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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Hello:
Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw. Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it. Anyway, have this question: It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ? Or, does it ? Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ? What should I probably be asking ? Any hints would be most appreciated. Thanks, Bob |
#2
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Robert,
If you've never used a chainsaw before and you are afraid of it, you are scaring me too. Have a healthy respect for equipment, do not be afraid of it. Always keep a firm grip on the saw, you need to control it, not allow it be in control. If you have limited saw experience, make sure that the piece that is being cut off can fall to the ground. This may require rolling, blocking, raising the limb and resting it on a piece of log or other solid material. Be very cautious and keep a firm grip if you are cutting off small branches and off-shoots. They should be removed before sawing the main log. (top posted for your convenience) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) "Robert11" wrote in message ... Hello: Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw. Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it. Anyway, have this question: It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ? Or, does it ? Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ? What should I probably be asking ? Any hints would be most appreciated. Thanks, Bob |
#3
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Good! Using a chainsaw should scare the heck out of you. But with proper
use, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury. Just take your time. This is one thing where it is good to read all the safety precautions in your instructuion manual. I live in the Pacific Northwest where it rains, rains, rains. So I am frequently cutting wet wood and doing so while it is raining. I don't have any problems with this. I hope you are not in a hurry to use your chainsaw and will take some time to read some of the following... Learning how to use a chainsaw... The following are all excellent sources for learning how to use a chainsaw. Common chainsaw injury locations on body - diagram. (1/2 way down page)... http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logg...nal_equip.html Stihl DVD: "Chain Saw Safety, Operation & Maintenance"... http://www.stihlusa.com/knowhow/knowhow_lit_video.html "Oregon Maintenance and Safety Manual" on-line book... http://www.oregonchain.com/tech/manual_maint.htm OSHA Logging eTool... (Manual logging or mechanical logging) http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/mainpage.html Book: "Professional Timber Falling" By Douglas Dent http://onlinestore.forestindustry.co...tml?product=92 National Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety Foundation Logging Safety Web Site... http://www.loggingsafety.com The Game of Logging... http://www.gameoflogging.com Stihl Instruction Manuals... http://www.stihlmanuals.w1.com/stihl...s_listing.html Stihl - Guide to Saw Chain Maintenance... http://www.stihllibrary.com/pdf/Shar...61301final.pdf |
#4
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
"Robert11" wrote in message
It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ? I see you have already been directed tot he Stihl web site. That is a good start. Wet wood is not a problem, but wet ground can be. Be sue you have good footing before you crank up the saw. |
#5
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
I have a small chainsaw, and it's not powerful enough to kick back at all.
The chain just jams. Of course, your experience may differ. But don't be quite as scared of the chainsaw as these posters are suggesting. Use a chainsaw in good working order with a sharp chain, keep your feet on the ground, cut so the wood doesn't pinch the chain, and you'll do fine. -B "Robert11" wrote in message ... Hello: Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw. Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it. Anyway, have this question: It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ? Or, does it ? Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ? What should I probably be asking ? Any hints would be most appreciated. Thanks, Bob |
#6
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
"Em" wrote in message
I have a small chainsaw, and it's not powerful enough to kick back at all. The chain just jams. What brand and model of chainsaw do you have? |
#7
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
"Em" wrote in message
m... I have a small chainsaw, and it's not powerful enough to kick back at all. The chain just jams. Of course, your experience may differ. But don't be quite as scared of the chainsaw as these posters are suggesting. Use a chainsaw in good working order with a sharp chain, keep your feet on the ground, cut so the wood doesn't pinch the chain, and you'll do fine. -B If it's powerful enough to cut a log, it's powerful enough to kick back! Pat |
#8
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Any chainsaw will kick back. Kickback has nothing to do with power, it has to do with how you use it. Most important aspects are good footing, good grip and think about what you're doing before you do it. No distractions. -- hwm54112 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ hwm54112's Profile: http://www.homeplot.com/member.php?userid=127 View this thread: http://www.homeplot.com/showthread.php?t=60499 |
#9
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
hwm54112 wrote:
Any chainsaw will kick back. Kickback has nothing to do with power, it has to do with how you use it. That's right. Kickback also varies with the bar profile, type of chain, raker depth, etc. |
#10
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
On Sun, 6 Nov 2005 13:18:32 -0500, "Patrick Cleburne" mgcleburne@csa
wrote: | "Em" wrote in message | m... | | I have a small chainsaw, and it's not powerful enough to kick back at all. | The chain just jams. Of course, your experience may differ. But don't be | quite as scared of the chainsaw as these posters are suggesting. Use a | chainsaw in good working order with a sharp chain, keep your feet on the | ground, cut so the wood doesn't pinch the chain, and you'll do fine. | -B | | | If it's powerful enough to cut a log, it's powerful enough to kick back! | | Pat | | Man, that is so true. I have a little Stihl and it wants to kick back under certain situations. I've never cut myself (yet) but I did wrench my shoulder so bad that it took around three years, three trips to the orthopedist, and six visits to the acupuncturist to get it to stop aching. I bought a logger's helmet to wear when I use mine. It is a regular hard hat with sound-blocking earmuffs attached to it and a face screen that pulls down (it's a real screen, not a clear plastic shield so it doesn't fog up). Looks REAL dorky, but it offers all kinds of face, ear, and head protection, and because it's easy to put on you are actually inclined to use it. I got it from Northern. Of course, this does nothing for leg protection. You need some sort of chaps for that. I finally bought some a few years ago, and I hate 'em but I wear 'em. I've used chain saws off and on since I was about 16 and the biggest problem I have found with my own use is that if I don't watch out I get too focused on the cutting and watching the blade work. This is not good, and I have to constantly remind myself to look around and keep alert for shifting limbs, brush and blade hazards, as well as keeping a solid footing and position when cutting. You have to sort of "set up" the cuts before you start them. Maybe it's just me, but I find it's oddly easy -- too easy -- to zone out running the thing and just slice away at whatever branch or log is within reach. Next thing I know, the bar is pinched inside a big branch or trunk, and the saw stops abruptly (if I'm lucky). |
#11
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
"Robert11" wrote in message ... Hello: Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw. snip If this is your only forseable use for a saw have you considered renting one? One other thought... by the time you but the saw and the safety gear you just might be able to have a neighbor do it for a lot less money and nicked up shins. OTOH, if you plan on owning a home and forsee the need for a saw you have a wealth of info on this thread. I enjoy using my saw but I never lose respect for its capabilities to do the unexpected. |
#12
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
"Tom Miller" wrote in message ... (snip) .. Maybe it's just me, but I find it's oddly easy -- too easy -- to zone out running the thing and just slice away at whatever branch or log is within reach. Next thing I know, the bar is pinched inside a big branch or trunk, and the saw stops abruptly (if I'm lucky). Chuckle- the 'Tim Taylor' syndrome- More Power! Can apply to any tool- I just got a leaf blower, and ended up peeling back some sod trying to unstick some old leaves. aem sends... |
#13
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Robert11 wrote:
Hello: Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw. Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it. Anyway, have this question: It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ? Or, does it ? Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ? What should I probably be asking ? Any hints would be most appreciated. Thanks, Bob You don't say what size saw (inches of bar) and the tree is not that big doesn't mean anything. Not that big means less than 16" diameter to me. Ok. Safety. Keep both hands on the saw at all times one on the top handle and one on the back handle (where the throttle trigger is. Of course you can't start the saw that way so you put the toe of one foot in the back handle when you pull the rope. Second. Never let go of the handles until the saw stops and keep other people away. Nothing like whipping around to look at somebody and cutting their leg halfway off when you turn around. Third. Keep the saw from binding. If you saw down and both ends of the trunk are supported, the trunk will move down at the saw cut and pinch the saw, so make sure you have only one support. Also, look at where the branches support the trunk and figure out which way it is going to roll, or put stuff so that it can't roll. Don't push down hard on the saw, let it do the work. If the saw starts to slow down pull it up out of the cut. If you do get a bind, turn the saw off. Then figure out how to pry the trunk up under the cut so you can pull the saw out. If the saw starts to fall out, let it. That chain is sharp and will cut you if you try to grab it and get the blade. Fourth. Cut the dam branches away one at a time and move them out of the way. Watch out for branches that support the trunk and cut them last. Fifth. When you have that chainsaw going, it is the most important thing. You should not give a **** about the telephone, the wife hollering, friends arriving, the dog barking,etc until you shut the saw off and put it on the ground. Answers. wet and dry don't make any difference. but green wood cuts easier. Chainsaws don't kickback unless you cut with the tip (don't try this until you get a lot of experience. In fact they don't really kick back they kick up in the air, that's why you must keep a hand on the top handle so you can control it. If you don't cut with the tip, you won't have any problem. I've never had an accident, came close a couple of times when I was tired, so if you get tired stop and rest. Good luck. |
#14
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
I'm not the most experienced guy, but like you I was nervous before I
started using a chainsaw and read a lot of posts and read the manual, etc. I have a small electric polesaw. One thing you should keep in mind is to use the saw in such a way that if it DOES kick back, you won't be in the way. IOW, have your head somewhere other than where the saw could conceivably kick. That will give you more of a sense of being safe. I personally doubt that a little wetness in the wood means you can't saw it. Keep your wits about you and pay full attention to what you are doing at all times when using a chainsaw. I believe that most chainsaw accidents happen because the user got careless and wasn't thinking about what they were doing. Like most other things, you will gain confidence as you do it. However, don't let that lull you to sleep with complacency. Dan |
#15
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
"Dan_Musicant" wrote in message
...One thing you should keep in mind is to use the saw in such a way that if it DOES kick back, you won't be in the way... Excellent advice. What I do is stand to left of the "plane" of the chainsaw bar. When a kickback happens, the tip of the bar can go up into the air and toward you. If you are not standing in the vertical path of where the bar would go if it went straight up, then you are more likely to avoid injury. Also I wrap my thumbs *under* the bar and handle when holding the chainsaw and always hold the saw with both hands. Wrapping your thumbs under the handles, especially your left hand, will protect your left hand from slipping off the top bar in the event of a "push back". This is when the log you are cutting closes at the top of the cut and binds the top portion of the saw chain. And while cutting, I stand with my legs spread apart for forward and backward support. (So someone could push me or pull me from behind and I would not fall forward or backward.) This is for a "pull-in" situation where the bottom portion of the cut closes in on the chain and the saw then wants to pull you forward. I don't want to be falling forward onto the chain. Also I have my own "two foot minimum airspace" behind what I am cutting rule. If there is a pile of logs to be cut, I remove a log from the pile and place it so there is nothing but airspace behind that log for two feet. This protects from accidental "kick-up" where the upper end of the bar accidentally contacts a piece of wood behind the piece you are cutting and the bar then flies up into the air. It also protects from a "combination pull-in - kick-up" situation where the cut closes on the bottom of the chain, the saw is pulled forward, then contacts a piece of wood behind what you are cutting, then the bar flies up into the air. Just understanding what can happen while cutting with a chainsaw (reactive forces), then standing properly, and holding the saw properly, can go a long way toward avoiding injury should a kickback happen. Then advanced cutting is learning how to cut to keep the cut from closing on the chain, keep logs from rolling over you, keep limbs under tension from flying up and hitting you, etc. Here is some info on this... Felling and Bucking Techniques for Woodland Owners... http://www.survivalprimer.com/Homest...g_&Bucking.pdf |
#16
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:02:15 GMT, "ameijers"
wrote: | | "Tom Miller" wrote in message | ... | (snip) | . Maybe it's just me, but I | find it's oddly easy -- too easy -- to zone out running the thing and | just slice away at whatever branch or log is within reach. Next thing | I know, the bar is pinched inside a big branch or trunk, and the saw | stops abruptly (if I'm lucky). | | Chuckle- the 'Tim Taylor' syndrome- More Power! Can apply to any tool- I | just got a leaf blower, and ended up peeling back some sod trying to unstick | some old leaves. | | aem sends... | Hee hee. It gets worse as you get older, by the way. |
#17
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Every now and again, glance at the tip of the bar. The tip should not be
touching anything. -- Christopher A. Young Do good work. It's longer in the short run but shorter in the long run. .. .. "hwm54112" wrote in message ... Any chainsaw will kick back. Kickback has nothing to do with power, it has to do with how you use it. Most important aspects are good footing, good grip and think about what you're doing before you do it. No distractions. -- hwm54112 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ hwm54112's Profile: http://www.homeplot.com/member.php?userid=127 View this thread: http://www.homeplot.com/showthread.php?t=60499 |
#18
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Chainsaw Usage Question From First Time Chainsaw User ?
Lets hope you are right handed. The bar is on the right side of the saw. The
safe usage is to keep the bar as far to the right as you comfortably can. So, if the saw kicks back it goes over your right shoulder, instead of through your head. I've seen guys with the blade right in line with their face. DUMB!!! -- Christopher A. Young Do good work. It's longer in the short run but shorter in the long run. .. .. "Dan_Musicant" wrote in message ... I'm not the most experienced guy, but like you I was nervous before I started using a chainsaw and read a lot of posts and read the manual, etc. I have a small electric polesaw. One thing you should keep in mind is to use the saw in such a way that if it DOES kick back, you won't be in the way. IOW, have your head somewhere other than where the saw could conceivably kick. That will give you more of a sense of being safe. I personally doubt that a little wetness in the wood means you can't saw it. Keep your wits about you and pay full attention to what you are doing at all times when using a chainsaw. I believe that most chainsaw accidents happen because the user got careless and wasn't thinking about what they were doing. Like most other things, you will gain confidence as you do it. However, don't let that lull you to sleep with complacency. Dan |
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