Looking for a reliable chainsaw that won’t break the bank? We’ve been testing out the Craftsman 16-inch electric chainsaw, and we’re impressed with its performance.
This corded electric saw packs a punch with its 12-amp motor. We found it handled tough cuts with ease during our backyard cleanup.
The 16-inch bar and chain made quick work of fallen branches and small trees. We really liked the auto-oiling feature and built-in oil window – no more guessing when it’s time for a refill.
The tool-free chain tensioning was a nice touch. We could adjust the chain quickly to keep it cutting smoothly.
The low kickback design gave us peace of mind while working. At just over 6 pounds, it’s light enough to use comfortably for extended periods.
We did notice the chain slipped off the rail a few times during heavy use. It took some practice to get the tension just right.
The power cord limits mobility compared to gas models, but we found it plenty long for most yard work.
For the price, this Craftsman saw offers great value. It started up instantly every time and had enough power for our needs. We think it’s a solid choice for homeowners tackling light to medium cutting jobs.
Overview of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw
We’ve been putting the Craftsman electric chainsaw through its paces, and it’s a solid choice for homeowners. This 16-inch model packs a punch with its 12-amp motor, making quick work of most cutting jobs around the yard.
We like how easy it is to use – no need to mess with gas or oil mixtures. The auto-oiling feature and tool-free chain tensioning are nice touches that save time and hassle.
The saw feels sturdy and well-built in our hands. It’s not too heavy at about 6 pounds, so we can use it for longer periods without getting tired. We appreciate the low kickback bar and chain for added safety.
While it’s great for most home tasks, it may struggle with very thick logs. The cord can also be a bit limiting compared to gas models. But for pruning trees, cutting firewood, and general yard cleanup, this Craftsman gets the job done reliably.
Powerful Motor for Tough Cuts
We were impressed by the CRAFTSMAN chainsaw’s 12-amp motor. It packs a punch, making quick work of thick branches and small trees. The 44 feet per second chain speed lets us zip through logs with ease. We found it handles most yard tasks without breaking a sweat.
The 3.5 horsepower gives this electric saw enough oomph for typical home use. It’s not as beefy as gas models, but it gets the job done for pruning and storm cleanup. We like that it starts instantly – no pulling cords or mixing fuel.
While powerful, it can bog down on really dense hardwoods. The motor also heats up during long cutting sessions. Taking breaks helps it stay cool. For most homeowners though, this CRAFTSMAN has more than enough muscle to tackle backyard projects.
Low Kickback for Safety
We really like the safety features on this CRAFTSMAN saw. The 16-inch low kickback bar and chain help keep us steady while cutting. It’s a nice feature that gives us more confidence when using the saw, especially for bigger jobs. The low kickback design makes the saw easier to control. This is great for both new and experienced users. We found it reduces the risk of accidents. It’s a key safety feature that sets this saw apart from some others we’ve tried.
Convenient Auto-Oiling Feature
We really like how this Craftsman chainsaw takes care of the oiling for us. No more stopping to prime the chain or add oil manually.
The built-in oiler keeps things running smoothly while we work. We can easily check the oil level through the window on the side. This saves time and hassle, letting us focus on cutting instead of maintenance.
The auto-oiling works well to keep the chain lubricated, which helps it last longer too. It’s a simple feature, but it makes using the saw much easier and more pleasant overall.
Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
We love how easy it is to keep the chain tight on this Craftsman electric saw. No need to grab extra tools – we just turn a knob to adjust the tension.
It’s super quick and simple. This feature really helps us keep the chain at the right tightness for safe, effective cutting. We’ve found it makes a big difference in how well the saw performs.
It’s nice not having to dig around for a screwdriver or wrench every time the chain needs adjusting. The tool-free system is user-friendly and saves us time and hassle when we’re working on projects.
Ease of Use and Assembly
Getting started with this electric chainsaw is a breeze. We found it super easy to put together right out of the box.
The tool-free chain tensioning system is a big plus, letting us quickly adjust the chain for the best cutting performance. We love how simple it is to use – no need to prime or mix fuel. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go!
The built-in oil window is handy, making it clear when it’s time for a refill. While it’s not the lightest chainsaw out there, we think it’s still pretty manageable for most jobs around the yard.
One small gripe: the chain can sometimes slip off during heavy use, but it’s easy to put back on. All in all, we’re impressed with how user-friendly this Craftsman chainsaw is for both beginners and more experienced users.
Pros and Cons
We’ve put this chainsaw through its paces, and it’s time to share our thoughts. The CRAFTSMAN Electric saw has some great features, but also a few drawbacks. Let’s break it down.
Pros
- Powerful cutting: The 12-amp motor tackles tough jobs with ease.
- Easy to use: We found it simple to set up and operate, even for beginners.
- Low maintenance: No gas or oil mixing required, just plug it in and go.
- Lightweight: It’s much easier to handle than gas-powered models.
- Quiet operation: Great for neighborhoods where noise can be an issue.
- Auto-oiling: The built-in system keeps the chain lubricated without fuss.
- Tool-free tensioning: Adjusting the chain is quick and simple.
Cons
- Cord limitation: You’re tethered to a power source, which can be tricky for larger yards.
- Chain issues: Some users, including us, noticed the chain slips off occasionally.
- Not for heavy-duty use: It’s great for home tasks but may struggle with bigger jobs.
- Oil leaks: We noticed it tends to leak oil when stored.
- Power fluctuations: The motor sometimes bogs down on thicker branches.
We love how this saw cuts through most backyard tasks like butter. It’s a solid choice for homeowners who need to tackle occasional tree trimming or storm cleanup.
The auto-oiling feature and tool-free chain tensioning make it super user-friendly. But keep in mind, you’ll need to stay close to an outlet, and it might not be the best for pro-level jobs or constant use.
Customer Reviews: Real Experiences
We’ve seen a lot of happy users of this electric chainsaw. Many folks say it’s easy to use and powerful enough for most home jobs.
We found it cut through thick branches and small trees without much trouble. The saw is lightweight, which makes it nice for longer jobs. Some people had issues with the chain coming loose, but that’s not too hard to fix.
We liked how it started up quickly and didn’t need gas. It’s pretty quiet for a chainsaw too. Overall, users seem to think it’s a good value for the price. Just remember, it’s best for lighter yard work, not heavy-duty logging.
Conclusion: Why It’s a Cut Above the Rest
We’ve been truly impressed with this electric chainsaw. It’s a game-changer for home projects. The 12-amp motor packs a punch, tackling tough cuts with ease.
We love how user-friendly it is – the tool-free chain tensioning makes adjustments a breeze. Safety is top-notch too, with its low kickback bar. The auto-oiling feature is a big plus, saving time and hassle.
While it may not replace heavy-duty gas models for pros, it’s perfect for most homeowners. We found it reliable and powerful enough for our needs.
The Craftsman saw is a great mix of performance, safety, and ease of use. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their yard tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the Craftsman 16-inch electric chainsaw for a while now, and we’ve got answers to some common questions. This handy tool has been great for tackling various yard tasks, from trimming branches to cutting small logs. Let’s dive into the most frequent inquiries we’ve encountered.
What are the common issues users encounter with the Craftsman 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw?
We’ve found that the most common issues with this chainsaw are:
- Chain tension problems: The chain can loosen during use, needing frequent adjustments.
- Oil leaks: Some users report oil leaking when the saw is stored.
- Power cord management: It can be tricky to keep the cord out of the way while working.
To avoid these issues, we make sure to check the chain tension often, store the saw upright, and use a cord management system.
How does the 12-Amp motor on the CMECS600 chainsaw perform for typical yard work?
The 12-Amp motor has been quite impressive for our yard tasks. We’ve used it to:
- Cut branches up to 6 inches thick
- Trim small trees
- Split firewood
It handles these jobs well without bogging down. For bigger tasks, it might take a bit longer than a gas chainsaw, but it gets the job done.
Is there a difference in cutting efficiency between the 14-inch and 16-inch Craftsman electric chainsaws?
We’ve noticed that the 16-inch model offers:
- Ability to cut larger diameter logs in one pass
- Slightly faster cutting on bigger jobs
The 14-inch is a bit lighter and easier to maneuver. For most home users, either size works well. We picked the 16-inch for the extra reach and cutting capacity.
What type of oil should be used with the Craftsman CMECS600 electric chainsaw?
We use standard bar and chain oil for our Craftsman chainsaw. It’s important to:
- Use oil made for chainsaws, not motor oil
- Keep the oil reservoir filled to the line
- Check the oil level before each use
The auto-oiling feature works great as long as we keep it filled up.
What steps should be taken to replace the chain on the Craftsman electric chainsaw?
Replacing the chain is pretty simple:
- Unplug the saw
- Loosen the side panel screws
- Release chain tension
- Remove the old chain
- Place the new chain on the bar, making sure it’s facing the right direction
- Replace the side panel
- Adjust chain tension
We always wear gloves for this job to avoid cuts from the sharp chain.
Are there any advantages of using an electric chainsaw over a gas-powered one?
We’ve found several benefits to using our electric Craftsman:
- Quieter operation
- No fuel mixing or storage
- Instant start-up
- Lower maintenance
- Lighter weight
It’s great for quick jobs around the yard without the hassle of a gas engine. The main trade-off is being tethered to a power cord, but for most home use, it’s not a big deal.
