DEWALT Chainsaw Review: What Real Testing Showed

The DeWalt 20V chainsaw surprised me right away with its strong cutting ability for such a small tool. Weighing 4.6 pounds without the battery, it is 61% lighter than DeWalt’s 12-inch compact model. This lightweight saw proved to be powerful. Over 30 days, it handled cutting through 1-inch branches that would’ve made me grab my larger chainsaw.

This pruning chainsaw works with a 20V battery and can cut up to 70 times per charge on 4″ x 4″ pressure-treated pine. During my test of the DeWalt 20V chainsaw, I noticed that it cuts through trees and operates at 84 decibels. The battery life stands out. A tester managed to fill an entire dump trailer using just one charge. The price is around $219 with both the battery and charger or $169 for just the tool. The DeWalt 8-inch chainsaw delivers solid value for those who need a small but effective cutting tool. After 30 days of testing, I can tell you more about how this tool performs.It seems you’ve posted a placeholder text. If you have actual content you’d like me to paraphrase, please provide it, and I’ll rework it as per your guidelines. It seems like you’ve left the sections for original and rewritten text blank. Could you please provide the original text you’d like me to rewrite and humanize? This way, I can help you rephrase it as per your instructions.

Disclaimer

DEWALT 20V MAX Pruning Chainsaw, 8 Inch Bare Tool Only (DCCS623B)

• Lightweight and designed for reduced fatigue
• Up to 70 cuts per charge on a 4″ x 4″ pressure treated pine using DCB230 battery (sold separately)
• Compact design for easy access to tight spaces

$186.00

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DeWalt DCCS623B Features and Assembly

Using the DeWalt DCCS623B shows how well it is built. This chainsaw offers a rare mix of strength and ease of carrying, which becomes clear as soon as you try it.

Model Details, Weight, and Bar Size

The DCCS623B pruning chainsaw has an 8-inch bar, which is smaller compared to DeWalt’s 12-inch options. This design focuses on handling pruning tasks for branches up to 6 inches thick. One thing that stood out right away was its weight. At 4.6 pounds (tool ), it is 61% lighter and three times smaller than the DCCS620 model.

The saw uses a high-efficiency brushless motor that extends both its runtime and motor lifespan. I noticed this during my testing. Unlike other bigger battery chainsaws out there, the DCCS623B stands out as a tool meant to handle accurate cutting jobs instead of taking the place of larger models.

Battery and Charging Time

The DCCS623B comes as a tool-only model, but it works with DeWalt’s 20V MAX battery system. A 5Ah or larger battery delivers the steadiest cutting power during use. DeWalt claims that with their DCB230 battery, the saw can cut up to 70 times per charge on 4×4 pressure-treated pine.

When it comes to charging, the system uses a Hot/Cold Pack Delay feature to stop charging if the battery’s temperature moves outside the best range. This protects the battery and is crucial since the tool can build up a lot of heat during long use. The ideal temperature for charging is between 65°F and 75°F, or 18°C to 24°C.

Setting Up and Adding Oil

The initial setup does not take much work. The package comes with a bar sheath and a tool for tensioning. To assemble, you need to secure the sprocket cover with the hex wrench that comes with it and make sure the chain has the right tension.

A key part of the setup involves the auto-oiling system. This system ensures the chain and guide bar stay lubricated all the time. Before using it for the first time, I had to fill the oil reservoir using high-quality bar and chain oil. I located the cap with the oil symbol for this. The oil level indicator lets you know when to add more oil when it’s down to less than a quarter.

DeWalt suggests draining the oil tank after each use. Many users, including me, notice that oil can leak during storage otherwise. Taking this simple step reduces oil leakage, which seems to be a common concern among owners.

The DeWalt 20V Chainsaw: Design and Safety Features

The DeWalt 20V chainsaw puts a big focus on both safety and easy use. After trying it out for a while, I noticed that the way it’s built balances staying comfortable and avoiding accidents.

Comfortable Handles and Secure Grip

The DCCS623B comes with a design that feels good to hold because of the rubber grip that doesn’t slip. This kind of grip helps cut down on hand strain when you use it for long periods. Unlike bigger chainsaws that have straight handles, this one includes a wraparound handle near the front. That design makes it easier to use both hands when cutting in smaller areas. The handles are made in a way that keeps them dry and free from dirt, which avoids slipping problems even after long use.

Preventing Kickback With Tip Protection

This model includes a tip guard built to keep the saw steady during upcut operations. It also has a chain kickback brake that stops the chain right away if the saw jerks . To start the chain, you need to press a button while pulling the trigger at the same time. I find this two-button system important when switching between cuts.

Concerns for Left-Handed Users

One issue comes up with how left-handed users handle it. The safety button placed above the trigger on the left side, makes it hard for left-handed people to use . The handle also stretches out to the left side of the tool instead of the right making the grip awkward for lefties. Even so, the saw can still be operated with either hand, though left-handed users need to make a few adjustments.

Tool-Free Chain Tensioning

The chain tensioning system stood out during my testing. It uses a big folding butterfly nut that you can loosen by hand. To adjust the tension, you just unlock the bar, lift the lever, turn the locking knob the opposite way, and tweak the smaller tensioning knob until it’s right. This setup saves you the trouble of finding specific tools while in the middle of a task, which I found helpful when working on bigger projects.

Performance Summary: 30 Days of Hands-On Testing

After a month of using the DeWalt chainsaw 20v , I can say this small tool performs under everyday conditions.

Cutting Strength with Logs and Branches

The DeWalt DCCS623B managed wood sizes between 1.5 and 7 inches in diameter quite well. During my tests, it cut down trees measuring 4 to 6 inches across. One person even claimed they used the 12-inch model to handle a 15-inch tree, though they had to switch out the battery several times. Based on my experience, the saw performs most on wood under 6 inches thick, which is also what DeWalt suggests.

Battery Life and Noise Performance

My tests showed great battery performance. I used a 3Ah battery and made many cuts without losing much power. The saw works at around 84 decibels, which is quieter than gas-powered models but still loud enough to need ear protection if used for a long time.

Two-Handed Operation Made Simple

Even though it is light, the DCCS623B must be used with both hands for safety. The placement of the second handle feels a bit odd at first, but it gives you the control you need. As one tester commented, “I knew right away that trying this with one hand would not be a smart move.”

Chain Speed and Vibration Response

The chainsaw operates at a speed of 8.6 meters per second, which outpaces a few competing models. As a result, it cuts while reducing the amount of vibration that reaches your hands. This balance between speed and vibration makes it a good choice to use for longer pruning tasks.

DeWalt 20V Chainsaw and Its Place Among Other Compact Saws

When comparing different compact cutting tools, I noticed that the DCCS623B stands out in certain areas but doesn’t perform as well in some situations.

Comparison to DeWalt 12″ DCCS620P1

The DCCS623B (8-inch) weighs a lot less compared to the DCCS620P1 (12-inch). Its lighter design makes it easier to use when cutting overhead or doing precise jobs. On the other hand, the 12-inch version takes care of bigger cuts much better. It can handle logs up to 10 inches across. Both models share the same 20V battery system. The 12-inch one is sold for around $199 to $229 and includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger.

Milwaukee Hatchet and Reciprocating Saw Options

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet 8-inch pruning chainsaw works much like the DeWalt 8-inch model but costs more at $279 if you buy just the tool itself. On the other hand reciprocating saws give you a different option. People often use them to prune branches by attaching blades meant for cutting wood. These saws skip the hassle of using chain oil or dealing with upkeep. If you need something for smaller spaces or to use with one hand, the Seesii 6-inch Mini Chainsaw might be what you’re looking for.

Situations Where Each Tool Shines

The DCCS623B works best to trim branches smaller than 6 inches because it feels light and easy to handle. The 12-inch DeWalt handles medium-sized yard tasks, like cutting thicker branches better than others. Reciprocating saws stand out with their ability to cut different materials like metal, plastic, and wood just by switching blades. They also prove useful when cutting in tight spots or during demolition projects. When professionals need consistent cutting strength, gas chainsaws stay the top choice for heavy jobs.

Conclusion

After thirty days of testing the DEWALT DCCS623B, I feel this small 8-inch chainsaw deserves a spot in my tool collection. It offers a great mix of power and portability making it perfect to tackle regular pruning jobs. Weighing 4.6 pounds, it cuts through branches as thick as 6 inches without breaking a sweat.

The battery life impressed me the most during testing. A single charge gave me enough power to handle plenty of cuts and finish a lot of yard work without stopping. The well-designed safety features, like the kickback prevention and tip guard, made me feel secure even when using it for long stretches.

Still, this tool does come with a few drawbacks. People who are left-handed might notice the design feels a bit uncomfortable. If you are planning to handle bigger tasks, you might want to look at the 12-inch version instead. There’s also the small hassle of dealing with oil leakage during storage, which makes it necessary to empty the reservoir every time you’re done using it.

The DEWALT 20V chainsaw works best as a pruning tool rather than a replacement for bigger chainsaws. At $219 with a battery, it offers great value to homeowners who need a light and strong tool to maintain their yards . This small chainsaw fits between manual pruners and bigger chainsaws. It has enough power to tackle tough jobs but is still easy to control for more detailed cutting.

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