This is a quick look at the dewalt 12-inch 20-volt max brushless chainsaw model dccs620 .
I occasionally need a chainsaw for cutting up small logs that our tree guy kindly leaves behind
for firewood. My first chainsaw... I know right! Anyway, my local Home Depot had it on sale and
I just couldn't resist. Not only is this a good option for weekend lumberjack wannabes like me,
but it's also a great option for folks invested in the 20 volt max platform... also me. Better yet
there's no loud motor, no exhaust fumes, no mixing gas and oil, and it's easy to start. It'll just be
me, my favorite flannel, and fresh air. <> Oh!... and a little sawdust too. Guzintight!
I have lots of batteries so I purchased the bare tool only. It came with a low kickback 12 inch
Oregon bar and chain and a scabbard. I was also happy to see that Home Depot carries replacement
bars and chains as well. Here are the replacement model numbers just in case you need them. With
it's smaller size, I find this chainsaw very comfortable to use. It arrived perfectly set
up although I still went through all the instructions to be sure the bar and chain
were attached properly under the bar adjusting locking knob, and made sure the chain tension
was adjusted properly with the chain tension knob. The chain should snap back when pulled
an eighth of an inch from the bar. So once I added some bar and chain lube, not included,
and strapped in a battery, the tool was ready to get to work. Oh! I should point out that the
manual says the bar adjust locking knob should click, but mine didn't. I went back to the store
and the display model didn't either so I contacted Dewalt. A rep said it's a common occurrence and
the clicking isn't necessary for the bar and chain to be secure as long as it's tight. Bar and chain
oil goes in here and the filling reservoir has a fill gauge. Of course it's oddly positioned and
doesn't do much good since you have to fill the saw on its side. And remember water displacement
theory? Keep in mind if you fill the reservoir to the top you're gonna ooze oil everywhere when this
plug is is put back in. The saw has an auto oiling system but I'll talk about that briefly later.
The bare tool weighs only nine pounds with a five amp hour battery, and has a chain brake, which
must be forward for the saw to start. The chain break stops the chain quickly in case of kickback.
There's a lock off lever and a trigger, which once depressed gets the saw running.
If you're like me and never owned a chainsaw because you typically use your reciprocating saw
to cut up trees, you'll be schooled by the manual on cutting techniques and lumberjack lingo.
You'll learn how to properly hold the saw, which took some getting used to since I'm a
lefty in a right-handed world, and you'll become familiar with terms like limbing,
bucking and over bucking. Maintenance is relatively easy. After a few hours of use
you remove the sprocket cover, guide bar, and chain, and clean with a soft brush.
The manual talks about sharpening the chain and provides the file angles, but
if you've got time for that you're a better person than me. DeWalt recommends the chain
be sharpened no more than four times before replacing it. Also be sure to flip the bar
when you put on a new or sharpened chain to extend the bar life. The tool comes
with Dewalt's typical tool warranties. There's the 90-day money-back guarantee. So if you cut
down all the trees in your yard and then you decide you don't like it you can return it.
There's also the one-year free service and usual three-year limited warranty. Let's see the tool
in action. Just be kind. I'm a left-handed chainsaw rookie using a right-handed saw.
Oh! So fancy!
Let's listen to power under no load. Keep in mind this is not a controlled test.
After using the tool for a while I have a few observations. Firstly,
the tool requires a fair amount of juice. I'd recommend using nothing
less than a 5 amp hour battery if you want to be productive.
Secondly, while I didn't have the materials to test DeWalt's claim that you can get "90
cuts per charge on 4x4 pressure treated wood with a 5 amp hour battery?" Given
I was cutting untreated 5x5 cedar posts and logs less than 10 inches in diameter, that's the max,
I think 90 cuts is a stretch. The battery was draining pretty quickly. And thirdly, I noticed
the auto oiling system kept the bar and chain well lubricated although at times oil was dripping out
of it like a drooling puppy. Nothing says smoky, toxic campfire like oily firewood. Since this tool
can drip oil even when it's off be sure to empty the reservoir before storing the tool. To wrap up,
while this is the first chainsaw I've owned, I found it less intimidating than any gas powered
saw I've used. It was easy and comfortable to use and it'll help me build my skills and confidence
should I decide to eventually move on to a larger saw. For its size, it provides decent power and
it got the job done and well I might add. I hope this video has been helpful. Thanks for watching!
That's awesome! It'll just be me, my favorite flannel, and fresh air. <>