The Evolution of The Chainsaw

The first chainsaw was invented in the late 18th century. It wasn’t quite the chainsaw we recognize today, but rather a precursor used in the medical field.

1) The Invention of the First Chainsaw

The first true chainsaw, as a tool for cutting wood, was developed in 1830 by two German surgeons, Bernhard Heine and Giovanni Monti. However, it was primarily designed for medical purposes—specifically, for surgical procedures like removing bone. The tool was known as a osteotome, and it was essentially a chainsaw-like device with a chain that could be moved around a small cutting area to slice through bone.

2) Evolution to a Tool for Woodcutting

In the 20th century, the chainsaw evolved from a medical device into a tool for cutting wood. In the 1920s, Andreas Stihl, a German engineer, began designing a more practical version of the chainsaw for logging. His version, made for practical use in forestry and logging, became the model for modern chainsaws.

Why was the chainsaw invented?

The initial chainsaw, in its medical form, was created to make surgical procedures easier and more efficient, particularly when cutting through bones in difficult areas, such as the pelvis. Later, in its more recognizable form, the chainsaw was invented to make tree cutting, particularly in forestry, much faster and more efficient than previous manual tools, like axes and saws. By automating the cutting process with a motor-driven chain, it saved time and labor in industries like logging and construction.