Best Chain for Firewood Cutting

Which one is your preferred chain style?

  • Full chisel (fast cutting)

    Votes: 1 12.5%
  • Semi‑chisel (durability)

    Votes: 2 25.0%
  • Both, depending on conditions

    Votes: 5 62.5%
  • Neither, I use another type

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    8

loglunatic

New member
Joined
Nov 19, 2025
Messages
2
When I kicked off my firewood cutting adventure, I kept hearing debates about full chisel versus semi-chisel chains. Each has its supporters, some swear by the speed, while others lean towards durability. Which one do you trust? Vote for your preferred chain style and let us know why it works for you
 
Same here I really like using a semi-chisel. It might be a bit slower, but it stays sharp for a longer time and yeah, does a great job on dirty wood.
 
Noticing a mix of viewpoints! Big thanks to the OP for using the Polls feature, it really makes comparing opinions enjoyable. I hope everyone got a chance to vote!
 
I should clarify a couple things,

My MS180 is 14" & only gets semi & is used for small firewood and limbing work.

The 260 pro wears an 18" full all the time.

One Super XL has a 16" semi on it and the other has a 20" full.

So I simply grab the best saw for the job rather than switch chains.
 
I really appreciate how clearly you laid that out! It helps others understand how you select each saw for the job. That kind of detail makes the discussion much more beneficial for everyone
 
There is also a Milwaukee battery saw for the quick one limb type clean up, the wife will even use that sometimes.
 
Really appreciate the info! Battery saws are great for swiftly dealing with limbs and doing some light cleanup.
 
The bad part of any battery saws I have tried is weight, That Milwaukee will do about the same work as the MS180 but weighs 3# more.

The battery lasts about equal to one tank of gas in the Stihl.

The Milwaukee weighs the same as my MS260 & the 260 will way out work the Milwaukee.
 
It totally makes sense, those extra pounds really add up, especially when gas-powered saws still outperform them. Batteries are improving, but they still have a long way to go.
 
Kevin, I also use a Milwaukee 8 “ Hatchet and found that it can handle larger size logs than I expected. Great small saw.
 
So I simply grab the best saw for the job rather than switch chains.
That's a great idea! On my Husqvarna 50cc I'll run a semi-chisel & my Echo 50cc I'll keep a full-chisel chain. The Husqvarna is becoming my knock around saw until I sell or trade it. It does not like to start when it's hot. The CS-4910 is a bit lighter going to get mildly hot rodded and it's getting a 16" bar.
 
Sounds like you’ve built quite the little fleet what a great blend of Milwaukee convenience and some enjoyable 50cc tinkering. I love it!
 
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