Electric saws: types, rating and selection

The electric saw is considered an indispensable tool in construction and household use. This cutting attachment allows you to quickly and efficiently work not only with hard wood, but also with concrete. Today the market is represented by a huge range of electric saws, they differ in design and technical characteristics.

The electric saw is a modern type of tool designed for cutting building materials. The rotating motion in the device is created by the motor and transmitted through a bevel gear or direct drive to the sprocket, which, in turn, drives the chain or cutting part (depending on the type of construction).

The engine in the structure can be placed both transversely and longitudinally, while the latter option is the most common, since it makes the work more convenient. In addition, for the safe operation of the tool, a special brake is provided in each design. It has the form of a lever that, if necessary, turns off the motor and stops work.

Most manufacturers also equip electric saws with a thermal relay that can turn off the power when the machine overheats.

Electric saws are professional and household... The first type is distinguished by high rotational speed of the cutting elements, engine power and planing depth. Such devices are characterized by high weight, the presence of adjustments and the function of fixing the sole. As for household models, they are excellent for home construction and gardening, although they are significantly inferior to professional ones in terms of performance.

Electric saws are often used in the production of plywood and veneer, for the preparation of firewood, timber and in wooden housing construction. In addition, the tool allows you to quickly cut metal pipes.

The device has also found wide application in cutting drywall, the cutting of which is used for sheathing ceilings and walls.

Recently, many craftsmen prefer electric tools that are powerful and can easily cope with any job. The electric saw is no exception, it is a reliable assistant both in the household and on construction sites.

The popularity of this device is due to the following advantages.

• Environmental friendliness... The device operates on electric energy and does not emit harmful gases into the environment, which is important when working in closed rooms.
• Light weight... Compared to other types of fixtures, they are lightweight, which simplifies the workflow.
• High power... The performance of the tools is in no way inferior to gasoline tools.
• Ease of operation... Preparing the saw for work does not take more than 5 minutes. It consists of fixing the saw equipment, filling with oil and checking the voltage in the network. The oil tank is equipped with an inspection window, which allows you to control its filling. The oil is supplied automatically using a special pump, it can be adjusted with a screw.
• Unpretentious care... The tool only needs to be cleaned and the cutting elements and oil must be changed in time.

• Huge selection of modifications... Manufacturers produce saws with a transverse and longitudinal engine arrangement.
• Safe to use... You can work with such devices even at height. The saws have a built-in brake, which is responsible for blocking the engine in case of accidental start.
• Noiselessness... Compared to gasoline counterparts, this type of tool works quietly.
• Affordable cost... The price of electric saws depends on their power and equipment. Since manufacturers produce simple and elite models, any master can afford to purchase them.

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them. The main disadvantage of devices is considered to be tied to the electrical network. The speed of work is often complicated by the lack of cable length.

Electric saws are available in various types and may differ among themselves not only by the manufacturer, power, design, but also by the purpose. Electric hacksaws are used for metal, wood, aerated concrete and concrete.

Each such model is characterized by its own characteristics.

• By wood... It is considered a versatile tool that has completely displaced hand saws from the market. They easily cope with the processing of any type of wood and are suitable for work both outdoors and indoors. Electric saws for wood are divided into professional, household. For mobility, the saw is hand and table saw (band, ring, end). In turn, the manual model is available in several types: chain, disc, saber, jigsaw and hacksaw.

On sale you can also find electric hacksaws, additionally equipped with batteries, which allows you to cut material remotely from the power source. These models have no drawbacks, with the exception of the average engine power.

• For metal... This is a chain saw that is designed for plumbing and construction work. It is also used in the manufacture of metal products and in auto repair shops. The most common types of hacksaws for metal processing are saber and disc. The saber saw in its design has an anchor and a pendulum mechanism. Thanks to this, the cutting blade does not come into contact with the work surface, friction and overheating are excluded. Circular hacksaws, on the other hand, are equipped with a toothed steel disc, they are safe to use, have high performance, allow cutting at an angle, are quiet, but are expensive.

• On concrete... They are most often chosen for working with reinforced concrete and concrete structures that require accurate and high-quality processing. The complete set of such equipment includes a working tire and brushes. In such models, the cutting part is easily changed, there is no vibration and it is possible to make a cut of any depth. The units are inexpensive, but they are tied to a power source. Several manufacturers also produce universal devices with a rechargeable battery.

Sawing of such material is usually performed in construction using saber hacksaws. They are distinguished by their increased engine power, good durability and ease of maintenance. With these hacksaws, you can cut not only concrete, but also other dense material.All of the above electric saws are designed for specific jobs, so it is important to consider the technical indicators before purchasing them.

The construction tools market is represented by a huge selection of power supplies, both Russian and foreign. The best brands that have received many positive reviews are Caliber, Champion, Makita, Husqvarna, Bosch, Stihl, Karcher and Hitachi. The saws "Interskol", "Zubr", "Parma" and "Baikal" have also proven themselves well.

An overview of the tools will help you to choose the right model.

• Interskol PC-16 / 2000T... This modification has found wide application due to the special security system provided in the design of the device. The manufacturer has supplemented the device with an inertial and automatic brake, a convenient handle position and a reliable front guard.

• Hitachi CS45Y... This electric chain saw features 2KW high power and good efficiency. The body of the device is made of high-quality plastic; the design has a comfortable handle protected by soft pads. The main advantage of the modification is that it can be adjusted without a lever. The equipment adapts to any brand of oil pump, which minimizes overspending or underfilling of lubricant. In addition, the manufacturer equips the saw with a long cord up to 5 m. The disadvantage of the product is the shifted center of gravity.

• Makita UC4530A... Thanks to its balanced design, the electric chopper does not generate noise and vibration when cutting. There is also an engine cooling system that protects the unit from overheating. The device weighs 4.4 kg, so while working with it the hand gets less tired. The advantages include high efficiency and easy maintenance.

• Champion CSB360... This modification can operate both from the electrical network and from the storage battery, it is additionally equipped with a charger. The saw chain is 30 cm wide and has a 3/8 tooth pitch. The device is reliable in use, mobile, but it weighs decently, therefore it is suitable for physically savvy masters. The disadvantages also include noisy work.

• Stihl MSE 250 C-Q-16... This saw is considered one of the best due to its powerful 2.5 kW motor, soft start and thermal control sensor. In addition, the tool is equipped with a proprietary chain, which, together with a powerful motor, ensures good performance. The saw features ergonomics, beautiful design, quiet operation and high-quality assembly. As for the shortcomings, there is an old tension adjustment in the design - a bolt and a screwdriver.

Before purchasing an electric saw, it is important to determine its purpose, since this type of tool is available in two types - household and professional. If you plan to operate the device for a long time, then a professional hacksaw will do. It is characterized by high performance and can work without stopping to cool the motor.

If it is difficult to make a choice, then you can buy universal models that are designed for all types and volumes of work.

In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the following parameters.

• Motor power and location... The power of household modifications ranges from 1.5 to 2 kW, for professional ones it can reach up to 3.5 kW. With the transverse variant of the engine placement, the center of gravity of the device is slightly displaced, therefore it is more difficult to work with it (you have to constantly maintain balance). Structures in which the motor is located longitudinally are distinguished by good balancing, they have great maneuverability. Therefore, when choosing metal edging saws, it is best to give preference to the latter option.
• Chain adjustment... In classic models, the chain is tensioned using a flat screwdriver, but this process is laborious. An excellent choice is a tool with a simplified adjustment, where the chain is tensioned by shifting the bar and loosening the nut.

• Bus length... It usually reaches from 30 to 45 cm and depends on the engine power. The best option is saws with a bar width of 40 cm. They are inexpensive and allow you to cut even thick logs. For metal work, you need to buy a tool with a bar length of 45 cm.
• Smooth start... The presence of this parameter is mandatory, since it is responsible for the extreme operating modes of the device. In addition, a soft start prolongs the life of the saw, the inertial brake instantly stops the motor, thereby reducing the consumption of electrical energy. For installation work with metal, you need to purchase tools only with a soft start.

• Security... To protect the master from "kickback", you should choose devices with an automatic braking system.
• Cut material... Depending on whether you plan to cut wood, concrete or metal, the appropriate tool model is selected. Since the most difficult types of work are considered to be cutting metal and concrete, then for them you need to buy special assembly devices with high power, additional adjustment and a degree of protection.

The electric saw is a versatile cutting tool, when working with which certain rules should be followed. This will not only further protect the master from injury, but also extend the service life of the unit.

The following instructions will help you to use your electric saw correctly.

• During operation, the cutting end of the tool must be kept away from foreign objects. Equipment must not be lifted above the elbows. When cutting, the feet should be level on a firm surface. Do not store power saws near explosive and flammable materials.
• The device can be used not only in households, but also in the forest. To cut trees in this case, you will need an electric generator with a capacity of 6 kW or more.
• When sawing timber, it is advisable to choose a dry tree, because the built-in power protection means that the saw does not go well on wet wood.

• Before starting the engine, make sure that the device is in good working order and that there is voltage in the network. After that, you also need to set the duty cycle. The adjustment process is usually described in the manufacturer's instruction manual. When choosing an extension for a saw, it is best to choose models with an increased degree of protection IPX5, IPX4, the socket can only be connected through a differential machine. When using a generator, a preliminary grounding must be performed.
• Saws with a collector must be connected to one phase, with an asynchronous motor - to a network with 380 V.

Electric saws are very popular with both professional and novice craftsmen, as they greatly simplify the process of cutting various materials. Among the main advantages of this equipment, the owners noted high performance, noiselessness and safety.

The saws also received positive reviews for their environmental friendliness. Due to the fact that the tool does not emit harmful gases from fuel combustion, it can be used in closed rooms. The lumberjacks also appreciated the machine, as they got the opportunity to quickly cut trees.

You will learn how to choose an electric saw in the next video.