Earthwise (16") 12-Amp Electric Chain Saw

After deciding that I was sick of repairing gasoline powered chain saws I researched electric chain saws. My only hesitation was that I would be going from an 18 inch saw to a 16 inch saw (the maximum practical size for an electric chain saw).

In the end, I decided that the simplicity of an electric chain saw was worth the slightly smaller chain size. User reviews put the Makita model up there, but then I read some very good user reviews of this much less expensive Earthwise model.

I was unable to actually find one to look at in any store so I took a chance and ordered it from Chain Saws Direct. It arrived in reasonably good time.

The saw was well packed and came fully assembled. After examining it I noticed that there was glue all along the bottom of the chain and it's track. I pried it out of the groove and started bending it back and forth to remove the glue, but then decided to call Earthwise.

I got a person right away that was very helpful and assured me that after I removed the glue and tried the saw, if there was any problem at all they would replace anything I asked for without question including the chain. After I removed the glue with a knife and some flexing the saw has been running fine.

As with all lightweight electric saws, the older style thick chain oil is too thick for the automatic oiler, so one needs to use either #30 Chain oil or SAE 30 Motor oil. Then it works fine.

The adjuster for the chain tension is manual and required no wrenches. It does need to be checked and readjusted periodically. The screw holding the chain tip guard can be removed, but if you leave it in place you will need to grind off the screw tip as soon as you receive the saw because the sharp edge on the screw tip scrapes off the plastic on the inside of the plastic chain sleeve (guard) every time you take it off or put it on.

I recommend the saw highly.

CSD RESPONDS: Please be aware that any modification to the saw may create a safety issue, and may also void your warranty!

After deciding that I was sick of repairing gasoline powered chain saws I researched electric chain saws. My only hesitation was that I would be going from an 18 inch saw to a 16 inch saw (the maximum practical size for an electric chain saw).

In the end, I decided that the simplicity of an electric chain saw was worth the slightly smaller chain size. User reviews put the Makita model up there, but then I read some very good user reviews of this much less expensive Earthwise model.

I was unable to actually find one to look at in any store so I took a chance ... more

Took a few days to ship, but arrived well packed. Saw seems reasonably well made.

There appeared to be what looked like glue all along the bottom of the chain and inside the bottom of the groove in the blade. I called the company and got someone right away. She was very nice and told me to clean it off and if anything didn't work properly they would immediately replace any part of the saw.

I cleaned off the glue and everything worked well. Green adjustment knob is easier to use than the traditional screws and slots for tensioning the chain.

Nice strain relief for the extension cord (use 12-2 extension cord). Use #30 oil for the automatic chain oiler. Thicker won't flow.

The end of screw holding on the tip guard was slicing the plastic off the inside of the plastic chain cover every time I slid it on and off. I ground the tip of the screw to resolve the problem.

Cutting ability was very good.

Bottom line - a real bargain.

Took a few days to ship, but arrived well packed. Saw seems reasonably well made.

There appeared to be what looked like glue all along the bottom of the chain and inside the bottom of the groove in the blade. I called the company and got someone right away. She was very nice and told me to clean it off and if anything didn't work properly they would immediately replace any part of the saw.

I cleaned off the glue and everything worked well. Green adjustment knob is easier to use than the traditional screws and slots for tensioning the chain.

... more