Earthwise CS30016 16-Inch 12 amp Electric Chain Saw

Comment: This chain saw works great. I have cut up a 30' diameter log with it chewed through the log almost as well as a gas saw. The automatic oiler doesn't do a very good job of keeping the chain lubed so I use an old dishwashing soap bottle full of chain oil to manually oil the chain. Otherwise it's a great saw.

Comment: In my opinion the Earthwise 16 in, 12 amp chain saw is a very good buy. For around the yard trimming it does a great job. The big test, and why I'm writting this review now, was because of a recent storm here in SW Ohio. Unfortunatly we lost a large oak tree limb. While the 12 amp Earthwise does not have the power that a quality gas chain saw has, it cut the 7" dia limb up nicely. The only problem I had was to keep track of where the power cord was.
I think the acid test is if one had to do it again would they make the same purchase. Without a doubt my answer would be "YES".

Comment: After reading the reviews I placed the order and it's everything they say it is. I cut a few small trees with this and the chain does not become loose like my gas saw does. It cuts like a champ! Everyone who owns a gas chain saw should purchase this for doing local cutting. If your thinking on getting a battery chain saw forget it. For pertabilty I would rather get this saw and small generator under $100. You can easily spend $100 on extra batteries for a chain saw.

Comment: This is my fifth electric chainsaw in thirty years so i had some idea what to expect. I also own a Stihl gas chainsaw and a little 18 volt battery model.

The saw was delivered within a reasonable time period and since it was a Warehouse Deal the price was great. Had I paid full price, I would feel somewhat disappointed. As it is, the saw, though described as used, came in new condition except for some extra tape on the previously opened box.

Some thoughts:

The Earthwise is lighter than my recently departed Remington electric and doesn't look or feel as rugged. I like the chain tightener mechanism on the Remington much better.

Though not as loud as my Stihl, this saw puts out some decibels, and for any sustained sawing I'd recommend some earplugs.

Cutting power - The saw cuts well though not nearly as easily as the Stihl. Small branches pose no problem. I also cut some fireplace size logs easily enough also and didn't have bits of wood chips shooting back at me. Just to test it, I cut off a piece of a 14 inch diameter pine stump. I made the cut without too much difficulty but it would have been easier without the safety tip on the end of the bar. The safety tip might make changing bar and chain a little more involved.

The plastic bar cover fits so snugly that most of the time I'll probably just leave it off.

The small oil tank cover removes easily and with its bright green color should be easy to find when waylaid. It's also convenient to be able to check oil level at a glance through the oil level window.

The owner's manual is printed in a ridiculously small font, so small that reading it can be a painful chore. As of this writing Earthwise doesn't have a web page yet, so any information you seek will have to come from the manual or by calling the company's toll free number found on the back of the manual. When I called, a human answered on the first ring and told me that the Earthwise web page is a work in progress.

The directions in the manual for tightening the chain are incorrect. From experience with other chainsaws I could figure out how the tool free tightener works. Just loosen the inner wheel and tighten with the outer wheel.

The handle is adequate, but I would prefer a wrap around handle like the ones on my Stihl and the Remington. Horizontal cutting is much more secure and comfortable with the wrap around handle.

Too many times the saw became unplugged at the saw end. I finally got in the habit of holding the cord and handle at the same time to prevent this.

The Earthwise delivers what one would expect from an electric saw. Despite being called "The Clean Air Choice", I don't think it's any greener than any other electric saw except for the fluorescent green plastic accents.

Comment: I was really excited to get this, having read the other reviews.....
Well mine was a dud! After being on for less than 10 seconds, chain fell off.
Spent 30 minutes before it would finally stay on, then it will barely even cut a small branch.
In fact the $1 nippers I bought did it faster and way better.
Don' buy this chainsaw!