BLACK+DECKER CS1518 18-Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is an 18-inch electric chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIYers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use chainsaw for basic property maintenance and firewood cutting. This corded electric model provides consistent power without dealing with gas or oil mixing.

The CS1518 features a powerful 15amp motor that delivers steady cutting performance through branches up to 18 inches thick. It has an 18-inch premium Oregon low-kickback bar and chain for smooth, fast cuts. Automatic oiling helps lubricate and extend the life of the bar and chain.

At just over 12 pounds, the BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is lightweight and designed with an ergonomic rear handle with soft grip to provide comfort and control during use. This review covers the CS1518's key features, cutting abilities, design, and pros and cons to help determine if it's the right chainsaw for your needs.

Design & Build Quality

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 chainsaw features a durable plastic housing that encases the motor and chain drive system. The exterior is made of a combination of hardened plastic and rubberized grips, providing a solid feel without excessive weight.

The chain cover and handle guards are also sturdy plastic. Overall, the construction quality is decent for a homeowner-grade electric chainsaw in this price range. It likely won't stand up to professional heavy-duty use over many years, but for the average homeowner doing occasional yard work it should hold up reasonably well.

The chain tension system uses a traditional side access knob that makes it easy to tighten or loosen the chain. The knob and tension screw seem durable enough for periodic chain adjustments.

The power cord is sufficiently thick for an electric chainsaw and connects securely into the rear of the housing. The cord length is respectable 18 feet, providing ample reach for most small to medium sized yard tasks.

Motor & Power

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 chainsaw is powered by a high-performance 18V Lithium Ion battery that delivers excellent runtime. The battery charges quickly and can power the saw for sustained cutting.

The motor itself is high-torque, delivering enough power and chain speed to cut through wood up to 16 inches thick. While not as rugged as gas chainsaws, the cordless electric motor provides more than enough cutting capacity for most homeowners doing occasional tree pruning or firewood cutting.

With no pull cord or motor maintenance required, starting the CS1518 chainsaw is effortless - just press the trigger and it comes to life instantly. The consistent power delivery enables smooth cutting performance even in thicker wood.

Overall, the 18V motor strikes a nice balance between power, runtime, and convenience - making it a great option for homeowners who want an electric alternative to gas chainsaws. The battery system also ensures consistent power delivery and eliminates fading towards the end of a charge.

Cutting Performance

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 chainsaw delivers excellent cutting performance for a wide variety of applications. With an 18-inch bar and chain, it can cut branches and logs up to 15 inches thick. The powerful 1500 watt motor drives the chain at a rapid speed, allowing you to make quick work of cutting firewood, tree limbs, and brush.

Despite its power, the CS1518 is lightweight and easy to handle. The rear handle has a comfortable grip, and the chain tensioning system allows you to adjust the bar tightness easily without tools. These features make the saw easy to control and maneuver as you cut. The automatic oiling system ensures the bar and chain stay lubricated during use, further optimizing cutting speed and extending the life of the chain.

With its impressive max cutting thickness capacity, high chain speed, and ease of handling, the CS1518 provides fast, efficient cutting whether you're pruning trees or taking on bigger projects like cutting logs for firewood. The smooth cutting performance makes the saw comfortable and convenient to operate.

Features

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 chainsaw comes equipped with several helpful features for safe and efficient operation.

• Auto-oiling system - This chainsaw has an automatic oiling system that provides continuous lubrication to the chain and bar during cutting. This prevents overheating and extends the life of the bar and chain.

• Tool-free chain tensioning - The side access chain tensioner knob allows you to quickly adjust the chain tension without tools for proper tightness.

• Automatic chain brake - If kickback occurs, the inertia-activated chain brake will stop the chain in fractions of a second to prevent injury.

• Low-kickback bar and chain - The 18-inch bar and chain are designed to minimize kickback for safer cutting. The reduced kickback angles and depth gauges help prevent dangerous kickbacks.

• Hand guard - The front hand guard provides added protection against debris and accidental contact with the chain if your hand slips off the rear handle.

• Rear hand guard - The rare hand guard helps protect your knuckles and prevent your left hand from touching the chain during operation.

• 2-step easy start system - Starting the chainsaw is simplified with the combined choke/stop settings. No more struggling with a separate choke lever.

Overall, the safety features like the chain brake and kickback protections coupled with the tool-free adjustments make this an ideal chainsaw for homeowners. The auto-oiling is a nice added convenience as well.

Weight & Portability

When it comes to chainsaws, weight and portability are important considerations for ease of use and maneuverability. The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 strikes a good balance between power and weight at just 9.4 pounds. This makes it one of the lightest gas-powered chainsaws in its class.

The CS1518 feels nimble and easy to handle thanks to its compact size and well-balanced design. The rear handle and front hand guard are ergonomically shaped for comfort during extended use. At just 18 inches, the bar and chain are an ideal size for general limb cutting and storm cleanup tasks.

Despite its light weight, the CS1518 doesn't feel overly flimsy or cheap. The durable plastic housing and quality construction provide a sense of reliability. Users mention being able to carry and use this saw for hours without excessive fatigue.

The CS1518's modest weight and size make it a highly portable chainsaw. It can easily fit into the trunk of a car or back of a pickup truck. The lightweight also makes it suitable for taking up ladders for tree pruning jobs. Homeowners with large properties appreciate being able to pack it along to fell small trees or clear brush in remote areas.

Overall, the combo of lightweight design, compact size, and ergonomic shape makes the CS1518 one of the most portable gas chainsaws suitable for routine property maintenance tasks. Users that need an easy-to-handle saw they can carry and use comfortably for long periods will appreciate this model.

Safety Features

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 chainsaw has a few key safety features to help prevent accidents and injuries while operating the saw.

Chain Brake

An important safety component is the chain brake, which stops the chain from spinning in the event of kickback. This helps prevent potential injuries if the spinning chain makes contact with the operator. The CS1518's chain brake can be activated manually using your wrist, or it will activate automatically in a kickback situation. This provides an added layer of protection when using the chainsaw.

Front Hand Guard

The front hand guard serves as a protective barrier between your hand and the spinning chain. If your hand slips forward while cutting, the guard prevents direct contact with the sharp chain. This hand guard is an essential safety feature that comes standard on the CS1518 chainsaw. It gives you the peace of mind that your hand is shielded from the chain if an accident were to occur.

Maintenance

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 requires some periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are a few key areas to focus on:

Air Filter

The air filter on the CS1518 needs to be checked and cleaned regularly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, potentially reducing power. You'll want to check and clean the air filter every 5-10 hours of use. Cleaning involves removing the filter and brushing off debris or using compressed air. Replace the filter as needed when it becomes excessively dirty.

Chain Sharpening

Like any chainsaw, the chain on the CS1518 will gradually dull with use and need to be sharpened. How often depends on how much you use it and what type of wood you're cutting, but expect to sharpen it every few usages. Refer to the owner's manual for detailed steps on chain removal, cleaning, and sharpening. Use a round file and file guide to reshape the cutting teeth. Replace the chain when severe wear prevents sharpening. A sharp chain makes cutting easier and safer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 15 amp motor provides high cutting performance
• Lightweight and compact design improves portability
• Auto-oiling system lubricates the chain for smooth operation
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Very affordable price point

Cons

• Bar and chain quality could be better
• Not designed for heavy duty or prolonged use
• May struggle with thicker wood
• Build quality is average plastic housing may break
• Only 1-year warranty

In summary, the BLACK+DECKER CS1518 chainsaw is an inexpensive model well-suited for light DIY and homeowner use. It offers decent power and portability in a compact package. However, the lower price comes with some drawbacks in terms of durability, run time, and build quality. Overall, a good casual use chainsaw but not ideal for frequent use or heavy projects.

Conclusion

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 18-inch electric chainsaw is a decent option for homeowners looking for an affordable and portable chainsaw for light yard work.

Final Recommendation

For light duty homeowner use, the CS1518 gets the job done. It can handle trimming branches and small trees around your property. The powerful 15 amp motor provides enough cutting power for most homeowners' needs. And the 18-inch bar and chain are adequate for moderate jobs without being overly bulky or heavy.

The lightweight and compact design make the saw easy to use and maneuver. Safety features like the lock-off switch help prevent accidental starting. While professional landscapers or tree service pros may want more power and durability, this electric model strikes a nice balance for the average homeowner doing occasional trimming and cutting.

It's not going to match the performance of pricier gas-powered models, but for light backyard cutting jobs, the CS1518 chainsaw is a good value. So if you need an electric chainsaw on a budget, the BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is worth considering.

Alternatives

If you need more power or longer run times, consider a gas-powered chainsaw like the Husqvarna 450 or STIHL MS 271. Professional landscapers may want to look at commercial-grade models like the STIHL MS 362 or Husqvarna 390XP. And cordless battery chainsaws like the DEWALT 20V MAX XR offer portability without cables. Compare features and prices to choose the right chainsaw for your specific needs.