Chainsaw tips for beginners.Chainsaw Tips and Tricks
A chainsaw is a great hand tool for the cutting game. If you are new to the chainsaw world and don’t know where to start, you are at the right place because we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we share our thoughts on everything to do chainsaws, from their use to safety to maintenance and so on. If you are an absolute beginner, then you should consider familiarizing yourself with a lighter chainsaw, which is suitable for minor cutting jobs around the garden.
Chainsaw Tips for Beginners
Get to know your chainsaw
Ensure you know your chainsaw’s limits before embarking on any wood cutting task. Once that is established, get ready to turn the chainsaw engine on but before you do, you need to make sure the chainsaw is in perfect condition. Some of the things you should check before operating your machine include;
- Ensure that all the parts, especially the chain, are properly lubricated as per the manufacturer’s guide.
- Make sure that the chain has the correct amount of tension. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.
- Check to ensure that the teeth and cutting edges are as sharp as possible.
- All safety devices and equipment are in place and that the area of work is free of objects that could hinder your work.
- Ensure that there are no loose parts or bolts.
- Check that there are no loose branches above your work area that could fall on you.
Protective gear and equipment
Just like with any other tool, accidents can happen and you want to make sure that your body is protected against injuries when this happens. Wear protective gear before beginning your cutting work.
This includes;
- Safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying wood pieces
- Long-sleeved shirt to protect the arms
- Ear protection such as headphones due to the loud machine noise
- Protective gloves for a tight grip
- Protective boots
- Thick pair of chainsaw chaps/trouser
- Helmets
Safe chainsaw operation
There are only two correct ways to start a chainsaw. You can either place it on the ground or keep it between your legs. In order to cold-start a chainsaw;
- Make sure that the chain brake is activated.
- Activate decompression control if available.
- Activate the choke.
- Place your right foot on the back handle and use your left hand to hold the front handle firmly. If starting the chainsaw between your legs, place the back handle between your thighs and hold the front handle firmly with your left hand.
- Pull the starter handle with your right hand until the engine fires.
- Push the choke and pull until the saw starts.
- Release the chain brake.
Kickback
Kickback can happen at any time and can happen to anyone, whether beginners or top professionals. It can happen when the chain’s tip hits a solid object, when the chain gets pinched between wood or when the chain is too loose.
Modern chainsaws, like those made by Husqvarna, come equipped with a protective guard in front of the handle to prevent injury from kickback. To reduce the chance of kickback, you should take the following precautions;
- Make sure to hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands.
- Avoid cutting with the tip of the chainsaw’s blade
- Take extra caution when cutting twigs and other light material
- Test the chain brake before cutting
- Be cautious when re-entering a cut
- Be keen on wood that’s been used for building; it may have hidden nails
Chainsaw maintenance
Your chainsaw requires proper maintenance, which is essential to a long-lasting chainsaw. After ever cutting session;
- Top off the bar and chain oil.
- Make sure all parts and bolts are tight.
- Remove sawdust from the air filter.
- Clean off the chain and bar and oil the groove.
- If the chainsaw uses fuel, empty the gas tank.
- Oil the chain before storing the chainsaw.
Dos and don’ts
Dos
- Always stand to one side of the branch or log you are cutting
- Stand to the side of your cutting action. This ensures you stay away from the line with the chain in case of kickback
- Power down or de-throttle after cutting
- Avoid cutting with the blade tip
- Transport your chainsaw in a case if possible. If not, use a guard on the chain and bar.
- Use a sawhorse when cutting large logs in order to keep the logs secure and enable you to focus fully on your chainsaw operation.
- Have an escape route from your falling tree
- Have a tip guard on your saw during use whenever possible to prevent kickback
Don’t
- Never stand on a log and saw between your feet but instead, standoff the log and keep the chainsaw outside of your legs, to the side.
- Never move from cutting area to area with the chain in cutting mode.
- Don’t start felling a tree until you have a safe and clean working area and secure footing
- Don’t run while carrying a chainsaw.
See Also
- 8 Best Chainsaws under $500
- 4 Best Small Gas-Powered Chainsaws
- 9 Best Compact Chainsaws
- 8 Best Lightweight Chainsaws
- 7 Best Cordless Chainsaws with Battery and Charger
- 10 Best Chainsaws for Beginners
- 10 Best Professional Logger Chainsaws
- Best Chainsaws for Home use
Chainsaw Tips for Beginners FAQs
- Which Chainsaw is easiest to start?
Compared with other saws, a gas-powered chainsaw is easier to start if it’s been properly maintained.
- What should you not do with a chainsaw?
Avoid running when carrying a chainsaw. Avoid cutting with the blade tip to avoid kickback. Avoid cutting above your shoulder length.
- Should you let a chainsaw warm up?
When using a gas chainsaw, the gas engine should warm up. However due to the small size of the engine, this will happen quickly. Normally the engine will run for a short time after startup before you really start using it, giving the oil enough time to warm up and lubricate all engine parts.
Conclusion
Just like other tools and machines, a chainsaw can be dangerous and life threatening if not properly used. It should also be well maintained to achieve maximum life and performance. For a beginner, make yourself familiar with what it is your chainsaw can do to avoid accidents. We hope that this article has provided you with all you need to know before embarking on your cutting activity.