In our previous post, we listed what we consider to be the most important features to consider when purchasing a new firewood processor. However, many firewood processor buyers ponder one question first and foremost: which is better, a chainsaw-driven or a circular saw-driven machine? That's why we decided to dedicate an entire blog post to this topic.
The circular saw has a longer sharpening interval
Many have chosen circular saw machines, considering them more efficient and maintenance-free. It's true that circular saw machines have longer sharpening intervals, and their maintenance is oil-free as they don't require chain oil. On the other hand, changing and sharpening a cutting blade is slower and more expensive than with a chainsaw log splitter.
When the blade of a circular saw is sharp, it cuts well. However, when the blade becomes dull, the problem is that the blade often throws the log being cut into the wrong position. This forces the user to correct the position, which slows down the work.
Many choose a carbide-tipped saw chain instead of a regular one, as it can last 10–20 times longer than a regular chain without sharpening. Still, it too will dull eventually. In addition, a carbide-tipped blade can be completely destroyed if it hits a large, hard object inside the wood. However, a carbide-tipped blade is essential, for example, with sandy wood, when using a circular saw.
A circular saw's advantage is also that the sawdust produced contains no oil. It may also seem that less sawdust is produced than with a chainsaw mill. However, this is not actually true, as there isn't a significant difference in blade width. The sawdust from a circular saw is simply very dense, whereas the sawdust from a chainsaw mill is fluffier.
Modern drill machines are safe
A downside many see in a circular saw is its danger. However, this is also a misconception, as modern domestic machines with circular saws are safe due to safety regulations set by the EU. Because the circular saw blade rotates continuously, it requires various guards. The guards also cannot generally be opened while the machine is running, so one cannot accidentally injure themselves on the continuously rotating circular saw blade. With a chainsaw, it's easy to stop the chain and dangerous functions, allowing a single large guard to be opened immediately.
The more real problem with a circular saw machine is often that the rapidly rotating blade requires a lot of space. Among other things, this is why machines equipped with a circular saw blade are significantly more expensive in relation to a chain saw machine of the same size. Especially moving larger circular saw blades requires a lot of sturdy structures, which leads to considerably higher manufacturing costs compared to a chain saw machine.
In smaller circular saw machines, wood is often pushed towards the blade by the user's own strength, whereas in larger machines, the blade is moved towards the wood. This increases the space requirements and necessitates a powerful, often complex, power train to rotate the blade. For instance, a blade with a 700 mm diameter cuts wood that is only 280 mm in diameter, and at the same time, the blade and power transmission must move at least a meter. Starting a large blade is also difficult, especially without a clutch. This is particularly evident in electric machines and in cold weather.
A chain can fit even in a compact space
Many people consider the best part of a chainsaw to be that the log splitter and the chainsaw share the same bar and chain, which can be interchanged as needed. Similarly, just as a regular saw blade dulls, a regular chainsaw chain also becomes dull. However, while a saw blade always requires professional sharpening, a saw chain can easily be sharpened by oneself. Changing the saw chain is also easy, and all other blade maintenance can be done by oneself.
The Hakki Pilke Pro series log splitters with chainsaw attachments feature automatic chain lubrication and an AC 10 chain tensioner. These simplify everyday chainsaw maintenance and significantly extend the life of the chain and bar. Maintaining the chain and bar is incredibly easy with a modern log splitter – you can find instructions and a video on maintenance in our blog. How to maintain a log splitter's chainsaw chain?
When changing the chain doesn't require a separate maintenance break, it can be done during the workday and only takes a moment. When maintaining and changing the chain is easy, the blade is more likely to be kept sharp at all times and replaced, if necessary, every other day. A sharp blade speeds up work. If, on the other hand, the machine runs for, for example, two weeks with a slightly dull blade because changing it is laborious, this causes a significant hit to the machine's output.
Chains are now also available with carbide-tipped chains, which have a lifespan comparable to that of carbide-tipped circular saw chains. Carbide-tipped chains are advanced nowadays, and high-quality carbide-tipped chains are also available for chainsaws, where the harder material of the cutting tooth is brazed on, just like in a circular saw blade. In the case of a chainsaw, a carbide-tipped chain can also be sharpened at home with a file or diamond wheel designed for this purpose.
An electric chainsaw is especially good in cold weather
The chainsaw needs lubrication between the chain and the guide bar, but modern machines have automatic chain lubrication with stepless adjustment for this purpose. This way, oil is not wasted, and only a negligible amount adheres to the wood chips. High-quality biodegradable lubricants are now available for lubrication, which do not contaminate the firewood in any way.
Many users appreciate the quiet cutting method of chain mortisers. Modern chain mortisers also have efficient chip removal systems and are available with an optional dust collector. This prevents even fluffy sawdust from spreading into the environment. One of the advantages of a chain mortiser is also that the chain does not rotate constantly, making the machine's operation more efficient. Starting the machine is also easy because only the hydraulic pumps start.
One of the advantages of chainsaw-driven firewood processors is their significantly more compact size compared to saw blade machines. They can also handle larger wood diameters than round blade machines in the same class. For example, a 16” bar can cut wood with a diameter of 380 mm. The bar moves about 90 degrees from horizontal and back up. This makes the machine's dimensions significantly smaller while still allowing it to cut wood with a considerably larger diameter. In all chainsaw machines, only the bar moves, either manually or by the machine's operation.
TIP: No matter what machine you use, it's important to remember that you should never try to make kindling with dull blades.
For example, if the average diameter of a log is 200 mm and the length is 33 cm, a sharp chainsaw can make 10 cuts/min. A slightly dull one, on the other hand, makes 8 cuts/min. This means that with a sharp blade, you get 75 cubic meters per day versus 59 cubic meters per day with a slightly dull one. You can check the more detailed figures yourself with the attached with the calculator.
Are you interested in a firewood processor?
Hakki Pilke's range includes suitable log splitters and power sources for industrial production, professionals, semi-professionals, and those who make firewood for their own needs.