Electric Chainsaw, 16" - WEN 4017

Ive owned and used gas chainsaws for about 40 years, mostly in the backwoods to cut down and slice up dead trees for firewood. Occasionally I have used gas saws around my home to cut up felled trees after a windstorm or limb overgrown trees. I bought a 16 WEN Model 4017 out of curiosity: Are plug-in electric chainsaws useful? Could my wife or grown kids use one? Here are my thoughts after using it just a short while:

If you already own a gas saw, you dont need one of these. If you dont, and have limbs or small trees to cut down and slice up within 100 feet of an electric plug, yes, these are useful. Compared to a gas chainsaw, this electric one is simpler to use and maintain. It is also inexpensive. A decent gas chainsaw with a 16 bar will cost you $200 - $300. This chainsaw cost much less.

Initial assembly and chain adjustment was a snap following the printed instructions. As others have noted, you need to purchase bar oil or 30-SAE oil as it is not included. This is not a big deal as you would have to buy some soon anyway.

It comes with 16 Oregon brand bar and chain. A 16 bar, in my opinion, is a good length for use around the yard. Replacement chains and bars are available. It also comes with a nice-fitting scabbard to cover the sharp chain when not in use.

This WEN cuts well. Not as fast as my more powerful gas Stihl with its 20 bar, but fast enough and with good control. It is a comfortable weight. Fairly light, nicely balanced. Its not intimidating. Unlike a gas chainsaw, this WEN is not variable speed; just full speed or off. I did not find this to be a problem. Nor did I find the lack of a chain brake a problem.

A significant and deciding factor in selecting this particular saw was its amperage. It uses 12 amps. Others use less or more. Less amperage means less power and you need enough to power a 16 bar. However, more than 12 amps requires owning a 12-gauge extension cord. A 12-gauge 100 foot cord costs as much as the chainsaw. Really. This WEN uses 14-gauge for a 100 cord which costs considerably less than 12-gauge and is easier to handle.

Another plus: It is quieter than a gas powered saw. Your neighbors will appreciate this. (There is something about a gas chainsaw the noise and blue smoke that bothers more than a few people.) You can also impress some neighbors by pointing out its low carbon footprint.

A word of caution: Any chainsaw electric or gas - is potentially dangerous. Wear tough work gloves and eye protection. Do not wear loose fitting clothing.