Is a Reciprocating Saw right for this job?

[yjones]

Hi all
This isnt necessarily a DIY related question, but which is the best tool for cutting up logs for a woodburner? I need something that will cut through logs up to 15cm diameter. I used a Makita reciprocating saw the other day which seemed to do the job - but Im curious about if its teh right tool for the job or if theres a better reciprocating saw out there.
Any advice/past experiences/suggestions muchly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Diyisfun]

A chain saw, is the tool.
If you are just cutting to size, you can get an electric one. This is what I use & it does the job.
Although a recip saw is probably a lot safer, are you using a blade for wood?

 

[geraldthehamster]

A chain saw, is the tool.
If you are just cutting to size, you can get an electric one. This is what I use & it does the job.
Although a recip saw is probably a lot safer, are you using a blade for wood?

Chain saw, definitely. I use a Makita electric one at home, saves annoying the neighbours. A reciprocating saw is horribly slow.

Cheers
Richard

 

[yjones]

Wow - I really dont trust myself with a chainsaw. I had a go with one once and nearly took my hand off!
I think a chainsaw is a bit OTT for what I need it for. I wont be cutting up logs all day, just occasionally - but using a manual saw just takes sooo long, and an maul axe isnt suitable for the sort of random logs/branches Ill be cutting up.
Which bring me back to a recp saw - seems to be a good compromise between a chainsaw and a manual saw. Do you think?
Thanks

 

[geraldthehamster]

No, not for cutting logs. Try an electric chainsaw - they're much lighter and more controllable than petrol chainsaws. And ten times as fast as a reciprocating saw. Buy proper chainsaw trousers and gloves.

Mauls are for splitting, not cutting.

cheers
Richard

 

[yjones]

Thanks. Ive just looked at a couple of videos for the Makita chainsaw. It doesnt look as terrifying as a petrol one.

 

[geraldthehamster]

Thanks. Ive just looked at a couple of videos for the Makita chainsaw. It doesnt look as terrifying as a petrol one.

If you get one, find someone who uses a chainsaw to show you how to keep it sharpened

 

[Diyisfun]

Thanks. Ive just looked at a couple of videos for the Makita chainsaw. It doesnt look as terrifying as a petrol one.

If you get one, find someone who uses a chainsaw to show you how to keep it sharpened

The amount of logs you will be cutting, you won't need to have a blade sharpened for years.
Your hands are safe as they are both on the saw, its things like legs, always cut to the side of you.
If you are cutting small logs as I do, I hold them in a workmate, I made a cradle that is held in the workmate & just drop the logs on to it.

 

[geraldthehamster]

The amount of logs you will be cutting, you won't need to have a blade sharpened for years.

I spent most of yesterday cutting logs, and had to sharpen the chain twice (though to be fair, the first time was because I was too lazy to sharpen it after the last time I used it). It only takes 5 minutes to do it yourself with a file.

Cheers
Richard

 

[big-all]

recip saw will not give you the best results
if the wood has not fully dried it will bind up on the blade and just push the machine away