Using a chainsaw can be a dangerous and exhausting operation. Never try to use a chainsaw if you are not aware of the risks you run, the precautions to be taken to work safely and the techniques to use.
Steps
Step 1. Read all safety rules and instructions contained in the user manual
Step 2. Choose a template that feels comfortable to handle and is suitable for the type of job you are doing
If you have not yet bought or borrowed the chainsaw you plan to use, consider renting one from a tool shop, just to get an idea of the size and configurations of the blade you are best at.
- For a beginner, a straight blade is more practical than a curved one; this guide will therefore deal with chainsaws with a straight blade. The blade must be at least one third longer than the diameter of the tree you intend to cut.
- Usually, the power or displacement of the engine depends on the length of the blade, and is appropriately chosen by the manufacturer. A good motor and a sharp blade will allow you to cut easily, quickly and precisely, thus increasing the safety of the entire operation.
- A small person who only has to do a pruning job, might prefer an electric chainsaw, but not being able to deal with every single case, this guide will focus only on chainsaws with internal combustion engines.
Step 3. Check the area you will be working in before turning on the chainsaw
It is essential to have enough space to work safely. This means checking that there are no high voltage pylons or other obstacles, that there are no cars or buildings nearby, and that there is an escape route in case the tree is about to fall on you.
Step 4. Learn about the four types of cuts that can be done with a chainsaw
Each of these cuts has different considerations and reflections that need to be listed. Felling a tree on a high voltage pylon will have catastrophic consequences, dropping it on a friend's or neighbor's house - or on their car - will at the very least make you hate. Again, having to create a generic guide, it is not possible to describe all possible situations in detail.
- Felling: is the act of cutting down a tree.
- Limbing: i.e. removing the branches from the tree before or after having cut it down.
- Trimming: “pruning”, is the cutting of parts of some branches, shortening them or cutting branches.
- Bucking: is the cutting of wood into smaller pieces in such a way as to make them usable, for example to light a fire in a fireplace.
Step 5. Look at your chainsaw
If you are preparing to turn it on, it means that you have already chosen the chainsaw that best suits the type of work you need to do and your build.
Step 6. Fill the tank with the right mixture of gasoline and oil, which is typically 50ml of two-stroke engine oil per liter of gasoline
Since chainsaws use two-stroke engines, there is no separate reservoir for oil, and they will quickly spoil if you don't use the right blend.
Step 7. Do a security check
Make sure that the chain is properly fitted, that it is taut and that it will not be able to rotate if the block is inserted. Check that the air filter is installed correctly and that the blade handle and bolts are secure.
Step 8. Note that there are two caps on your chainsaw, near the throttle lever
The two caps may be labeled, and often the larger one will be the mix tank while the smaller one will be the blade lubricating oil. Fill the lubricant reservoir, make sure both caps are tightly closed, and set the saw on a flat surface. This is especially important if you are trying to start a very large chainsaw, as the blade will start spinning as soon as the engine starts and starts to spin up a bit.
Step 9. Many recent models have a small fuel pump on the carburetor
If yours has it, press the pump 3-4 times. If your chainsaw has a carburetor with manual air, pull the lever. This will cause the carburetor to draw in the mixture more quickly. Engage the chain brake. Turn the chainsaw "on" - there may be a button, or switch or similar depending on the model. Quickly pull the cord until the engine appears to start. If it makes a noise but does not turn on completely, put the choke lever in the middle and try again. A good chainsaw usually takes no more than 4-5 attempts to ignite.
Step 10. When your chainsaw is turned on at rest, the blade should not turn
Take a piece of wood and place it in a comfortable position to practice cutting. Bring the saw closer to the wood, release the brake, open the throttle fully and gently rest the blade against the piece of wood. Do not force it too much, it will penetrate the wood thanks to its own weight, at least apply moderate pressure. Keep the gas wide open for the duration of the cut, letting it go lightly only when you are about to cross over to the other side of the stump.
Step 11. Prepare for the worst
Bring with you a large hammer, a sledgehammer to reduce the wood into logs, or at least an ax and a wooden prop in case the blade of your chainsaw gets stuck in the log you are cutting and you are unable to free it.
Step 12. When you are finished cutting, let the blade cool before putting the tools away
It is often a good idea to remove the mixture and oil before storing the saw as it may leak and are flammable liquids. The engine can be started one last time after emptying the tank in order to also empty the carburetor bowl: this will prevent the mixture from clogging the fuel system in case the chainsaw remains unused for a long time.
Step 13. Keep the blade covered when not in use
It would be preferable to have a case, but if you don't have one, buy a blade cover to protect both you and her.
Advice
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This article is a small summary of the basic operations to perform to handle a chainsaw. It is essential to find an experienced person to follow you and check you if you are working safely and if your cutting technique is valid.
Using a chainsaw from time to time is easy, but cutting with quality and precision requires experience. It is not recommended to try to fell a tree over 5 meters without contacting professionals (in some states a permit may also be required, so find out about the laws in force in your country)
- Bring the tools you need to adjust the blade with you. A new blade will begin to loosen after a few minutes of use as it "adjusts" to the chainsaw. Keeping the chain taut, but not too tight, will ensure a faster, cleaner cut, and reduce your chances of shooting the chain off.
- The key is to sharpen the chain teeth every time you add more blend. If you let them round too much, it will take a lot of time and a lot of elbow grease to sharpen them.
Whenever you feel the need to push to be able to cut, it's time to sharpen them. The blade should go into the cut with very little effort on your part.
Always keep the blade sharp and well oiled, and do not let it come into contact with metal objects or the ground. The blade is not made for cutting certain objects, and you could quickly render it unusable. Cutting roots or dirty wood can damage the blade; if you do it often, there are carbide blades that can do it … But they cost a lot
Warnings
- Safety trouser covers are highly recommended. They are made of nylon, Kevlar or fiberglass, and are designed to stop and lock the blade in case it comes into contact with your leg. You can find them in a shop or online for € 50 or less.
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Watch out for kickback, which is the number one cause of injuries with a chainsaw. Always avoid touching any surface with the tip of the blade, as this will tend to throw the tip back towards you. Plus, don't keep it aligned in the center of your body, always keep it to your right, so if it gets thrown back it won't hit you. There are special chains to reduce the risk of kickback.
Do not use a chainsaw if you are not equipped with all the necessary safety devices. Gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, long-sleeved shirt and long pants are the bare minimum. New chainsaws often come with a hard helmet in the box to protect you from falling branches and debris
- Use a chainsaw large enough for the job you need to do. Cutting only half the diameter of a log increases the chances of having a kickback double.
- If you are alone while you are cutting, consider waiting for someone to arrive, or at least tell someone what you are going to do, where you are and when you will finish. A slip while you have a running chainsaw in your hand can be fatal.
- Each type of cut listed at the beginning of the guide has its own dangers and ways of being dealt with. The space in this article does not allow you to cover them all in detail, so if you have any doubts, ask someone!
- Store the mixture and lubricating oil in suitable containers, away from the cutting area.
- Never use a shabby chainsaw. The kickback brake, chain guard and other safety features are there for your sake.
