I’ve owned a chainsaw for several years, although my needs are probably much simpler than many professional users.
I mainly use a battery-powered electric chainsaw for processing logs for my wood-burning stove. Living in Cornwall, I regularly collect fallen timber from permission-based sources or reuse wood that would otherwise go to waste. Processing my own firewood has become a great way to keep heating costs down while making use of a free, renewable resource.
My experience also extends beyond occasional DIY use. My uncle has worked as a professional forester for many years, managing large areas of woodland and relying on several different petrol chainsaws every day. Watching how professionals use, maintain, and select chainsaws has given me an appreciation for just how capable and dangerous these machines can be.
In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most interesting, surprising and unusual chainsaw facts I’ve come across over the years.
The History of Chainsaws
1. Chainsaws weren’t invented for cutting trees
One of the internet’s favourite facts is actually true.
The earliest chain-driven cutting device was developed in the late 1700s to assist surgeons during childbirth.
The original instrument helped remove sections of pelvic bone during difficult deliveries, long before modern Caesarean sections became common.
Thankfully, today’s chainsaws have evolved considerably.
2. The first mechanical chainsaw appeared over 100 years later
The first practical chainsaws for forestry were developed during the early 1900s.
They were enormous machines requiring two operators.
3. Early chainsaws weighed over 45kg
Some of the earliest petrol-powered models weighed more than many modern lawnmowers.
Professional forestry was incredibly labour intensive.
4. Modern battery chainsaws are changing the industry
Battery-powered models are now quieter, require almost no maintenance and produce no direct emissions while operating.
For homeowners like me, they’re ideal.
I only need mine for processing firewood a few times each month, so I don’t miss mixing fuel or dealing with difficult cold starts.
Surprising Chainsaw Facts
5. A sharp chain cuts safer than a blunt one
This surprises many beginners.
A dull chain forces you to push harder, increasing fatigue and the chance of kickback.
6. Chainsaw chains don’t actually “saw”
Each cutter acts like a tiny woodworking chisel.
Instead of grinding through timber, it slices away small chips.
7. Chains can travel at over 25 metres per second
Professional petrol saws often exceed this speed.
That’s around 90 km/h.
8. Modern chains have tiny safety features built in
Depth gauges and anti-kickback links dramatically reduce the likelihood of dangerous kickback.
9. Battery chainsaws are much quieter
They typically produce around 85–95 dB compared with over 110 dB for many petrol saws.
10. Electric chainsaws require surprisingly little maintenance
Compared with petrol machines, there’s:
- no carburettor
- no spark plug
- no fuel mixing
- fewer moving parts
That’s one reason I chose one.
11. Chainsaw chains don’t actually “saw”
Despite the name, a chainsaw doesn’t work like a traditional hand saw. Each cutter on the chain acts more like a tiny woodworking chisel, shaving small chips from the timber as it spins around the guide bar.
That’s why a sharp chain produces large wood chips, while a dull chain tends to create fine sawdust.
12. Most homeowner chainsaws have guide bars between 12 and 18 inches
Many people assume bigger is always better, but that’s rarely the case.
For general garden maintenance, pruning and cutting firewood, a guide bar between 12 and 18 inches is more than capable. Longer bars add weight and require more powerful engines, making them less suitable for occasional users.
13. Chainsaw chain oil is specially designed to stick to the chain
Unlike ordinary engine oil, chainsaw bar oil is formulated to cling to the chain as it travels around the guide bar at high speed.
This constant lubrication helps reduce friction, keeps the chain cooler and significantly extends the life of both the chain and guide bar.
14. Professional users sharpen their chains far more often than most homeowners
A common misconception is that chains only need sharpening when they become completely blunt.
In reality, professional forestry workers may touch up their chains several times a day, especially when working with dirty timber or hardwoods.
A sharp chain is faster, safer and puts less strain on both the user and the saw.
15. Battery chainsaws are becoming increasingly powerful
Early battery-powered chainsaws struggled to compete with petrol models, but that’s no longer the case.
Modern cordless chainsaws can comfortably handle pruning, firewood processing and even felling smaller trees. While petrol still has the advantage for all-day forestry work, battery technology continues to improve every year.
16. Chainsaws have transformed the forestry industry
Before chainsaws became widely available, felling trees relied almost entirely on axes and long crosscut saws.
The introduction of petrol chainsaws dramatically reduced the time and manpower needed to harvest timber, revolutionising commercial forestry around the world.
17. Professionals often own several different chainsaws
One chainsaw doesn’t suit every job.
My uncle works as a forester, managing large areas of woodland, and he uses several different chainsaws depending on the task. Smaller saws are ideal for pruning and lighter work, while larger, more powerful models are needed for felling mature trees and cutting thick trunks.
It’s a good reminder that choosing the right size chainsaw often matters more than simply buying the biggest one available.
18. Chainsaw carving has become a recognised art form
Chainsaws aren’t just used for cutting firewood.
Around the world, skilled artists use specially adapted chainsaws to create detailed sculptures from single tree trunks, producing everything from wildlife carvings to full-size furniture.
Many chainsaw carving competitions attract thousands of spectators each year.
19. The world’s largest chainsaws are enormous
While most homeowner chainsaws have bars measuring around 16 inches, specialist forestry saws can be fitted with guide bars exceeding 70 inches (almost 6 feet).
These massive machines are designed for cutting exceptionally large trees and are generally only used in specialist forestry applications.
20. Chainsaw chains can travel at incredible speeds
Depending on the model, a chainsaw chain may travel at speeds of between 20 and 30 metres per second.
That’s over 65 mph (105 km/h) in some professional saws, highlighting why proper training and protective equipment are so important.
21. Kickback is responsible for many serious chainsaw injuries
Kickback occurs when the upper tip of the guide bar strikes an object or becomes pinched, causing the saw to rapidly rotate back towards the user.
Modern chainsaws include safety features such as chain brakes and low-kickback chains, but understanding how kickback happens remains one of the most important aspects of safe chainsaw use.
22. Most commercial forests are replanted after harvesting
Many people assume every tree that’s cut down is simply lost forever.
In reality, commercial forestry is carefully managed, with new trees often planted after harvesting to ensure future timber supplies and maintain woodland habitats.
Sustainable forestry has become an essential part of the timber industry.
23. Stihl and Husqvarna have dominated the market for decades
Ask ten professional tree surgeons which brand they prefer and you’ll probably receive ten different answers.
Stihl and Husqvarna are widely regarded as two of the world’s leading chainsaw manufacturers, both producing reliable machines for homeowners and professionals alike.
Rather than one being objectively better, it usually comes down to personal preference, local dealer support and the type of work you do.
| Feature | Stihl | Husqvarna |
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | Germany | Sweden |
| Founded | 1926 | Company origins date back to 1689 |
| First chainsaw | 1926 | 1959 |
| Best known for | Reliability and build quality | Powerful forestry saws and innovation |
| Popular with | Arborists, landscapers and homeowners | Foresters, tree surgeons and homeowners |
| Battery range | Excellent AP & AK battery systems | Extensive BLi battery platform |
| Dealer network | One of the largest worldwide | Widely available worldwide |
24. Processing your own firewood can save money
One of the main reasons I keep a chainsaw is to process logs for our wood-burning stove.
By making use of fallen timber, offcuts and wood from permission-based sources, I’ve been able to build up a good stock of firewood while reducing heating costs during winter. It’s also satisfying knowing useful timber isn’t going to waste.
Of course, it’s important to ensure any wood is sourced legally and with the landowner’s permission.
25. The safest chainsaw is the one that’s well maintained
Modern chainsaws include impressive safety features, but they’re only effective if the saw is properly maintained.
Keeping the chain sharp, maintaining the correct chain tension, checking the chain brake, using the correct bar oil and wearing suitable PPE all contribute to safer, more enjoyable cutting.
Whether you’re a homeowner cutting a few logs each winter or a professional using a chainsaw every day, looking after both your equipment and yourself should always come first.
My uncle works as a professional forester and carries several different chainsaws depending on the size of the timber he’s working with. Larger felling jobs require powerful petrol saws, while lighter pruning work benefits from smaller, more manoeuvrable machines. It’s a good reminder that professionals choose the right tool for each task rather than relying on one chainsaw for everything.
Final Thoughts
Although chainsaws have a fascinating history, they’re also one of the most useful power tools you can own when used responsibly.
For me, my battery-powered chainsaw has become an essential tool for processing free firewood and keeping our log burner supplied throughout winter. It’s quiet, easy to maintain and perfectly suited to occasional home use.
At the other end of the spectrum, seeing my uncle use professional petrol chainsaws in forestry has shown me just how specialised these machines become when they’re used every day. Whether you’re cutting a few logs at home or managing acres of woodland, choosing the right chainsaw and looking after it properly makes all the difference.
