I was wondering if any one knows if it is OK / not OK to use a weed
wacker on it's side.

I use mine on the side with a saw or cross blade when going thru thick
briers. I swing it fast and high to start so it doesn't clog and it
chews everything into small pieces

Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/