Are you looking to get a chainsaw but don’t know much about them? Well, you’ve come to the right place because in this post, I’ll be going over exactly what you need to know about chainsaws.
I’ll be covering a common question people ask which is, are chainsaws dangerous? What can I use a chainsaw for? Basic chainsaw maintenance tips, tips when using a chainsaw as well as going over some safety gear.
Are chainsaws dangerous?
Well, that depends on the person using it and the type of chainsaw they’re using.
For example, if you’re using a chainsaw without a chain brake, that’s dangerous. Why? Because a chain brake is there to prevent the chain from tearing your flesh apart. You see, when the noise of the bar hits something, the bar will fling-back towards the user. This is called a kickback. And the bar will do lots of damage when it hits you. A chain brake will automatically stop the chain from operating, this way, when it hits you, the damage won’t be anywhere near as bad as opposed to if the chain was turning.
When it comes to the user, are they taking precautions? For example, are they wearing safety gear such as a helmet and face covering? If not, then operating a chainsaw is probably going to be dangerous for them.
Remember, you’ve got an incredibly deadly tool in your hand and it could get ugly if you’re not careful.
Is the user cutting in less than ideal weather conditions? For example, if the user is cutting in the rain, that’s incredibly dangerous because they could slip.
So a chainsaw being dangerous all depends on the chainsaws’ safety features and the user.
What can I use a chainsaw for?
A chainsaw is used to cut down trees, split wood, and limb branches. A chainsaw can be used for residential and commercial use.
There are many types of chainsaws with lots of different features. One of the biggest distinctions between chainsaws is some are electric-powered and others are gas-powered.
What’s the difference between electric and gas-powered chainsaws?
Gas-powered chainsaws are more powerful, however, they require a lot more maintenance. Gas chainsaws can be harder to start and require gasoline in order to operate.
Electric chainsaws are less powerful but they’re a lot quieter, require less maintenance, easy to start, and come in a battery and corded version.
What are the pros and cons?
Gas-powered chainsaw pros:
- Very powerful
- Can be used for heavy-duty work like felling large trees
- Works longer than battery-powered chainsaws
Gas-powered chainsaw cons:
- Heavy
- Loud
- Needs to be refueled
- Generally cost more
Pros of electric chainsaws:
- Easy to start
- Quiet
- Lighter in weight
- Affordable
- Can be plugged in with the corded version for unlimited stamina
Cons of electric chainsaws:
- Not as powerful
- Battery chainsaws generally don’t last longer than 30 minutes of running time
Maintenance tips
Whether you’re using a gas saw or electric saw, you’re going to have to maintain it.
So here are some simple tips to follow.
Oil your chainsaw – As you’re cutting there’s a lot of friction being made. This will cause your chainsaw to heat up and damage it. You can see burn marks on the bar if the chainsaw isn’t being oiled properly. Most chainsaws being made now have an automatic oiler. You simply have to refill it and let it do its job.
Chain tensioning – As time goes on, the chain will begin to loosen from the bar. When this happens, the cutting won’t be as effective and the chain could fling off the bar. So you need to tighten it up. But don’t tighten it too much because the chain could snap.
Sharpen the dull blades – Eventually, the blades will become dull, there’s no doubt about that. You’ll know they’ve become dull if the sawdust looks more like powder instead of chips. You’ll have to sharpen the chain with a dedicated sharpener.
Tips when using the chainsaw
Always cut within your base – Your base is everything inside of your arm length without bending them. This ensures you’re in control and aren’t leaning forward which would be putting yourself in danger.
Wrap your thumb around the bar – Some people have the habit of not wrapping their thumb around the handle. When you do wrap your thumb around the chainsaw’s handle, this will allow you to recruit more muscle fibers and maintain control.
Stop forcing the bar in – When you’re cutting and you’re having to force the bar into the piece of wood with a lot of applied pressure, this can damage the chainsaw. Instead, let the sharp blades do the work. If you find yourself having to apply a lot of pressure on the bar, this is a sign that your chain blades are dull.
Avoid the bar tip when cutting – When you hit the tip on something hard, it will cause a kickback. Flinging the bar in the direction of the user could be fatal. So when entering a cut, avoid the tip.
Plan ahead – You’ve always got to have a plan when cutting. Never just do it willy-nilly. If you’re cutting down a tree, plan where it’s going to land. Which side of the tree is leaning towards and how will this affect you?
Safety gear
Helmet – A helmet will help protect you from anything hitting your head, it’s an extra layer of protection.
Goggles – Some goggles will help keep any dust going in your eyes. You’ve only got one pair of eyes, so look after them.
Chainsaw chaps – Chainsaw chaps are very unique. You wear them and if the chain ends up hitting them, the chain will get caught in them to help stop it from operating.
Conclusion
So those were the things you needed to know about chainsaws. I hope I answered all the questions you had.
No, chainsaws are not dangerous as long as you have the correct safety features and cut them carefully. Also, a lot of the maintenance chainsaw part comes from oiling it and keeping the blades sharp.