adjustments through the tool-less tensioner
- Heavy-duty construction can withstand the toughest abuses
NOT SO GOOD
- Requires frequent resting, or else it gets overheated!
PRO TIPS
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING BEST WOOD CURVING CHAINSAW
Usually, many people don’t actually know the differences between a carving chainsaw and a regular one. That’s why while buying a carving chainsaw, they get confused and fail to make a decision about what to purchase.
But don’t worry as I’m here with this buyer’s guide to removing all your doubts and confusions. Keep on reading to know about the things you need to consider before making an ultimate purchase.
CURVING CHAINSAW BAR & CHAIN
The chain and the chainsaw carving bar are considered as the “heart and liver” of the chainsaw! So as a woodcarver, you should be very picky about these things while buying a chainsaw.
Try to pick a chainsaw bar that has a sharp pointed tip. Many people like to call it a dime tip bar because of the pointed feature. Talking about the length of the bar, choosing from 10 to 18-inch won’t be a bad idea at all!
For the chain, many experts choose the most common 0.050 gauge and 0.325 pitch chain. On a special note, these chains should be used by experienced carvers.
GAS OR BATTERY OR ELECTRIC CHAINSAW?
If you ask me straight – which one between these three are the best chainsaw for carving, it would be unfair to declare a single one as champion. Why? Because they are all designed to serve different purposes.
For wood carving, considering a gas-powered chainsaw would be satisfying or best – whatever you may like to call it. After all, the cutting speed and power you get are unmatched compared to others.
Another major advantage of using a gas-powered chainsaw is – you’re getting extra time to work within the same power. Plus, some chainsaws are portable for being lightweight. However, the noise of these chainsaws can be very disturbing.
On the other hand, if you’re always on the run, then a battery-powered chainsaw can be a perfect choice (my all-time favorite)!
Since it is portable, you can easily carry the chainsaw from one work site to another. So, your project remains under your thumb!
Lastly, the electric chainsaw can help those who want infinite battery life. These corded chainsaws run any operation silently. On top of that, they are affordable and lightweight.
So, plug it in, start working, and keep going on until your hands are tired. After all, no fuel or batteries are needed to run the chainsaw.
In the end, the ball is in your court; you can choose any of them depending on your needs, taste, and budget.
WEIGHT
The weight of a chainsaw ensures your ease of work and comfort. Believe it or not, you won’t be able to carve for a longer period with a bulky-type chainsaw. So, opting for a lightweight chainsaw would be the best way to go!
Also, you can easily move the lightweight chainsaw from one place to another if they are portable. Plus, they won’t make your feel tired so early.
SAFETY FEATURES
As a beginner, your primary task should be maintaining all the safety features. Therefore, the first thing you should do is find a lower kickback bar. But why? In a nutshell, the low kickback bar reduces vibration, and reduced vibration minimizes sudden accidents.
Besides, if you like an uninterrupted working environment, you should look for an automatic oiling system. It aids in minimizing the frequent pauses during the work.
NOISE & EMISSION
Working with extremely noisy equipment can make you feel annoyed. So, try to buy a chainsaw that produces less noise, and of course, that should be eco-friendly too.
Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on your earplugs and some more equipment to deal with the noise and wobble.
Keep in mind, if you’re using a gas-powered chainsaw, the chances of discharging gas or anything toxic will be very common. So try to put on a face mask (if possible) while carving.
HANDLE
Many people get confused about the rear handle or top handle selection while purchasing a chainsaw. But when it comes down to carving, considering the rear handle is crucial, why?
Because it aids in giving you more control over the chainsaw, on the contrary, the top/front handle needs more power in order to control the device appropriately. A beginner carver can’t maintain a proper balance if he/she uses the top handle for carving.
WHAT IS THE BEST WOOD FOR CARVING?
As a carver, you are dead set on picking the right wood for carving, right? Therefore, you should have good knowledge about the different varieties of wood. So, here is a little bit of advice for choosing the best one!
OAK
Are you searching for a well-defined wood? Sounds good! Feel free to consider Oak as an option for carving. Since this wood grain is so delineated, Oak is one of my personal favorite choices for furniture making.
Plus, this wood is ideal for the wide range of features it contains. On top of that, you are getting a strong and firm wood if you select it instead of the typical choices.
COTTONWOOD
When talking about great appearances, there is no better wood than Cottonwood as it has more than 25 attractive species around the world.
Another good thing about this wood is the price. Yes, Cottonwood is cheaper compared to Basswood, and at the same time, pretty much popular for carving. Besides, it seems much softer and comfortable for carving.
WALNUT
Picking expensive wood isn’t a problem if you’re able to spend some extra bucks. That’s why this wood might cost you a bit more than Basswood. But it gains popularity due to the dark, rich brown color of Walnut.
In addition, the grain pattern, Walnut wood, is unique. Also, its production is simple, which is why it is widely available.
BASSWOOD
As a beginner, Basswood is undeniably the best pick. This white wood can be seen growing throughout the USA and Europe. For centuries, this wood is a popular choice to be used in woodworking.
Since the new woodworkers look for softer woods more often, choosing this one would be an ideal option.
And guess what? You can make the bodies of electric basses, woodwinds, and guitars with it. As you can easily find the planks of Basswood, there is no better way to learn carving as a beginner.
BUTTERNUT
Another good treat for beginners is the Butternut wood. This one contains a good grain with a brownish color (browner than Aspen or Basswood).
Interestingly, Walnut wood is related to Butternut in terms of polish, color, and ease of carving. Walnut has a lighter color and is also easy to carve.
Needless to say, the softness of the wood makes it beginner-friendly. But, the wormholes might be an issue while working with the Butternut. So, always be prepared.
ASPEN
Aspen is a relatively lightweight wood, and you can easily use it for making any lighter products like toothpicks, matches, boxes, etc.
If we are to talk about the color, this wood can be light brown to white. Also, there is a minor variation between heartwood and sapwood. Aspen is a softer wood with very straight and fine grains. It offers less resistance to a carvers’ tool.
PINE
Pine is best for carving rounds and whittling. As it’s a softer wood, it may not be suited for chip carving. However, you can be impressed with the grains as the pine grains have a straight texture, which makes the carving easy-peasy.
Also read – BEST LIMBING CHAINSAW EVER
CHAINSAW CARVING TOOLS
Indeed, carvers use many other tools for precise detailing apart from the chainsaw itself.
So, there is no need to think that only a chainsaw will be enough to complete your wood carving projects. Although it’s considered as the main power tool that you need to have, make sure you get your hands on the followings things as well:
- Chisels
- Skewed chisel
- Carving Knife
- Bent
- Spoon Gouge
- U-gouge
- V-gouge
- Mallet
CHAINSAW CARVING TIPS
Whether you’re professional or not, there are certain things that you must follow while handling a dangerous device like a chainsaw.
So, for your convenience and safety, here are some tips that you should always consider –
- Practicing before you begin to carve is important. Otherwise, there is a chance of losing balance while carving woods. So, to avoid that, you can design and draw its layout. In this way, you will know exactly where to start.
- Also, if you’re a newbie, any softwood like redwood can be a better option to begin. These woods might defend well against bugs as well as bad weather.
- It is very important to have a variety of chainsaws along with the size. For every project, the larger one does the job of cutting the chunks, while the smaller one is used for detailing.
- Also, keeping the chain sharp should be your priority if you don’t want bad results. So, you can do it yourself by using a chainsaw sharpener, or you can call for some expert to sharpen the chain.
- Always wear proper safety gear like thick gloves, earplugs, helmets, boots, and goggles.The earplugs can help you to be comfortable with the wobble and noise while doing the work.
- Use your hand to hold up the machine firmly. Once you’re done carving, using a grinder can add extra precision to your task.
FINAL VERDICT ON PRODUCT
Finding the right chainsaw for wood carving seems easier than before since I’ve shown you all the nooks and crannies you wanted to know.
But if you’re still confused, go with the topper DEWALT DCCS620B. Lightweight structure, low kickback bar, and a powerful brushless motor make it easily the best chainsaw for wood carving.
BLACK + DECKER LCS1240 might be another go-to chainsaw for carving, especially if you are looking for the one that has got a lot of safety features with a powerful 40V max battery. Hands down, it’s worth the price!
Now, I hope it is a piece of cake for you to pick up the best chainsaw for carving, right?
