DEWALT DCCS670X1 Vs. DCCS690M1 Vs. Sun Joe SWJ599E Chainsaw (How To Choose The Best 2020)

Are you looking for the best way to escape the hassle and dirt of gas chainsaws? The main concern among our customers is that they can’t find electric chainsaws with enough power to accomplish the tasks done by gas chainsaws. We created this guide with a list of the most potent electric chainsaws in the market for cutting tree limbs, pruning and wood chopping. We sought to cover all the primary customer concerns of chain tensioning, bar length, starting difficulties, but most importantly, the motor power to rival gas chainsaws.

Before investing in an electric chainsaw, it is important to evaluate the size and type of logs you intend to cut. Make sure the chainsaw bar is at least 2-inches larger than the diameter of your largest stock. You should also ensure that your chainsaw includes safety features, especially if you are a first time user. We were most strict on a chain brake and safety lock-off switch.

The chainsaws in this review were also tested for their ease of starting in cold temperatures to ensure they can work for you when clearing after a storm in the winter. That said, the most important features on your chainsaw remain to be the motor and the chain. Dewalt chainsaws have steel bars and a durable chain that makes them the top picks for homeowners and DIYers. They are sometimes way above DIYers budget estimates which is why we included a surprise package.

Sun Joe SW599E corded band saw is the latest attraction among professional loggers and DIYers alike for the revolutionary chainsaw technology and powerful steel bar. This chainsaw has a 9-Amp motor and is fitted with the constant power technology that allows you to chop logs and cut limbs all day long.

1. Dewalt DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 16 “60V MAX Cordless Chainsaw

Check Price

Overview

It is the Dewalt Chainsaw for construction sites and after storm clearance. It has been around for some time now famed as the one-pass band saw. Dewalt created it specifically for homeowners who intend to perform heavy cutting projects regularly. The most significant feature is the flex volt battery technology that allows you to use both 20V and 60V Dewalt batteries, allowing you to share batteries between tools. It is also a light, compact chainsaw weighing only 12lbs which makes it easy to carry around and maneuver on site.

Power

Flexvolt tools are meant for outdoor operations which is why increased runtime is essential to productivity. This package includes Dewalt 60V 3Ah batteries that give you up to 1hr of cutting on a single charge. You, however, need a spare set or come with a charger for day-long projects.

It is fitted with Dewalt’s heavily winded 60v brushless motor rated at 167-watt hours which delivers longer service. It is compatible with 20V batteries, but that comes at the cost of reduced runtime. It also can’t run on Dewalt 20V max batteries which hampers battery sharing for some homeowners.

Bar and Chain

Dewalt included a chain break to this band saw making it safe for the user, especially first-timers. It is fitted with the Dewalt 16-Inch low kickback bar and 0.43-Inch thick chain suitable for day-long cutting and trimming projects. Its low kickback design also comes in handy when you have to cut overhead or high above the ground. It has a powerful grip of the log that reduces the effort needed to maintain a grip on the saw.

It is fitted with a bar adjustment button that allows you to adjust the bar with little effort compared to the dual button action and wrench adjustment in other blades. This band saw also has an improved bucking grip that makes vertical cuts easier.

Performance

Flexvolt cuts rapidly and efficiently, whether you are handling wet or dry wood. Its 16-Inch Oregon bar and 0.43-inch steel chain are the recommended standard for its cut capacity. Its high motor speed allows you to cut through dry 8-inch oak in less than 8 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric band saws in the market. It also oils automatically allowing you to work nonstop, which improves your productivity.

Handling

The grip on this electric chainsaw is comfortable thanks to the enlarged fore and hind handles. They give you a comfortable feel and control even with gloves improving your performance. Its oil cap also opens easily with a quarter turn for a quick refill.

It emits the sawdust in front of the chain unlike the back discharge on other chainsaws. It is safer and comfortable to work, although the cloud of dust limits visibility. Its side cap is also enclosed and causes accumulation of chaff that can cause clogging.

Pros

• Auto tensioning prevents tripping 
• Quick start technology for cold weather operations
• It is light and easy to maneuver weighing just 12lbs
• Silent operation with little vibration
• Ergonomic handles prevent slipping
• It has a lock-off lever for safety

Cons

• Front dust emission affects visibility
• The large handles make gripping hard for small-handed people.

Top FAQs

Q: Does it use a 3/8-chain?

A: No. It uses a 0.43-inch chain.

Q: Can I use 20V Max Batteries on this chainsaw?

A: No

Q: How many watt-hours does it deliver?

A: 167-watt hours on 3-Ah 60V batteries

2. Dewalt DCCS609M1 14-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Check Price

Overview

This Dewalt Chainsaw has been around for longer than the Flexvolt model, which is why its superiority has been deeply tested. It was one of the earliest chainsaws to introduce a lockout switch and a variable speed button into the market. It also features a high torque motor that rivals the power of most gas-powered chain saws. It is, however, cheaper than the Flexvolt and still compatible with Dewalt 40V batteries and bars making it the best chainsaw to buy on a budget.

Power

This chainsaw is limited to 40V batteries but still delivers the extended runtime of any cordless chainsaw. Its motor is heavily winded and brushless working faster than brushed motors. It is rated at 160 Watt-hours giving you longer service. With 6-Ah batteries, this chainsaw can give you over 2hrs of power cutting through 50ft of log. It is also quieter than the 60V reducing irritation while working.

Bar and Chain

This chainsaw uses Dewalt’s universal 16-Inch Oregon bar and .43-Inch chain. It is also fitted with an auto tensioning system that allows you to work without struggling with the chain. Its improved bucking grip ensures a firm hold on the log for a smooth cut. This bar is also rated as a low kickback for safety and stability. It reduces vibration and shaking.

Performance

This chainsaw is recommended for outdoor cutting projects for heavy logs and branches up to 14 inches in diameter. It is easy to start and operate even at low temperatures because of the Dewalt Quickstart Valve.

Its high-speed operation allows you to make up to 100 cuts on one charge on a 6-Ah battery. It also oils automatically reducing the need for breaks for regular oiling. Its auto-tensioning chain is also slip-proof for safety.

Handling

It has the same chain brake and guard that also fills in as forearm protection. Refilling the oil tank is easier because of the quarter-turn cap that makes it easy to refill while working. It has ergonomic handles that give you a comfortable feel when working with gloves. This chainsaw weighs only 13.5lbs with the batteries included making it easy to grip and operate overhead.

It is also fitted with a lockout valve and a chain brake for operator safety. This chainsaw also has a better chaff collection limiting all the chaff to the bottom outlet giving you a clear line of view through the cut. It is also compatible with all Dewalt chains making it easy to interchange between projects.

Pros

• Variable speed trigger
• The silent operation doesn’t irritate users
• Reduced bar vibration for smooth cuts
• Easy to start and control
• Easy maintenance with no tools required
• Low voltage start allows starting at low temperatures

Cons

• The batteries include its weight
• You have to refill the oil regularly.

Top FAQs

Q: How long does it run on 4ah batteries?

A: Depends on the type of work you are doing. You can makeover 70 cuts on 6-inch thick logs.

Q: Can I use a 20V back up battery?

A: No. That only works for the Flexvolt model.

Q: What is the chain gauge for the DCCS609M1 chainsaw?

A: It uses a 0.43-Inch gauge chain.

Q: Is it compatible with Flexvolt batteries?

A: No.

3. Sun Joe SWJ599E 14-Inch Corded Chainsaw

Check Price

Overview

If you are looking for a stable power flow with no need for recharge breaks, then this San Joe chainsaw will do you a lot of good. It is the best budget chain saw for homeowners due to its compact design and pocket-friendly price. It is a 7.7lb bundle of power suitable for pruning and cutting in the yard. It also features a translucent oil tank for tracking and automatic oiling. Its greatest advantage is the low vibration bar with a powerful buck grip chain that makes vertical cuts effortless.

Power

This chainsaw has a powerful 9-Amp motor build primarily to deliver high-speed cuts on any size of lumber. The corded chainsaw, aside from its location limitations, delivers a stable current for blade power, allowing you to work nonstop. It works on a regular 110/120V plug allowing you to use an extension cable comfortably when working.

Bar and Chain

It comes with San Jose’s 14-Inch .005 inch gauge steel chain and bar. It is also fitted with a chain brake for safety. This chainsaw has a powerful buck grip that makes vertical cuts easy. Its compact design with closed side caps also makes it easy to make cuts with the chainsaw on its side without risking injury from the kickback.

Performance

With this chainsaw, there is no limit to the amount of cutting you can do as long as there is power. It is light allowing you to slash quickly past light foliage and cut down limbs and stubborn branches. It can handle tough-weather cutting projects in the winter or rainy season with its compact, resistant body.

It is also easy to maintain on-site featuring a 3.5oz oil container that is transparent, allowing you to track your oil levels. It also oils automatically reducing the need for a regular stoppage. It starts easily with the press of a button.

Handling

This is a general use chainsaw for home use that makes it easy for anyone at home to handle. It has slim handles that are easy to grip even for people with small arms maintaining a comfortable grip for smooth, accurate cuts. Unlike the Dewalt models, this chain saw uses manual tensioning that needs you to use the wrench regularly, which can be irritating for some users.

Pros

• It is light and maneuverable
• Reduced vibration and kickback
• It has a trigger lock-off for safety
• Transparent oil tank for tracking
• Comes with a carrying case for storage

Cons

• You need an extension cable to work outdoors
• Manual chain tensioning is time-consuming.

Top FAQs

Q: How long is the power cord?

A: The cord is 1.5ft

Q: What is the warranty?

A: 2 Years

Q: Does it have a trip guard?

A: Yes

Q: Does it come with bar oil?

A: No

Head To Head Comparison

Power

Generally, a corded chainsaw will deliver a more stable power making it more suitable for long, tough projects. San Joe SWJ599E with a 9-Amp motor is the best for day-long projects like pruning and storm clearance. It, however, limits you to working on the ground close to a power source.

Dewalt DCCS680X1 flexvolt allows you to use a 60V or a 20V battery depending on your project needs. The 60V batteries deliver a faster cut, although it is noisier and shaky due to the high speed. DCCS690M1 is a 40V chainsaw with enough power to sustain heavy-duty cutting.

Cutting capacity

When choosing a chainsaw, you need to get a cutting capacity at least 2-inches larger than the stock you intend to cut. If you are going to fell large trees over 14 inches thick, then you need more bar length which is where DCCS670X1 comes in handy.

It has a 16-Inch bar which is best suited for felling as well as chopping thick logs. DCCS690M1 and Jws599E are 14-inch cordless chainsaws best suited for cutting limbs and pruning small pieces. We recommend small pieces up to 12-Inches thick.

Bar and Chain

Many professionals recommend getting the highest steel gauge chain you can get. All the chainsaws in this review have matched chains and bar for elongated service. Dewalt models have the most recommended chain gauge of 0.43 inches, which is suitable for cutting through thick hard pieces. Sun Joe chains are only 1.3mm thick, suitable for cutting small limbs less than 10-Inches thick. They also get damaged easily when they hit a tough object like nails and rocks.

Handling

Sun Joe sw599E weighs just 7lbs, making it the easiest to carry and swing around. It is; however, corded limiting you to a power source. It also requires manual chain tensioning, which is messy and time-consuming. The Dewalt models have no cord length restrictions so you can go with them as high up the branch as you want.

Final Note

Everyone needs to cut wood at one time or another, and the easier your chainsaw makes that job, the better for you. While many gas-powered chainsaws have more power, they are noisier, dirtier and shakier, which is why the clean power of electric chainsaws is a welcome relief.

This review has the best chainsaws with the power to rival any gas-powered chainsaws bringing you the extra comfort of any power tools. We have included the performance details for each chainsaw, allowing you to match the best chainsaw to your needs.