CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini 12 inch CMCCS620B Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini is a compact, lightweight 12-inch electric chainsaw designed for occasional use around the yard. Part of the CRAFTSMAN V20 cordless tool system powered by lithium-ion batteries, this chainsaw aims to provide an easy to use and maintain cutting tool for basic property maintenance and firewood tasks. With its 12-inch bar and chain, the V20 Mini chainsaw is best suited to trimming small branches and cutting up logs under 8 inches in diameter. The portability and ease of use makes it a good choice for homeowners who only need a chainsaw occasionally. This review will examine the design, features, power and performance of the CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini to help you determine if it’s the right portable chainsaw for your needs.

Design & Build Quality

The Craftsman V20 chainsaw has a lightweight yet durable design perfect for maneuverability and comfort during use. It weighs only 6.27 lbs with the battery inserted, making it easy to hold and control when pruning trees or cutting firewood.

The body is made from a combination of hardened plastics that are impact-resistant. This allows the saw to withstand accidental drops without damage. The wraparound metal handle is coated in an overmold rubber for comfort and grip. It has an ergonomic shape that fits nicely in your hand to reduce fatigue.

The chain bar cover is made from hardened steel to protect the actual cutting bar and chain when not in use. This adds to the overall ruggedness and longevity of the saw.

Overall the materials and construction feel sturdy and built to last. The design is well-balanced too, so the saw doesn't feel overly top- or bottom-heavy when holding it. This attention to ergonomics makes the Craftsman V20 comfortable and easy to maneuver.

Motor & Power

The Craftsman V20 chainsaw is powered by a brushless motor that delivers efficient, maintenance-free operation. The motor provides ample power for the 12-inch bar and chain, enabling the saw to cut through logs up to 10 inches thick.

Craftsman does not specify the exact power output in watts or horsepower. However, reviews indicate the V20 motor provides similar cutting performance to gas chainsaws in the 30cc range. This puts the power output estimate around 1 horsepower.

The 12-inch bar and chain combination can cut through soft and hardwoods without struggling. Many users mention cutting oak, maple, pine and other wood types with ease. The bar length is ideal for limb cutting and smaller diameter logs. Those looking to fell large trees or make deep cuts into thick logs may want to size up to a 16-18 inch bar.

Overall, the V20 motor provides strong power that matches the capacity of the 12-inch chain. It's suitable for most homeowners' cutting tasks like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and firewood prep. Those needing extended run time for large jobs may want to invest in a second battery.

Features

The Craftsman V20 chainsaw comes equipped with several handy features for safe and efficient cutting.

The tool-free chain tensioning knob allows you to quickly adjust chain tension without tools. This makes it easy to keep the chain at optimal tightness.

An automatic oiler ensures the chain stays properly lubricated during cutting. This lengthens the life of the chain while reducing friction and kickback.

The chainsaw has an electric brake that stops the chain as soon as you release the trigger. This provides an added layer of safety and control.

There are built-in battery charge level indicators so you can monitor remaining runtime. LED lights also illuminate the cutting area for better visibility.

To prevent accidental startup, the chainsaw has a lock-off button that must be depressed before pulling the trigger. This safety feature prevents the tool from turning on in your pocket or bag.

The 12-inch bar and chain can handle small-to-medium cutting tasks. It provides enough reach for limbing and pruning while remaining compact and lightweight.

The chainsaw accepts both V20 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries. Run times range from 20 to 40 minutes depending on battery capacity and cutting intensity.

Cutting Performance

The CRAFTSMAN V20 chainsaw delivers excellent cutting performance for a compact, battery-powered saw. It has a high chain speed of 15 m/s which allows it to make quick work of cuts up to 12 inches deep in wood. Despite its small size, users report it has plenty of power to cut through pine, cedar, and even hardwoods like oak without bogging down.

The 12 inch bar provides good maneuverability in tight spaces but can still handle moderate sized limbs or firewood logs. The chainsaw feels lightweight and balanced, making it comfortable to use for extended cutting sessions. It's very easy to make curved or angled cuts thanks to the compact, nimble design. The automatic oiler ensures the chain stays lubricated during use.

Overall, the cutting performance of the CRAFTSMAN V20 impressed reviewers with its speed, power, and smooth operation. It's an excellent choice for homeowners or DIYers looking for a highly portable battery chainsaw that can still rip through decent sized logs with ease. The fast cutting chain speed and handy 12 inch bar allow you to take on a variety of tasks in your yard.

Battery Life

The V20 Mini chainsaw comes with a powerful 2Ah lithium ion battery that provides excellent runtime. The battery is lightweight and compact, making the saw easy to maneuver and minimizing fatigue during extended use.

Runtime is sufficient for most homeowners, with the 2Ah battery providing up to 30 minutes of cutting time depending on the material being cut. This is enough to tackle most small jobs like tree limb trimming, brush clearing, and firewood cutting. For professionals who need extended runtime, larger 4Ah and 6Ah battery options are available.

Recharge time on the 2Ah battery is around 60 minutes when using the rapid charger included with the saw. This allows you to quickly top off the battery between jobs. The charger uses advanced technology to optimize recharge time while protecting the battery's long-term health.

Overall, the battery life of the V20 Mini chainsaw provides a nice balance of portability and runtime for a compact, lightweight saw. The included 2Ah battery will be suitable for most users, and larger capacity options allow for all-day professional use if needed. Fast recharge time ensures you'll be back cutting in no time.

Maintenance

Keeping your CRAFTSMAN V20 chainsaw in optimal running condition requires some regular maintenance. Proper maintenance will prolong the life of your chainsaw and ensure it continues operating safely and efficiently.

Chain Maintenance

The chain on your chainsaw is one of the most important parts to keep in good working order. Regularly check the chain for damage, looseness, dullness, and proper tension and lubrication. Damaged or loose chains can increase the risk of kickback. Dull chains make cutting difficult and strain the motor.

Make sure to tension and sharpen the chain as needed. Refer to the owner's manual for detailed steps on properly removing, tensioning, and reinstalling the chain. Sharpening is best done with a round file of the proper diameter for your chain. Take care to maintain the correct cutting angles when sharpening.

Cleaning

After each use, clean sawdust and debris from all openings and the chain brake mechanism. Use compressed air or a small brush to remove dust from the exterior housing vents. This allows proper cooling airflow to prevent overheating.

Regularly check that the chain oil reservoir cap is clear of debris. Use a small brush or compressed air to remove any sawdust around the cap so the oil can flow properly during use.

Storage

When storing your chainsaw for extended periods, drain the fuel and run the engine dry to prevent gumming. Remove the chain and bar and coat all metal surfaces with a light oil to prevent rusting. Store the chainsaw and chain/bar in separate dry locations out of direct sunlight.

Proper maintenance will keep your CRAFTSMAN chainsaw running smoothly for years to come. Be sure to consult the owner's manual for full maintenance procedures and schedules.

Accessories

The CRAFTSMAN V20 chainsaw comes with a few useful accessories out of the box. It includes a 12-inch Oregon bar and chain, which is ideal for the saw's size and power output. The auto-oiling system helps keep the chain lubricated during use.

For safety, it comes with both a front hand guard and chain brake. The hand guard protects against kickback, while the chain brake stops the chain instantly if kickback does occur.

Some optional accessories can further expand the saw's capabilities. An extra battery or rapid charger allows for longer runtime or quicker charging between uses. Carrying cases and shoulder straps make the saw more portable for transport. You can also purchase replacement chains, bars, and guide bars when needed.

The saw is compatible with other CRAFTSMAN V20 tools and batteries as well. So existing V20 owners can share batteries between devices. Overall the included accessories provide what's needed for basic operation, while optional add-ons help customize the saw for different tasks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to maneuver and control
• 12-inch bar allows you to cut through logs up to 10 inches thick
• Cordless battery operation provides portability and ease of use
• Brushless motor provides efficient power and longer runtime
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick and easy chain adjustments
• Automatic oiling system lubricates the chain and bar
• Includes 20V 2.0Ah battery for decent runtime before recharging
• 3-year limited warranty provides peace of mind

Cons

• Smaller bar length limits cutting capacity for large logs
• Battery charge doesn't last as long as gas-powered models
• May not provide as much power or torque as gas chainsaws
• Doesn't include a carrying case
• Batteries and charger sold separately can increase total cost

Conclusion

The CRAFTSMAN V20 12" Chainsaw is a compact, lightweight saw perfect for homeowners, weekend warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts who need an easy-to-use chainsaw for light duty yardwork and firewood cutting. This battery-powered electric chainsaw eliminates the need to mix fuel and oil, and starts up instantly with the push of a button.

The brushless motor provides ample power for its size, making quick work of branches up to 6 inches thick. Automatic oiling and easy chain tensioning reduce maintenance. The 12-inch bar and chain is well suited for simple tasks like pruning trees, cutting fence posts, and harvesting small logs. The included 2.0Ah battery lasts long enough for most homeowners' occasional needs.

The V20 12" chainsaw is very easy to use and maneuver, even for beginners. The safety features provide peace of mind. It's much quieter than gas chainsaws, making it ideal for suburbia. For the price, you get a high-quality saw that's perfect for light-duty cutting tasks.

Overall, the CRAFTSMAN V20 12” chainsaw is an excellent battery-powered electric saw for the homeowner who needs a compact, lightweight, low-maintenance chainsaw capable of taking on small to medium cutting jobs. It's a great value purchase.