DocSmart 8 inch & 6 inch 800W Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

DocSmart offers two battery-powered chainsaw models - an 8-inch and a 6-inch version. Both feature brushless motors and lithium-ion batteries, offering cordless convenience and power.

These chainsaws are designed for occasional use around the yard for tasks like trimming branches and cutting small trees or logs. With no gasoline or oil mixing required, they provide an easy and eco-friendly alternative to gas chainsaws.

The 8-inch DocSmart chainsaw is the more powerful option of the two, equipped with an 800W brushless motor. It can handle thicker branches and small to medium-sized trees. The 6-inch version has a 600W motor and is better suited for lighter pruning jobs and thinner branches.

This review will dive into the design, cutting performance, features, ease of use, battery life and other key factors of these DocSmart cordless chainsaw models. Both the pros and cons will be covered to provide a complete overview for homeowners looking for a convenient electric chainsaw.

Design and Build Quality

The DocSmart chainsaw features a durable yet lightweight design, making it comfortable for extended use. The body is made from hardened plastic that can withstand bumps and drops without damage. Despite the plastic construction, the saw feels sturdy and doesn't flex during cutting.

The top handle has a rubberized grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold. This helps reduce hand fatigue when using the saw for long periods. The rear handle is also rubberized but includes molding to perfectly fit your hand. Between the ergonomic handles and the saw's light 6.6 lb weight, you can work for hours without your hands or arms tiring.

The guide bar is made from hardened steel and is designed to prevent buckling or damage. It maintains its stiffness even under heavy loads. The sprocket at the bar tip is also metal for durability when limbing and pruning. Overall, the materials and construction result in a chainsaw built to last through regular homeowner use.

Power and Cutting Ability

The DocSmart chainsaw comes in two motor sizes - 6 inch and 8 inch. The smaller 6 inch saw has a 500W brushless motor, while the larger 8 inch version boasts an 800W brushless motor. This gives both models substantial power for cutting through various materials efficiently.

The 6 inch chainsaw has a no-load speed of 8m/s, allowing it to make quick work of smaller logs and branches up to 6 inches thick. It can tackle most yard debris with ease. The larger 8 inch model has a faster no-load speed of 12m/s. This equates to faster cutting through logs, branches, and trees up to 10 inches thick. Its added power enables it to handle tougher jobs like storm cleanup or tree felling.

The brushless motors in both saws provide constant power and torque output, even as the battery starts to drain. This results in consistently fast cuts without bogging down. The motors are also designed to generate less heat and vibration compared to brushed motors.

When equipped with sharp chains, both DocSmart chainsaws can cut through green and seasoned wood smoothly. Their powerful motors and sharp chain combinations make quick cutting through pine, cedar, oak and other common woods easy work. With the proper safety gear, technique and care, the larger 8 inch model can even fell small trees and saplings up to 8-10 inches diameter.

Overall, the DocSmart chainsaws pack impressive power and cutting ability for their compact cordless size. Homeowners with regular yardwork and woodcutting needs will appreciate their strength and cutting speed through a variety of materials.

Features

The DocSmart chainsaw comes packed with useful features for safe, efficient cutting.

Safety Features

Safety should be your top priority when operating a chainsaw. The DocSmart has an automatic chain brake that engages if the saw kicks back, minimizing potential injuries. It also has a front hand guard to protect your fingers and a throttle lockout to prevent accidental starts.

Auto-Chain Oiling

You never have to worry about lubricating the chain, as the tool-less oiler provides continuous lubrication to reduce friction and drag. This auto-oiling system extends the life of the chain.

Chain Tensioning

The side-access chain tensioner makes it easy to achieve optimal chain tightness for efficient cutting. Proper chain tension reduces vibration, minimizes kickback, and prevents the chain from loosening during use.

Kickback Protection

To prevent dangerous kickbacks, the DocSmart utilizes a reduced kickback guide bar and low kickback chain. The asymmetric chamfered edges of each cutter link help grab and cut through wood smoothly rather than aggressively.

Ease of Use

The DocSmart cordless chainsaw is designed for easy starting and operation. The chainsaw has an electric start button that starts the motor instantly with the press of a button. No pulling cords required.

The automatic chain tensioning system ensures the proper chain tension is maintained while cutting, eliminating the need to manually adjust chain tension. The chain can be tightened or loosened easily using the side access chain tensioning knob.

The compact and lightweight design, at just 10.8 lbs, allows for easy handling and maneuverability. The wrap-around front handle provides a secure and comfortable grip. The rear handle is adjustable for user comfort and control.

Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the tool-less chain replacement system. The chain can be removed and installed without tools for quick and hassle-free maintenance. The side chain access allows the chain to be lubricated easily.

Overall, the thoughtful design features of the DocSmart cordless chainsaw allow even first-time users to get up and running quickly. Starting, adjustments, handling, and maintenance have all been simplified for ease of use.

Battery and Charging

The DocSmart chainsaw comes with two 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries that provide ample runtime for most homeowners. The large capacity batteries allow you to make dozens of cuts on a single charge.

Runtime can vary depending on the thickness and hardness of the material being cut, but most users can expect 30-60 minutes of cutting time per battery. This is generally enough to complete an entire project or work session without having to stop to recharge.

Recharging the batteries takes approximately 60-90 minutes when using the included rapid charger. This quick recharge time means you'll be back up and running shortly after your batteries run low. Having two batteries allows you to always have one on the charger while using the other.

For extended cut time or all day use, DocSmart does offer larger 6.0Ah battery options. These provide even longer runtime between charges. However, the included 5.0Ah batteries will be sufficient for most homeowners.

The batteries use DocSmart's Power XChange system, meaning they are interchangeable with other DocSmart tools and batteries. If you need extra batteries or already own compatible DocSmart tools, the batteries can be shared between devices.

Overall, the battery life and charging system make the DocSmart chainsaw convenient and easy to keep powered up for your cutting tasks.

Accessories

The DocSmart chainsaw comes with a number of handy accessories for maintenance and convenience.

• It includes a bar sheath made of durable canvas to protect the bar and chain when transporting and storing the saw. This helps prevent damage and rusting of the cutting components.

• For keeping the chain sharp, it comes with 2 flat mill bastard files. These allow you to conveniently sharpen the chain teeth right on the job site whenever needed.

• A scrench tool is also included. This combines a screwdriver and wrench for tightening nuts and screws on the saw when changing the chain or adjusting chain tension. The scrench ensures you have the right tool at hand for basic maintenance.

• An allen key set provides hex keys for making various adjustments to the saw and accessories. This makes it easy to tweak settings as needed.

• To hold small parts, a plastic carry case is included. This keeps loose nuts, screws, files, and tools organized in one place.

Overall, the accessory kit contains useful items an owner needs for ongoing care and maintenance of the chainsaw. Everything is provided in a compact case for convenience.

Pros

• The DocSmart chainsaw is very lightweight at only 6.5 lbs, making it easy to handle and maneuver. Despite its light weight, it still packs impressive power from the 800W brushless motor.

• The 6 inch and 8 inch bar lengths give you good cutting ability for limbs and small logs up to 5-6 inches thick. The chain speed of 12 m/s delivers smooth, fast cuts.

• Kickback protection features like a hand guard and anti-kickback chain help improve safety while operating the saw. This makes it a good option for beginner users.

• The tool-free chain tensioning system allows you to quickly adjust chain tension without any tools. This is very convenient when the chain stretches over time. Just turn the knob to tighten.

• The automatic oiler ensures the chain stays lubricated during use. No need to manually oil the chain yourself.

Cons

The DocSmart chainsaw has a few downsides to consider:

• The battery life could be better. The 8" model only provides about 20-25 minutes of runtime per charge while the 6" model provides 30-35 minutes. For light homeowners this may be enough, but professionals will likely need extended batteries or multiple batteries to avoid downtime.

• It's only compatible with DocSmart batteries. You can't use batteries from other brands, which limits flexibility. DocSmart batteries can be pricey to replace.

Conclusion

Overall, the DocSmart 800W cordless chainsaw delivers solid performance and value for money. The powerful 800W brushless motor provides enough cutting power for most homeowner tasks like trimming trees or cutting firewood. The lightweight and ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.

The 6 inch and 8 inch bar length options offer versatility for different cutting needs. While the runtime could be better, the fast charger helps minimize downtime. The automatic oiling system is convenient and reduces maintenance.

For most homeowners doing occasional tree trimming or firewood cutting, the DocSmart 800W cordless chainsaw is a great choice. It provides good power and run times at a reasonable price point. The included accessories like the carrying case and extra chain add value as well. Unless you need to fell large trees or do heavy duty cutting, this model should suit occasional use well. It's a quality cordless chainsaw that offers good value for money.