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Oregon CS1500 Review

A highly affordable corded model that cuts well and is easy to use
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Oregon CS1500 Review
Credit: Ross Patton
Price:  $115 List
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Manufacturer:   Oregon
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  May 27, 2023
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 18
  • Saw Performance - 35% 7.5
  • Ease of Use - 30% 8.0
  • Power Performance - 25% 6.0
  • Noise - 5% 6.8
  • Weight - 5% 6.9

Our Verdict

The Oregon CS1500 is a great option for those shopping on a budget and aren't concerned with the inherent limitations of corded electric models. This saw cuts well, the chain tensioning system is extremely easy to operate, and the throttle system is as straightforward as it gets. Other than being tied to an extension cord, our main complaint is that the bar flexes a bit when you are really cranking on a cut, but for most backyard and smaller projects, this is not an issue. Get the skinny on how it stacks up against other great products in our article on the top chainsaws.
REASONS TO BUY
Budget-friendly
Decent cutting power
Easy operation
REASONS TO AVOID
Wide body
Bar flexes
Requires power cord

Compare to Similar Products

 
oregon cs1500
This Product
Oregon CS1500
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Affordable Corded Chainsaw
Best Buy Award
Best Chainsaw For Your Money
 Top Pick Award
Best For Smaller Projects and Tight Budgets
 
Price $115 List
$109.81 at Amazon
$399 List
$399.00 at Amazon
$120 List
$107.99 at Amazon
$70 List
$39.98 at Amazon
$80 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
72
80
65
58
51
Star Rating
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Bottom Line An easy-to-use corded electric model that will hardly dent your bank accountOne of the best values in a chainsaw, especially since there are so many other great EGO products that use the same batteryThis saw offers good cutting performance and a few nice features but falls short of the best modelsA great smaller saw at a great priceOne of the better one-handed mini chainsaws we tested
Rating Categories Oregon CS1500 Ego Power+ CS1800 Worx WG303.1 SeeSii Mini Cordless Tietoc Mini Cordless
Saw Performance (35%)
7.5
8.5
7.5
5.0
4.0
Ease of Use (30%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Power Performance (25%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
4.0
Noise (5%)
6.8
6.4
4.4
8.7
8.5
Weight (5%)
6.9
5.7
6.9
9.5
9.3
Specs Oregon CS1500 Ego Power+ CS1800 Worx WG303.1 SeeSii Mini Cordless Tietoc Mini Cordless
Bar Length 18 inches 18 inches 16 inches 6 inches 6 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time 7.8 seconds 5.9 seconds 7.4 seconds 39 seconds 58.3 seconds
Recharge/Refuel Time n/a 90 minutes n/a 131 minutes 140 minutes
Measured Weight 10 lbs, 10 oz 14 lbs, 11 oz 10 lbs 13 oz 2 lb 8 oz 3lbs, 0 oz
Measured Battery Weight n/a 4 lbs, 13 oz n/a 11.4 oz 11 oz
Measured Wind Up Time .5 seconds 1.25 seconds 1 second .1 seconds .1 seconds
Measured Runtime n/a 60 minutes n/a 36 minutes 32 minutes
Amps 15 Amp 5 amp 15 amp 2 amp 2 amp
Motor Size 15 Amp 56V 15 Amp 21V 21V
Measured Run Time Eco Mode n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in 86.6 dBa 88.8 dBa 99.1 dBa 76.8 dBa 78.1 dBa
Measured Body Dimesions 17.5 x 12 x 6 inches 16 x 9 x 8 inches 17 x 12 x 6.5 inches 10 x 4 x 3 inches 11 x 5 x 4 inches
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type Tool free Tool Free Tool free Included Tool Included Tool
Metal Bucking Spikes Yes Yes Yes No No
Oil Conservation Score 7 8 8 9 9
Power Source Corded electric Battery Corded electric Battery Battery

Our Analysis and Test Results

In the world of chainsaws, Oregon has become world-renowned. Not only are their chains used by practically every manufacturer, but they also make top-tier saws. With their corded model, the CS1500, the designers have taken all of the best components of Oregon's gas-powered and battery-powered models and meshed them with an electric motor that plugs into the wall. Best of all, this model is highly affordable.

Performance Comparison


The Oregon CS1500 is a budget-friendly corded-electric version that showed a decent overall performance in our tests.
Credit: Ross Patton

Saw Performance


To score this metric, we began by conducting wood-cutting time trials. We used the exact type and dimension of wood for each saw to give them a side-by-side analysis. We made five cuts per model and then calculated an average of the three fastest times. We also subjectively judged each model for overall feel and comfort while making cuts.


The Oregon CS1500 did reasonably well for this portion of our assessment. While it's not the fastest saw that we've seen, it's certainly nowhere near the slowest. With a 15-amp motor that plugs into an outlet, it's nearly as fast as the top-scoring battery-powered and corded-electric models, putting up an average measured cutting time of 7.8 seconds.


Our team found that the CS1500 handles well and has exceptional balance. When we used it to buck Pinyon Pine logs for firewood, it showed no signs of wanting to stop or stall mid-cut. The 18-inch bar is great for bigger rounds or for zipping branches off of a felled tree without having to bend over. We found two small flaws while assessing saw performance for this model — the motor housing is awkwardly wide, and the bar flexes if you don't keep it perfectly straight.

oregon cs1500 - the oregon cs1500 is affordable and performs remarkably well.
The Oregon CS1500 is affordable and performs remarkably well.
Credit: Ross Patton

Ease of Use


The next chunk of our total score is dedicated to how easy each of these tools is to operate. We examined the throttle system and considered how long it takes to engage the chain once you're ready to make a cut. We disassembled and reassembled the bar and chain several times to gauge the difficulty of the process and examined the tensioning systems side-by-side with the other models. We considered how long it takes to refuel, charge, or in this case, connect the saw to a power source. We noted the location of the bar and chain oil compartment cap and whether or not the tank's oil levels are visible without removing the cap.


The CS1500 scored well for this portion of our analysis. The only reason why this model didn't score a point or two higher is that we have found that corded models are slightly more difficult to use than battery-powered or gas-powered models. When operating a corded electric chainsaw, you have to always be extra mindful while cutting because of the cord itself — especially in awkward positions. That said, the designers of the CS1500 thought to integrate a plastic hook into the underside of the saw's handle that ensures that you won't disconnect the saw at a critical moment.

oregon cs1500 - this plastic hook on the oregon cs1500 makes sure that the power...
This plastic hook on the Oregon CS1500 makes sure that the power stays connected while you're operating the saw.
Credit: Ross Patton

Once the Oregon CS1500 is plugged in, it's exceptionally easy to operate. After disengaging the chain brake, the only thing you need to do to get the chain spinning is to push the thumb safety button and pull the trigger.

Getting the Oregon CS1500 going is very basic. With the chain brake off, just push the thumb safety and pull the trigger to start cutting.
Credit: Ross Patton

When it comes to maintenance and upkeep, this model is also very easy to operate. The oil cap is on the upper part of the saw body in a location that's easy to fill, with the saw sitting upright. We've found this location to be preferable to saws that require you to lay the tool on its side or certain models that need to be positioned in an awkward in-between angle in order to fill. The oil tank also has a semi-translucent plastic window that allows you to check the oil levels with the cap on so that you never run your chain dry as long as you're paying attention.

oregon cs1500 - the oil tank location on the cs1500 is in a great location on the saw.
The oil tank location on the CS1500 is in a great location on the saw.
Credit: Ross Patton

The bar and chain tensioning system on the CS1500 is tool-free and exceptionally easy to operate. The inner black knob loosens or tightens the clamp that holds the bar in place. The outer red wheel adjusts the tension of the chain when the black knob is loosened. This model also has an integrated chain sharpening stone that can be used by pushing a large button while the chain is spinning, but we did not find it to be particularly effective compared to a chain file.

oregon cs1500 - the tool-free chain tensioning system on this saw is one of the...
The tool-free chain tensioning system on this saw is one of the easiest to use that we've seen.
Credit: Ross Patton

Power Performance


For the next portion of our overall score, we examined the various power sources of each type of saw and judged their limitations or versatility. For battery versions, we ran each model at full throttle with no load and timed how long the batteries lasted and then timed how long they took to charge. We ran a similar test for gas-powered saws. We, again, clamped the throttle wide open and timed how long they would run on a full tank of gas. For the gas guzzlers, we timed how long it took to mix the 50:1 two-stroke fuel in a gas can and then how long it took to fill the tank. The only factors to consider with a corded electric model are how long they take to plug in and how long a tank of oil will last.


After much consideration and discussion, our team decided that because of the limiting nature of the extension cord, corded electric models should not score as high as cordless and gas models for this metric. Needing to be plugged into a power source heavily restricts the versatility of this type of saw, and, in many instances, they simply aren't an option for jobs that require a chainsaw. The distance that you can use your saw from your closest power source is limited by the length of the power cord that you own. You can't just use any old extension cord for saws such as the Oregon CS1500 either — they need to be large gauge and heavy-duty. On top of that, the manufacturers recommend that you use an outlet with a ground force circuit interrupt, or GFCI, as an extra safety precaution.

oregon cs1500 - corded electric models such as the oregon cs1500 require a 15 amp...
Corded electric models such as the Oregon CS1500 require a 15 amp power source.
Credit: Ross Patton

While corded electric chainsaws like to tout that their saws have an unlimited runtime, the fact is that it is imperative that you periodically check the bar and chain oil. If you run a chainsaw without this critical lubricant, you are likely to severely damage or even destroy your tool. Corded electric models are also prone to overheating, so many have a mechanism that shuts the saw down before the motor is damaged. Unfortunately, the CS1500 does not have this feature.

oregon cs1500 - the plug on this model has a large flange that keeps dirt and debris...
The plug on this model has a large flange that keeps dirt and debris away from the connection.
Credit: Ross Patton

Noise


We dedicated the remaining bit of the total score to the amount of noise each saw produces. To measure this, we used a sound pressure level meter at a distance of 48 inches, with the saw running at full speed. We also used our panel of judges to determine if any of the saws emitted an especially annoying or whiny pitch. Every chainsaw that we've ever tested is absurdly loud, and the CS1500 is no different. This model emits 86.6 decibels of sound and is definitely annoying to listen to.


Weight


One of our favorite elements of corded electric chainsaws is the lighter weight compared to most high-powered gas and battery models. With no fuel tank or brick-sized lithium-ion battery to muscle around, this type of saw is ideal for projects that require you to cut above waist height or in other awkward positions. Whether you're conducting a yearly tree pruning around the backyard or you finally decided to try your hand at chainsaw yard art bear sculptures, a lighter saw is ideal for many situations.


Should You Buy The Oregon CS1500?


If you are shopping on a budget and you don't mind being limited by the length of a power cord, the Oregon CS1500 is a great option. This model is the right saw for the DIYer that has occasional property projects that are close to the house and doesn't have a need to invest in an expensive gasoline or battery-powered chainsaw. We found this model to be particularly useful for dicing up truckloads of longer logs into firewood size pieces to be split.

What Other Chainsaw Should You Consider?


For those that are in the market for a top-tier corded model, the Makita UC4051A has even better cutting performance than the CS1500. If you like the idea of going electric but want to ditch the cord, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i can't be beaten. If you are a die-hard two-stroker or you know you are going to be using your chainsaw where you are unable to recharge a battery, the Echo CS 590 is the top dog when it comes to consumer-level gas-powered models.

Ross Patton