The difficulty of cutting wood with a chainsaw can vary significantly depending on the type of wood. Generally, the hardest woods are those with high density, toughness, and interlocked grain patterns, which can make them challenging to cut through. Some species of wood are notorious for being particularly hard on chainsaw blades, requiring more power and effort to cut and more frequent sharpening of the chainsaw chain.

Here are a few examples of hard woods that can be challenging to cut…

1. Australian Buloke

• Characteristics – Known to be one of the hardest woods in the world, Australian Buloke has an incredibly high Janka hardness rating. It is extremely dense and tough, making it a challenge for even the most powerful chainsaws.

2. Quebracho

• Characteristics – This South American hardwood, whose name literally means “axe breaker,” is incredibly dense and tough, posing a significant challenge to cutting tools.

3. Lignum Vitae

• Characteristics – Famous for its density and toughness, Lignum Vitae is one of the hardest and heaviest woods, often used for applications requiring durability and resistance to wear. It can quickly dull cutting blades.

4. Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)

• Characteristics – Ipe is incredibly hard and dense, widely used for decking and outdoor furniture due to its resistance to wear, rot, and insects. Cutting through Ipe requires a powerful chainsaw and may demand frequent chain sharpening.

5. Ebony

• Characteristics – Ebony is extremely hard and dense, with a fine texture that can make it difficult to cut. Its hardness, combined with its value as a decorative wood, means it requires careful handling when sawing.

6. Snakewood

• Characteristics – Known for its extreme density and unique pattern, Snakewood is tough to cut and is often used in small quantities for decorative purposes.

Factors Affecting Cutting Difficulty

• Density – The denser the wood, the more resistance it offers against the chainsaw chain.
• Moisture Content – Wet wood can sometimes be harder to cut than dry wood due to the additional resistance provided by the moisture.
• Grain Pattern – Woods with interlocked or irregular grain patterns can cause the chainsaw to bind or kick back, increasing the difficulty of making smooth cuts.
• Chainsaw Specifications – The power of the chainsaw and the sharpness and quality of the chain also significantly affect the ease of cutting through hard woods.

When cutting hard woods, use a powerful chainsaw equipped with a sharp, high-quality chain designed for tough cutting jobs. Proper safety gear and chainsaw maintenance are crucial to handle these challenging tasks safely and effectively.