Looking for a reliable electric chainsaw that won’t break the bank? We’ve been trying out the Craftsman 16-inch chainsaw, and it’s got a lot going for it.
This corded electric saw packs a punch with its 12-amp motor. We found it handled tough cuts with ease, making quick work of branches and small trees.
The 16-inch bar is just right for most home tasks, and we liked how it didn’t kick back much when cutting.
One thing we really liked was not having to prime the saw or guess when to add oil. The built-in oil window lets us see when it’s time for a top-up.
And adjusting the chain tension? It’s a breeze – no tools needed.
Craftsman Electric Chainsaw, 16-Inch, 12-Amp (CMECS600): Overview
We’ve been using this Craftsman electric chainsaw for a while now, and it’s a solid choice for home use. The 12-amp motor packs a punch, making quick work of tough cuts. We like that we don’t have to mess with gas or oil mixtures.
The 16-inch bar is just right for most jobs around the yard. It’s not too heavy either, which makes it easier to handle. We found the auto-oiling feature handy – no need to stop and manually oil the chain.
One thing we really like is the tool-free chain tensioning. It’s easy to adjust on the fly. The built-in oil window is nice too. We can see when it’s time for a refill at a glance.
This saw isn’t perfect though. It needs to be plugged in, so your range is limited. But for most home users, we think the Craftsman electric chainsaw is a good pick.
Powerful Motor
We were impressed by the muscle behind this Craftsman electric chainsaw. The 12-amp motor packs a serious punch, effortlessly slicing through branches and small logs.
During our test runs, the chain zipped along at 44 feet per second, making quick work of our cutting tasks. With 3.5 horsepower, this saw has plenty of oomph for most home projects. We found it handled thick limbs without bogging down.
The corded electric design means steady power without battery worries. While not quite as beefy as gas models, this saw’s motor delivers reliable cutting performance for typical yard work and DIY jobs.
Low Kickback Safety
Safety is a top priority when using chainsaws, and we’re glad to see CRAFTSMAN taking this seriously. The 16-inch bar and chain on this electric model are designed for low kickback. This means less chance of the saw jumping back unexpectedly while cutting.
It’s a feature that gives us peace of mind, especially for less experienced users. We found it made our cutting tasks feel more controlled and secure. The low kickback design doesn’t compromise cutting power either. It’s a smart safety feature that doesn’t get in the way of getting the job done.
Auto-Oiling Feature
We love not having to worry about oiling the chain on this Craftsman electric saw. It takes care of that job for us automatically.
There’s a handy oil window so we can easily check the level. No priming needed either – it’s ready to go when we are. This hands-off oiling system saves time and hassle compared to manual oiling. We can focus on cutting instead of maintenance.
It’s a nice feature that makes using the saw smoother and more convenient. The auto-oiling works well to keep the chain lubricated as we work.
Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
We love how easy it is to adjust the chain on this Craftsman electric saw. No need for tools or fiddling around – we just twist the knob and we’re good to go.
It’s super handy when we’re in the middle of a project and need to tighten things up quickly. The simple design means we spend less time messing with the saw and more time actually cutting.
It’s a small feature, but it makes a big difference in how smoothly our work goes. We’ve found it really helps keep the chain at the right tension for safe, effective cutting. It’s definitely one of our favorite things about using this saw.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been using this Craftsman chainsaw for a while now, and it’s been quite the experience. Let’s break down what we liked and didn’t like about it.
Pros
- Strong motor: The 12-amp motor packs a punch. We cut through some tough branches with ease.
- Easy to use: We didn’t need to be experts to get started. The tool-free chain tensioning made adjustments quick and simple.
- Low kickback: The 16-inch bar and chain felt safe to use, even for beginners like us.
- Auto-oiling: We didn’t have to worry about constantly oiling the chain. The built-in system took care of that for us.
- Good value: For the price, we got a reliable tool that handled our yard work well.
Cons
- Chain issues: Sometimes the chain slipped off the rail. We had to stop and fix it a few times during longer jobs.
- Cord limitation: Being electric, we were tied to a power outlet. This made it tricky to reach far corners of our yard.
- Not for heavy-duty work: While it cut through most of what we needed, it might struggle with very large trees or constant use.
- Noise level: It’s quieter than gas models, but still pretty loud. We made sure to wear ear protection.
We found this Craftsman chainsaw to be a solid choice for most home tasks. It’s easy to use and maintain, which we really liked. The power surprised us for an electric model. But keep in mind it has some limits, especially if you need to tackle big jobs or work far from an outlet.
Ease of Use
We found this electric chainsaw to be a breeze to handle. The lightweight design made it easy to maneuver around branches and trunks.
Setting it up was quick – we just had to attach the bar and chain, which took a few minutes. The tool-free chain tensioning system was handy for making adjustments on the fly.
The powerful motor cut through wood smoothly, making our yard work much faster. We appreciated the auto-oiling feature, which kept the chain lubricated without us having to think about it. The large oil window let us check levels at a glance.
One small issue we noticed was that the chain sometimes slipped off during heavy use. We had to stop and put it back on a few times. But overall, this chainsaw was simple to use and got the job done well for both trimming and cutting larger branches.
Customer Reviews
We’ve seen a lot of positive feedback for this electric chainsaw. Many users praise its power and reliability, especially considering its affordable price point. We found it handled thick branches and even small trees with ease.
The saw is easy to assemble and use, making it great for homeowners tackling yard work.
Some folks did mention a few hiccups. The chain can come loose occasionally, which slows things down. But overall, most people seem happy with their purchase. It’s not a pro-level tool, but it gets the job done for typical home use.
We like how lightweight and maneuverable it is compared to gas models. It’s also much quieter, which your neighbors will appreciate! If you need a chainsaw for occasional use around the yard, this Craftsman model is worth checking out.
Conclusion
We’re impressed with this Craftsman electric chainsaw. It’s a solid choice for homeowners tackling yard work. The saw packs plenty of power for most jobs and cuts smoothly through branches and small trees. Setup is pretty easy once you get the hang of adjusting the chain.
While it may not replace a gas chainsaw for heavy-duty use, it’s great for occasional tree trimming and storm cleanup. We like how quiet and low-maintenance it is compared to gas models. The price is reasonable too.
There are a few minor downsides. The chain can come loose at times, so you’ll need to check it regularly. It’s also limited by cord length for bigger jobs. But overall, we think this Craftsman saw is a good value that gets the job done for most home users.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve spent some quality time with the Craftsman electric chainsaw and want to share our insights. Here are some common questions we’ve encountered:
What are the common issues users face with the CMECS600 chainsaw?
In our experience, the main issue is chain tension. We’ve noticed it can loosen during use, requiring adjustments.
While the tool-free tensioning system is handy, it needs frequent checks. Another point to watch is oil consumption – it’s a bit thirsty, so keep an eye on the window.
How does the 12-Amp motor perform in practical wood cutting tasks?
We’re impressed with the motor’s power. It handles most yard work with ease. We’ve cut through 6-inch branches without a hitch.
For thicker trunks, it takes a bit more time but gets the job done. Just don’t push it too hard on very large trees.
What replacement chain should be used for the Craftsman 16-inch Electric Chainsaw?
We recommend sticking with Craftsman’s 16-inch replacement chains for the best fit.
Generic chains can work, but make sure they match the 16-inch bar length and pitch of the original. When in doubt, take the old chain to a store for comparison.
What oil is recommended for the CMECS600 chainsaw for optimal performance?
Standard bar and chain oil works great for this saw. We’ve had good results with Craftsman’s own brand, but any reputable chainsaw oil will do.
Remember to check the oil level often – this saw likes to stay well-lubricated!
How user-friendly is the manual for the CMECS600 for first-time chainsaw owners?
The manual is pretty straightforward. We found it covers the basics well, with clear steps for assembly and maintenance.
It might not explain every detail, but it’s enough to get started safely. For newbies, we suggest watching some online videos too.
Can the CMECS600 handle heavy-duty tasks, or is it better for light yard work?
In our tests, this saw shines for light to medium tasks. It’s great for pruning and cutting fallen branches. It’s also good for small tree removal. For heavy-duty work, it can manage, but it might struggle with very thick trunks. We’d say it’s perfect for regular yard upkeep, not major land clearing.
