Chainsaw Repair

OH Yeah . . .

It may be obvious, but I should emphasize the distinction that the CS1500 has a built-in sharpening lever for the PowerSharp chain, like their 40 volt battery saw.  This is a bit more convenient than using the bar mounted sharpening cassette (which is still pretty easy).  Oregon likes to point out that these are the only 2 saws with this built-in feature.  I like the PowerSharp chain.  It could be added to any of the other, corded, 3/8 low profile saws, but you would have to add the cost of the start up kit (bar, chain, stone, cassette).

Philbert

Used the CS1500 in some larger wood this past weekend, along with the 40V battery saw.  Both are nice for residential use, due to their simplicity, and low noise.  But the power difference is dramatic!.  I used the battery saw until I felt that I was taxing it a bit, then switched to the corded saw for the larger stuff. 

This is the largest diameter wood that I have cut with this saw, and had no problems with it's performance. This was not a challenge for it; the saw just went about it's business making little pieces of wood out of big ones.

I do encourage people to use a 12 gauge cord with this model, due to its 15A motor.  I took the saw to a GTG a few weeks back (bottom photo), and it was not happy with a low current farm outlet - ended up running it off of a Honda generator for the demonstration.

Philbert

So the corded model is a good bit strong then the battery model.

Yes.  The newer battery saws score higher in convenience and portability.  But a 12-15A corded saw will outperform in power and sustained used (no batteries to charge). Of course, this assumes we are comparing similar quality stuff - there will always be exceptions.

My general rankings to the guy in the home center aisle:

Gas saws: most versatile; most powerful; hardest to start; highest maintenance; mid-range cost to buy.
Electric saws: good within 100' of an outlet; mid-range power; stupid easy to start; lowest maintenance; lowest cost to buy.
Battery saws: most convenient; least powerful; easy to start; low maintenance; highest cost to buy.

Philbert