6 minute read -
Cutting logs for firewood: which saw do you need and how do you do it?
For logs and thick branches, a chainsaw is the fastest and most widely used saw. A cordless chainsaw is enough for cutting firewood from an ordinary garden, while people who cut a lot of thick wood often choose a petrol model. Thinner logs and branches can also be cut with a reciprocating saw fitted with a pruning blade, or with a bow saw.
What will you learn in this article?
- Which saw should you use for logs?
- Why cut your own firewood?
- Protective clothing for chainsaw work
- Cutting logs on a sawhorse
- Cutting a log on the ground without getting stuck
- How to prevent kickback
- Chainsaw maintenance
- How long does firewood need to dry?
- Frequently asked questions about cutting logs for firewood
- In short: cutting logs for firewood
Which saw should you use for logs?
| Saw | Good for | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordless chainsaw | Firewood, logs and thick branches in the garden | Quiet, no exhaust fumes, ready to go instantly | Limited run time per battery |
| Petrol chainsaw | Large amounts of thick wood, woodland work | Plenty of power, refuel and carry on | Heavier, noisier, more maintenance |
| Corded electric chainsaw | Cutting near the house, on a sawhorse | Light, constant power | The cable can get in the way |
| Reciprocating saw with pruning blade | Thin logs and branches | Also useful for demolition work | Slow on thick logs |
| Bow saw (hand saw) | The occasional log or branch | No power or fuel needed | Takes a lot of effort |
For cutting firewood on a sawhorse, a cordless chainsaw is a good choice for most people. The guide bar length determines how thick a log you can cut. As a rule of thumb, choose a bar a few centimetres longer than the logs you usually cut. You will find the bar length and battery platform of a chainsaw in its specifications.
Why cut your own firewood?
Cutting your own firewood is often cheaper than buying split logs, especially if the wood comes from your own garden or a pruning job. You decide how long the logs are and you know exactly how long the wood has been drying. On the other hand, you need a good saw, protective clothing and somewhere to dry the wood.
Protective clothing for chainsaw work
A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. Always wear:
- A helmet with a face visor and ear defenders
- Chainsaw trousers or chaps with cut protection
- Chainsaw boots with cut protection
- Work gloves
- Close-fitting clothing with nothing loose
Chainsaw protective clothing contains long fibres that clog the chain on contact. It only works if the clothing is undamaged and fits properly.
Cutting logs on a sawhorse
Working on a sawhorse is safer and easier on your back than cutting on the ground.
Secure the log
Lay the log firmly on the sawhorse or in a V-support. It must not be able to roll or slide.
Mark the lengths
Mark the length of the logs. Measure your stove or open fire: the logs must fit in comfortably. This is often around 25 to 33 cm.
Start the saw safely
Start the chainsaw on the ground or with the saw held firmly, never by drop-starting it from your hand.
Cut at full speed
Cut at full throttle and let the saw do the work. Do not press down hard.
Use both hands
Hold the saw with both hands, thumbs wrapped around the handles.
Avoid metal and soil
Do not cut into the metal parts of the sawhorse or into the ground. That blunts the chain instantly.
Making a simple V-support
If you do not have a sawhorse, make a support from a section of log. Cut a V-shaped notch about a third deep into a thick round. Lay the log you want to cut in that notch. It sits steady, you do not cut into the ground and you do not have to bend down as far.
Cutting a log on the ground without getting stuck
A long log on the ground bends under its own weight. Cut in the wrong place and the cut pinches closed and traps the chain.
- Stabilise the log with wedges or blocks on both sides so it cannot roll away.
- If possible, put a piece of wood under the log, right next to where you are cutting.
- Cut down from the top to about two thirds of the thickness.
- Roll the log half a turn or cut the last part from the other side, so you do not cut into the ground.
If the saw does get trapped, switch off the engine and free the cut with a wedge. Do not yank the saw.
How to prevent kickback
Kickback happens when the upper tip of the guide bar touches something. The saw then flies up towards you in a fraction of a second.
- Never cut with the tip of the bar.
- Watch out for branches or logs lying behind the cut.
- Stand slightly to one side of the saw, not in line with the bar.
- Do not cut above shoulder height.
- Check that the chain brake works before you start.
Chainsaw maintenance
- Keep the chain sharp. A sharp chain produces coarse chips; fine sawdust means it is blunt. Our guide on how to sharpen a chainsaw chain shows you how.
- Check the chain tension. The chain should sit snugly against the bar but still be easy to pull round by hand with the saw switched off.
- Top up the chain oil before each use. When working outdoors, biodegradable chain oil is a good choice.
- Clean the guide bar and chain brake regularly.
- Take empty oil and fuel containers to your local household waste recycling centre.
How long does firewood need to dry?
Freshly cut wood contains a lot of water. It gives off a lot of smoke and little heat. Split the logs, stack them loosely in a dry, breezy spot with a roof over them and let them season. This usually takes one to two years, depending on the type of wood. Use a moisture meter to check whether the wood is dry enough: firewood should ideally have a moisture content below 20 per cent.
Frequently asked questions about cutting logs for firewood
Is a cordless chainsaw powerful enough for firewood?
For logs and branches from an ordinary garden, usually yes. Pay attention to the bar length and get a spare battery if you want to keep working for longer. If you cut large amounts of thick wood every year, a heavier model may be more practical.
Can I fell a tree myself for firewood?
Check with your local council first, even for a tree in your own garden. The tree may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order or stand in a conservation area. Always have large trees, or trees near houses, roads or cables, felled by a qualified tree surgeon.
Can I cut a log with a circular saw?
A circular saw has a limited cutting depth and is designed for sheet materials and timber, not round logs. A round log can turn and cause the saw to kick back. Use a chainsaw or reciprocating saw for logs.
What length of firewood fits a wood burner?
Measure the inside of the firebox and leave a few centimetres of space. Many stoves take logs of around 25 to 33 cm, but it varies by model. Check your stove's manual as well.
In short: cutting logs for firewood
A cordless chainsaw is the most practical saw for cutting logs into firewood in most gardens; thinner logs can also be cut with a reciprocating saw or bow saw. Work on a sawhorse or V-support, wear full chainsaw protection and never cut with the tip of the bar. Let the split wood season for one to two years before you burn it.