An electric chainsaw is undoubtedly an important power tool for cutting woods and once you know how to use an electric chainsaw then only you get to know how useful it is. This saw of yours is very important for cutting through timbers or large branches of trees or even felling one. But, did this question came to your mind that what oil for an electric chainsaw and why would you need oil in an electric chainsaw when it runs on electricity. Well, you do not need oil to run an electric chainsaw. The oil which is used in electric chainsaws is for a completely different purpose.
Quick Overview
Work of oil in electric chainsaw
Oil is used as lubricants of the bar and chain of your electric chainsaw. However, in case of gasoline operated saws, you need oil for both running the saw and lubricating the bar and chain of your gas operated chainsaw. Did I just give you a shock? Now you might be thinking that why on earth would you need oil for operating gas saws. It is because the gas saws do not completely run on gas. Oil is mixed with the gasoline to operate a gas chainsaw.
Work of oil in the chainsaw bar
Do you want to know why you need to oil the chain and bar of your chainsaw even if you have the best electric chainsaw? Or why do even need to lubricate them in the first case? Oil is used as a lubricant on the bar and chain of your chainsaw because it can reduce friction. While you make cuts with your chainsaw, when the chain and the wood come in contact of each other, a huge amount of friction is produced. This is where the oil comes in use. It decreases the amount of friction produced during cutting.
If excessive amount of friction is produced then it might be harmful for your chainsaw. If sufficient oil is not supplied and the bar and chain of the chainsaw is not lubricated properly then the increasing amount of friction can cause damage your saw. Lubricants also help the chainsaw to perform better than usual and also increase the lifespan of the chain to last longer. When you will see smoke coming out from the bar of your chainsaw or if it becomes hot, these are the signs that is telling you that you are not providing the necessary amount of oil as lubricants to the saw.
Different oil for different works
The oil which is mixed with the gasoline or gas operated chainsaws might not be the same as the one which is used in the work of lubricating the bar and chain. But the lubricating oil is the same oil used in both gas chainsaws and electric chainsaws. You can use general bar and chain oil. But to know which type of oil you need for your chainsaw, you have to read out the manufacturer’s manual.
Every brand suggests specific type of oil for their chainsaw. Some of them even make oil for the saws of their brand. So to know about these verities you have to read the instructions manual first. Otherwise, there are some standard oils made for chainsaws. You can also use them. They are SAE 30 during summer or SAE 10 during winter season. SAE stands as the short form of Society of Automotive Engineers.
Factors regarding to different types oils
Different type of oil is suggested for different seasons because the integrity of oil changes as the temperature varies. The oils which change their viscosity due to temperature changes are to be avoided where large temperature variations occur. There are also some other types of oil used in electric chainsaw or gas chainsaw as lubricants. They are vegetable oil and motor oil.
Vegetable Oil
You can use vegetable oil in your chainsaw as lubricant. It is environment friendly. But, it is highly not recommended. Vegetable oil can damage the oiling system of your electric chainsaw or any other type of saw you have. So, you should listen to what your manufacturer says and stick to their suggestion.
Stay away from motor oil
Another type of oil I have mentioned above is motor oil. It is strictly forbidden to use as lubricant of chainsaws. The wrong type of oil will be the reason of damage of the bar and chain, drive sprocket, clutch assembly of your chainsaw. This will result in damaging the saw ultimately. Motor oils are not fresh. You cannot use the oil which is being reused and recycled from cars or boats or other engines.
This used oil contains micro metal particles which act as abrasives. They do not help in reducing the friction rather increase it. They make the bar and chain cause heavy friction by mixing with metal bits of the oil which results in jamming and pinching. The efficiency of recycled motor oil is also less. This is why motor oil is prohibited to use in both gas chainsaw and electric chainsaw.
The oils which are used for lubricating the chainsaws are made from a mixture of highly refined mineral oils. So you have to use fresh oil all the time. The quality of service and durability of the electric chainsaw depend on the oil you use. The nature of the oil you use will directly affect the performance of your chainsaw. You have got to choose the oil which reduces throw off the most. This will enhance the performance of your saw.
Filling the oiler of the chainsaw with oil
Step-1: First of all, put oil in the reservoir when the saw is off i.e. not running. If it was in use then keep it off for a while to let it cool down. Do not forget to unplug it from the electric power source. Remove the dirt from the top of the saw with a shop towel especially from the oil filler cap. If dirt gets into the oil reservoir then the oil inside it will also become impure.
Step-2: When the saw is completely cooled down, open up the cap of the reservoir and place a funnel on its mouth to secure the safe passage of the oil through the tank. When you are pouring oil, make sure that you are filling the tank fully up to the mark made by the manufacturing company. The funnel is used here to prevent the oil from spilling here and there.
Step-3: Remove the funnel when you are done and then lock the chainsaw’s tank cap.
These are the simple steps that you need to know and follow to pour oil into the reservoir of the chainsaw.
When you are making cuts with your chainsaw, track the tank’s reservoir. Fill it up again before it becomes fully empty.
Do not get worried if you think that the lubricating oil is taking a lot of money. The oil is saving money for future maintenance costs. If the saw becomes damaged due to lack of oiling, then it will cost you much more than what you are spending now on the right oil.
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