CRAFTSMAN 14 Inch CMECS614 Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 is a gas-powered chainsaw from a classic American tool brand now owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Craftsman has been making tools in the US for over 90 years and is known for its lifetime warranty program.

The CMECS614 is a fairly compact 14-inch chainsaw suitable for tasks like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and firewood cutting. It has a powerful 8-amp motor yet weighs just 12 pounds, making it easy to handle for extended cutting sessions. This Craftsman model combines classic brand name recognition with modern ergonomics and safety features.

Overall the CMECS614 aims to deliver reliable cutting performance in a lightweight package at an affordable price point. This review will examine the chainsaw's design, power, ease of use, and other key factors to help assess its capabilities for different cutting applications.

Design & Build Quality

The Craftsman 14-inch chainsaw features a durable yet lightweight die-cast magnesium crankcase and fuel tank. This makes the saw easier to maneuver while reducing user fatigue during prolonged use.

The exterior housing uses a molded composite material that is impact-resistant and protects the internal components. The composite material also helps reduce the overall weight.

At the heart of the saw is a beefy 50cc 2-stroke engine that delivers plenty of power while keeping vibration levels low.

The 14-inch bar and chain are Oregon brand, known for quality and reliability. The bar uses sturdy steel construction with nice, smooth rails.

Overall, the materials and construction quality are very good for a consumer-grade chainsaw in this price range. The combination of metal and composite components provides a good balance of durability, weight savings, and impact protection.

Engine Power

The CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 chainsaw is powered by a reliable 2-stroke engine with a displacement of 43.3 cc. This decently sized engine produces an output of 5 HP, allowing the saw to make quick work of medium-sized logs and branches up to 14 inches thick.

The 2-stroke design provides a good balance of power, weight, and fuel efficiency. It runs on a gas/oil mix fuel which needs to be pre-mixed before filling the tank. The fuel tank capacity is 16 oz, so you get reasonable runtime before needing to refuel.

With a power output of 5 HP, this model provides capability between a basic consumer chainsaw and a professional model. It has enough grunt for most homeowners' cutting needs like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and getting firewood ready for the winter. The engine gives you the ability to get through decent sized logs without struggling.

Overall the 43.3cc 2-stroke engine with 5 HP is a great match for the 14 inch bar length. It delivers reliable cutting performance for the intended use of this chainsaw. Most users are satisfied with the engine power on board the CRAFTSMAN CMECS614.

Cutting Performance

The Craftsman 14 inch chainsaw delivers excellent cutting performance for a variety of tasks. It features a 14 inch cutting bar which provides good reach for felling small trees or cutting logs. The bar length gives a good balance between maneuverability and cutting capacity.

The chainsaw uses Craftsman's proprietary PowerSharp chain which stays sharp longer and allows you to sharpen the chain with a quick back-and-forth motion of the file. The chain has a 0.043 inch gauge for smooth efficient cutting. It can handle both softwoods and hardwoods without difficulty.

Users report the 14 inch bar and chain can make cuts at a nice steady pace through materials up to 14 inches thick. The chainsaw has ample power to avoid bogging down unless you force the bar in too aggressively. The chain tensioner makes it easy to keep the chain at optimal tightness for best cutting speed. Overall the cutting performance of this compact but powerful chainsaw makes it a great choice for around-the-house tasks.

Ease of Use

The Craftsman CMECS614 chainsaw is designed for ease of use for the average homeowner. At just under 10 pounds, it has a good balance between power and a manageable weight. The chainsaw feels solid in your hands without being overly heavy.

Starting the CMECS614 is straightforward with the pull-start cord. Just set the master power switch to ON, choke the engine, pull the starter cord 3-5 times and set the choke to RUN once the engine kicks over. The starting procedure is smooth and the chainsaw fires up reliably on the first or second pull when following the proper steps.

The throttle trigger and chain brake are ergonomically positioned for easy access and control during operation. The trigger lockout prevents accidental engagement. Overall, the CMECS614 offers a solid ease of use for weekend warriors looking for an affordable and capable 14" gas chainsaw.

Safety Features

The Craftsman CMECS614 chainsaw comes equipped with several important safety features to protect the operator during use.

Chain Brake

It has an inertia activated chain brake that stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs. This can prevent potential injuries by stopping the spinning chain on contact. The brake activates automatically by inertia if the chainsaw kicks back suddenly.

Kickback Protection

To prevent dangerous kickbacks, the chainsaw is designed with a reduced kickback bar and chain. This helps minimize the chance of kickback by using a specialized bar and chain that are less prone to it. The kickback protection gives an added level of safety.

Hand Guard

A large front hand guard protects the operator's hand from contact with the chain if slippage occurs. This guard acts as a barrier between the chain and operator's hand for enhanced safety.

Maintenance

The CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 chainsaw requires periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are a few key areas to focus on:

Air Filter - The air filter on the CMECS614 should be checked frequently and replaced when dirty. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow to the engine, robbing it of power. Replacing the filter takes just a minute and is crucial for engine performance.

Chain Tension - Keeping the proper tension on the chain is important for safe, efficient cutting. The chain will stretch over time, so it's good to check tension each time you use the saw. There are screwdrivers on the saw to easily adjust chain tension. Don't over-tighten, just take out any major slack.

Lubrication - Proper lubrication is what allows the chain to glide smoothly around the bar. The CMECS614 has an automatic oiler that provides a constant supply of oil to the chain and bar. Be sure to check the oil reservoir and fill it when needed. You can also adjust the oiler flow rate as needed. The chain itself should be lubricated with bar and chain oil, not standard motor oil which is too thin.

Doing this basic maintenance will keep your CMECS614 running strong for many seasons of use. It takes just a few minutes but prevents issues down the road. Consult the owner's manual for full maintenance procedures.

Noise & Vibration

The Craftsman 14-inch electric chainsaw produces a reasonable noise level when cutting. The sound power level is rated at 104 dB, which is typical for an electric saw of this size. While not whisper quiet, it won't cause hearing damage with proper ear protection.

Vibration is also well controlled thanks to the rubberized wrap-around handle. There's noticeable vibration transmitted to your hands during cutting, but not excessive. An internal counterweight helps dampen vibration for a smooth feel. Overall, the vibration damping system works well to reduce fatigue during longer cutting sessions. You'll appreciate the smoother operation compared to some competitive electric saws.

For an electric saw, the Craftsman strikes a good balance between power and noise. It offers solid cutting capability without being painfully loud. The vibration damping also helps reduce fatigue for the operator. While not the quietest saw, noise and vibration are reasonably controlled.

Value for Money

The Craftsman CMECS614 chainsaw offers excellent value given its combination of performance, features, and price point.

At around $120, it is very competitively priced for a gas-powered chainsaw with a 14-inch bar. Many comparable models from other brands cost $150 or more. You get a lot of saw for your money with the CMECS614.

It comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which is fairly standard for chainsaws in this class. Craftsman provides good support if you need repairs under warranty. Parts and maintenance are also very affordable for this model.

The engine and components seem durable and designed for longevity. With proper care and maintenance, the CMECS614 should provide years of reliable service before needing significant repairs or replacement parts down the road. This makes the long-term cost of ownership very reasonable.

You can use inexpensive 14-inch replacement chains and bars as needed, rather than being locked into more expensive proprietary parts. This further enhances the value proposition.

Overall, when you consider its capabilities, features, power, and quality, the Craftsman CMECS614 gives you a lot of bang for your buck. For a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly chainsaw that still packs impressive performance, it's hard to beat the value offered by this model.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Powerful 14-inch bar and chain can cut through medium to large logs with ease
• Good balance and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver
• Automatic oiler ensures constant lubrication to bar and chain
• Inertia chain brake stops the chain quickly for safety
• Anti-vibration system reduces operator fatigue from vibrations
• Easy to start with Smart Start technology
• 2-year warranty provides peace of mind

Cons:

• Air filter may need more frequent cleaning/replacement in very dusty conditions
• Fuel and oil tanks are relatively small, requiring more frequent refilling
• Doesn't include carrying case
• Somewhat loud operation compared to higher-end models
• May struggle with extremely hard woods or frozen logs
• Chain may loosen over time and need re-tensioning