It’s a problem many chainsaw users face, particularly those that live in wet and humid climates. Chainsaws are one of the most powerful chopping tools out there, but can they stand up to cutting wet wood, and all the drawbacks that come with it?
In this article, we’re going to attempt to answer these questions. We’ll take a look at why and how chopping through wet wood is a very different experience to dry wood and explore whether it’s better to use an electric- or gas-powered chainsaw on wet wood. And we’ll also run through some examples of best practices you’ll need to take when cutting through wet wood.
Cutting Through Wet Wood – Challenges
In all honesty, chainsaws are better suited to dry conditions. When you use a chainsaw on dry wood, it’s cutting through material that’s lighter with less density. This results in lesser resistance. You can also generally use a more aggressive style of cutting, and you’ll often get a cleaner cut and your work done a lot quicker.
With wet wood, the actual cutting process remains largely the same. Some people actually believe that cutting wet wood can sometimes be easier, as the moisture acts as a natural lubricant for the chain.
However, due to the higher moisture content, which increases the density and weight, it’s more challenging to cut through wet wood. More density means your chainsaw requires extra power to push the chain through the wood, putting a strain on the engine and potentially leading to a reduction in cutting speed and overall performance.
Another issue is the sawdust. When you chop through dry wood, the sawdust disperses into the air and doesn’t purchase on the chainsaw mechanisms. But with wet wood, that doesn’t happen. As you chop through wet wood, you’ll encounter sawdust that’s heavier and that doesn’t disperse as easily.
Instead, it begins to stick to the chain’s teeth and forms clumps on the drive links preventing the oil from flowing freely on the chain which can negatively affect the lubrication process that is so essential for the chainsaw’s overall cutting performance.
In addition, as the damp sawdust accumulates, it begins to gum up the chain, causing it to bind against the chainsaw bar. This sticky situation can cause the engine to stall, bringing your work to a frustrating halt. Or even worse, it can sometimes result in kickback, putting your safety at risk.
Electric vs Gas Chainsaws – Which is Better?
It’s always a bone of contention when discussing which is better – an electric-powered chainsaw or a gas-powered model. Both have their benefits and their drawbacks, so it’s difficult to come to a definitive answer. That’s also the case when related to cutting through wet wood.
Electric Chainsaws
We’ve discussed how cutting through wet wood requires more power. With this in mind, electric-powered chainsaws are at a disadvantage. They’re not usually as powerful as gas-powered models. So they might not have the necessary capability to cut through the sodden wood.
However, sometimes relying on raw power is the wrong way to go when dealing with wet wood. High-performance gas models might be at risk of kickbacks if they’re used too aggressively. To achieve the best results, you should actually be looking to cut slowly and with a consistent speed, which requires a high level of control on the operator’s part.
With that in mind, an electric model might actually be the better choice. They’re more lightweight, which means the operator doesn’t need to spend as much energy while operating the chainsaw and can maintain that control for longer.
If you’re using an electric (corded) chainsaw, be extremely cautious when working in wet environments. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Ensure that your electrical connections are secure and protected from moisture. If possible, opt for a battery-powered or gas-powered chainsaw when working in wet conditions.
Gas Chainsaws
Gas-powered chainsaws have the capability to cut through wood with moisture resistance. Professional loggers will opt for gas models over electric models every time, as their work is often heavy-duty and time-consuming.
However, with that extra power comes an extra level of risk. Gas-powered chainsaws, with a high rotation speed, can be at higher risk of chain binding when cutting through wet wood. And this can cause a huge amount of kickback if you’re not experienced in dealing with this type of wood.
So, as you can see, both electric and gas models can be used to tackle wet wood. Ultimately, whichever one you go with will depend a lot on the tasks that need to be done, and the operator’s experience level. So keep these two things in mind when deciding which one to opt for.
Does the Type of Wood Make a Difference?
Wet wood will generally be tougher to chop through than dry wood, regardless of the type of tree being cut. However, there are differences between the wood that can be extracted from the various trees around the world.
Softwood
Softwood is much easier to cut through because it’s generally less dense than hardwood. Common examples of softwood trees include pine, spruce, cedars and redwood.
Softwood also has a notable advantage when wet. To avoid excess sawdust from clumping within your chainsaw, you should always look to cut with the grain. And softwoods usually have a uniform grain, making them easier to cut when wet.
Certain softwood varieties, like cedar and redwood, are also surprisingly resistant to moisture, so even when they’re wet, they might not prove to be too difficult to cut through.
Hardwood
In general, hardwoods such as oak, maple, mahogany and teak, are much heavier and more dense than softwoods. So even when dry, you’re going to have to work harder, or use a more powerful chainsaw, to cut through them.
When wet, this problem deepens due to the excess moisture. The wood can also sometimes expand during wet weather and can grip the saw, increasing the risk of chain binding and kickbacks. So all in all, chopping wet hardwoods is not a fun experience.
It’s not all bad news though. Certain hardwoods do share some characteristics with softwoods. Tulip wood, for example, is remarkably lightweight for a hardwood. And its smooth, straight grain makes it easier to cut through than some softwood varieties.
Which Chain is Best for Wet Wood?
All types of chains will be able to get the job done. However, we would recommend using a semi-chisel chain over a full-chisel variety.
This is because a full-chisel chain is designed for full-throttle, aggressive cutting. You would want this chain for heavy-duty, dry wood cutting tasks, as it’ll be able to get through that type of work swiftly.
But this approach is not recommended for wet wood. Aggressive cutting at high rotation speeds increases the chances of severe kickbacks, which are more common with cutting wet wood.
The rounded teeth of a semi-chisel chain are less prone to dulling, and they retain their sharpness much more effectively than full-chisel chains making them more suited to slower, steadier cutting, which is the ideal strategy when cutting through wet, dirty, or abrasive wood.
Tips for Cutting Through Wet Wood
It should be obvious by now that it is possible to use a chainsaw to cut through wet wood. However, it should also be clear that wet wood does present different challenges. And so you should adapt your usual approach. Here are some tips for cutting through wet wood safely and easily:
- When working in wet conditions, the ground and the wood itself can become incredibly slick, posing a significant safety risk. The slippery surfaces increase the likelihood of losing your footing while the chainsaw is still running. It’s always crucial to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating a chainsaw, but it becomes even more critical when adverse weather conditions create a hazardous working environment.
- Carry out thorough pre-maintenance checks. While you should be doing this anyway, it’s even more important when dealing with wet wood. Check the chain lubrication and tension. Check the chain’s sharpness and make sure there are no teeth missing. Make sure your whole chainsaw is clean, clear, and ready to go, as it will pick up a lot of muck and debris while cutting wet wood.
- Take it slower. We’ve touched upon this, but it’s worth reiterating. A slow and steady approach, particularly when handling larger, harder logs, is the best way to go. It reduces the risk of kickbacks and chain binding and allows you to maintain a higher level of control as you work.
- To maintain optimal performance, regularly remove built-up wet sawdust and wood chips from your bar and chain to prevent clogging and to make sure oil can circulate freely and lubricate the chain, reducing friction and wear.
- Reduce your cut depth. Rather than trying to cut through the entire log in one go, focus on smaller, more frequent cuts. This will reduce the risk of chain binding and kickbacks.
- Follow the grain. By doing this, you’re reducing the risk of tear outs occurring as you work. And you also won’t have to use as much power to complete the cuts.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes cutting through wet wood is unavoidable, particularly if you’re a professional or if you have a lot of heavy-duty tasks on. So while we would always recommend cutting in dry conditions wherever possible, you can rest-assured that cutting through wet wood is definitely achievable.
It just needs a slightly different approach. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll quickly find yourself cutting through wet wood with relative ease while maintaining the performance and longevity of your chainsaw.
If you would like some further guidance on making sure your chainsaw remains in peak condition, check out our in-depth guide on how to maintain your chainsaw. Or, if you’re in the market for something new, you can have a look through our various reviews.
