Chainsaw Review - Makita UC4051A (Chainsaws for Woodturners #1)

In this video I review the Makita Model UC4051A Electric Chainsaw. If you are a woodturner, I would recommend this chainsaw for milling bowl blanks up to 12-14" diameter. Just let the saw do the work and don't force the cut.

[@donlyons8964]

I got rid of all my gas and corded electric saws when I tried a n EGO 56v battery operated. It puts all them to shame.

[@woodturnerky8556]

Don Lyons I have heard that these modern batteries and battery powered saws really do put out a lot of power. Even my 20v dewalt drill has quite a bit of torque. How does the battery charge hold up Don? I'm going to pin your comment to the top so people can see your input. Thanks! Kyler

[@donlyons8964]

@@woodturnerky8556 I get about 1 hour cutting time on a charge and takes about 12.5 hour to recharge. Need to have 2 batteries if you are going to do much cutting.

[@woodturnerky8556]

Don Lyons That's not too bad though. I think many woodturners out there (and people doing some light trimming or firewood processing) wouldn't need more than an hour at a time.

[@Jcharp12]

Are carving bars available for the EGO saw?

[@Pro1er]

@@donlyons8964 If it's taking you 12.5 hours to recharge your battery, something is wrong. I'm guessing you meant 2.5 hours.

[@markbrown382]

I watched a lot of electric chain saw reviews. I bought the Makita today based on yours. Thanks for the thoroughly informative demonstration!

[@xavier9608]

Finally a clear, professional and above all safe explanation. I saw other videos that were absolutely unsafe let me say should be banned. Thanks again and greatings from Belgium !

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Kyler, you missed your calling! You should hire out to all the tool manufacturers as a demonstrator. You really did a nice job of describing the pluses and minuses of this saw. The video moved right along and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Great job! Now, back to the lathe for you!! LOL!

[@woodturnerky8556]

madronawoodworks Lol Thanks Phil! I was worried that the review dragged on too much but I really wanted to make sure to cover as much as I could in case someone were to buy this saw based on this review. I appreciate the kind words my friend, and you're right......back to the lathe for me! Lol Kyler

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

@@woodturnerky8556 It didn't drag on at all, Kyler! That's what I mean, you have a gift and that's the ability to give a lot of information and still keep it interesting. Great job, my friend! Phil

[@clydeulmer4484]

Excellent review, Ky. You've presented, clearly and thoroughly, everything a potential buyer might want to know. I'll be paying attention to any other reviews you might give in the future. Clyde

[@woodturnerky8556]

Clyde Ulmer Thank you Clyde! I was concerned I may have blabbered on too much, but I wanted to make sure I covered all I could so if someone buys one based on the review, that they didn't have any surprises. So I appreciate the feedback. Kyler

[@RedneckInCarolina]

Love mine. 3yrs old and still going strong.

[@woodturnerky8556]

RedneckInCarolina Thanks for the feedback! It is a very strong and well built saw. Kyler

[@martinelectraglide8490]

Thank you for sharing your opinions and experiences with this saw. I received my own Makita today. And although the enclosed manual is good, the way you show the how-to's is better. It makes the startup easier and quicker. I'm looking forward to get started with my own Makita . Enjoyed your video and tips a lot, thank you. Stay safe and healthy! Greetings from The Netherlands 👍🇳🇱

[@johnhowardnardine6815]

That was really very informative! It’s great hearing from someone who knows what they’re doing.

[@Benzknees]

Excellent review, so much more thorough than every other one I’ve seen.

[@ronhollenbeck]

As others have pointed out, the chain tensioning pin is metal, I gave it the magnet test. My saw is a couple of years old and doing very well. I learned a couple of things by watching this video.

[@jonnda]

I just ordered the battery version of this saw. Thanks for the introduction, I learned a lot.

[@bonnieborgeson3200]

thank you for your info and demo. I found if you turn the saw on its side you can view through the bottom at eye level (I was sitting down and could see with no problem) the pin and then you can position the pin while turning.

[@martinelectraglide8490]

I followed your advice and it is indeed like you mentioned: positioning the pin is quite easy this way. Thanks for your contribution!

[@bobjayp]

Very professional review. WEN or whatever Chinese factory makes the thing ought to be reimbursing him after the fact.

[@jezior_lca]

I have the same saw. The pin for the chain tensioning is not plastic, it's metal. Mine was made in 2021 so maybe it was upgraded at some point.

[@MikeWaldt]

A very thorough honest review Ky. Great video. Merry Christmas. Cheers Mike

[@woodturnerky8556]

Mike Waldt Thank you kindly Mike, much appreciated! Hope your Christmas was nice, and have a Happy New Year! Kyler

[@legirons99]

Thank you for this. I just got one of these and the instructions on the chain tension system weren't clear, to me anyway. Your video helped a lot.

[@FlyingMerf]

Thanks for the thorough review Ky. You helped me make a decision on the Makita saw. Best wishes for the holidays.

[@woodturnerky8556]

FlyingMerf Awesome great to hear. It's a very strong saw and should last a long time. Thanks for the feedback, and happy holidays! Kyler

[@pauljdowney]

I have a UC4000 and put thousands of hours on it. It is very durable. If you cut level or nose up you will not hit ground with the chain. The chains are cheap, don’t bother sharpening them.

[@mariodrechsler2618]

@8:39 The pin in the saw which I bought today is of metal. May be that Makita saw your video and changed it. Originally I wanted to buy the UC4550A but somehow I was not much concentrated during online buy. So I will take it as you did: no additional tool neccessary to tighten the saw chain.

[@satchelsteele9802]

Thank you! Just bought one for $50 from an older fella that got one for Christmas & he never even plugged it in

[@ThePapa1947]

Kyler that was a top notch review. I have been thinking of getting an electric chain saw. Lot of great features as you pointed out plus I didn't care for the how you tension the chain either. Seemed a bit flimsy. The nice thing about an electric is when you set it down its off and not vibration across the ground. I have an older McCullough Pro Mac 20 inch that even with the chain locked can vibrate 6 feet away while I get another log ready. Well maybe not 6 feet. Great review except for one thing....AHH down here in Oregon we call it Oregun. Don't ask me why it has always been that way. We even had bumper stickers that said OREGUN! Just teasing...every where else in the US they call it OreGone Great job Kyler, Gary

[@tonyneufeld6860]

Lol we call it oregun in canada as well.

[@desimz267]

Rented one from Home Depot to cut down an apple tree, worked perfect for that situation. Probably a good saw for small projects like such

[@islandpainter3964]

All the things you pointed oùt are actually very durable. Ive had mine for years. My one is made in germany and the germans engineer things perfectly. Way better than American junk.

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

Imagine Billy cutting with this saw. He would go nuts. I'm not sure if this will be a good option for me. I live in 5 acres would mostly have access to electric but ahhhhh idk. Great video though! Thank you.

[@Tim_Pollock]

Thank you for this excellent review Ky. I use two stihl gas powered saws for most of my blank milling but I'm looking to get an electric saw for occasional use inside my shop. The neighbors don't like it too much when I fire up the big 660 magnum stihl at 11:00 at night. : - )

[@JusticeAlways]

Decent review video. Looking to get this saw. Don't want to mess with battery powered because of replacement costs. 👍

[@dkropelnicki9819]

I get your gripes on all the plastic parts. Hopefully they do sell the whole assembly in case something fails in there.

[@woodturnerky8556]

D Kropelnicki Hey buddy! Yea I just don't understand that after everything else has been engineered so well, that they would throw one cheap part in the mix. Maybe it's stronger than I think but most people cringe when they see it lol time will tell!

[@keyboardwarrior2812]

That was a good review thanks, you've just sold me this saw.

[@nuriacarreraspolo5938]

Thanks you very much 👏👏👏

[@sethbrayer504]

Does anyone know if the Canon dime tip carving bars and a 1/4 pitch sprockets and chain would be compatible with this saw? I’d love to use this for some light duty carving work if so! Thanks in advance. 🙌🏼👍🏼💪🏼

[@marcorampon2968]

Thanks for your time, it's really a good review.

[@lesleyrobertson8940]

Hi, will this saw accept a 10 or 12 inche dime tip bar and an appropriate sprocket ,I am newbie to wood carving so sorry for my ignorance. Thanks.

[@joecrozier4922]

Great video- can you tell me how it has performed for you long term over the years? Thanks!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Nice review. Ken

[@woodturnerky8556]

Moonpie Creations Thanks Ken!

[@alanscannell]

I think you did say attentioning 😂 great review Kyler that looks like a great bit of kit. I may have to get one as my gas one still wont run properly even after changing piston and cylinder. I get what you mean about the plastic parts pitty they went with that but as you say probably easy to replace. All the best al 👍

[@woodturnerky8556]

Woodturning by Alan Scannell Lol thanks Alan! It's nice because you can use it indoors if need be. It's funny how everybody has a problem with the plastic parts, makita really goofed up there! Lol

[@alanscannell]

@@woodturnerky8556 yea they sure did plastic is not the way to go on a unit like that but I'm sure if you where stuck you could mock up a sturdier adjustment knob. Seriously thinking about getting one of these though. Cheers buddy 👍

[@johnnerding8551]

BRILLIANT, thank you, with regards.

[@nate1593]

Great review, very thorough.

[@mudden]

Great review, thanks! Looking into buying a Makita UC4551A with a 45 cm sword to use for splitting logs into boards.

[@danieljerloew]

do you have to fill bar oil both in the needle spots and in the chamber? I got one of these saws for free, brand new, without instructions so im happy this video is up.

[@Markart50]

Just ordered one on your demo thanks.

[@texastuna7298]

I am also using a UC4051A. Can i use 18" or longer guide bar for UC4051A? 16" seems short for me.

[@sebna]

You can use 18". In EU there version of this saw sold with 18" bar - this is how big those go as stock option.

[@johnh5564]

I noticed the wooden jig you have that holds the log. It appears to have two difference configurations to hold the log in place. Do you have the plans on how you made it? Thanks. I got this Makita electric chain saw two years ago and I'm really pleased with it. Great video, you did a great job explaining it's various parts and how to remove the cover for maintenance.

[@seanoconnor7201]

Ky, have you ever had the electric saw 'bogdown' while cutting? I'm probably missing something basic.

[@Pavol-Pivka]

I have the same chainsaw. The pin you mentioned isn't made of plastic. It's a metal pin. I've try it with a magnet.

[@user-zf4qs2jy3n]

If Makita and Oregon would combine features we would have the worlds best electric saw. A shelf sharpen is priceless, and Oregon tension system is much better. Makita has the more durable saw.

[@darthtrader]

You mentioned plugging the chainsaw into an inverter. Is an inverter a required accessory?

[@TheAndyMaan]

Do you still have this saw? How's it holding out long term? Thinking of picking one up, not much more that the Oregon CS1500 but looks better built with metal components

[@MustacheVerra]

Thanks for the review.

[@selfinflictedjoy]

I'm new to chainsaws and liked your review especially the lifting of the bar to tighten the chain

[@sfisherqua1023]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@PohlBarnProductions]

works pretty good there Eh ! LOL (DAD) has that in cordless. battery powered, it's a beast as well but all the same design.

[@woodturnerky8556]

The Pohl Barn Projects Lol honestly I can't avoid saying eh if I tried! I have heard that these modern battery powered saw have really come a long way in the last few years. Lots of power and charge life. They are a bit more money but you can take them anywhere. Thanks for watching Doug! Kyler

[@PohlBarnProductions]

I'm just messing with ya, if you only knew how many UMMM"S and ANYWAY"S I edit out of my video's LOL You don't really say it all that much, I like watching your videos.

[@rulowth4815]

that was amazing, thanks

[@freshpootube]

Been thinking about one of these, since Wifey won’t let me get a bandsaw till we move house.

[@fidsta30]

thanks great info! Fidsta UK

[@kauritiaho]

Yeah. My tensioning pin snapped day 1

[@watcherdude1330]

Great review KY. New to chain saw . So probably a stupid ? But here goes . Do All chainsaws have the little hole at the end of the bar? And is it hard to find that tool you used for when you showed oiling the bar.

[@woodturnerky8556]

Mr. B Thanks Mr. B! From what I've seen, many bars don't have the little greasing hole at the nose. None of my Stihl saws have them, can't remember seeing them in husky's either. Oregon might have them. But I'm not totally positive. The little greaser tool was only about $10 (CDN) and I found it at Canadian Tire. It should be available at any store that sells chainsaw supplies (bars, chains, sharpening tools) including Amazon. One other point I should make is if you are planning on going electric, make sure you have a good heavy gauge (12 gauge) extension cord. Especially if it's going to be as long as 50'. Smaller cords have too much resistance and may make the motor run hot. Hope this helps! Kyler

[@martinelectraglide8490]

@@woodturnerky8556 He, that's a very good tip. It is true that a cable that's too tin can overheat or cause trouble. Thanks for the good advice!!

[@billbob812]

Could you tell me the length of the main body of this saw? Thanks.

[@hk93shooter]

the makita 14 and 16 in saws are the same power heads.save some money and get the 14in. if you look at the husky 120v electric it is the same thing also in orange plastic sold for 100 dollars more.? i think it is the same manufactures.

[@joshturner9766]

cheers m8 made my mind up for buying it, im gunna try make a table out of a yew log i got im buying a chainsaw mill to go with this chainsaw, any recomendations?

[@victrith1]

There is a version with normal chain tensing system.

[@cowbdave99]

You made up my mind I think I'll get my Husqvarna fixed. That thing would start to suck. Slow.

[@markmorris7078]

Great review, convinced me to purchase this saw. 👍

[@tonyneufeld6860]

Just wondering how the saw is holding up. I am thinking of buying the same model

[@ardianhaxhiu3577]

How much oil spending ?

[@Pro1er]

Have you had the gearbox apart? Every corded chainsaw I've checked, including some Makita saws, have a plastic drive gear.

[@rudiooijman5958]

It is a metal gearbox The smaller one looks similar but has 1700 watt and has a plastic part in the gearbox. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX2xnYKJiLmpnLM

[@Pro1er]

@@rudiooijman5958 Good to know there's one left!

[@gentlemensedge5503]

Dang! I thought I decided on a great saw but the plastic pin and it only having one stud to secure the bar bummed me out..for that price you'd think the Makita brand would opt for more metal...that's irritating..very competent review, BTW..

[@victrith1]

There is a version of this saw with normal tensioning system.

[@guysolis5843]

@@victrith1 Good to know...I already bought the cordless Echo..

[@turbotools2745]

🔥🔥🔥

[@CLOWNUK]

would you say its as loud as a 9" grinder

[@secondfirstsecond]

can it chop down the 50cm diameter tree?

[@Altay_wood]

Nice

[@benglasheen7658]

Lovely video very informative, can the oil leaking while off be controlled by the oil flow screw from underneath the chainsaw?

[@user-pb9de6ux9x]

Makita aasko kati ho prices

[@rudiooijman5958]

That plastic pin is mada of metal. I have that saw several jears and cut some massive 60 foot trees with it. Not any problem. It always run😜

[@THEsharkster66]

can anyone tell me the length of the cord?

[@Pro1er]

You can use up to a 100', 12 gauge (only) extension cord.

[@wischmopps293]

The pin is metal. At least here in Germany

[@paulmilsom1346]

Your own advice, "Always wear safety gear when using your chainsaw", .........but not indoors?

[@rob2may60]

Ky, great review of this chainsaw. Can anyone tell me what a good price would be for this exact chainsaw? Thank you all, Bob

[@hardtailsuicidaljockey6827]

Wow it worked alot better than I thought an electric chainsaw would pretty impressed but makita is a good brand. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

[@woodturnerky8556]

Joe Blow Yea I was impressed with it as well John! It really makes a pile of chips in no time. Really strong motor. Thanks for watching! Kyler

[@woodturnerky8556]

Joe Blow and happy holidays to you as well!