Tools of the Trade OnLine had a review of the following chainsaws.
*****
The electric chainsaws in the test were the
Craftsman 34107 (McCulloch MS1630NT–with slightly smaller motor; Troy-Bilt TBE3516NT), Craftsman 34118 (Poulan 400E–with case), Husqvarna 316 (Jonsered CS2116EL), Makita 5012B, Makita UC 4000 (Dolmar ES171–with coast-down brake), Milwaukee 6215, Remington LD3516AWB, and Stihl MSE 180 C-BQ and MSE 220.
The saws featured 16-inch bars, except for the
Makita 5012B (12-inch bar) and Craftsman 34118 (18-inch bar).
The Stihl and Husky were the top rated, but next were these:
Two more I really liked were the Makita 5012B and the Craftsman 34118. The Makita 5012B is an older design, but it has stood the test of time. Light, super-compact, smooth, and versatile, its maneuverability and blazing-fast chain speed cut and detail like no other. The Craftsman 34118 was a surprise standout among much pricier saws. It felt very well balanced, had plenty of power, has quality features, and has the only 18-inch bar in the bunch. This saw received the special designation of Value Choice among its competition.
*******
It was also a Consumer Reports best buy.
Most important, however, is that it was AVAILABLE. The storms have taken almost all the big saws to the east coast. I couldn't find an 18" at all on Amazon, except for the Remington.
The 34118 has been replaced by the 34120, but is basically the same saw, a relabeled Poulon 400E. This was the last one Sears had. I'll let you know how it works.
Sharon
Wood Turning Design came yesterday with an article on electric chainsaws. Bill Blasic liked the Stil then the Makita. That left the Craftsman in the bottom 2.
I use a cheap electric, and suspect any of them will stand a turners occasional use. The quiet is a good reason to use electric.
Get and use the safety gear even with an electric!