Renovopedia

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvments.

    What's Hot

    Spring Swaps: Freshen Up Your Home With These Simple Updates

    March 20, 2023

    Before & After: A Soulless Apartment Gets the ‘More Is More’ Treatment

    March 20, 2023

    Looking Back, Looking Forward: 15 Years of Remodelista

    March 19, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
    RenovopediaRenovopedia
    Demo
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Ideas

      7 Master Bedroom Designs With Stylish Style And Functional Features

      January 27, 2023

      Why is Garage Door maintenance essential?

      January 17, 2023

      5 Ways To Improve Your Flooring

      December 22, 2022

      Ideas to revamp and reorganise your garage

      December 22, 2022

      The Benefits Of Cleaning Your Windows Regularly

      November 30, 2022
    • Videos

      Water In Electrical Panel! Easy Fix? #Short

      March 30, 2022

      Working on My House LIVE! | Framing Door Openings

      March 23, 2022

      Framing a Wall With Angles Over Stair Bulkhead

      March 22, 2022

      Framing Bedroom/Hall Closet | Adding Basement Stair Headroom

      March 17, 2022

      Fixing Hacked Floor Framing | Straightening Kitchen Floor… Kinda

      March 8, 2022
    • Interior Remodel
    • Painting
    • Kitchen
    • More
      • Skills & Specialties
      • Exterior Remodel
      • Bathroom
      • Outdoor Building
      • Green Improvements
      • Home Services
    Renovopedia
    Home » How to Use a Chainsaw

    How to Use a Chainsaw

    December 7, 2022No Comments Outdoor Building
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Tumblr Reddit Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Incorrect/Inappropriate Correct/Appropriate
    Cutting non-wood material such as plastic, masonry, or metal Use a miter saw, oscillating multi-tool, or rotary saw for these materials instead
    Cutting dimensional lumber such as four-by-fours Use a circular saw or reciprocating saw instead
    Splitting logs Use a log splitter
    Cutting on the ground Elevate the material
    Pinch chainsaw bar in the cut Add pressure below the material to widen the groove
    Cut with top of the chainsaw guide bar Cut with the bottom of the saw guide bar
    Plunge cut with the nose of the saw Cut only on the bottom of the saw bar

    Where to Use a Chainsaw

    Limit the operation of the chainsaw to outdoor areas. Gasoline-powered devices, including chainsaws, should never be used in enclosed areas due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric-powered chainsaws do not emit carbon monoxide.

    Demo

    Chainsaw Safety Tips

    Chainsaws can be operated efficiently and safely. Be sure to carefully read your chainsaw’s operator’s manual, as all chainsaws are different. The operator’s manual is your complete guide to the safe operation of your chainsaw.

    Understand All Parts of the Chainsaw

    Learn about each part of the chainsaw and its function before powering up the saw. For example, it can be easy to confuse the chain brake and the handle, as they look alike and are located in approximately the same position.

    Tension the Chain Properly

    Before turning on, plugging in, or otherwise activating the chainsaw, make sure that the chain is properly tensioned on the guide bar. A loose chain may whip free or draw materials into it. A tight chain may not move at all.

    Prevent Kickback

    Chainsaw kickback happens when the upper quadrant of the nose of the chainsaw guide bar touches an object when the chain is moving. Another cause of kickback is when the wood or any other object closes in and pinches the moving chain. Chainsaws with smaller guide bars have a reduced (but not eliminated) chance of kickback.

    Never cut a tree or branch with a diameter wider than the length of the chainsaw’s guide bar. A guide bar is the solid metal section that protrudes from the front of the chainsaw and over which the chain slides. Avoid touching the front end of the saw to any surface during operation.

    Tip

    One common cause of a pinched chain is during bucking, in which two opposite ends of the material close in and stop or limit the chain. Avoid kickback from pinching during bucking by making sure that one end of the material is designed to drop away, creating an open V-shape in the cutting zone.

    Limit Proximity to Saw Chain

    Chainsaws not only can cut you, but you might become entangled in their rapidly moving chains. Clothing, hair, jewelry, gloves, and anything loose might get caught between the chain and the guide bar, drawing you toward the saw or the saw toward you.

    Protect Hearing and Eyes

    With chainsaws, hearing and eye protection are both required. An average gasoline-powered chainsaw produces a noise of about 120 dBs—just under the sound of a military jet lifting off. Debris blowback, too, is the norm with chainsaw operations, making eye protection mandatory.

    Avoid Touching the Chain, Even When Stationary

    Chainsaws’ chains are very sharp. Even when the chain is not moving, it can severely lacerate the skin. Be sure to keep the cover on the saw when not in use.

    How to Use a Chainsaw

    1. Prepare the Saw

      Inspect the chainsaw and make sure that it is topped with oil (even electric chainsaws require oil). Tension the chain: there should be no slack on the underside of the chain. If the chain is dull, replace it. If the saw is gasoline-powered, make sure that it is full of fuel. If it is electrical, have the fuel cell fully charged or have an extension cord nearby.

    2. Position the Work Material

      Always have the work material positioned before powering up the chainsaw. If felling a tree, determine the cut point. If bucking, position the wood so that the cut end will drop free of the main section.

    3. Unlock the Saw

      Most chainsaws have some type of locking device for safety. Disengage this lock-out device.

    4. Power the Saw

      With hearing and eye protection in place, turn on the saw. Let the saw run for a few seconds while observing the chain tension. Sometimes, a chain that appeared to be properly tensioned with stationary may loosen when moving.

    5. Make the Cut

      Rest the bottom of the guide bar on top of the work material. Due to the motion of the chain, the saw will begin to tug away from you. You should gently pull back on the saw to counteract this motion. As much as possible, rely on the weight of the chainsaw itself, rather than manual force, to press the saw into the wood.

    Chainsaw Maintenance Tips

    • Use proper oil suited for chainsaws. Do not use motor oil.
    • Never store the chainsaw wet. Always dry off the chainsaw after use.
    • Empty gasoline from the chainsaw before long periods when it won’t be used.
    • Keep the chain properly tensioned.
    • Make sure that the air filter on gas models is clean. Change as needed.

    When to Replace the Chain

    If you believe that the chain may be dull or damaged, remove the chain from the saw and examine it closely. Any of these conditions may mean that the chain needs to be replaced:

    • All cutting links should move freely yet should still be tightly attached. They should not be rusted.
    • The chain should not move from side to side. If it wobbles from side to side, this indicates loose links.
    • The bottom of the links should still have a curved shape to properly interlock with the saw’s sprocket. If the curved shape has worn away, the sprocket cannot safely move the chain.

    When to Sharpen the Chain

    The leading edges of the chain’s teeth should be angled and sharp. You should feel an edge similar to a dull paring knife when you run your fingers along the chain. If the blade is dull, it can be manually sharpened with a metal file and a Speed Square.

    For more accurate sharpening, or for frequent sharpening, purchase an electric sharpener. Available for $50 to $100, electric sharpeners have built-in angle guides.

    Should You Buy or Rent a Chainsaw?

    Buy

    • You have wooded acreage

    • You expect to use it more than twice a year

    • You need it for cutting light trees or limbs, so a less expensive electric model fits your needs

    Rent

    • You expect to use it just once or twice a year

    • You’re not interested in maintaining the tool throughout the year

    • You have large trees or limbs that require a large, expensive chainsaw

    Source: The Spruce

    Demo
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit VKontakte Telegram WhatsApp

    Related Posts

    The Best Temperature to Pour Concrete for High-Quality Results

    December 7, 2022 Outdoor Building

    11 Delightful Swing Ideas for Yards of All Shapes and Sizes

    December 7, 2022 Outdoor Building

    How to Build a DIY Tall Planter

    December 7, 2022 Outdoor Building

    How to Make a DIY Tire Swing

    December 7, 2022 Outdoor Building

    13 Things Experts Want You to Know About Building a Barndominium

    December 7, 2022 Outdoor Building

    An Easy Fix for Broken Sprinkler Lines

    December 7, 2022 Outdoor Building
    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Demo
    Don't Miss

    Our New Kitchen Porch | Young House Love

    Trending November 29, 2021

    Finally took the photos and videos for this post and I can’t wait to share…

    10 Easy Pieces: Neutral Wool Area Rugs

    November 28, 2021

    How to Build a Fireplace

    December 7, 2022

    What Are The Right Types Of Caulks

    April 5, 2022
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo
    Latest Articles

    Spring Swaps: Freshen Up Your Home With These Simple Updates

    March 20, 2023

    Before & After: A Soulless Apartment Gets the ‘More Is More’ Treatment

    March 20, 2023

    Looking Back, Looking Forward: 15 Years of Remodelista

    March 19, 2023

    A Day in Khaki Muromachi

    March 18, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvements.

    Demo
    Our Picks

    Spring Swaps: Freshen Up Your Home With These Simple Updates

    March 20, 2023

    Before & After: A Soulless Apartment Gets the ‘More Is More’ Treatment

    March 20, 2023

    Looking Back, Looking Forward: 15 Years of Remodelista

    March 19, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Renovopedia is the premier source for home improvement news and articles. We provide the latest news and articles for homeowners looking to find inspiration, solutions, tips, and ideas to prepare your home for sale or turn it into your dream home.

    We're accepting new partnerships right now.

    Email Us: hello@renovopedia.com
    Contact: +1-320-0123-451

    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn
    Popular

    Great Ways To Upgrade Your Home Electrical System

    December 4, 2021

    New Year, Clean Slate: Cheeky Delft Tiles with a Twist by Petra Palumbo

    January 2, 2023

    Orkin Review (2022) – Today’s Homeowner Orkin Pest Control Review (2022)

    March 29, 2022
    © 2023 Renovopedia. All Rights Reserved.
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Videos
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.