Introduction
Thank you for choosing the NANWEI 12 Inch Brushless Electric Chainsaw. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new tool. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and keep it for future reference.
The NANWEI 12 Inch Brushless Electric Chainsaw is designed for precision woodworking, firewood preparation, and tasks such as felling trees up to 25cm in diameter. It features a high-efficiency brushless motor, automatic lubrication system, and dual-action safety mechanisms for enhanced user experience and safety.
Important Safety Instructions
Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and serious personal injury. Read all instructions before using this chainsaw.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate safety gear including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and leg/body protection when operating the chainsaw.
- Work Area Safety: Keep the work area clean and well-lit. Do not operate the chainsaw in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Keep children and bystanders away while operating the chainsaw.
- Electrical Safety: Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
- Chainsaw Use and Care: Do not force the chainsaw. Use the correct chainsaw for your application. Ensure the chain is sharp and properly tensioned. Always remove the battery when not in use, before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool.
- Kickback Safety: Be aware of kickback. Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the chainsaw. Do not overreach.
- Lubrication: Ensure the automatic oiling system is filled and functioning correctly. Always drain residual lubricant after use to prevent seepage during storage.
- Battery Safety: Use only the specified batteries and charger. Do not incinerate the battery even if it is severely damaged.
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present and in good condition upon opening the package:
- 1 x 12 inch Chainsaw body
- 2 x 20V 4.0Ah Lithium-ion Batteries
- 1 x Fast Charger
- 1 x Guide Bar
- 1 x Guide Bar Protective Cover
- 1 x Instruction Manual (this document)
- 2 x Chains
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 4 x Screws (for auxiliary handle)
Note: Customer assembly is required.
Setup and Assembly
1. Installing the Auxiliary Handle
Attach the auxiliary handle to the chainsaw body using the provided screws and screwdriver. Ensure it is firmly secured for safe operation.

Image: The NANWEI 12 Inch Chainsaw with its auxiliary handle securely installed. The handle provides an additional grip point for better control during operation.
For a visual guide, refer to the installation video below:
Video: NANWEI 12-Inch Chainsaw Installation Guide. This video demonstrates the step-by-step process of assembling the chainsaw, including attaching the auxiliary handle, guide bar, and chain.
2. Installing the Guide Bar and Chain
- Turn the black cover removal lever and remove the cover from the chainsaw body.
- Install the chain along the groove of the guide bar. Ensure the chain blade is facing forward in the correct orientation.
- Insert the guide bar and chain assembly onto the chainsaw body, ensuring the chain is properly seated on the drive sprocket.
- Return the cover to its original position and lightly turn the black lever to temporarily fix it.
- Check the chain tension. If necessary, use the blue lever to adjust to the proper tension. The chain should lift off the bar about 1-2 mm but still move freely by hand.
- Finally, tighten the black lever securely to lock the cover and maintain chain tension.

Image: The NANWEI 12 Inch Chainsaw with the guide bar and chain correctly installed and tensioned. This image highlights the assembled cutting mechanism.
Operation
1. Battery Installation and Power Check
Insert a fully charged 20V 4.0Ah battery into the chainsaw's battery slot. The intuitive battery level indicator on the tool provides real-time power monitoring.

Image: A close-up of the NANWEI 12 Inch Chainsaw showing the battery level indicator and the oil tank cap. The indicator displays the remaining battery charge.
2. Lubrication System
Fill the oil tank with appropriate lubricant for chainsaws. The chainsaw is equipped with a dial-controlled automatic oiling system for precise chain lubrication. Adjust the dial to control the oil output as needed. Turning the oil adjustment dial up decreases the amount of oil.

Image: An illustration of the automatic lubrication system within the NANWEI 12 Inch Chainsaw, highlighting the internal oil reservoir and delivery mechanism.
3. Starting and Stopping the Chainsaw
The chainsaw features a dual-action safety lock. To start, simultaneously activate the safety lock button and pull the trigger. Release the trigger to stop the chainsaw.
4. Emergency Brake Baffle
In the event of kickback or for immediate stopping, push the brake-equipped baffle forward to engage the emergency brake. Ensure the baffle is released from the braking position before starting the chainsaw.

Image: A comparison showing the brake baffle in both the 'OFF' (ready to operate) and 'ON' (emergency brake engaged) positions on the NANWEI 12 Inch Chainsaw.
For a visual demonstration of operation and safety features, refer to the video below:
Video: NANWEI Chainsaw 12 Inch Compatible with Makita 18V Battery. This video demonstrates the chainsaw in action, highlighting its cutting capabilities and compatibility with Makita 18V batteries.
Maintenance
- Chain Sharpening: Regularly check the chain for sharpness. A dull chain requires more force and can lead to kickback. Sharpen or replace the chain as needed.
- Chain Tension: Periodically check and adjust the chain tension. Proper tension ensures efficient cutting and prolongs chain life.
- Lubrication: Keep the oil tank filled with appropriate bar and chain oil. After use, drain any residual lubricant to prevent leakage during storage.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the chainsaw, especially the guide bar groove and chain, to remove sawdust and debris. Ensure the air vents are clear.
- Storage: Store the chainsaw with the guide bar protective cover in place, in a dry, secure location out of reach of children. Remove the battery before storage.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw does not start | Battery not inserted or discharged; Safety lock not engaged; Brake baffle engaged. | Ensure battery is fully charged and properly inserted. Engage safety lock and pull trigger simultaneously. Release the brake baffle. |
| Chain is loose or falls off | Improper chain tension; Chain not seated correctly on sprocket. | Adjust chain tension using the blue lever. Re-seat the chain and guide bar, ensuring proper alignment. |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull chain; Incorrect chain tension; Insufficient lubrication. | Sharpen or replace the chain. Adjust chain tension. Refill oil tank and ensure lubrication system is working. |
| Oil leakage during storage | Residual lubricant in the tank. | Always drain residual lubricant from the tank after use before storing the chainsaw. |
Specifications
- Brand: NANWEI
- Model Number: NW-WMD72
- Power Source: Battery Powered (20V)
- Motor Type: Brushless Coreless Motor
- Chain Length: 12 Inches
- No-load Speed: 7,000 RPM
- Chain Speed: 9 m/s
- Max Cutting Diameter: 25 cm (approximately 10 inches)
- Battery Capacity: 2x 4.0Ah 20V Lithium-ion
- Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 18" x 5" x 5"
- Compatibility: Compatible with Makita 18V battery series (Note: NANWEI 20V batteries are engineered exclusively for NANWEI equipment and are not compatible with Makita tools).
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or to purchase replacement parts, please contact NANWEI customer service through the retailer where the product was purchased or visit the official NANWEI website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Protection Plans: Additional protection plans may be available for purchase. Please refer to your retailer for details on 2-Year, 3-Year, or Complete Protect plans.
Manufacturer: NANWEI





