You may have grown up around chainsaws, but do you really know about them or how to use them? This was my life. I would go out and help my dad and others clear trees, but since we were always in a hurry or in a group I did the clearing. I never learned about or how to use chainsaws.
I did pick up a lot of things through observation and logic, but it really doesn’t compare to actual experience. So, much like a lot of the rest of my journey with this homestead, here is an introduction to chainsaws.
If you are in my position definitely give this episode a listen as I start with the basics of chainsaws, tools you probably need, and some safety equipment you will need. I thought I had a good handle on the basics until I started actually learning them.
BudDIY Podcast – Episode 82 – Sawmill and Milling Basics
Few bits to add.
¶Understand the physics or forces involved of both the chainsaw and of the timber.
¶Take a bit to clear the brush or rocks at your feet, don’t get entangled.
¶Have two escape routes mapped before attempting a felling cut.
¶Understand the height of what you are cutting and it’s radius; when it becomes a human flyswatter.
¶Dropstarting in my opinion is the only way to start a chainsaw. How you start your chainsaw reflects on your skill or experience.
¶Read the manual with an understanding that most of it is liability protection on the manufacturers part.
¶ When mixing fuel error on the side of oil rather than lean. But the right mix is important both for power and not scoring your piston or the walls. Likewise old gas does loose it’s bang.
¶ Anyone who wants to “mess” with a chainsaw gets the 4.5″ grinder with chainsaw teeth.. easier to cleanup and haul the body to the compost pile. Dragging them back from the woods is too much work.
¶ Put together first aid kit, gauze, horse bandages, CAT or similar one handed tourniquet.
¶ Understand that safety gear is also an encumbered. You cannot move as fast.
¶ Yes, I’ve dulled a chain on my steel toed boot, torn my loose fitting coat, and my jeans in three different errors when I was around 17. I’ve learned from my mistakes in the past two decades.
¶ Having a spare bar and chain allows you to disconnect the engine and unstick your bar.
¶ Thanks for reminding me of the ripping chain, I forgotten about them.
¶ Sharpen your chain after use, don’t wait.
¶ Don’t move fast… consider and plan.
¶ Do the math before trying to winch down a tree or start small… (that was a failed experiment).
Don’t mind me I just ramble.