Chainsaw attachments to increase the functionality of the tool: types, characteristics, photos and videos

Leading manufacturers of household and professional chainsaw equipment offer a number of the latest models with universal properties. A wide selection of chainsaw attachments help you use the tool's working capabilities with greater efficiency.

A significant portion of fairly expensive household tools are used from time to time. The use of a chainsaw as a drive for several types of replaceable equipment allows you to mechanize labor-intensive household work with less material costs.

Why are there different attachments for chainsaws?

Chainsaws are one of the most common motorized tools that almost every home craftsman living in a private home has. Such devices are equipped with high-power drive units capable of reaching shaft speeds of up to 12,000 rpm. These are colossal indicators, thanks to which chainsaws cope with sawing thick and durable wood trunks.

However, for most owners, such tools are used only a few times a year (mainly in autumn and spring), when collecting firewood or pruning fruit trees. The rest of the time, chainsaws lie idle in the garage. Although they can be used all year round, for which you only need to install the appropriate attachments instead of the tire with a chain. The use of such devices is determined by a number of the following factors:

1. Great power of the unit, which allows you to perform very heavy work.
2. Ease of use - installation of the appropriate attachments is very quick and easy, after which the tool is ready for use.
3. Autonomy of operation - any type of power tools are good at home, but in the field they are useless if there is no source of electricity. A chainsaw with appropriate attachments can be used in the field to perform certain tasks.

To expand the functionality of a chainsaw, you don’t need to invent anything. Ready-made attachments for chainsaws are produced by different manufacturers, and to use them, you just need to choose the appropriate option and install it on the tool. To do this, you should first become familiar with the types of devices produced, as well as the features of their correct use.

Important! When installing attachments, do not drain the oil from the chain lubrication tank. This method of avoiding unnecessary consumption of lubricant will lead to rapid wear of the oil pump, which is not designed to operate at idle speed. Contrary to all recommendations, do not allow the oil pump to run idle.

Chainsaw as a pumping unit

The autonomy of the gasoline drive is highly valued in irrigated farming areas. Compact and mobile pumping units are effectively used to supply water to areas located at a great distance from power sources.

Such devices are in particular demand in private and small-scale farms, for watering crop areas, as well as drawing water from wells and artesian wells.

Angle grinder attachment for chainsaw for cutting metal

In the field, there is often a need to cut metal. Purchasing battery-powered angle grinder models is not advisable for a number of reasons:

• high cost of cordless angle grinders. Their price is sometimes higher than their electric counterparts;
• low power, so the units are not designed for cutting thick metal;
• short supply of electricity. Depending on the battery capacity, the tool lasts only 20-40 minutes.

Another thing is attaching an angle grinder to a chainsaw. If the farm has a tool, then you just need to buy the appropriate device for it and get a ready-made unit for cutting metal, which can be used both at home and in the field.

The nozzle is a structure that is attached instead of a tire. It is equipped with a spindle for installing abrasive wheels. It is driven by a belt drive that connects the drive shaft of the chainsaw with the driven shaft of the spindle. The belt drive is driven either by a special pulley, which is installed instead of the standard clutch, or by a standard sprocket.

The devices are designed to work with standard abrasive wheels with a diameter of 160 mm. The internal fixation hole measures 22.2 mm. These attachments are called USHM-1 for chainsaws, and their cost is about $50.

You can see what the tool looks like in operation in the video below.

Important! The maximum rotation speed of the chainsaw shaft is about 12,000 rpm, and the abrasive discs are designed to operate up to 9,000 rpm. To eliminate the possibility of destruction of consumables during operation, you should not operate at full power. It is imperative to follow safety precautions and carry out work wearing a protective helmet.

The attachments can be used not only for cutting metal, but also for sawing wood (using a disk with teeth) or concrete (diamond wheels). In any case, such attachments justify the cost of their purchase by the ability to perform work in the field or on construction sites.

Conclusion

A chainsaw is capable of not only performing transverse or longitudinal cuts of wood, it allows creativity and invention based on many tools and devices that are useful in the household, making everyday work easier or even relaxing for your own pleasure.

Remember that when using homemade attachments for a chainsaw, you should be careful and not overload its engine, and you should also not forget about safety precautions, since all responsibility in case of injury lies with you.

Chainsaw pump for pumping or pumping water

Chainsaws come with attachments called pumps or pumps. The advantage of such devices is due to the fact that it is possible to obtain a complete unit for pumping out liquid with minimal investment. The cost is about $40 (depending on modification).

Water pump attachments are devices that are installed either instead of the standard chainsaw sprocket, or mounted on brackets for fixing the tire, and are driven by a belt drive. After this, it is also necessary to secure a special cable to adjust and maintain constant speed. The products are equipped with inlet and outlet pipes, to which hoses for pumping water are attached.

The performance of the units depends on the size of the impeller. Such devices can be used to pump both clean water for irrigation and contaminated liquids, for example, from basements, rivers or other bodies of water.

Interesting! Water pump attachments for chainsaws come in different designs, and their housing can be made of plastic or steel. Plastic structures have a reduced cost, but they are not intended for frequent use.

The performance of the offered water pump models is 4800 l/hour. Most attachments are designed to fit 1.5 kW (2 HP) chainsaws. The maximum rotation speed of the turbines of such devices is 6000 rpm.

Chainsaw winch for lifting and moving loads

Manufacturers offer this type of attachment for chainsaws, such as a winch. Used for lifting and moving heavy loads. An important condition when using such devices is their secure fixation. The nozzle is fixed to the ground using metal pins, which are often included in the package. They are often used in agriculture in conjunction with hand plows and hillers.

Nozzles are structures on a separate frame, which consist of a reel with a metal cable (usually 30 meters), and mounted on a shaft. The shaft is attached to the standard Stihl chainsaw sprocket (used for models MS 180, MS210, MS211, MS230 and MS250). Can also be used on instruments from other manufacturers by first installing the appropriate star.

The side where the winch is connected to the tool

The main technical parameter of the devices is traction force (nominal 400 kgf, maximum 600 kgf). One of the options for using a winch for a chainsaw is shown in the video below.

Interesting! The weight of objects lifted using a winch can be up to 500 kg.

How to work with a homemade device correctly

The safety rules when working on such devices are the same as for any woodworking machines. The operator and bystanders must not approach the cutting blade. It is undesirable to work tired, with reduced reaction. Common sense should be used. Clothes should be buttoned and pulled up, without loose hems that could get caught in the chain.

If there is a wide spread of sawdust, you should wear safety glasses. When working for a long time, it is advisable to wear headphones to protect against noise.

Technical features:

• Do not put pressure on the cutting unit. The saw advances as sawdust is removed from the cut, without effort.
• Do not use chains with dull teeth or tires with worn grooves.

Debarker, corroder cup cutter for chainsaw: attachments for wood processing

Special types of chainsaw attachments for removing bark from sawn logs and making longitudinal and transverse grooves are called corroders or debarkers. The products come in two versions: disc and drum. Each option has a corresponding purpose, but the common name debarker is used to designate them.

Drum debarkers are used to remove bark from logs and boards, and disk debarkers, due to the specific design, are designed directly for cutting mounting grooves, bowls and recesses. Let's take a closer look at the models individually.

Disc type nozzles

They are a round cutter with recesses in which the blades are located. Such devices are also called cup cutters. The disc is secured to the spindle using a locknut. The mechanism is driven by a belt drive.

Such devices can be used not only for making grooves in wood, but also for removing bark. However, implementing the latter function will require a lot of time and effort, so it is better to use a coder, the description of which is presented below. A bowl-shaped debarker or figured cutter is used for artistic cutting and making wooden sculptures.

You can see what such a tool looks like in operation in the video below.

The average cost of such attachments is $40-50. However, there are more expensive models that are characterized by highly wear-resistant materials.

Debarkers for drum-type chainsaws

(they are also called coroders and carcinators) are cylindrical elements with several grooves in which blades are installed. The number of knives depends on the modification of the nozzle. There can be 2 or 4 of them. The main purpose of such devices is to remove bark from logs.

Like disk-type nozzles, drum devices are also driven by a belt drive. The principle of installing the corroder attachment on a chainsaw, as well as the features of its use, can be seen in the video.

Main parameters of chainsaw cutters:

• weight. Their average weight is about 3 kg;
• minimum power of the chainsaw engine. It is not recommended to use devices on chainsaws with motors whose power is below 3 hp;
• speed of work. The optimal speed is 8000 rpm;
• working width. Is 12 cm.

Installation of the nozzle is quite easy. To do this, you need to remove the bar and chain, and also replace the standard sprocket with a pulley. Product prices start at $30.

Design features of a homemade carriage

The carriage for a chainsaw is straight and even guides along which the tool is fed to the material being processed. To obtain a straight cut with the specified parameters, the saw is rigidly fixed on a movable platform, which, in fact, is called a carriage. The most common kit contents include:

• guides. Their role is usually performed by rails, channels, I-beams. A good solution to the problem is to use a duralumin ladder;
• carriage, which is a type of cart that moves along guides. It has a grip or support platform for fixing the chainsaw. There are designs in which only the frame is rigidly fixed, and the engine itself only rests on a special stand;
• device for adjusting the thickness of lumber. Changes the lifting height of the cutting body of the chainsaw, which allows you to quickly and accurately set the desired sawing thickness;
• trolley feed motor. This element is not required, since large amounts of work are not performed on such devices. In addition, mechanized feeding requires the installation of limit switches and other control equipment. However, many users prefer to install a mechanism to obtain an even sawing pattern, which improves the quality of the boards.

Figure 1 - Homemade carriage for a chainsaw
There are also simpler carriage designs, which consist of a rigidly fixed chainsaw and a bounding frame. The material is fed to a moving chain, and the frame calibrates the thickness of the resulting board. This type of carriage is rarely used, since it is extremely difficult to feed heavy logs manually, and the results obtained do not have a smooth and straight surface. The best option is to feed the tool onto a fixed log.

Wood splitter for splitting firewood using a chainsaw

For chainsaws, a special attachment is offered that allows you to turn the sawing tool into a device for quickly and efficiently chopping wood. This is very important in everyday life, when large stumps remain after sawing thick wood. It is almost impossible to cut them with an ax. You can use a hand cleaver, but this process will take a long time and will require a significant investment of time and physical effort.

The average cost of such attachments is about $100. The design is used to work with hemp, the thickness of which can reach 40 cm, and the length varies from 40 to 80 cm. You can see what the tool is in action in the video clip.

The device is designed specifically for Stihl chainsaws of the following models:

• MS 180;
• MS 181;
• MS 210;
• MS 211;
• MS 230;
• MS 250.

It can also be used for chainsaws from other manufacturers, but their minimum power should be 2 horsepower or 1.5 kW. It is important to use tools with an external sprocket.

It is very easy to use the attachment, as well as to mount it on the chainsaw. To do this, you just need to remove the bar and chain and secure the attachment.

Interesting! The wood splitter has a spiral shape that effectively bites into any type of wood, splitting it into pieces.

The first version of a homemade sawmill

In order to assemble a homemade sawmill from a chainsaw with your own hands, you need to stock up on the following tools and materials:

1. Two channels for the base, which will be 8 meters long and 140-180 mm high, as well as two rails.
2. To fasten the structure you will need different corners: 50x100 mm and 40x40 mm.
3. The screed will also require several 25 cm water pipes.
4. A steel plate as a base, which will be 4 cm thick and up to 60 cm long.
5. Movable hoses and several pipes with a diameter of 35-40 mm.

Naturally, all work must begin with preparing the foundation. A homemade sawmill from a chainsaw is assembled as follows:

1. First you need to connect the rails, which are laid with the soles up. For fixing, corners of 50x100 mm are used. It is important here that they lie as level as possible, and therefore it is recommended to use a building level.
2. After this, you need to drill several holes in the finished base. Their diameter is from 14 to 16 mm, and the pitch is 1-1.5 meters.
3. After this, you need to take the number of ties equal to the number of holes and connect them with bolts.
4. After this, you need to make legs from metal squares on which the base, that is, the plate, will be attached. The distance between the outermost post and the main one should be approximately 1 meter.
5. To create the most rigid structure possible, it is recommended to weld braces between the posts.

After this, all that remains is to figure out the installation of the movable trolley for the log dismantling machine. To install it, you need to weld 40x40 mm corners from below to the plate and place the product on rollers or bearings on top of them. On top of the plate you need to weld two more corners, which will act as a mount for the chainsaw itself.

Options for outboard motor attachments on a chainsaw

The chainsaw engine can be used as a drive for a boat. To do this, you just need to buy a special ready-made attachment, which is called a “boat motor for a chainsaw.” The nozzle is a device that is equipped with a drive screw. There are different configurations of such nozzles, which have minor design differences.

Their differences lie in such parameters as the number of blades on the propeller, the power of the chainsaw that is suitable for use, the diameter of the propeller, the maximum speed, and the ability to move in reverse. The product is equipped with a special bracket, through which it is attached to the boat.

The attachments are easy to connect to the chainsaw. To do this, you just need to dismantle the bar with the chain, and then secure the device. In order to reduce the speed of rotation of the drive screw, such systems provide a built-in reduction gearbox with a gear ratio of 2:1. The average speed of a boat with these types of attachments is up to 20 km/h, and fuel consumption is about 1 liter per hour. The design provides the ability to change direction, which is achieved thanks to the movable connection of the bracket with the nozzle body. The rotation angle does not exceed 180 degrees.

These attachments are suitable for installation on Stihl chainsaws (MS180, MS181, MS210, MS211, MS230, MS250), as well as models from Carver, Forza, Partner and Husqvarna.

The type of outboard chainsaw motor shown in the photo above costs between $80 and $100. However, there are also more advanced models, for example, from the Bristol company.

The peculiarity of this attachment is that it almost completely replaces a boat motor. It has a function not only for changing direction, but also for reversing. In addition, the change in direction occurs using the handle, and the increase/decrease in speed is adjusted from a hand-held device located on the handle. The disadvantage of such a nozzle is its high cost, as well as its lack of free sale in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Motorized drill from a chainsaw for making holes in the ground

If you plan to install posts, for which you will need to prepare holes for their installation, then you can use a chainsaw with an additional motor-drill attachment. This design is completely similar to a standard hand drill, only instead of a handle, a bracket is used to fix the chainsaw. The design of the nozzle also provides for the presence of a reduction gearbox, due to which the speed of the working element is reduced. The gear ratio is 1:56. The result is a maximum screw rotation speed of about 150 rpm. The length of the auger is 1 meter.

Using such a device, you can make holes in the ground with a diameter of 20 cm. Moreover, doing this is much easier and faster than using hand tools. The cost of such a device is about $100. The installation process is quite simple. The kit comes with instructions, which eliminates the possibility of incorrect installation of the product.

The attachment is suitable for Stihl MS180-MS250 chainsaws. However, it can also be used for instruments of other brands with the appropriate power parameters. You can see what the tool is like in action in the video below.

Safety regulations

Important to remember:

• Do not use a chainsaw if you are sick or under the influence of alcohol.
• Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands to ensure full control of the tool during unexpected jerks.
• Hands should be clean and dry to ensure a secure grip on the tool.
• Only use the chainsaw on a stable surface with sufficient surface area.
• Do not operate the chainsaw with your arms raised or extended.

Ice drill from a chainsaw: a simple attachment to expand the functionality of the tool

From a chainsaw you can get such a useful tool as an ice auger. The nozzle differs from the device for drilling soil not only in the increased number of auger turns (their length is 450 mm), but also in the type of gearbox with a reduction of 1:10. This device is designed specifically for drilling ice and hard soil. The diameter of the drilled holes ranges from 100 to 150 mm (the appropriate model is selected).

The cost of such a nozzle is about $100. There are many modifications of devices available for sale, manufactured by different manufacturers.

At the end of the nozzle there are knives that effectively cut the ice, allowing you to make holes very quickly. Features of installing the device on a chainsaw, as well as its operating efficiency, can be seen in the video clip.

Chainsaw attachment - drill: attachment options

The advantage of using a chainsaw as a drill lies in two main points:

1. The ability to drill holes in materials where there is no electricity.
2. The high power of the tool will easily allow you to drill large-diameter holes in wood, and at the same time not only gain time, but also maintain the integrity of the electric tool.

A factory-made attachment consists of a housing with a gearbox and a chuck for installing the corresponding drills. Naturally, you can use a chainsaw as a drill only for drilling wood and metal, since the tool does not have an impact mode option. This means that it will not be able to drill through concrete, brick and other hard materials.

The tool chuck allows you to work with drills with a diameter of 16 to 25 mm. The cost of such a device for a chainsaw is about $100. However, the result is not only a highly productive, but also a very powerful tool with great torque. What the process of installing the nozzle is, as well as the features of operating the tool, are shown in the video clip below.

It is important to know that drill attachments are so popular and in demand for chainsaws that they are available in different designs.

A nozzle with a perpendicular arrangement of the cartridge has certain advantages. The main advantage is that when drilling, the user can apply the full force of pressing the tool onto the workpiece, thereby increasing the speed of achieving positive results. In addition, it is much easier for the user to control the tool, which increases the accuracy of the resulting holes.

You should choose these nozzle options if you plan to drill large-diameter holes in solid wood.

Chain saw sharpening template

To significantly simplify the procedure, it is recommended to purchase a special template, which greatly simplifies the procedure for setting the required angle. Such a tool allows you to check the indicator of the rear angles of the conical and top blades, as well as the leading edge of the cutting edge.

Experts point out that the most important thing is to use a template to control the clearance angle. This is due to the complexity of changing this indicator, and it must be maintained within a strict range

Too high a material hardness determines the need to reduce this indicator. Experts indicate that the optimal value varies from 10 to 12°.

How to turn a chainsaw into a compressor: a useful attachment

A chainsaw can be used as a compressor, with which you can pump up the tires on a car, inflate a rubber boat, or even use it to blow out parts, such as a carburetor.

It is not recommended to use the device to ensure the functioning of a spray gun, spray gun and other pneumatic devices. Firstly, because such a tool does not have a receiver (a container for storing air), so it needs to function constantly until the task is completed. This will accelerate the wear of internal elements. Secondly, doing this is not entirely convenient, since it is necessary to maintain constant engine speeds, while using the other hand to perform specific work with a pneumatic tool. The chainsaw compressor in operation is shown in the video below.

Benefits of a chainsaw

Why is it better to cut logs with a chainsaw into boards rather than using a power tool? There are several reasons:

• You are not tied to electricity, but specifically to an outlet, and can do work in any place convenient for you.
• You can perform work in conditions with high humidity.
• A good chainsaw is much more powerful than an electric one.
• You will be able to work with a chainsaw without interruption for much longer than with a power tool that constantly needs to rest.

Brush cutter attachment on a chainsaw: purpose

We continue to expand the capabilities of a unique tool - a chainsaw. Manufacturers offer a special device that allows you to turn the tool into a hedge trimmer. Thus, you can significantly save on the purchase of specialized tools.

The nozzle is a structure that is attached to the tire. Dividing the entire length of the tire into sections using such an attachment facilitates effective pruning of bushes, as well as their leveling.

The cost of the device is 30-40 dollars. The effectiveness of the device can be assessed using the video clip below.

Sawing process

It includes the following steps:

1. Place the log on the sawhorse.
2. Attach the frame to the tire.
3. Attach the supports that are designed to hold the ruler, making sure that they are installed exactly level.
4. Secure the fasteners with self-tapping screws (they will be easier to remove after finishing the work).
5. Make sure that the cut line will be 1 centimeter above the ruler, and not along it.
6. Make the first cut.
7. Release the log from the stops and move the fixture to the next cutting line.
8. Next, you can remove the ruler and continue to focus on the cut you made earlier.

Circular saw from a chainsaw: features and purpose

A chainsaw attachment similar in design to an angle grinder is called a circular saw. The essence of its application is to cut wood, which ultimately allows you to obtain a board, batten or timber of the required dimensions.

The device is equipped with an adjustment plate, thanks to which the required size of the resulting workpieces is adjusted. The cost of the nozzle is $50. A saw blade with a diameter of 230 mm is purchased separately.

The device is intended for Stihl and Carver chainsaws, as well as other brands of tools on which you will need to first install a drive pulley of the appropriate type.

What devices can you make with your own hands?

Many “garage” craftsmen do not spend money on buying chainsaw attachments, but make them themselves. In fact, there is nothing complicated about them and almost everything can be made with your own hands. All you need for this is a welding machine, sandpaper and the necessary knowledge and experience; spare parts from old tools and mechanisms, for example: chains, belts, pulleys, shafts, etc., can also be useful.

On the Internet you can find information on how to make an angle grinder attachment, a pump, a winch or a drill. In order to dispel doubts, we suggest watching a video that shows a homemade attachment for a Shtil chainsaw made from an old fishing drill.

Attachment for rip sawing with a chainsaw or timber jig

To obtain finished boards from even logs, it is necessary to cut the wood longitudinally. And a chainsaw will help the household user in this matter. You can buy a special attachment for longitudinal sawing for it. It's called Timberjig, which allows you to make slats, boards and beams from logs.

The device has a simple design, and is additionally fixed to the tool with an installed bar and chain. The main feature of the device is that there is a scale on the body for setting the appropriate dimensions in order to obtain the required board. Suitable for logs with a diameter of no more than 60 cm.

To use the tool, you will need an additional substrate, which you can make yourself or purchase separately.

Longitudinal sawing with a chainsaw using an attachment

A simplified version of the nozzle is shown in the photo below. The size of the resulting boards is set manually using a ruler.

The need to purchase such a device arises only if straight trees are being felled, from which boards can subsequently be obtained for subsequent sale or household use.

Regular cut

If you do not have any available tools, sawing a log with a chainsaw into boards proceeds as follows:

• Sand the log, that is, remove the bark from it.
• Mark the log by drawing the required board dimensions on it.
• Saw the board along these lines.

Please note that with this method you need to separately draw each next board, since quite a lot of wood is lost during sawing - up to one centimeter.

Planer and jointer from a chainsaw and features of its use

A planer or jointer has a similar design to a corroder. This is a nozzle that is designed to plan off an excess layer of wood, which ultimately allows you to obtain even and smooth planes.

The nozzle has a simple design, and its cost starts from $60 (depending on the modification and design). It is equipped with a cylindrical drum (102 mm wide) with two knives, as well as a support frame that allows you to remove a certain layer of wood.

Attachments are available for chainsaws from Stihl (170-250, 260, 361), Carver, Husqvarna (137, 142, 236, 240) and other manufacturers. They fully replace hand planes, increasing labor productivity hundreds of times.

After processing the wood with a plane, its surface does not need to be sanded, which is also an additional advantage.

Chainsaw jointer at work

You can see how such attachments perform in operation in the video below. The video will allow you to decide whether to purchase a plane attachment for your chainsaw.

Having studied the most popular types of chainsaw attachments, you can draw the appropriate conclusions. The functionality of the tool can be expanded, and quite justifiably. After all, most of the attachments offered by manufacturers may be needed by any tool owner sooner or later. And they not only reduce physical stress, but also allow you to increase the speed of manipulations, as well as minimize the cost of purchasing full-fledged tools. Many people resort to making products on their own, but this will require a lot of time, and in addition, the safety of homemade devices will always be in doubt.