DIY Cordless Chainsaw Ideas

[Punx0r]

I wasn't sure where to post this as it's definitely not an EV, but faces many of the same issues.

I'm soon going to need a chainsaw. I'd like electric because of of the hassle of storing and starting petrol ones (and the noise). So I figured I'd simply convert a mains-powered saw to run from my ebike lipo packs (6S or 12S configurable).

So... Any ideas for a suitable motor? Emphasis on cheap/DIY/recycle ideas . The ratings on the mains saws are around 2Kw.

I'm leaning towards brushed motors for the simplicity (no speed control) and because I'm afraid RC brushless controllers will blow the first time the chain jams...

There doesn't seem much in the RC world that's big enough it terms of brushed motors.

24V or 48V lawnmower motor maybe? I have no idea what they're rated at...

Any ideas or thoughts?

Anthony

 

[major]

How about trying a second hand trolling motor?

 

[to the beach]

I wouldn't rule out brushless. It would just be the matter of installing a circuit breaker to be intrinsically safe. An automotive circuit breaker may work for lower voltages, or an industrial circuit breaker would for sure.

 

[wineboyrider]

There are 40v commercial cordless chainsaws available now.....
Stihl makes a nice one.

 

[Punx0r]

They do, but pricey and a little on the small/underpowered side

Major, nothing on ebay at the moment, but will keep an eye out.

to the beach, is that a done thing with RC ESC's? Not heard of that before.

Thanks for the replies guys

The only thing I've seen on ebay so far that might do the job is this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24V-ELECTRIC-MOTOR-Inc-Brake-/190879427850?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item2c714ced0a

At 9.5" x 4.5" it ought to be capable of being over-driven a bit, but would likely need modifications to let the end of it hang out of the casing...

 

[Hillhater]

.............There doesn't seem much in the RC world that's big enough it terms of brushed motors.

24V or 48V lawnmower motor maybe? I have no idea what they're rated at...

Any ideas or thoughts?

Keep an eye out for a moto bike starter motor. Small, (some have reduction boxes attached), very powerful, & cheap.
!2 v brushed...simple.dont bother with a speeed control for a saw, just use a starter solenoid.
Try a bike dismantlers ( online ?)

 

[dnmun]

if you intend to cut real trees an electric chainsaw won't cut it. maybe branches or saplings but it takes more than a few horsepower to cut a large tree of 12" or larger. if you don't like the noise you are not gonna like the risk of being killed by having a snag fall on your head. since you don't ever do this kinda work, you should be more than cautious.

 

[Icewrench]

Not a chainsaw but I have been using a 36 volt dewalt sawzall for yard pruning and trimming.
Truly a multi use tool for around the house and yard.
Works well for branches up to 5" diameter.

 

[Punx0r]

I won't be cutting anything over 10-12" dia. I've just watched a video on yourtube with a guy cutting a ~30" dia. log with a 2000W 15" saw - seemed to work well enough for me.

Don't worry about safety, I'm quite aware of how dangerous chainsaws can be.

Brushless motors are certainly small and light. Something like a 6374 should do the job at around £100 ($150) with ESC, sourced in the UK.

Bike starters aren't something I'd thought of. I had a couple of 800W series wound ones a while ago. They're very cheap to pick up on ebay and would probably match the original universal motor characteristics quite well. Duty cycle might be an issue, especially running a 12V motor on 22V

BTW, cordless lawnmower motors seem to be 1200-1500W.

 

[wineboyrider]

if you intend to cut real trees an electric chainsaw won't cut it. maybe branches or saplings but it takes more than a few horsepower to cut a large tree of 12" or larger. if you don't like the noise you are not gonna like the risk of being killed by having a snag fall on your head. since you don't ever do this kinda work, you should be more than cautious.

The Wright brothers would have never flown an airplane if they were afraid to fly...LOL