micky writes:

I probably should have asked this question years ago, but I just
thought of it.

My 15", 3.25 HP Craftsman electric chainsaw has a built-in oiler, if
one pushes the rubber bulb with his thumb. But the oil chamber leaks
so I've been using aerosol oil. It's made mostly for motorcycle
chains, but I was told it's good for chainsaws too.

What is it I'm supposed to be oiling? The rubbing area between the
bar and the chain? Or the chain's teeth where they rub on the wood
being cut? Or both?

I always thought it was the first, but with that cottonwood tree
hanging over my yard (and now lying in the yard) I've probably done as
much cutting in two days as in the previous 10 years, so I shoulld
know the right answer by now.

(Actually, I would fill the oil chamber since I'm using the saw so
much right now -- even when it leaks out it only makes a little mess,
but it's empty again next time I need it -- , but I can't find the
non-aerosol chain oil and I keep forgetting to look again.)

The oil is supposed to end up on the chain.

Recently I made a trip to our local hardware store and they had
no chain oil in stock. I did some Googling around and read that
vegetable oil works. And it does seem to work pretty well.

Another thing I noticed after cleaning up some of the mess from
Sandy, frequent sharpening of the blade is a good idea.

--
Dan Espen