Comparison Makita EA3203S40B vs Alpina A4000

The volume of the engine of a gasoline saw (see "Power source"). On the one hand, the power and performance of the tool depend on this indicator, on the other hand, its weight, price and fuel consumption. Accordingly, it is necessary to choose a model taking into account the specifics of the planned work, and it does not always make sense to chase large volumes. In particular, for simple household tasks, an engine capacity of about 40 – 50 cm3 is considered quite sufficient, and in professional models this figure can exceed 100 cm3. More detailed selection recommendations can be found in special sources.

Saw motor power in watts. For petrol tools (see "Power Source"), horsepower is additionally indicated, see below for details.

The higher the power, the better the tool is suitable for voluminous work and hard materials, the greater the depth of cut it can provide and the easier it can cope with significant loads. In addition, for different types of saws and different types of materials, the actual power values \u200b\u200bcan also be different. For example, a power of 2.5 – 3 kW is actually the limit for chain saws, but in chain saws this is an average figure, among such tools there are models of 3 – 4 kW and even more. Detailed selection recommendations for various cases can be found in special sources.

The power of the saw engine expressed in horsepower (hp). This designation is traditionally used in gasoline models (see "Power Source") along with watts; 1 HP ≈ 735 W.

For more information about power, see the paragraph of the same name above.

The speed of rotation of the engine in a saw with an internal combustion engine (see "Power") with no load on the blade and with the speed controller fully released (set to minimum). Theoretically, the lower the idle speed, the lower the fuel consumption without load (ceteris paribus); however, the difference between modern chainsaws is usually so insignificant that this parameter is more of a reference than a real practical value.

The highest speed that the saw engine is capable of delivering in normal operation.

We emphasize that this parameter should not be confused with the maximum disk speed (see below) — here we are talking exclusively about the speed of rotation of the motor shaft. It can be specified for all types of saws, not only for models using discs. However, in general, engine speed is more of a reference than really significant information. In fact, it is needed mainly for some specific tool maintenance tasks; when choosing, it is better to focus on indicators that are more “close to life” — engine power, cutting depth, chain / tape speed or disk speed, etc.

— Chain brake. A device that ensures the saw stops during the so-called. reverse kick. In accordance with the name, it is used in chain saw (see “Device”). Kickback can occur, in particular, when the very tip (toe) of the tire comes into contact with the material being processed. The bar and chain are thrown towards the operator, which can lead to injury. To avoid this, a chain brake is provided: during a reverse strike, it stops the saw almost instantly.

— Anti-vibration system. Various design solutions that reduce tool vibration during operation. Strong vibrations, especially long-term ones, negatively affect the quality of work and condition of the tool, and also lead to rapid fatigue of the operator; The anti-vibration system allows to eliminate these phenomena to a certain extent.

— Keyless chain tension. Possibility of adjusting chain tension in chain saw (see “Device”) without the use of special tools - wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. This function is especially convenient in light of the fact that during more or less long-term operation, the saw needs to be periodically checked and, if necessary, the chain must be tightened right on the spot - and this is more convenient to do without unnecessary devices.

— Oil-free saw set. Saws that do not require additional lubrication of sawing equipment. Such models...are unsuitable for long, productive cuts and are suitable for minor work. But the absence of the need for lubrication greatly simplifies the maintenance of the device and “keeping it in shape.”

- Smooth start. A special control system used in electric saw (see “Power source”). Without a soft start, the electric motor “starts” very abruptly, which leads to jerking of the saw and creates the risk of letting go of it. In addition, when started in this way, the tool consumes high currents, creating a significant load on the electrical network. The soft start system allows you to avoid these phenomena: the electronics limit the starting currents of the electric motor, avoiding tool jerks and voltage surges in the network.

— Electronic engine protection. A protection system that turns off power to the saw motor in the event of a critical increase in load - for example, when the disk/chain jams. Such systems are used in electric saw (see “Power source”). They help avoid damage to the unit due to overload. At the same time, we note that the electronic protection is reusable; after it is triggered and the problem is eliminated, it is enough to turn on the power again - and the saw can be used again.

— Brushless motor. The presence of a brushless (brushless) motor in an electric saw (see “Power source”). Such electric motors have a number of advantages over traditional commutator motors: in particular, they are more economical in terms of energy consumption, less noisy, and do not spark, which can be important in conditions of increased fire danger. The disadvantages of brushless motors are complexity and high cost.

— Engine brake. A device that additionally brakes the engine when the tool is turned off. The engine itself (and, accordingly, the working attachment) after switching off can still rotate for quite a long time by inertia; the brake stops this rotation almost immediately, so you don’t have to hold the tool suspended for extra time.

— Safety clutch. A device that protects the operator from sudden jerks, as well as the engine from damage due to a sharp increase in load. In such cases, the overload clutch disconnects the motor shaft, avoiding overload. Note that such devices can be either reusable or disposable - the latter are destroyed when triggered, and to continue operation you will need to install a new coupling.

— Laser marker. A kind of “target designator” that allows you to clearly determine where the cut will go. To do this, a clearly visible line is projected onto the workpiece, the location of which corresponds to the location of the future cut.

— Backlight. Lighting system built into the saw. This feature is definitely desirable when working in low light conditions. However, it can also be useful in bright external light: the place of work is often in the shadow (for example, from the tool itself), and without special lighting it can be difficult to work in such conditions.

— Speed regulator. The ability to limit the rotation speed of the saw motor (and, accordingly, the speed of the blade). This function is essentially a smooth speed control; it is especially useful in cases where full speed is not required - for example, when working with soft materials that require delicate processing.

— Maintaining speed. A function that ensures maintaining a constant engine speed (and, accordingly, a constant blade speed) regardless of the load on the tool. To do this, the tool’s automation regulates the output power depending on the current load: when the load increases, the power increases, when it decreases, it decreases. Permanent operating speed has a positive effect on both the quality of the cut and the service life of the blade and the durability of the entire tool.

— Stationary installation. Possibility of installing a portable saw (see “Type”) in a stationary manner. Most often, this feature is provided in circular saw (see “Device”), and for a stationary installation such a saw is usually turned “upside down” and fixed on a workbench or other base - thus, the sole turns into an impromptu work table. In addition, there are reciprocating saw with a similar function. In them, a stationary installation means the ability to secure the saw directly to the workpiece using a clamp - this allows you to make an even cut without the need to hold the saw suspended and constantly control its position in your hands.

— Water cooling (coolant). The saw has a water cooling system. In this case, we are talking about cooling the workpiece and the blade: water is constantly supplied to the cutting site using a special pump. Thanks to this, the heating of the blade is reduced, its service life is increased, the quality of the cut is improved and the amount of dust generated during sawing is noticeably reduced. The method of collecting water supply may be different: some models need to be connected to a water supply, others are equipped with their own water tanks. Note that water cooling is not required for sawing wood; but when working on stone, concrete and other hard and dense materials, it can be very useful.

— Keyless blade replacement. Possibility of replacing the saw blade without using wrenches, screwdrivers or other special tools. In other words, to replace the blade, the user does not have to look for an additional tool - you can open the fasteners, change the blade and secure it manually.

— Pendulum stroke. The presence of a pendulum function in the reciprocating saw (see “Device”). With this stroke, the blade, making a reverse movement, deviates slightly from the cutting line in the direction opposite to the teeth. This increases the cutting speed, reduces the heating of the blade and makes it easier to remove sawdust from the working area. At the same time, the pendulum stroke somewhat reduces the quality of the cut and is not suitable for curved lines. Therefore, this function is usually made switchable, and in some models it is also adjustable: using the switch you can change the amplitude of the pendulum.

— Display. The display shows important information about the operating modes of the saw. This can be: current strength, cutting speed, number of passes, operating time, etc. The information displayed on the screen depends on the modification of the sawing tool.

— Synchronization with a smartphone. The ability to connect the instrument with a smartphone or other gadget (for example, a tablet) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The mobile application can provide information about the condition of the saw: battery charge level, temperature, etc., and proprietary software often warns the user about the need to service the tool or replace parts. Some stationary saw support remote control from a smartphone (turn on/off, adjust speed, select operating mode, configure various parameters, etc.). Finally, the mobile application can be used to set a password for starting the tool or logging work performed.

The volume of the fuel tank in saws with a petrol engine (see "Power source"). A volume tank, on the one hand, allows the device to work for a long time without refueling, on the other hand, it seriously affects the weight and dimensions. The latter is not critical for stationary units (see "Type"), but it is very important for portable equipment — and the vast majority of chainsaws and power cutters are made portable. And taking into account the fact that refueling usually does not cause any particular difficulties, it does not make sense to equip hand tools with capacious tanks, therefore this volume is small in such saws.

The volume of the oil tank provided in the tool.

In this case, we mean a tank from which oil is supplied to the saw chain (see "Device") to lubricate it during operation. In general, this is a reference parameter that allows you to estimate how much oil is needed for one refueling of the tool.

The total weight of the tool. For petrol models (see "Power Source"), usually, dry weight is indicated, excluding fuel.

In general, it makes sense to pay attention to this parameter primarily when choosing a hand tool. At the same time, note that higher power, a more capacious battery or a capacious tank will inevitably affect weight. However, tools with similar characteristics can and do differ markedly in weight. And here it is worth considering that a lighter model will be more comfortable to work with, but weight reduction may affect reliability and/or cost. In addition, a more massive tool is more stable, it is not so prone to jerks under uneven loads. If we talk about specific numbers, then a weight of 3 kg or less is considered very light, 3–5 kg is relatively small, 5–7 kg is medium, 7–10 kg is significant, and some powerful tools (mainly gasoline) weigh and over 10 kg.

As for stationary saws, weight is of secondary importance for them — it mainly affects the ease of transportation.