Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw.
Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it.
Anyway, have this question:
It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ?
Or, does it ?
Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ?
Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw.
Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it.
Anyway, have this question:
It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ?
Or, does it ?
Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ?
Have just bought a gas powered chainsaw to try and cut up a tree trunk that fell in my yard. Not that large, but too much for a hand saw.
Have never used a chain saw before. Frankly, it scares the heck out of me; not looking forward to using it.
Anyway, have this question:
It's been raining a bit here. Should the trunk be "totally" dry before trying to cut it up, or, as the rain water probably never penetrates more than an inch or so, I would expect, it really doesn't matter ?
Or, does it ?
Would there be more chance of a "kickback" if wet ?
Robert, If you've never used a chainsaw before and you are afraid of it, you are scaring me too. Have a healthy respect for equipment, do not be afraid of it. Always keep a firm grip on the saw, you need to control it, not allow it be in control.
If you have limited saw experience, make sure that the piece that is being cut off can fall to the ground. This may require rolling, blocking, raising the limb and resting it on a piece of log or other solid material. Be very cautious and keep a firm grip if you are cutting off small branches and off-shoots. They should be removed before sawing the main log.
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If a tree fell in your yard (presumably from weather), did any neighbors have the same problem? If so, keep watch out your window, and when one of them starts to cut up their tree, go out and watch, and ask questions. Explain that you just bought a saw, and need some 'chainsawing for dummies' lessons. Most chain saw owners I know love to show them off, and in exchange for a little work carrying logs as they are cut, would likely be happy to give a little instruction.
Seriously, this is one of the typical homeowner tools that can hurt you Real Bad if you aren't paying attention. Boots, leather gloves, and eye and ear protection are called for. If you can't find an actual live human to get a lesson from, check the library or bookstore (or Amazon) for 'how to' books or tapes. Somebody probably has a website, even. (Checks Google) Try
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, the first of several thousand hits searching on 'how to use a chainsaw'.
Once you get past the fear, chainsaws can be fun. Hope they sold you a sharpening kit with the saw- those chains can get dull fast.
Good! Using a chainsaw should scare the heck out of you. But with proper use, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
Just take your time. This is one thing where it is good to read all the safety precautions in your instructuion manual.
I live in the Pacific Northwest where it rains, rains, rains. So I am frequently cutting wet wood and doing so while it is raining. I don't have any problems with this.
I hope you are not in a hurry to use your chainsaw and will take some time to read some of the following...
Learning how to use a chainsaw...
The following are all excellent sources for learning how to use a chainsaw.
Common chainsaw injury locations on body - diagram. (1/2 way down page)...
I have a small chainsaw, and it's not powerful enough to kick back at all. The chain just jams. Of course, your experience may differ. But don't be quite as scared of the chainsaw as these posters are suggesting. Use a chainsaw in good working order with a sharp chain, keep your feet on the ground, cut so the wood doesn't pinch the chain, and you'll do fine.
Any chainsaw will kick back. Kickback has nothing to do with power, it has to do with how you use it. Most important aspects are good footing, good grip and think about what you're doing before you do it. No distractions.
Man, that is so true. I have a little Stihl and it wants to kick back under certain situations. I've never cut myself (yet) but I did wrench my shoulder so bad that it took around three years, three trips to the orthopedist, and six visits to the acupuncturist to get it to stop aching.
I bought a logger's helmet to wear when I use mine. It is a regular hard hat with sound-blocking earmuffs attached to it and a face screen that pulls down (it's a real screen, not a clear plastic shield so it doesn't fog up). Looks REAL dorky, but it offers all kinds of face, ear, and head protection, and because it's easy to put on you are actually inclined to use it. I got it from Northern.
Of course, this does nothing for leg protection. You need some sort of chaps for that. I finally bought some a few years ago, and I hate 'em but I wear 'em.
I've used chain saws off and on since I was about 16 and the biggest problem I have found with my own use is that if I don't watch out I get too focused on the cutting and watching the blade work. This is not good, and I have to constantly remind myself to look around and keep alert for shifting limbs, brush and blade hazards, as well as keeping a solid footing and position when cutting. You have to sort of "set up" the cuts before you start them. Maybe it's just me, but I find it's oddly easy -- too easy -- to zone out running the thing and just slice away at whatever branch or log is within reach. Next thing I know, the bar is pinched inside a big branch or trunk, and the saw stops abruptly (if I'm lucky).
If this is your only forseable use for a saw have you considered renting one? One other thought... by the time you but the saw and the safety gear you just might be able to have a neighbor do it for a lot less money and nicked up shins. OTOH, if you plan on owning a home and forsee the need for a saw you have a wealth of info on this thread. I enjoy using my saw but I never lose respect for its capabilities to do the unexpected.
Chuckle- the 'Tim Taylor' syndrome- More Power! Can apply to any tool- I just got a leaf blower, and ended up peeling back some sod trying to unstick some old leaves.
There is not really a problem cutting wet wood at all, but since you have never used a chainsaw before you might want to wait for a dry day just so you have your footing and everything is as dry as posible for your initial use.
You don't say what size saw (inches of bar) and the tree is not that big doesn't mean anything. Not that big means less than 16" diameter to me.
Ok. Safety. Keep both hands on the saw at all times one on the top handle and one on the back handle (where the throttle trigger is. Of course you can't start the saw that way so you put the toe of one foot in the back handle when you pull the rope.
Second. Never let go of the handles until the saw stops and keep other people away. Nothing like whipping around to look at somebody and cutting their leg halfway off when you turn around.
Third. Keep the saw from binding. If you saw down and both ends of the trunk are supported, the trunk will move down at the saw cut and pinch the saw, so make sure you have only one support. Also, look at where the branches support the trunk and figure out which way it is going to roll, or put stuff so that it can't roll. Don't push down hard on the saw, let it do the work. If the saw starts to slow down pull it up out of the cut. If you do get a bind, turn the saw off. Then figure out how to pry the trunk up under the cut so you can pull the saw out. If the saw starts to fall out, let it. That chain is sharp and will cut you if you try to grab it and get the blade.
Fourth. Cut the dam branches away one at a time and move them out of the way. Watch out for branches that support the trunk and cut them last.
Fifth. When you have that chainsaw going, it is the most important thing. You should not give a shit about the telephone, the wife hollering, friends arriving, the dog barking,etc until you shut the saw off and put it on the ground.
Answers. wet and dry don't make any difference. but green wood cuts easier.
Chainsaws don't kickback unless you cut with the tip (don't try this until you get a lot of experience. In fact they don't really kick back they kick up in the air, that's why you must keep a hand on the top handle so you can control it. If you don't cut with the tip, you won't have any problem.
I've never had an accident, came close a couple of times when I was tired, so if you get tired stop and rest.
I'm not the most experienced guy, but like you I was nervous before I started using a chainsaw and read a lot of posts and read the manual, etc. I have a small electric polesaw.
One thing you should keep in mind is to use the saw in such a way that if it DOES kick back, you won't be in the way. IOW, have your head somewhere other than where the saw could conceivably kick. That will give you more of a sense of being safe. I personally doubt that a little wetness in the wood means you can't saw it.
Keep your wits about you and pay full attention to what you are doing at all times when using a chainsaw. I believe that most chainsaw accidents happen because the user got careless and wasn't thinking about what they were doing. Like most other things, you will gain confidence as you do it. However, don't let that lull you to sleep with complacency.
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