The WG322 by Worx is a twenty-volt cordless model that’s ten-inch diameter cutting capacity, combined with its lightweight design, make it suitable for a variety of jobs around the home, but make it a poor choice for pro use. This is one of the best electric chainsaws for home use, thanks to its lightweight design and beginner-friendly features. This entry-level tool isn’t capable of felling small trees or slicing through thicker logs, but it offers just enough power to handle light pruning duties and tree thinning.
Our Verdict: This isn’t a saw that can handle cutting up logs that are fourteen inches in diameter, it can’t fell small trees and it shouldn’t be used in a professional capacity. But sometimes, those heavy-duty cordless saws are simply overkill. If you don’t need much power to tackle small jobs around the yard, or you need a compact model that can help with shaping shrubbery and cutting in tight spaces, then this model by Worx can be a total lifesaver. This tool weighs in at just six pounds, comes with beginner-friendly controls, and offers some nice extras such as automatic chain and bar lubrication and a tool-free tensioning system. The saw isn’t high powered and it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly saw that’s easy to handle and offered at a price that won’t break the bank, then this model is right up your alley.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features of Best Cordless Chainsaw
As I mentioned, this tool is perfect for tackling a variety of small tasks around the yard. If you have plenty of light pruning to do, this model is perfect for handling those smaller limbs or thinning trees, or shaping shrubs, using its ten-inch blade. Because of its compact design, it can also easily handle accessing those hard to reach or tight spaces. This isn’t a power tool that’s designed for pro use. While it can’t compete with high-powered models, it does deliver an efficient, reliable performance, which is what every homeowner is looking for.
Our Rating:
- Compact design
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Compatible with other twenty volt batteries by Worx
- Lightweight
- Beginner-friendly controls
- Perfect for overhead work
Handling
This entry-level chainsaw is much easier to use than other models in this price bracket. The light, compact design makes it easier to handle. Firing it up is a simple as sliding in the battery pack and hitting the power button. However, the smaller bar guide and compact design also mean this model does have certain limitations. If you have several trees on your property then you’ll need a saw with more power. This is not a heavy-duty tool that can take down twelve-inch thick branches. Instead, it’s best-suited for those light pruning jobs around the yard, thinning trees, and handling shrubbery work.
Cutting Performance
The saw can easily manage a cutting diameter of six-inches in a single pass. It can also handle the occasional eight-inch branch, but that’s pushing the limits. Anything larger than six inches will drain the battery quickly and cause the saw to struggle. The tool’s ten-inch guide bar allows you to cut those hard to reach branches and can allow you to fit in tight spaces, easily. However, the smaller bar will also significantly restrict the size of wood you can cut.
Bar and Chain
This model uses a ten-inch Oregon bar and chain. Before use, check the chain’s sharpness and ensure it’s in good condition. You’ll need to periodically sharpen the chain once you notice a dip in its cutting performance. In terms of speed, the chain comes in at a little over twelve and a half feet per second, which is average for a saw of this size.
Chain Tensioning System
The chain must be kept tightened properly before use. Over time, a chain will lose tension as you cut, so it should be inspected and tightened regularly. The tool’s automatic chain tensioning feature includes a small tensioning knob located on the side. Typically, chain tensioning would involve manually adjusting the tension by tightening a couple of screws, which can be time-consuming, especially if you’re in the middle of a project. Worx recommends checking the chain and tightening it after every five cuts.
Design
The tool is equipped with the basic rear handle, which makes it easier to grip and hold. The battery slot is placed under the rear handle. The well-balanced, sleek design improves handling and ease of use. You’ll find an additional handle located on the front, with the traditional half wrap design. The body of the saw is made out of hard plastic, which helps to keep the weight low.
Battery
This model comes with a twenty-volt battery that’s compatible with other twenty-volt power tools by this manufacturer. A battery charger is also included. The battery has a two amp hour rating. This means that it’s able to deliver a load of two amps per hour or one amp for a total of two hours. If you’re slicing through thicker branches, this will increase the saw’s power needs. For tougher material, the battery delivers four amps for half an hour.
Runtime
Runtime is heavily dependent on the type of material you’re cutting. If you’re working with wood that’s four-inches thick, then you should be able to achieve twenty to twenty-three cuts per charge. The average runtime ranges from twenty to thirty minutes per charge for mid to large-sized jobs around the yard.
Charge Time
The charge time per battery pack is one of the slowest I’ve come across at five hours. Because of this, purchasing a couple of extra battery packs is a must. Another option is investing in a higher-quality charger. A pricier charger can charge up a battery pack in as little as an hour.
The included lithium-ion battery pack is protected from overcharging and deep charging when the battery is drained and the tool shuts down.
Oil System
Oil is automatically released to keep the bar and chain continuously lubricated during use. Unlike a manual system, you won’t have to constantly release the oil via a push button. The oil cap for the reservoir is conveniently placed on top of the saw, so you can quickly top off the tank before use. The tank can hold up to four and a half ounces of oil, which will last approximately fifteen to twenty minutes depending on the type of material you’re cutting. You can monitor the oil via the oil level window. Like other models in this price bracket, there are issues with the oil leaking when stored. In order to prevent this, store the saw in a horizontal position.
Safety
For a safer startup, this tool comes with a lock button that must be pushed before the throttle will fire up. This will prevent accidental startups.
The front and back handguards will prevent your hands from getting nailed by any type of flying debris during use.
The built-in bumper spikes improve stability and give the user the type of leverage they need when making difficult cuts.
Weight
One of the lightest models on the market, this tool weighs in at just a little over six pounds.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Bumper spikes
- Compact
- Automatic oiling system
- Tool-free chain tensioning system
- Can handle cutting in tight spaces
- Quiet-running
Cons
- Oil reservoir will leak if the tool is not stored properly
- Slower than average charge time
Worx Versus Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw
This saw is a great choice if you’re not looking for a heavy-duty saw that can fell small trees or has a high cutting capacity. Instead, it’s better for occasional use and light pruning jobs. It’s also a better choice for beginners due to its lightweight design and low-powered motor, which offers improved control. If you need a more powerful saw, one that can withstand daily, heavy-duty use, then check out the latest model by Greenworks.
This competing model is perfect for home and pro use. It offers a longer than average runtime, more power, and increased torque. Its brushless motor will minimize vibration by as much as seventy percent, while delivering up to thirty percent more torque. However, it’s not exactly budget-friendly, but if you’re looking for a saw that can offer the type of raw power you need to fell small trees or tackle other heavy-duty jobs around the yard or at work, then this model is it.
Conclusion and Rating of Cordless Chainsaw
Our Rating:
This cordless chainsaw by Worx offers more than enough power to meet the needs of most homeowners. Its lightweight, compact design is perfect for cutting up firewood, light tree trimming, and pruning, and for cutting in tight spaces. This model is very low-maintenance and beginner-friendly. Considering it’s a low-powered model, it can’t compete with some of the big boys in the market in terms of cutting power and speed, but it’s beginner-friendly controls, entry-level design, and easy handling makes it a perfect fit for the homeowner who doesn’t need a high-powered saw for small pruning jobs around the yard. I gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five.
