How to use chain saw safely and effectively, you need to understand how it works and knows the proper techniques for cutting. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about using a chain saw, from how to start it up to making basic cuts. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to tackle any project with ease!
What is a chain saw?
A chain saw is a powerful tool that makes it easier to cut wood. It consists of a handle at the top, which you grip as you work, and an engine in the middle that powers its rotating link chain. The moving chain has sharpened cutting teeth that slice through anything in their path including your fingers! The chain saw blade can cut wood in any direction, although it is most effective when the cutting teeth are aligned vertically to the tree trunk.
Basic parts of a chain saw
When you’re learning how to use a chain saw, it’s helpful to know about its basic parts. Here’s what you should know:
- Handle: the part you grip as you cut
- Engine: powers the chain saw
- Chain: a loop of sharp blades that rotate when the engine is running
- Bar: connects the engine to the rotating chain.
- Cutting teeth: on one side of the chain
- Sprocket nose: on one end of the bar, attaches to chain
How to use chain saw?
To learn how to use a chain saw, you must first understand its safety precautions. You should always read and follow the instructions that come with your particular model of saw. These are general guidelines that will apply to most chainsaws, but they aren’t all-inclusive. Every machine is different, so make sure to read the owner’s manual as well as this guide.
The first step in learning how to use a chainsaw is figuring out how to turn it on. Some saws have electric starters, while others require that you pull a cord several times before the engine starts up. Here’s how you start up most gas-powered chainsaws:
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Unhook the guide bar from its locking pin and open the throttle control lever.
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Look behind the motor to find the pull starter. Pull it firmly until you feel resistance, then let go of the bar while keeping your other hand on the throttle control lever.
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After a few pulls, push gently on the start button while still holding down the throttle control lever with your other hand. This should start your engine.
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Once your engine is running, slowly release the throttle control lever and press gently on the start button to rev up the chainsaw’s power.
Although the chain saw is a powerful tool, you’ll be able to cut with confidence and ease if you adhere to these safety tips:
- Never operate a chainsaw without proper training.
- Always wear ear and eye protection when using a chainsaw.
- Keep an open fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
- Never operate a chainsaw when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Use an only chain saw chain and guide bar appropriate for your model of machine.
- Make sure that both chain saw guide bar and chain are properly tensioned.
- Keep the area around you clear while operating a chainsaw.
- Do not cut upwards or downwards at an angle greater than 45 degrees.
- Position your body so you can make the cut without having to reach anything above shoulder height.
- Cut branches only when they are secured by other branches or are resting firmly against another tree.
- Start with the tip of the guide bar slightly higher than the target cut.
- Cut at a pace that is steady and allow the chain to reach full speed before making your final approach to the wood.
- Do not use your saw for purposes other than cutting trees or logs.
Steps to using chain saws safely
Once you know the basic parts of a chain saw, it’s time to learn how to use one safely. Here are four steps that will help you get started:
Attach bar and chain Hold tightly with both hands Use anti-kickback device if available Start the engine; do not run the engine at full speed
Attach bar and chain
Before you start to use a chain saw, make sure that your bar and chain are securely attached. It’s really easy just to slide each end of the bar into the opening on either side of the nose sprocket. Then take hold firmly with both hands and pull back towards you. The bar should slide right into place.
Hold tightly with both hands
If you’re using a climbing saw, make sure your feet are firmly planted and keep the side of your shoe against the trunk to give yourself an extra grip. Then hold the chain saw at waist height and use two hands to start it up (you only need one hand to control it while it’s running).
Use an anti-kickback device if available
If you’re using a chain saw adapted for tree care, you’ll probably have an anti-kickback device. It’s designed to stop the chain in case your hands hit the wood and kick back. A safety strap on some models is connected to the anti-kickback device, so if the chain kicks back, the device will stop it within 1/4 inch. The tool illustrated here can be attached to a saw with an automatic brake clutch or to one without the clutch. If your saw doesn’t have this type of braking system or if your brakes don’t work properly, make sure you have a good pair of gloves with your safety strap to protect yourself against possible injury.
Start the engine
Do not run the engine at full speed: Make sure that your chain saw has all parts in place before you start it up. Then make sure it’s properly adjusted for the type of cut you want to make, and squeeze the throttle handle to start the engine. Let it warm up for a minute or two before you run it at full throttle, and be aware that some engines may stall when they first begin to run. Once the chain saw is running well, kneel in a secure position close to the trunk of the tree with your head facing away from where you intend to make your first cut. Keep your feet firmly planted, and the side of your shoe against the trunk for extra grip. This is one of the most important steps to using a tree-climbing saw safely; if you don’t remain in control, there’s no way you’ll be able to cut down that tall tree leaning toward your house or come down without injury. Never start a chainsaw in an unsafe position.
Stay alert and keep your cutting area clear: You’ll need to concentrate on what you’re doing at all times, so don’t run the engine when there’s anyone nearby (unless they’re wearing protective headgear), and make sure that there are no children or pets around. Remember that the ground is wet and slippery so you want to be careful when you walk, especially on slopes with loose gravel.
Stay in control at all times
The more securely you hold the chain saw in position, the less tired your hands will get; it’s also easier to shut off if anything goes wrong. Your body must be directly behind the bar when you begin your cut, and you should move into position gradually. Never cut more than six inches at a time; stop every six inches for a rest.
Be aware of the kickback
It’s possible for any chain saw to kick back slightly when it comes in contact with wood or stones, so keep your chain sharp. This will not only make your work easier, but it will also reduce the possibility of kickback. If your chain does kick back for some reason, release the throttle immediately to prevent serious injury.
Keep children and pets away from tree cutting areas
Tree branches are often very near power lines so you’ll need to stay alert when you’re working. It’s easy enough for someone to come along and touch the electrified wire that has snapped off a branch, so make sure you’ve got your work area properly secured before you begin.
Chain saws are dangerous tools
Never climb onto a ladder with a chain saw in hand or allow anyone else to use it besides yourself. Most importantly, always keep your chain saw in good condition by having the proper tools to sharpen it.
Be aware that you could get hurt
You may be tempted to begin this kind of work on a hot summer day when there’s not much shade, but remember that it’s always easiest to see what you’re doing if you climb up into a tree while it’s still sunny. A good pair of safety glasses is very important, as well as a thick coating of sunscreen on your face.
Wear comfortable clothing
Make sure you wear old clothes that are suitable for the terrain you’re climbing up into; thick jeans or leggings can protect against scratches and scrapes from bushes or branches, but a flimsy shirt won’t.
At this point, the text should refer to other articles by title and allow them to clarify the steps that need to be taken in order to use a chainsaw. The reader should have a clear idea of how not to get injured as well as what kind of safety precautions should be taken while using one.
What materials can a chain saw cut?
A chainsaw can cut through almost any material that falls into its cutting category. You should know that there are different tooth designs for different tasks. Semi-chisel teeth are best suited to cutting softwoods such as pine and fir, while flat-edged teeth work best with hardwoods such as maple.
Final Thoughts
The chain saw is a tool that should be used with caution. You do not want to risk hurting yourself or someone else while using one of these tools. If you have been looking for some tips on how to use a chain saw properly and safely, we hope this article has helped you out!