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A chainsaw is an incredible tool when it comes to cutting trees and woods. Imagine there is a tree growing over your driveway and block your view. Why spend money on a service why you can cut the branch yourself with a handy chainsaw?
However, operating and making a clear cut by chainsaws are relatively dangerous tasks, especially for newbies. So what is the exact method to use this handy tool safely?
Scroll down for the detailed answer.
Table of Contents
What Is A Chainsaw?
First thing first, let’s learn more about the components of a chainsaw to handle it at ease.
As its name suggests, a chainsaw consists of two primary parts: a saw blade attached to a chain, and a gasoline engine or electric motor. Its main purposes include cutting falling trees, harvesting firewood, etc. There are some special chainsaws designed for cutting concrete, brick or natural stone.
Despite safety features and protective clothing, many accidents related to chainsaws happen. So how to avoid unexpected incidents when using the tool?
How To Operate The Electric Chainsaw Safely?
A chainsaw running by an electric motor is lightweight, cheap and easy to handle. If you want to fell small trees and woods, an electric chainsaw is an ideal option.
Step 1
Read the manual guide first to grasp the overall knowledge about the tool as each brand features different specifications as well as operation methods. Carefully investigating the guidelines will help you handle the saw correctly and avoid any accidents.
Step 2
Fill the reservoir with suitable grade oil. Most electronic tools run on the SAE 30 weight oil. However, check the manual guide to make sure you are using the fuel recommended by the manufacturers. Some chainsaws may be different from the majority.
Step 3
Plug the power cord directly into a power outlet if the cord’s length is about 100 feet. You will need to plug the cord into a heavy extension cable in case the cord is too short.
Step 4
Wear safety clothing including goggles, gloves, boots, and helmets. Make sure that all the items stay fixed in their place. The helmet is optional, depending on the nature of your task.
Step 5
Start the engine by depressing the safety switch and pulling the trigger of the saw. Remember to place the blade away from you and any nearby object. Let the machine lubricate the chain properly.
Step 6
Practice time. Let’s try cutting a piece of wood first to get a feeling of the chainsaw operation. The cutting object should be strong enough with average size. Otherwise, you will lose your stability.
How To Operate The Electric Chainsaw Safely
Hold the safety bar handle of the saw with your left hand while operating the tool with the right one. Bring the chainsaw, which is running at maximum speed, onto the piece of wood near the blade’s center. Warning: never try cutting the wood by the tip of the saw. Also, keep an eye on the cord and do not let it get in your way while working.
Let the chain make the cut for you. Apply slight pressure to guide it, but do not use too much force. Remember to hold the handle firmly to prevent physical injuries in case there is a kickback.
Step 7
Now is the time for you to fell small trees or saplings. There is no complicated method, just cut them straight through.
Step 8
Let’s handle medium trees! With extreme attention, cut a notch horizontally that measures one-third of the tree’s width. Then, make a forty-five-degree angle cut to create an open wedge. Place your chainsaw at the opposite side of the wedge and make another forty-five-degree angle until the tree falls.
Cut a notch in the tree
Now you are good to go!
One tip for you: check the reservoir often to prevent the machine from running out of oil.
How To Use The Gas Chainsaw Properly?
Step 1
Read the manual guide carefully as mentioned above.
Step 2
Fill up the tank before starting the engine. You will need to mix the gas with oil based on the recommended ratio if your machine uses a two-cycle engine. Typically, the ratio is 50:1, about 2.6 ounces of oil to a gallon of gas.
Step 3
Turn on the choke and push the primer button four to six times to pull gas into the carburetor. Afterward, turn the power switch on.
Use the chainsaw properly to avoid accidents
Step 4
Apply pressure on the back handle to secure the saw in its place. Use the left hand to hold the handle firmly, while pulling the starter rope with your right hand. Remember to extend the rope to its maximum length. It usually takes four or five pulls to start the engine.
Step 5
Press the trigger to get the chain moving. It is recommended that you keep the saw angled away to minimize injuries when there is a kickback.
Step 6
To start making a cut, release the chain brake and engage the throttle completely. Do not use too much force, however. Maintain the firm grip during the entire cutting process. Only release the throttle when you have finished a clear cut line.
Cutting a tree with the chainsaw
Step 7
Last but not least, you need to decide what to do with the remaining fuel. You should leave the fuel in the tank up to four days only; otherwise, the ethanol in the fuel could clog up and affect the whole chainsaw.
Therefore, if you do not intend to use the chainsaw soon, emptying the tank is highly recommended. Drain any remaining fuel into a plastic container in well-ventilated places. Note that pouring the substance into the soil or garbage is dangerous as fuel is flammable.
With both kinds of the chainsaws, store them in a case or with a cover to avoid dust and debris. To keep the saw in good conditions, learn about tensioning and sharpening the saw in your manual instruction
Our Final Words
Chainsaws are relatively dangerous; therefore, users should be extremely cautious when using the tools. Refer to the detailed instructions above before working to ensure maximum safety not only for yourself but also for people around you.
If you find this article useful, do not hesitate to give it a thumb up and share it with your friends. Ask me if you have any questions related to the topic. Thank you for reading.