Cutting firewood isn't the same job as general tree work. A chainsaw meant for occasional limb removal will burn out on the fifth cord. A saw sized for felling large trees is overkill and dangerous for bucking logs. The right firewood chainsaw has a specific spec profile: enough bar length to handle typical firewood diameters in one pass, chain speed that cuts efficiently through hardwood, and battery capacity (if cordless) that gets you through a session.
This guide focuses specifically on chainsaw choices for firewood cutting — bucking, splitting-prep, and processing seasoned logs. We'll cover why 18" is the sweet spot, what chain type actually matters, technique that keeps you cutting all day, and the Greenworks 80V 18" chainsaw built for this exact job.
What Firewood Cutting Actually Requires from a Chainsaw
Firewood cutting is different from other chainsaw work in ways most buyers don't think about:
- You cut the same diameter, repeatedly. Firewood rounds are typically 6"–12" in diameter. Not variable like limbing work.
- You cut for hours, not minutes. A serious firewood session runs 2–4 hours. The saw is under continuous heavy load.
- You cut dense, dry, hardwood. Split-ready firewood is seasoned hardwood — the toughest material a residential chainsaw ever faces.
- You need reliable, repeated starts. Each cut is a separate cycle. Slow-starting or finicky saws add hours across a session.
- You need clean, consistent cuts. Uneven cuts mean firewood pieces don't stack properly and burn inconsistently.
These requirements collectively push you toward a specific spec range: 16"–18" bar, 3/8" pitch chain, high chain speed (10 m/s+), gas-equivalent motor power (1.5 kW+), and — for cordless — the ability to sustain that load without overheating.
Why 18" Is the Sweet Spot for Firewood
Bar length determines what you can cut in a single pass. As a rule of thumb, your bar should be 2 inches longer than the log diameter you'll typically process.
| Bar Length | Max Firewood Diameter (Single Pass) | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 12"–14" | Up to 10" | Light residential — small logs only |
| 16" | Up to 14" | Standard residential firewood |
| 18" | Up to 16" | Serious residential — most typical firewood diameters |
| 20"+ | Up to 18"+ | Commercial firewood or large tree processing |
18" hits the residential sweet spot because most firewood logs fall in the 8"–15" diameter range. A 16" bar handles most of it, but you'll occasionally hit larger rounds that need multiple passes. 18" gives you overhead — one pass for anything up to 16", which covers 95% of residential firewood.
Bigger bars aren't better for firewood: 20"+ saws are heavier (fatigue), slower to accelerate (efficiency), and use more chain per cut (more oil, faster wear). 18" is where the balance lands.
Chain Type Matters More Than People Realize
Chain specs are usually overlooked in buying guides but make a real difference in firewood cutting:
- Pitch (distance between drive links): 3/8" is standard for residential firewood chainsaws. Larger 0.404" pitch is commercial, smaller 1/4" pitch is for pruning saws.
- Gauge (chain thickness): .050" gauge is the residential standard. Thicker gauges (.058", .063") are commercial. Match the gauge to your bar — don't try to mix.
- Chain type: Full-chisel chains cut fastest but dull quickly in dirty wood. Semi-chisel chains cut slightly slower but stay sharp longer. For firewood — often dirty from being dragged on the ground — semi-chisel is the practical choice.
The Greenworks 80V 18" uses a 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge chain — the residential firewood standard. If you're familiar with the Stihl or Husqvarna gas chains of similar size, this is directly compatible.
Chain Speed and Cutting Efficiency
Chain speed is what determines how fast you actually cut. Two chains with the same specs but different speeds produce very different results:
- Under 8 m/s: Slow. You'll feel the chain "chewing" through wood rather than slicing.
- 8–10 m/s: Mid-range residential. Acceptable but not fast.
- 10 m/s+: Gas-equivalent. Clean, fast cuts. This is where cordless meets the performance bar of a similarly-sized gas saw.
The Greenworks 80V 18" runs at 10.5 m/s — squarely in gas-equivalent range and a real match for the 40cc gas chainsaws most homeowners use for firewood.
Cordless vs Gas for Firewood — The Honest Comparison
Historically, gas was the only serious answer for firewood cutting. In 2026 that's no longer true for residential volumes, but it depends on how much you're processing:
| Firewood Volume | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 cords/year | Cordless 80V | Saves fuel prep, easier storage, no maintenance |
| 2–5 cords/year | Cordless with 2–3 batteries | Battery cycling handles the runtime |
| 5–10 cords/year | Either, cordless if you own 3+ batteries | Close call — depends on session length |
| 10+ cords/year | Gas | Continuous runtime advantage becomes real |
For most Canadian homeowners burning 2–4 cords per winter, cordless 80V is now the right buy. The gap that used to exist has closed.
The Best Cordless Chainsaw for Firewood from Greenworks
For homeowners processing 1–5 cords per year of typical residential firewood, the Greenworks 80V 18" Brushless Chainsaw (Tool Only) is purpose-built for the job:
| Spec | Greenworks 80V 18" Brushless |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 80V brushless |
| Rated motor power | 1.8 kW |
| Bar length | 18" |
| Chain | 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge, 62 drive links |
| Chain speed | 10.5 m/s (gas-equivalent) |
| Chain brake | Electronic |
| Kickback reduction | Yes |
| Oiler | Automatic, 200 mL translucent tank |
| Bucking spikes | Steel |
| Weight (tool only) | 11 lbs |
| Recommended batteries | 80V 2.0Ah or 2.5Ah |
| Warranty | 4-year tool |
Details specifically about firewood use:
18" bar covers 95% of residential firewood in a single pass. You'll rarely need to re-position or make multiple cuts on the same log — which speeds up processing significantly and reduces chain wear.
10.5 m/s chain speed matches 40cc gas saws. Real-world cutting rate is competitive with the gas saw most firewood cutters have used for years.
Steel bucking spikes. Critical for firewood work. Spikes grip the log and give you a pivot point for cleaner cuts. Cheap chainsaws use plastic spikes that break or wear out; the Greenworks uses steel.
Automatic oiler with 200 mL translucent tank. Firewood cutting draws a lot of oil — you'll refill during long sessions. The translucent tank lets you check oil level at a glance without stopping.
Electronic chain brake. Kickback happens more often in firewood cutting because you're moving between logs constantly. The electronic brake responds faster than mechanical brakes to keep the chain from continuing after a kickback event.
Tool-only pricing. Firewood cutters typically own multiple 80V batteries already (for other tools). Tool-only saves $200+ vs. a kit. If you don't yet own 80V batteries, plan on 2–3 packs of 2.5Ah for a serious firewood session.
Firewood Cutting Technique — Getting the Most from Any Chainsaw
The right saw only matters if you use it correctly. Three tips that make a real difference on firewood volume:
- Buck at knee height, not ground level. Cutting flat on the ground dulls the chain instantly when you inevitably hit dirt or grit. Elevate logs on a sawhorse or on other logs — your chain will stay sharp 4x longer.
- Cut against the grain, not down the middle. Firewood rounds cut cleaner when the blade approaches from one side and works through. Trying to cut straight down through the center wedges the chain.
- Alternate directions between logs. Cutting the same direction repeatedly wears one side of the chain faster than the other. Alternate direction every few logs to even out wear.
Also: sharpen the chain every 2 hours of cutting. A sharp chain does 90% of the work; a dull chain forces you to muscle each cut, wearing out both you and the saw. Keep a file kit in your firewood setup.
Firewood Chainsaw Safety — Non-Negotiable
Chainsaws cause more serious home accidents than any other power tool. For firewood cutting specifically:
- Never cut logs on the ground with the chain touching soil. This is how kickbacks happen — the chain catches on hidden rocks or roots and violently jerks the saw upward.
- Always wear chaps. Kevlar chainsaw chaps are the single most important piece of PPE. A running chainsaw touching an unprotected leg causes catastrophic injuries.
- Watch for pinch points as you cut. A log resting on two supports pinches down as you cut the middle. The chain gets stuck, the saw kicks, and you get hurt. Support logs so the cut opens as you go through, not closes.
- Never cut above shoulder height. If you have to reach up, you don't have proper control. Bring logs to a safe cutting position instead.
- Keep bystanders 20+ feet away. Flying wood chips can cause eye injuries, and a chainsaw slip can travel further than people expect.
FAQ
How many cords of firewood can I cut on one battery?
On a 2.5Ah 80V battery, you'll typically process ¼ to ½ cord of mixed hardwood before needing to swap. Softwood extends this significantly. For a full 2-cord session, plan on 3 batteries cycling with the rapid charger.
Do I need a bigger chainsaw for cutting cords vs. rounds?
No. Cords are pre-cut logs typically 16" long. If you're bucking full-length trunks into rounds first, then splitting, 18" bar is still the right size. Only if you're processing large-diameter (18"+) logs regularly should you consider a 20" bar.
How long does a chain last cutting firewood?
A well-maintained chain lasts 2–4 seasons of typical residential firewood cutting (1–3 cords/year). Sharpen every 2 hours of cutting, and replace when the depth gauge shows the cutting teeth are down to 5mm of edge length. Hitting dirt shortens chain life dramatically.
Can the Greenworks 80V handle green (unseasoned) wood?
Yes, better than seasoned wood actually. Green wood is softer and easier to cut than dried hardwood. However, green wood is heavier — plan for slightly reduced battery runtime because the saw is lifting more mass per cut.
Should I sharpen my chain myself or take it to a shop?
Learn to sharpen it yourself. A basic file kit costs $20 and 15 minutes of sharpening saves 2 hours of struggling with a dull chain. Sharpen after every 2 hours of cutting, or immediately if the saw starts producing dust instead of chips.
Are there tool-only versions I should consider vs a kit?
For firewood cutting specifically, tool-only is often the better buy because you need multiple batteries for a full session. Kits usually include one battery and one charger — but you'll want 2–3 batteries plus the rapid charger separately. Buy tool-only, then add batteries as needed.
Cut Firewood Without Compromise
If you cut 1–5 cords of firewood a year and want gas-equivalent performance without the fumes, fuel storage, or annual maintenance — the Greenworks 80V 18" Brushless Chainsaw (Tool Only) is built for exactly this job. 18" bar, 10.5 m/s chain speed, 1.8 kW brushless motor, steel bucking spikes, electronic chain brake, and 4-year warranty coverage.
Keep reading:
- One Battery System Saves You Money — The Greenworks Ecosystem — Why staying inside one battery platform saves Canadian homeowners hundreds.
- Greenworks 80V vs EGO 56V — The Battery Showdown — Battery technology and power delivery compared head-to-head.
- Greenworks vs Ryobi — A Canadian Buyer's Comparison — Power, price, battery tech, and Canadian availability compared.
- Greenworks Lawn Mower Review — Every Model for 2026 — Pair your firewood saw with the right mower in the 80V lineup.