Have you ever wondered how chainsaws started? How it came into life, and what was used back then instead of these machines we now enjoy for its convenience?
If you’re also wondering about this, you’ve come to the right place. Let us take you a little back to glance at the history of chainsaws and what was used before in cutting timbers and wood.
The Onset of Chainsaw Use
Going back to the emergence of chainsaws in the 1920s, it’s astounding to see the profound impact they’ve had on civilization. For many years, construction heavily relied on woodwork, and without power tools, woodworkers faced considerable challenges.
Like how the human race evolved, and so did forest work. Chain saws alleviated the once-humongous work of cutting, logging trees, and finessing woodwork.
It was also a way of cutting time-consuming work such as felling, which was very dangerous back then. The onset of these saws has made it more plausible to maximize forests, which were the center of human civilization.
Chainsaw units have also impacted the timber industry in such a way that they allowed the manufacturing of more complex tools used to create more advanced machines.
Simply put, this simple tool made human life more efficient in creating house structures and providing ease for everyday use.
Who Invented the Chainsaw?
The chainsaw was first invented and conceptualized by two German doctors, John Aitken and James Jeffray. However, it was used as a bone cutter and mostly for medical purposes.
It was called “osteotome,” which meant bone cutter. Hence German Orthopaedist Bernhard Heine was behind the roll-out of the first chainsaw, which had small sharp edges and small cutting teeth designed at certain angles for maximum cutting impact.
It also has a sprocket wheel that allows the chain to turn over the guide bar and aid the small cutting teeth to rip objects. While this may have very little power compared to the chainsaws we have now, it was the framework for the powerful tool we have today.
Moving forward in history, Andreas Stihl patented the first chainsaw used for cutting wood. He secured patents for two chain saw models: a 116-pound electric version and a 139-pound gas model. The US troops brought these models home in 1941, inspiring imitations and further development of chainsaw technology.
Its Evolution in the 1900s
Earlier in the 19th century, individuals started to thirst for saw innovations. However, all inventions back then were unwieldy, heavy, and weren’t progressive beyond their prototype phase.
It was also a recurring case with machines powered by steam engines. The first circular and band saws were manufactured in England, but there was still a division of work with aces mainly used for felling.
Since the heavy axes weren’t enough and the demand for stronger cutting tools was raised, this prompted researchers in the 1900s to study and redesign chain saws so they could be utilized as powerful tools for commercial carpentry and forestry use.
Motorized saws prompted increased timber production since chain saws were brought into the light.
It was Samuel J. Bens who made the first-ever endless chain saw possible. Since then, manufacturers and researchers have sought more powerful attributes to the chainsaw to cater to heavy and sturdier wood types.
Come 1947, one-person saws were created using aluminum alloys and forged steel parts. Woodworkers were still calling for less heavy saws since these first chain saws were humongous in weight.
It was in 1949 when McCulloch Motors Corp. debuted the lightest chainsaw then, which was only 25-pound. It was called Model 3-25. Through this, chainsaw users can hold their equipment for longer periods.
Stihl then introduced another feature, the anti-vibration handle, which utilizes buffer elements to absorb vibrations produced by the chain.
When was the Gas-Powered Chainsaw Invented?
In 1926, Stihl secured a patent for the first gas-powered chainsaw, though its official manufacturing began in 1927. Soon after, the Dolmar Chainsaw company started producing their own versions of the gas-powered chainsaws for the market.
These gas-powered chainsaws are equipped with more power than electric units. It was maximized in the 1930s and was deployed to meet the wood and timber demand in World War II [1].
As time progressed, alongside the industrial revolution, the chain saw design also improved and was replaced with aluminum and steel components to achieve lighter weight.
When was the Electric Chainsaw Invented?
German Mechanical Engineer Andreas Stihl invented the first electric chainsaw in 1926. It weighed more than 60 kilograms and required two persons to operate.
They developed this electric chainsaw, especially for woodcutting purposes, and up to date, Stihl is the largest and oldest chain saw manufacturer in the world.
The Modern Chainsaw
Looking back to where the first chainsaw units were used, it is hard to believe that it was intended on human bones without thinking of the now-popular franchise “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” But since then, the evolution of chain saws has been deemed world revolutionary.
From weighing a hundred pounds, being operated by two people, and now to portable cutting tools which can be handheld by a single person.
In 1959, now-industry giant Husqvarna developed a machine with cutting-edge mufflers that reduce noise levels completely.
The company also made the anti-vibration mechanism a huge success, allowing it to export chainsaw machines to the North American continent. Husqvarna also introduced the Auto-tune function, another breakthrough in the chain saw industry.
Future of Chainsaws
Various companies emerged, introducing a diverse range of chainsaws equipped with different blade types and features. Innovations included automatic chain brakes, rear and front handles, anti-vibration systems, and even cordless options.
Technology also made it possible to prioritize user convenience, deeming safety as an important metric in producing one. This paves the way for low kickback chain bars and pulls cords system for ultimate ease.
Safety standards became a huge concern, which prompted Husqvarna to revolutionize chain saws with an automatic chain break. This breakthrough happened in 1973 and has lessened chainsaw-related injuries since then.
The company Husqvarna also designed lightweight composite materials to make such handier in the 1980s.
Husqvarna continued to innovate and monopolize the chainsaw industry with huge upgrades such as the Autotune function, ergonomic body, and regulated fuel flow minimizing exhaust emissions.
In 2012, Husqvarna also launched battery products that helped simplify maintenance and chainsaw vibration levels.
It’s close to saying that the chain saw industry would innovate over and over, and this revolution is endless. The future relies solely on consumers’ demand for efficiency and innovation and the industry of manufacturers willing to supplement these needs.
As long as woodwork and pieces are cut or fallen, the chain saw industry would only continue to thrive and improve.
FAQ
When were chainsaws first used to cut wood?
Chainsaws were first used to cut wood in the middle of the 18th century after they delivered solid cutting advantages for forestry owners.
It wasn’t until the early 19th century that chain saws became widely popular. The first one-man chainsaw built to cut wood was produced in the 1950s and weighed about double the weight of chainsaws.
How did people cut firewood before chainsaws?
People relied on the axe to cut firewood before chainsaws. Cutting firewood or timber was a load of work before this power tool was created.
Axes were built either with stone, copper, and bronze, depending on the culture, and were deemed vital for cutting and felling trees into the 19th century.
Conclusion
While history might sometimes come across as dull, understanding the origins of our most valued tools can deepen our appreciation for the conveniences they bring to our lives today.
The history of chainsaws may not be as grand, but it surely is enough to make you pamper your tool, given how much it has done to make your job easier.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
