7 Best Chainsaw for Carving (Reviews & Updated for 2023)

As an Amazon Associate I Earn From Qualifying Purchases.

Lumberjacking is not for everyone, and chainsaws are not only meant for felling down trees or cutting logs. Rather, a chainsaw can also be used for carving, and it does an amazing job at it.

If you are an artist or you just want to get with your wood pieces at home, you can find some chainsaws for carving. But as usual, it is never that easy to find the best chainsaw for carving wood.

We know how stressful it can be, especially if you need a specific chainsaw that can do the job. As a result, we came up with this article to help you have an easy time when choosing the best carving chainsaw.

What is the Best Chainsaw for Carving?

We consider the Makita-UC3551A Chain Saw as the best chainsaw for carving since it can literally handle any project you throw at it. The price point is also decent enough and it will get the job done with ease.

Let’s get on with it, shall we?

7 Best Chainsaws for Carving Reviews

1.  Makita-UC3551A Chain Saw

Makita-UC3551A Chain Saw, Electric, 14 in. Bar

Key-features

  • 15.15lbs weight
  • 14-inch blade
  • 2900FPM
  • Electric model
  • Large oil reservoir with clear oil level window
  • Large trigger switch
  • Tool-free chain and blade adjustments

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • Comes with a smooth startup mechanism
  • It lets you carve continuously with the auto chain oiling
  • Reduced maintenance
  • Ergonomic and comfortable handle
  • Lightweight design for enhanced productivity

What Could Be Better

  • Only designed for light and moderate jobs

Overview

If you are in search of wood carving chainsaws for sale and you need a versatile model to handle your carving projects, this fella would be a good pick.

This electric chainsaw comes with a cord that lets you maneuver around your workspace with ease. Being that it is also lightweight, you will not experience too much exhaustion in your hands. As a result, you can carve detailed artwork with minimal interruptions.

We also noticed that the chainsaw offers precise and accurate control, which is another reason for going for it. For user safety, there is an inbuilt motor limiter that will not only keep you safe but also protect the motor to enhance its runtime. Even if you will be working with the chainsaw under heavy load, the motor limiter will prevent it from a possible burnout.

Above all, this fella will run smoothly and quietly with zero harmful emissions. It isn’t too loud either. So yes, this is a very environment-friendly model. This is arguably the best electric chainsaw for carving on this list.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

We would consider this the best chainsaw for wood carving among the listed models as it has enough power, and can handle both light and medium projects.

Check Latest Price On Amazon

2.  Husqvarna 24 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

No products found.

Key-features

  • 60cc power
  • Gas model
  • 24-inch bar size
  • 9000RPM
  • 21lbs weight
  • 3.7hp2-cycle engine

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • Comes with a chain brake for user safety
  • Features an anti-vibration system for enhancing the control
  • Air cleaning system prevents pollution
  • Comes with an auto oiler to save you time
  • Easy to start
  • Has an excellent power output

What Could Be Better

  • T
  • The unit is costly
  • The oiler can be faulty in some cases

Overview

If we were to consider the best chainsaws for wood carving, which are powerful enough to handle heavy-duty projects, this fella from Husqvarna would be a good pick.

It would be a great pick for you if you want to carve some thick hunks of wood. Thanks to its heavy-duty design, this chainsaw can easily handle most hardwoods out there. Being that this is a massive chainsaw that delivers incredible, you should expect it to require some maintenance as you work with it. But as long as everything is in check, this fella will run swiftly as you carve your wood pieces.

Furthermore, you must ensure that you have gas and oil on hand to keep the chainsaw well fueled and going for all your carving projects.

We think this is a good chainsaw for carving as it comes with an ergonomic design with anti-vibration features that will assure you of better control as you use it.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

So, who’s the best candidate for this unit? Well, this would be your top pick if you need a powerful gas-powered chainsaw for your carving projects. It can make thick or straight cuts, and can easily work on hardwoods.

No products found.

3.  DEWALT 20V MAX XR 12-Inch Chainsaw

No products found.

Key-features

  • 8.8lb weight
  • Battery-powered
  • 20V 5.0Ah battery
  • 12-inch bar length
  • Up to 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure treated wood

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • Compact and lightweight for maximum user control
  • Low-kickback bar
  • Tool-free tension adjustment
  • Auto-oiling with windowed oil tank
  • Runs quietly
  • Friendly price point saw

What Could Be Better

  • It leaks too often
  • The oil cap is too tight (you will strain to open it)

Overview

For those looking for a portable chainsaw that can handle the wood carvings with ease, this model would be a good pick for you.

Even though most carvers don’t really have an issue with kickbacks, you should always consider choosing a chainsaw that has no kickback concerns. This DEWALT 20V chainsaw perfectly fits in that category.

Its brushless motor enhances its working efficiency, and its power-to-weight ratio allows you to carve your wood pieces with absolute ease.

Even though it can cut up to 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure-treated wood, you might want to invest in two batteries for this little monster. It takes a long time to charge one battery. Since you have to buy the battery and charger separately, ensure that you purchase two batteries to assure you of continuous carving.

Just keep in mind that you will experience some oil leakage with this unit, but it isn’t something that will affect the performance of the chainsaw.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

If you are planning to handle some basic chainsaw carving projects, we’d recommend this model to you. It doesn’t have as much power as other models, but it would do the job for basic projects

Check Latest Price On Amazon

4.  Mereced 4 Inch 20v Electric Handheld Cordless Chainsaw

Mini Chainsaw, Mereced 4 Inch 20v Electric Chainsaw, Portable Handheld Cordless Chainsaw for gardening pruning tree trimming wood cutting, Battery and Charger Included

Key-features

  • 2.8lb weight
  • 10cm max cutting diameter
  • 20V 2.0Ah battery
  • Battery-powered
  • 13-inches in length

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • Super lightweight
  • It can cut a 3 to 4 inch-branch in 10 seconds
  • Features an LED work light
  • Comes with a double safety sprocket cover and a security lock for user safety
  • Compact size for easy control
  • Decent cutting capacity
  • Top rated Cordless unite.

What Could Be Better

  • It vibrates a lot
  • The instructions are minimal
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty projects

Overview

This model is definitely one of the best small chainsaws for carving, and it assures you of a decent tool that can perfectly do the job as you carve your projects.

It is a one-hand operation tool that eliminates the exhaustion in the hand as you work with it. Thanks to its extra-high hardness guide chain, this model will cut through wood pieces smoothly. Furthermore, it comes with a powerful pure copper motor. Plus, the chainsaw comes with a unique chain tooth design that betters the cutting efficiency. This is why it is able to cut a 3-4 inch branch in just 10 seconds.

There is an integrated guide plate that will dissipate heat faster, and it is also dropped and abrasion-resistant. In other words, you won’t have to worry about the chainsaw heating up and burning your hands while working with it.

Being a battery-power model, this fella will juice up in 2 to 3 hours, and run in 15 to 25 minutes. If you have a more complex and detailed project to handle, this might not be the right pick for you.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

We’d consider this the best mini chainsaw for wood carving, and it would suit you if you have some small projects to handle at home.

Check Latest Price On Amazon

5.  JPOWTECH 4 Inch Mini Chainsaw

JPOWTECH Mini Chainsaw, Upgraded 4 Inch Cordless Small Chain Saw with 3Pcs Chains & 2Pcs 21V Rechargeable Batteries Portable One Hand Electric Chainsaw for Branch Pruning Tree Trimming Wood Cutting

Key-features

  • 1.69lbs body weight
  • Battery-powered
  • 4-inch bar length
  • 13-inch total length
  • 21V 1500mAh battery

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • Compact and super-lightweight
  • LED work light for handling the dark woods
  • High-quality and durable chain
  • Easy to set up
  • One-hand operation
  • Easy to use
  • It comes with safety gears

What Could Be Better

  • The handle can get hot after running for some time
  • It is a costly model

Limited power

Overview

This would be a good addition to your chainsaw carving tools, as it is tiny, lightweight, and easily does the job with ease.

Even with its lightweight and compact design, the chainsaw comes with a pure copper motor, which works along with the high-quality guide chain to offer you smooth cutting. Here, the chainsaw can slice through a 3-inch log in just 5 seconds. How incredible!

When it comes to recharging the batter, it would take 2 hours to juice up, which isn’t that bad if you compare it to other models. And what does that give you in terms of the run time? Well, you can expect to work with it for 35 to 45 minutes on a full charge. But we would advise you to purchase two batteries for continuous carving.

This model comes with a safety switch, which will require you to hold it down along with the trigger to start the saw and prevent accidental starts. You also get safety goggles, cut-resistant gloves, and earplugs when you purchase this unit.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

This is the perfect pick for DIYers or artists that need to make detailed carvings. It might not have a high-power delivery, but it can handle detailed carving projects with ease.

Check Latest Price On Amazon

6.  WORX WG384.9 40V Chainsaw

WORX 40V 14' Cordless Chainsaw Power Share with Auto-Tension (Tool Only) - WG384.9

Key-features

  • 10.4lb weight
  • Battery-powered
  • 20V twin battery system (40V Max)
  • Oil-level indicator
  • Auto tension chain system

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • Features a quick-stop chain brake that prevents accidents
  • Decent power output for a battery-powered model
  • Auto chain lubrication for easy operation
  • A dual-port charger allows you to charge the two batteries within an hour
  • Quick startup

What Could Be Better

  • The blade can fall off when cutting laterally
  • The chain comes off the bar while cutting
  • Not the best pick for a prolonged project

Overview

If you need a portable chainsaw for carving but you don’t want to compromise on the power output, we’d advise you to go for this fella.

The brushless motor on this unit assures you of efficiency. The motor will spin the chain around the bar at a top speed of 26 ft per second. What’s even better is the fact that this will use less battery. The 0V dual batteries offer an amazing power output that is easily comparable to some gas-powered models.

The battery indicator (fuel gauge) will always let you know if it is time to juice up or when you should prepare to do so. We loved the fact that it only takes an hour to charge both the batteries. WORX did an amazing job at including two charging ports in the model.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

If you have some heavy-duty projects that need a powerful chainsaw to handle, this would be a good choice for you. Just keep in mind that it is only suitable for short carving projects.

Check Latest Price On Amazon

7.  Regon CS1500 15 Amp Chainsaw

Oregon CS1500 18-inch 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw, with Integrated Self-Sharpening System (PowerSharp), 2-Year Warranty, 120V

Key-features

  • 18-inch guide bar
  • Auto sharpening mechanism
  • 15Amp motor
  • Electric model
  • Tool-less chain tensioning

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

What We Loved

  • It comes pre-assembled
  • Sharpens itself in seconds
  • Auto-oiling mechanism
  • Low-noise operation
  • Easy to use
  • High power delivery

What Could Be Better

  • It is slightly heavy
  • It cannot handle high-demanding projects
  • The chain falls off when cutting laterally

Overview

If you need an electric carving chainsaw for handling your projects with ease, this would be a decent pick for you.

One thing we loved about this chainsaw is the unique PowerSharp feature, which will minimize downtime by sharpening the chain on its own in less than 3 seconds. If you combine this with the instant start capability, you’ll be sure of saving time and effort when working with the chainsaw.

We noticed that the chainsaw is super silent between cuts, and there is a chain brake for extra safety in case of an emergency.

Anybody can work with this chainsaw as it comes pre-assembled, and you don’t have to set up anything.

Verdict – Who should buy it.

We would recommend this model to beginners as it comes ready to use and it’s generally easy to operate.

Check Latest Price On Amazon

Buying Guide

So, there go our top picks of the best carving chainsaws. But what if none of the models we reviewed meets your preference? No problem. If you need to find the perfect carving chainsaw for your project needs, here are some of the things you should look out for.

· Power source

You need to consider if you need an electric, gas-powered, or battery-powered model. Gas-powered models are the best for handling heavy-duty projects. For light projects, you can go for electric or battery-powered units.

· Weight

The weight of the chainsaw should be a factor based on the project you are handling. For carving projects, always choose a lightweight model that allows you to control it with ease.

· Bar length

If you need shallow carvings, you can go for a small bar length. For example, a 10-inch or less bar can easily make the complex carvings, but they can go deep into the woods. If you need to make deeper carvings or cuts, choose a bar length that is 14 inches or longer.

· Vibration dampening/Ergonomic handle

Ensure that you choose a model that comes with an ergonomic handle to better the control. Also, it would be better if it has vibration dampening features to assure you of control and comfort.

· Safety features

Even if you are using it for carving, a chainsaw is still a dangerous tool. Therefore, ensure that you choose one with inertia-activated chain brakes, a blade guard, an anti-kickback chain design, as well as a safety switch to prevent accidental startups.

· Extra Features

Other features to consider include a tool-less chain tension adjustment, easy starting mechanism, auto chain lubrication, and LED light for working in low-lit areas.

Above all, choose a model from a reputable brand.

FAQs

Q. How to carve with a chainsaw?

Ans. When carving wood with a chainsaw, you must always ensure that you follow the process carefully and observe the necessary safety precautions at all times. Always ensure you study the wood, and use the right chainsaw for the specific wood piece you are handling.

Q. What type of wood is best for chainsaw carving?

Ans. The best wood for chainsaw carving is basswood. It might be called hardwood sometimes, but it is relatively soft. Plus, basswood can hold the details and you will find it easy to carve it using a chainsaw. But some people consider oak as the best choice for carving as it is more durable.

Q. What kind of chainsaw bar works best for carving?

Ans. The right chainsaw for carving must be lightweight, relatively compact, allow you to use it for a long time, and it should have a super-sharp chain. If you are choosing a battery-powered model, ensure that you have at least two batteries at hand.

Final Words

There you have it, carvers. Which chainsaw will you be going for? Whether you go for our top pick, the Makita-UC3551A Chain Saw, or you have your own favorite, ensure that you find the right model for your projects. Above all, ensure that you follow the proper safety precautions when working with the carving chainsaw.