Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw – The Ultimate Guide. Circular chain saw
US4850109A. Adaptor to convert a chain saw to a circular saw. Google Patents
Publication number US4850109A US4850109A US07/169,934 US16993488A US4850109A US 4850109 A US4850109 A US 4850109A US 16993488 A US16993488 A US 16993488A US 4850109 A US4850109 A US 4850109A Authority US United States Prior art keywords opening collar minor washer hub Prior art date 1988-03-18 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Expired. Fee Related Application number US07/169,934 Inventor Michael A. Kerwin Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.) Individual Original Assignee Individual Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 1988-03-18 Filing date 1988-03-18 Publication date 1989-07-25 1988-03-18 Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual 1988-03-18 Priority to US07/169,934 priority Critical patent/US4850109A/en 1988-03-18 Assigned to MACKIN, F. GERALD reassignment MACKIN, F. GERALD ASSIGNMENT OF A PART OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST Assignors: KERWIN, MICHAEL A. 1989-07-25 Application granted granted Critical 1989-07-25 Publication of US4850109A publication Critical patent/US4850109A/en 2008-03-18 Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical Status Expired. Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Links
- 241000763859 Dyckia brevifolia Species 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
Images
Classifications
- B — PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27 — WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27B — SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- B27B5/00 — Sawing machines working with circular or cylindrical saw blades; Components or equipment therefor
- B27B5/29 — Details; Component parts; Accessories
- B27B5/30 — Details; Component parts; Accessories for mounting or securing saw blades or saw spindles
- B27B5/32 — Devices for securing circular saw blades to the saw spindle
- B — PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27 — WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27B — SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- B27B17/00 — Chain saws; Equipment therefor
- B27B17/0016 — Devices to adapt the chain saw for other purposes, e.g. drilling
- F — MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16 — ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B — DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS, WEDGES, JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2200/00 — Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
- F16B2200/40 — Clamping arrangements where clamping parts are received in recesses of elements to be connected
- F16B2200/403 — Threaded clamping parts
- Y — GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10 — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00 — Joints and connections
- Y10T403/12 — Selectively assembled, e.g., convertible, etc.
Clever Tool Use You Wouldn’t Expect #shorts
- Y — GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10 — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00 — Cutting
- Y10T83/929 — Tool or tool with support
- Y10T83/9372 — Rotatable type
- Y10T83/9377 — Mounting of tool about rod-type shaft
- Y10T83/9379 — At end of shaft
Abstract
An adaptor for converting a chain saw into a circular saw by means of a collar secured to both the clutch housing and the hub of the existing chain saw, the collar being held by a washer and a nut from the chain saw, said collar being cylindrical with a concentric opening through it, the concentric opening having a smaller diameter for a minor portion of the length of the collar and a larger diameter for a major portion of the length of the collar, the portion of the opening with a larger diameter being threaded and portion of the opening having a smaller diameter being ribbed, the adaptor further including a shaft extension plug threaded into the threaded opening of the collar, the shaft extension plug having a face plate and a concentric threaded shaft which extends concentrically from the face plate, for mounting a circular saw blade with a nut being threaded on the concentric shaft to hold the circular saw blade.
Description
Both circular saws and chain saws are well known. Most circular saws are electric-powered and comparatively light in duty while chain saws run a wide-duty range from light-duty, electrically-powered chain saws to heavy-duty gasoline-powered, chain saws. Thus, electrically-powered circular saws are readily available. However heavy-duty, gas-powered circular saws, although some have been commercially available in the past, are not readily available. In various types of work, particularly the cutting of stone in quarries, the use of a portable, gasoline-powered circular saw is required. It is highly advantageous to be able to produce an inexpensive heavy-duty circular saw at a modest cost by converting a gas-powered chain saw already owned by the user.
In accordance with this invention, an adaptor is provided to convert a heavy-duty, gasoline-powered chain saw into a circular saw both quickly and easily by the mere removal of the chain, chain bar and chain sprocket from the chain saw and the addition of a few easily-installed parts to the chain saw to permit the mounting of a circular saw blade.
In accordance with this invention, an adaptor is mounted on the existing clutch housing and existing hub of a chain saw. The clutch housing and the hub of the chain saw are mounted on the original shaft of the chain saw. A collar, which is cylindrical and has a concentric interior opening, with a smaller diameter at one end and a larger diameter at the other end is mounted on the clutch housing and hub. The smaller diameter opening is mounted about the hub and against the clutch housing. The large diameter opening is threaded internally. A washer is placed against an interior face which results from the juncture of the large diameter opening and the smaller diameter opening. The original nut supplied with the chain saw is affixed to the original chain saw shaft after the collar and washer is placed over the original shaft and the original nut is threaded onto the original shaft of the chain saw. A shaft extension member is threaded into the larger internal opening. The shaft extension member includes a plug member which engages the threaded opening of the collar and an extended shaft with a male thread extending concentrically from a face plate. A circular saw blade is placed on the circular saw shaft and against the face plate and held in place by a circular saw nut which is threaded onto the extended shaft.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the adaptor showing the original shaft of the chain saw and with the circular saw blade shown in silhouette.
Circular Saw Chain Saw! #circularsaw #chainsaw #toolsofthetrade
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the adaptor in cross section along its longitudinal axis and the existing hub and clutch also shown and with the shaft of the chain saw shown taken off.
When converting a chain saw in use in accordance with this invention, a chain bar (not shown) and a chain (not shown) as well as the chain sprocket (not shown) must be removed. The chain sprocket (not shown) is held in place against a hub 11, which is part of the original chain saw, by a means of nut 13, which is threaded on an original drive shaft 15 of the chain saw. The original nut 13 is reused when the chain saw is modified into a circular saw in accordance with this invention.
The chain saw, as purchased, is equipped with a clutch 17 so that, should the chain (not shown) bind, the engine (not shown) powering the chain saw, can continue to operate without damage to itself, even though the chain is rigidly held absolutely motionless. The hub 11 is rigidly secured to the clutch 17. When the chain saw is modified in accordance with this invention, the clutch 17 as originally provided with the chain saw, is left in place and serves the same purpose in the event the circular saw blade binds.
The original drive shaft 15 of the chain saw extends from the clutch 17. The hub 11 which is also part of the chain saw as manufactured and is rigidly mounted on the clutch 17. The hub 11 is cylindrical, having a diameter of approximately one to two times that of the original drive shaft 15.
The adaptor, in accordance with this invention, includes a collar 21 which is also cylindrical with an internal concentric opening 22 extending through it. The collar 21 has an inside end 23 which engages the hub and an outside end 25 remote from the hub 11. The internal concentric opening of the collar 21 has a minor or smaller diameter portion which extends for a minor portion of the length of the collar 21 at the inside end 23, and a major or larger diameter which extends for a major portion of the collar at the opposite end which is an outside end 25. The inside end 23 and the outside end 25 are both flat surfaces parallel to one another and at right angles to the major axis of the collar 21. The minor portion 27 extends for approximately one-third the length of the collar 21 and the major portion 29 extends for approximately the other two-thirds of the length of the collar 21 as can be best seen in FIG. 2. The major portion 29 has an internal thread 31 extending to the outside end 25 of the collar 21. The length of the minor portion 27 of the collar is just slightly more than the thickness of the hub 11 so as to assure that the inside end of the collar is pressed against the clutch. The major diameter of the major portion 29 and the minor diameter of the minor portion 27 are both constant. An internal face 33 which is parallel with the two outside ends 25 is located at the point where the major portion 29 end and the minor portion 27 meet. The internal face 33 results from the difference in diameter of the major portion 29 and the minor portion 27. The length of the collar 21 is slightly longer than the length of the original drive shaft 15, including the hub 11, which is from the clutch to the end of the original drive shaft 15. The collar has an outside diameter 34 which is constant.
Even though the original drive shaft 15 of the chain saw extends a distance less than the overall length of the collar 21, the original drive shaft 15 has a length greater than the length of the minor portion 27 of the collar 21. The minor portion 27 of the collar 21 is placed over the hub 11 of the chain saw and the minor diameter of the minor portion 27 of the collar 21 is sized to fit over the hub 11. The hub 11 of the chain saw usually has ribs 35 equally spaced about the circumference of the hub 11. The ribs 35 are aligned with the axis of the original drive shaft 15 the minor portion 27 of the collar 21 has interior grooves 37 adapted to receive the ribs 35 of the hub 11.
By entering the outside end 25 of the collar 21, a washer 39 is placed over the original drive shaft 15 and is held against the internal face 33 by threading the original nut back on the original drive shaft 15.
The washer 39 having a concentric center opening 41 is designed specifically to hold the inside end 23 of the collar 21 against the clutch 17, and has a diameter greater that the minor diameter of the minor portion 27 of the collar 21 but smaller than the diameter of the major portion 29 of the collar 21. The washer 39 also has an inside surface 43 which is placed toward the hub and an opposite side or outside surface 45 which faces away from the hub 11. To assure that the washer 39 presses against the internal face 33, the inside surface 43 of the washer 39 has a concentric annular groove 47 of rectangular crosssection and of substantially equal depth extending from near the outer edge to near the concentric center opening 41. As a result, an inner circular lip 49 and an outer circular lip 51 are formed. The outer circular lip 51 presses against the internal face 33 of the collar 21 and the inner circular lip 49 presses against the hub 11, thus assuring that the collar 21 is held securely in place.
The shaft extension member 53 includes a plug member 55, a face plate 57 and an extended shaft 59. The plug member 55 has a male or outer thread 61 adapted to engage the internal thread 31 of the major portion 29 of the collar 21. The plug member has a hollow exterior 56. A right-handed thread is preferred between the plug member 55 and the major portion 29 of the collar 21.
The face plate 57 is a circular disc with two sides, namely an interior side 63 and an exterior side 65. The interior side 63 of the face plate 57 and the plug member 55 are concentrically mounted on one another. The diameter of the face plate 57 is substantially the same as the diameter of the collar 21. The extended shaft 59 extends from the center of the exterior side 65 of the face plate 57 which is the opposite side of the face plate 57 from the plug member 55. The extended shaft 59 has an external or male thread 67. The extended shaft and the original shaft 59 and the plug member 55 have a common longitudinal axis.
The circular saw blade is mounted on the extended shaft 59. An extra nut 69 is threaded onto the external thread 67 of the extended shaft 59 to hold a circular saw blade 71 against the face plate 57. The extended shaft 59 and extra nut 67 are also preferably right-handed.
Flats 73 are located on the collar 21 and flats 75 are located in the face plate 57 to permit the use of open-end wrenches.
While a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is understood that this invention has been described by way of illustration rather than limitation.
Claims ( 10 )
An adaptor for converting a chain saw to a circular saw with a circular saw blade, said chain saw having a clutch with an original drive shaft with an original nut mounted thereon, said original drive shaft extending from the clutch and having a hub rigidly mounted on said clutch, said adaptor comprising:
a collar having a cylindrical shape and adapted for mounting on said hub and having an inner end and an outer end and a concentric opening extending from the inner end to the outer end, the opening at the inner end being a minor opening and the opening at the outside end being a major opening, the minor opening extending a minor portion of the length of the cylindrical member and having a smaller diameter than the opening in the major portion which extends a major portion of the length of the cylindrical member, the major portion and the minor portion being contiguous to one another and forming an interior face which is parallel to the outside end and the inside end, the major opening having an interior thread extending from the outside end to the interior face, the minor opening being adapted to engage the hub of the chain saw;
a washer with a concentric central opening therein and having an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the minor portion of the cylindrical member and smaller than the diameter of the opening in the major portion of the cylindrical member, said washer having an inside surface and an outside surface, said washer being mounted on the drive shaft and against the hub and the interior face of the collar; said original nut engaging the washer and forcing the washer firmly against the interior surface of the collar;
a shaft extension member including a plug member having a cylindrical portion with an exterior thread adapted to engage the interior thread of the opening in the major portion of the collar and a face plate which is circular and which is concentrically secured to the plug member, said shaft extension member further including an extended shaft mounted concentrically on the opposite side of said face plate from said plug member said extended shaft being threaded; and
an extra nut for threadably engaging said extended shaft for holding the circular saw blade against the face plate.
An adaptor, according to claim 1, wherein the length of the minor portion of the collar is approximately one-third of the length of the collar.
An adaptor for converting a chain saw to a circular saw with a circular saw blade, said chain saw having a clutch with an original drive shaft with an original nut mounted thereon, said original drive shaft extending from the clutch and having a hub mounted on said original drive shaft adjacent said clutch, said adaptor comprising:
a collar having a cylindrical shape and adapted for mounting on said hub and having an inner end and an outer end and a concentric opening extending from the inner end to the outer end, the opening at the inner end being a minor opening and the opening at the outside end being a major opening, the minor opening extending a minor portion of the length of the collar and having a smaller diameter than the opening in the major portion which extends a major portion of the length of the collar;
a washer with a concentric central opening therein and having an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the minor portion of the cylindrical member and smaller than the diameter of the opening in the major portion of the collar said washer being mounted on the drive shaft and against the hub and the interior surface of the collar, said original nut engaging the washer and forcing the washer firmly against the interior surface of the collar;
a shaft extension member including a plug member having a cylindrical portion adapted to engage the opening in the major portion of the collar and a face plate which is circular and which is concentrically secured to the plug member, said shaft extension member further including an extended shaft mounted concentrically on the opposite side of said face plate from said plug member said extended shaft being threaded; and
an extra nut for threadably engaging said extended shaft and holng the circular saw blade against the face plate.
An adaptor according to claim 3 wherein the major portion and the minor portion of the collar are contiguous to one another and forming an interior face which is parallel to the outside end and the inside end of the collar.
An adaptor according to claim 3 wherein the washer has an inside surface and an outside surface and has an annular groove with a rectangular cross section on the inside surface.
An adaptor for converting a chain saw to a circular saw with a circular saw blade, said chain saw having a clutch with an original drive shaft with an original nut mounted thereon, said original shaft extending from the clutch and having a hub mounted on said original drive shaft adjacent to said clutch, said hub having a ribbed circumference, said adaptor comprising:
a collar having a cylindrical shape and adapted for mounting on said hub and having an inner end and an outer end and a concentric opening extending from the inner end to the outer end, the opening at the inner end being a minor opening and the opening at the outside end being a major opening, the minor opening extending a minor portion of the length of the cylindrical member and having a smaller diameter than the opening in the major portion which extends a major portion of the length of the cylindrical member, the major portion and the minor portion being contiguous to one another and forming an interior face which is parallel to the outside end and the inside end, the major opening having an interior thread extending from the outside end, to the interior face, the minor opening having grooves extending longitudinally from the inner end to the interior face and being adapted to engage the ribbed circumference of the hub of the chain saw;
a washer with a concentric central opening therein and having an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the minor portion of the cylindrical member and smaller than the diameter of the opening in the major portion of the cylindrical member, said washer having an inside surface and an outside surface and having an annular groove with a rectangular cross-section in the inside surface, said washer being mounted on the drive shaft and against the hub and the interior surface of the cylindrical member, said original nut engaging the washer and forcing the washer firmly against the interior surface of the collar;
a shaft extension member including a plug member having a cylindrical portion adapted to engage the opening in the major portion of the collar and a face plate which is circular and which is concentrically secured to the plug member, said shaft extension member further including an extended shaft mounted concentrically on the opposite side of said face plate from said plug member said extended shaft being threaded; and
an extra nut for threadably engaging said extended shaft and holding the circular saw blade against the face plate.
An adaptor, according to claim 6, wherein the length of the minor portion of the collar is approximately one-third the length of the collar.
An adaptor according to claim 6 wherein the face plate has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the collar.
the length of the minor portion of the collar is approximately one-third the length of the collar; and
US07/169,934 1988-03-18 1988-03-18 Adaptor to convert a chain saw to a circular saw Expired. Fee Related US4850109A ( en )
Priority Applications (1)
| US07/169,934 US4850109A ( en ) | 1988-03-18 | 1988-03-18 | Adaptor to convert a chain saw to a circular saw |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| US07/169,934 US4850109A ( en ) | 1988-03-18 | 1988-03-18 | Adaptor to convert a chain saw to a circular saw |
Family Applications (1)
| US07/169,934 Expired. Fee Related US4850109A ( en ) | 1988-03-18 | 1988-03-18 | Adaptor to convert a chain saw to a circular saw |
Cited By (10)
| US5366312A ( en ) | 1993-08-18 | 1994-11-22 | Surgiquip, Inc. | Surgical saw blade attachment assembly |
| US5787769A ( en ) | 1992-07-04 | 1998-08-04 | Black Decker Inc. | Tool mounting means and implement therefor |
| US6036452A ( en ) | 1998-05-07 | 2000-03-14 | Huang; Tsung-Jen | Device for coupling a short-axle type motor with a pump |
| US6260274B1 ( en ) | 1999-08-24 | 2001-07-17 | Daniel S. Kane | Gasoline-powered circular saw |
| US6701629B2 ( en ) | 2000-04-11 | 2004-03-09 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Machine tool holding device for a circular saw blade |
| US6813837B1 ( en ) | 2003-06-02 | 2004-11-09 | Lung-Hui Chen | Bi-directional rotation pneumatic cutting machine |
| US20080280547A1 ( en ) | 2007-05-02 | 2008-11-13 | Thomas Blatz | Power tool with output shaft |
| US7866242B1 ( en ) | 2002-04-19 | 2011-01-11 | Harris K Michael | Noise dampener hub assembly for a circular saw |
| US20110227300A1 ( en ) | 2010-03-19 | 2011-09-22 | Chervon Limited | Adapter for multifunctional tool |
| US9815220B2 ( en ) | 2015-05-27 | 2017-11-14 | Dane Curtis Madson | Multi-function adjustable chainsaw |
Patent Citations (4)
| US1797296A ( en ) | 1924-05-05 | 1931-03-24 | United Shoe Machinery Corp | Cutter holder |
| US3371691A ( en ) | 1965-10-23 | 1968-03-05 | Calvin C. Ehinger | Adaptor for powered rotary hand saws |
| US4121336A ( en ) | 1977-01-21 | 1978-10-24 | Loyd Ellis R | Combination power saw and chain saw and adapter |
| US4343214A ( en ) | 1979-10-12 | 1982-08-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Arrangement for fastening a circular saw blade on a trunnion axially projecting from a drive shaft |
Cited By (13)
| US5787769A ( en ) | 1992-07-04 | 1998-08-04 | Black Decker Inc. | Tool mounting means and implement therefor |
| US5366312A ( en ) | 1993-08-18 | 1994-11-22 | Surgiquip, Inc. | Surgical saw blade attachment assembly |
| US6036452A ( en ) | 1998-05-07 | 2000-03-14 | Huang; Tsung-Jen | Device for coupling a short-axle type motor with a pump |
| US6260274B1 ( en ) | 1999-08-24 | 2001-07-17 | Daniel S. Kane | Gasoline-powered circular saw |
| US6701629B2 ( en ) | 2000-04-11 | 2004-03-09 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Machine tool holding device for a circular saw blade |
| US7866242B1 ( en ) | 2002-04-19 | 2011-01-11 | Harris K Michael | Noise dampener hub assembly for a circular saw |
| US20040237316A1 ( en ) | 2003-06-02 | 2004-12-02 | Lung-Hui Chen | Bi-directional rotation pneumatic cutting machine |
| US6813837B1 ( en ) | 2003-06-02 | 2004-11-09 | Lung-Hui Chen | Bi-directional rotation pneumatic cutting machine |
| US20080280547A1 ( en ) | 2007-05-02 | 2008-11-13 | Thomas Blatz | Power tool with output shaft |
| US7905767B2 ( en ) | 2007-05-02 | 2011-03-15 | Hilti Aktiengesellschaft | Power tool with output shaft |
| DE102007000252B4 ( en ) | 2007-05-02 | 2022-02-17 | Hilti Aktiengesellschaft | Tool device with an output shaft |
| US20110227300A1 ( en ) | 2010-03-19 | 2011-09-22 | Chervon Limited | Adapter for multifunctional tool |
| US9815220B2 ( en ) | 2015-05-27 | 2017-11-14 | Dane Curtis Madson | Multi-function adjustable chainsaw |
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Legal Events
Owner name: MACKIN, F. GERALD, 29 LEONARD STREET, P.O. BOX 639
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF A PART OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KERWIN, MICHAEL A.;REEL/FRAME:004878/0110
Effective date: 19880114
Owner name: MACKIN, F. GERALD, NEW YORK
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF A PART OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KERWIN, MICHAEL A.;REEL/FRAME:004878/0110
Effective date: 19880114
Effective date: 19930725
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362
Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw – The Ultimate Guide
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If you have to choose between a chainsaw and a circular saw, what is the best choice? This is a common question that pops up, and you have probably gotten different answers. To help you make the right decision, this post will point out the differences between the two and where they work best. This way you can make an informed choice.
Chainsaws are used to cut trees, tree limbs and logs. Circular saws are designed for lumber and wood boards that have been pre-cut to size, such as plywood. Chainsaw cuts are large and rough, while circular saws produce smaller, cleaner cuts.
Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw
Both of these are saws, but the function and design are different. It does not make one superior over the other, just that a chainsaw is more suited for certain tasks better than a circular saw and vice versa. They both have pros and cons as well. Below you will see the major points of comparison.
| Chainsaw | Circular Saw | |
| What it is for | Trees, logs, branches of various sizes | Lumber, boards, wooden planks |
| Cutting speed | Slow | Fast |
| Cutting capacity | Large | Small |
| Cutting power | High | Less powerful |
| Finished cut | Rough | Fine |
| Accuracy | Low | High |
| Power source | Gas, electric, battery | Electric |
| Maintenance need | High | Low |
| Cost of purchase | Lower | Higher |
| Portability | Heavy | Light |
The table is meant to give you an overview of the major differences between each one. For a detailed comparison, there is additional information provided. We will FOCUS on the differences in design, functionality, application and maintenance.
In terms of what to actually use, when it comes to chainsaws we prefer the Proyama 62CC 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw. it cuts cleans, is efficient and its anti-vibration system works as advertised.
Now if you prefer a circular saw, we highly recommend the 15A Skil as it delivers a lot of power and with lots of good safety features too.
Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw: Design
Chainsaw. A chainsaw has a 16-20 inch bar, and around it is a moving chain. The chain has sharp ends and serves as the blade. When you turn a chainsaw on, the chain rotates rapidly and is what is used for cutting.
Chainsaws come in two types: gas and electric. A gas chainsaw is usually powered by a 2-stroke engine and needs a mixture of oil and gas. These are the most powerful chainsaws available.
An electric chainsaw runs on an electric motor. There are two kinds of electric chainsaws, corded and cordless. A cordless chainsaw runs on a rechargeable battery. Once the battery is charged you can use the chainsaw.
Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw: Maintenance
Chainsaw. Chainsaws are high maintenance tools. You have to refuel it every 30 days. If there is still gas left in the tank, you have to dispose of it. Old fuel turns into a thick sludge and can clog the engine. Another thing to remember is that you must not let chainsaws run out of gas, as it can be problematic.
You also have to lubricate regularly for optimum performance. The air filter has to be cleaned after every 10 hours of use. The spark plug, carburetor, fuel line, clutch cover and bar have to be cleaned regularly.
The chains need regular sharpening. You have to keep an eye out for missing teeth, broken rivets and cracks. Also the fuel tank could leak and needs attention. The other parts like the muffler, starter cord, chain brake etc. all need maintenance.
Circular saw. Very little maintenance is needed. It does not need lubrication and the blade rarely requires sharpening. About the only thing you have to do is make sure the cord has not frayed or worn out.
Disadvantages of a Chainsaw
Disadvantages of a Circular Saw
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History of the Circular Saw
Today we’d like to pay some well-earned honor to one of the most important inventions in our industry (particularly the lumber-processing part of it): the circular saw. Like many products of the industrial revolution, the history of the circular saw is a story founded on legend as much as fact — both of which are equally as interesting.
What Is A Circular Saw?
The circular saw is perhaps the most commonly used saw today, used extensively in both professional construction projects and DIY home improvement. This power tool uses a round metal blade edged with sharp teeth to cut an array of material such as woods, metals, cement block, brick, fiberglass, plastics and slate.
The blade in a circular saw spins around mechanically to provide a clean cut to the material and can either mount to a table or be used in left-handed or right-handed handheld equipment. Various blades are used to cut different types of material most effectively.
Using a circular saw is quick and effective. Simply adjust the saw for the proper height and depth, line it up to where you want to make a cut and push it with enough force to glide it across the material but without pushing too hard. This ease of use is what has made the circular saw popular in numerous applications since its invention in the 1700s.
Inventing the Circular Saw: A Brief History
It’s commonly told that Samuel Miller was awarded British Patent #1152 in 1777 for what is considered the first circular saw machine. Some assert that the wording in his patent indicates the circular blade itself was in common use by that time — it was the sawing machine itself that Miller had invented.
As with many inventions, accounts of the circular saw’s early history are conflicting. Some evidence shows that Gervinus of Germany built something similar in 1780, while others claim it was the Dutch who invented the device some hundred or so years earlier.
A little while later, we hear about a man named Walter Taylor who supplied the Royal Navy with high-quality rigging blocks into the early 19th century. Taylor was responsible for a variety of patents centered on wood processing, although none on the machine itself. But, history has proven he used circular saw blades in his mills.
Like many inventions of the time, the circular saw was a concept developed similarly and independently throughout parts of the developing world. All these stories of the circular saw’s rise in Europe seem completely separate from its emergence in America — or, at least, from American legends.
In the U.S. — more specifically in Harvard, Massachusetts — a Shaker woman named Tabitha Babbitt is said to have also invented a circular saw entirely of her own volition and design in 1810. As legend has it, she got the idea while watching two Shaker men struggling with a pit saw. At the time, these saws could only cut in one direction, making ripping logs a horribly tedious task.
The lumbermen would waste half their energy moving their saw back and forth, only cutting on the forward stroke. Babbitt noticed the inefficiency of this method and set out to make a saw that would waste less time and effort. She created a notched tin disk and rigged it to spin with the pedal push of her spinning wheel. With this simple invention, wood could be cut with a fraction of the time and effort it took using the old pit saw.
Her basic idea was used to create a much larger device for use in the sawmill, and the circle saw quickly caught on as the wood processing tool of choice. While Babbitt’s design was similar to Miller’s or Taylor’s, hers appeared to be much larger and more useful on a larger scale — modifications which differentiated her design from the rest.
The Spinning Wheel’s Influence
The spinning wheel was an early machine used to transform natural fibers into spinning thread or yarn. It was composed of a drive wheel, table, treadle and legs as well as parts that held the fibers. A weaver by trade, Babbitt noticed that the drive wheel spun in a continual circular motion and didn’t need to be continually reset like the inefficient pit saw. By carving a circular saw blade and attaching it to her spinning wheel, every movement of the disk made a cut.
As a Shaker, Babbitt’s religious beliefs prevented her from receiving a patent. While members of the religion were widely admired for their inventiveness and hard work, they believed in sharing ideas freely and leaving their inventions unpatented. But, fortunately, history has remembered her yet.
When attached to a table, the circular saw acts much like the wheel on a spinning wheel, paying homage to Babbitt’s original prototype. Both the saw and its alleged ancestor work in a continual circular motion to produce consistent results without the need to stop and reposition the machine.
Early Versions and Evolution
As with the spinning wheel, early prototypes of the circular table saw were powered by a treadle — a pump on the floor that was pushed by foot to make the saw spin. Saws during this time were not mechanical, nor were they portable. These early models of the circular saw table were used in America throughout the 1800s.
In 1922, the first circular saw attached to a radial arm was created by Raymond DeWALT, allowing for greater control of cutting depth and direction than ever before. However, it wasn’t until 1929 that inventor Art Emmons created the first handheld circular saw.
Emmons’ helical-drive saw featured an electronic motor that was lightweight enough for easy portability. This design became the basis for all portable circular saws used today and remains the most widely used circular saw design.
Since then, both portable and table circular saws have continued to evolve in technological advances. Today’s portable circular saws use a lightweight universal motor that can run off either AC or DC electric power, while table saws typically feature a heavier induction motor.
Safety advances like springs and feeder wheels have been added to prevent users from getting their fingers too close to the blade. Some advanced saws can even sense a change in electric current when a hand comes near the blade and will switch off automatically, making these modern saws safer than ever.
The Circular Saw Today
Since its invention, the circular saw has been used in numerous commercial and personal applications. Small handheld saws can be used for household or construction projects, while larger versions of the table circular saw and blade can cut with extreme precision in sawmills, lumber yards and timber processing. Many novices and professionals alike enjoy the circular saw for its enhanced versatility, as it can easily cut both wood and harder materials like plastic and stone. On wood, the saw is used to crosscut, rip and make angle cuts.
When the York Saw Works started in 1906, our FOCUS included machine knives, but it was saw blades that took the lead in popularity. It makes sense, though. In addition to its history of woodcrafts industrial ingenuity, Pennsylvania was a timber industry powerhouse at the turn of the last century. Indeed, this was true of much of the Northeastern US at the time. Without the keen eye and inventive contributions of people like Samuel Miller or Tabitha Babbitt, who knows where we’d be today?
From the invention of Miller’s first circular saw machine and the legend of Babbitt’s spinning wheel saw to the versatility of DeWALT’s radial arm attachment and Emmons’ handheld invention, the circular saw has a long and fascinating history. We hope we’ve given you a greater appreciation of this rich and versatile tool.
To learn more about the history of the circular saw, check out the resources below. Contact us today for additional questions or order your circular saw blades online!
What Is The Best 10 1/4 inch Circular Saw
If I could only have one saw in my tool box for timber framing, it would be the best 10 ¼ inch Circular Saw. They can can typically cut 8x timbers in 2 cuts and 4x material in a single pass, which allows you to cut 90 percent of the timbers that will come through a typical shop. If you are cutting a lot of 6x material then getting a 16″ saw may be something to consider, but I would still have one of these saws in my quiver.
With all of these saws, what we’re talking about is a commercial-grade tool. We can expect them to perform well, and they are meant to handle the hard work of cutting a timber frame. No matter which one you choose, you will have a solid partner for years to come.
Power: Don’t confuse a tool’s AMPs with its power. A saw’s power comes from horsepower and torque. In other words, the ability to handle dense or wet material without binding up.
Style: There are two basic styles of circular saws — Sidewinders and Worms. Sidewinders have motors directly to the right of the blade and are designed to generate higher RPM. Worms have the motors set back and generally produce lower RPM but higher torque. Worms also have a clearer sight-line by design and are my pick in this line-up with the Big Foot pictured below.
Big Foot SBFX BF 15 Amp 10-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
The motto of this Big Foot is: “Made by a framer for framers.” That says it all. The Big Foot is a serious worm saw created to perfectly cut timbers and things such as 4x posts and gang cutting 2×4’s. It has a 3 ¾-inch depth at 90 degrees, has tremendous sight lines for precision use, and the front handle also adjusts to suit righties or lefties. That makes it a one-shot cutting tool that eliminates the need to use finishing tools.
The worm design gives it major torque strength to handle wet material and long rip cuts. When working with timber, Big Foot hardly takes notice of knots or impediments. The one negative to be thoughtful of is that the shoe can be a tad narrow. There are no significant bells and whistles such as lights and dust blowers. The Big Foot has the no frills look of a tool that is all about getting down to business. It’s clearly a top pick dream in terms of speed, power, and ability. A DIY homeowner may take a liking to it as well. At about 20 pounds, Big Foot is an awe-inspiring two-handed, get-it-done saw.
I have always enjoyed my Big Foot Saw. It is on the upper end as far as cost and it has a narrow base, but it has always been a joy to use.
Makita 5104 14 Amp 10-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
This large cutting capacity sidewinder can reach depths of 3 ¾ inches at 90 degrees, which allows users to easily cut into some timbers. At 45 degrees, the Makita 5104 has a cutting capacity of 2 ¾ inches. This 18-plus pound, heavy duty saw sports 3,800 RPM and delivers enough power to handle being in the professional framer’s quiver. The ball and needle bearing manufacturing is designed to reduce friction and stress. The two handles follow the standard, straight line that you expect from most sidewinders.
It only uses 14 AMPs but has a reputation for large capacity cutting. Safety features include an electric brake, a locking button and a substantial ejection point to discard dust. Its shaft-locking feature stops the blade from moving when removed from material.
This Makita can be handled by beginners and veteran timber framers alike. This sidewinder gets high marks from online user reviews. It is a high-quality product utilizing strong components that are meant to last. The true value of this tool may be its blend of power and durability.
Milwaukee 6470-21 15 Amp 10-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
The Milwaukee 6470 model produces a high 5,200 RPM at 15 AMPs with a top-end horsepower of 3.1. It reaches a nice 3 13/16 inches cutting capacity at 90 degrees. That comes in slightly deeper than some other tools in its class. At 45 degrees, this big capacity saw also manages 2 3/4 inches and is relatively light weight for a 10 1/4-inch sidewinder at just under 18 pounds.
This Milwaukee enjoys some of the perks such as an electric brake, aluminum shoe and 12-foot double-insulated power cord. Both commercial workers and DIY folks like the safety that the electric brake provides. It stops the blade within seconds of taking your finger off the trigger.
Beyond safety and frills, this tool shows excellent power when cutting through timbers and is a job site darling because of its relative light weight. At under 18 pounds, you may not spend an hour doing overhead work, but a few cuts can be manageable. Users find the saw’s ability to push through tough or wet material notable. Also, its large shoe and wide front handle work together for excellent stability.
Overall, this Milwaukee gets high marks for its power and Smart design. It’s a tool that both professional framers and DIY homeowners can productively utilize.
Skilsaw SPT70WM-22 Skilsaw 10-1/4” Circular Saw
Nicknamed “Sasquatch,” this worm gets up to 4,600 RPM and has a cutting capacity of 3 11/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 3/4 inches at 45 degrees. These numbers are a tad lower than Big Foot, also a worm drive, and the Milwaukee 6470 sidewinder. The depth pushes the practical limits of its usefulness in terms of two-cutting an 8x timber.
This lightweight worm can tackle 4x cleanly and is easy to move around at only 16.5 pounds. It employs a magnesium-housed, 15 AMP, dual field motor designed to be long lasting and durable. The motor keeps an eye toward cooling ability, which can reduce the chances of the tool getting hot from continued use. The overall design tends to be well-balanced and sleek. It enjoys excellent worm-design sight lines but has a standard right-handed front handle. It also has a relatively slim shoe.
The product and nickname appear to be making a run at Big Foot. The difference between Sasquatch and Big Foot may be that this Skilsaw model angles toward the DIY crowd more than pro framers with its lightweight and slightly lower cutting capacity. Also, watch out for the short cord length. at 8′ it will give you some problems from time to time. I would buy a long cord and replace it right off the bat.
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27 thoughts on “What Is The Best 10 1/4 inch Circular Saw”
I am glad to see Skil saw back in the 10 1/4 saw market.I do have the super sawsquatch and am very impressed.I doubt my Makita and Ryobi 16s will see the light of day again.As for the Milwaukee 10 1/4 I have had several and found they do not hold up very well under heavy use.Same for the Makitas although I have the older steel case models.I would stick with the worm drive the best saw design ever made.
I agree the worm drill is more durable in the long run than a direct drive, we have a review coming out soon on both models of the Sawsquatch saws.
As a master commercial carpenter 35 years ,im the carpenter that’s caled upon when no one els has the Balls to take on big jobs ,,with experience in timber framing and concrete forming. we have used worm drive skill saws. ,in every type of enviorement. rain ,mud snow sub Zero and extream temps. mostly 71/4. This is a hi quality tool ,that is reliable and gets the job done. These worm drive saws. were used on projects I ran. Freedom Tower foundation. World Trade Center Memorial Pools. billion dollar projects. I do not work for Skill but this is the saw of my choice. I stake my reputation on these saws. thanks Skill
Hey Brice, Excellent review of 10-1/4 inch circular saws. Like other professional carpenters, Skil has owned my heart as well. I completely agree with what Paul said here. And I would love to try their new products at any time.
To say that Skil is for the DIY crowd is like saying that my grandma drives a Peterbilt. Skil is the original and still the best when it comes to worm drive saws of any sort. If it was good enough for Larry Huan then it’s good enough for me. Richard Shea Cold Spring NY
I bought the Big Foot saw recently because I was convinced by this article. Before now I had done most of my cutting with a company owned Makita 5104 and loved it but was convinced by this article that the Big Foot was a better saw. So far I have been very disappointed. It is obvious to me that this is just a kit put on a Skil spt77 motor, not a ground up designed 10 1/4 saw like the 5104. For example, the motor casing is wider than the table on this saw, so when doing rip cuts with a guide any taller than 3/8″ the motor will bind on the guide and you will burn your wood or bind your blade. Further, there is no saw dust port on the blade casing. The dust blows out on the pistol grip side of the saw and directly into the motor housing. If you cut resinous wood like I do, this will adhere to the magneto over time and cause overheating and motor failure. Overall it is a poor design. There is no noticeable real-world difference in RPMs or torque despite the numbers used in this review. The Makita feels like a precision cutting tool while the Big Foot feels more like chainsaw. over, this article downplays the ‘frill’ features of the 5104 such as the dust exhaust port, electric brake, LED light, additional carrying handle etc. These are GREAT features that I miss now that I have a Big Foot. Especially the dust exhaust port. That is huge for blade visibility and dust management. AND the Big Foot is more expensive than the Makita! Don’t waste your money
