After a lot of talk, the time has come for me to learn to use a chain saw. Am I going to die a spurting-blood death? If not, how?
I have a dead tree that needs to go, a good buddy with a couple of chainsaws and an interest in helping me out. And I have gloves… plus lots and lots of experience carrying away cut up fire wood.
Thank you in advance… while all my blood is still in my body.
I can’t help with any advice other than to be very careful. In 32 years of marriage, my husband has forbidden me from only one thing: I am NOT allowed to use a chainsaw. Period. I finally quit arguing with him about it. He did buy me a cool little reciprocating saw, I guess like a sawzall. Cordless, rechargeable battery. It’s perfect for me to clear limbs, cut small trees, etc… around the pasture and fences.
Good luck!
[QUOTE=mvp;8516450]
After a lot of talk, the time has come for me to learn to use a chain saw. Am I going to die a spurting-blood death? If not, how?[/QUOTE]
Let the buddy use the chainsaw. 
It’s actually not super hard, but you need to know all the things a chainsaw can do - bind, kick back, bind and THEN kick back… Google chainsaw kickback, chainsaw bind, and general safety rules, for a start. Watch some vids on youtube. Find some chainsaw user manuals online and read them so you understand how chainsaws and their various safety features work.
If it’s a big saw and you’re a small person, maybe think twice, because the bigger saws can start to feel heavy after even a bit of use, and you’ll have a harder time controlling one when it does kick back on you. (Not if, when. It will happen.)
Wear the usual safety gear (long pants, hard-toed boots), and also safety glasses if you got 'em. I use a hard hat with a debris shield, too, because I’m extra skilled at flinging debris at myself.
There’s no substitute for experience, though, so find someone who knows what they’re doing (not someone who just thinks they do), and have them work with you until you’re comfortable.
I have used a small one, I am still afraid of them that is why I only cut up small limbs and downed trees. I am more likely to cut stuff up with a cross cut saw. cut small trees down with them.
Chainsaws can be used safely but not without some education and help.
Mine has a lock on it that you push forward if it binds, prevents it from kicking back. Still, I have a healthy fear of them.
I have a Ryobi, battery powered chain saw which I love. I am in my 60’s and had never used a chain saw until I got this one. My husband has a big, gas, chainsaw which is too heavy for me and almost never starts. My Ryobi cuts small trees and fence boards. I wear safety goggles, Stihl chainsaw gloves, and chainsaw chaps. The helmet with a face shield sounds like a good idea, but I haven’t gotten one. Read the instructions thoroughly. Start with some small branches until you eel confident. A chain saw is empowering.
I also have a battery operated chain saw. The gas ones are just too big and heavy for me and I’m really afraid of them. My battery operated one came from DR. It will cut a good sized limb and/or tree and if it doesn’t handle a bigger tree or limb there is a good chance that I shouldn’t be attempting it anyway.
Let your buddy do the chain saw work. Just do this little safety check first…
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205579242866762&set=p.10205579242866762&type=3&theater
There’s not much difference between operating a battery saw instead of a gas one. They both do the same thing and can do the same harm. I guess the noise factor of a gas makes them more intimidating.
Most people really don’t need something much bigger than a 12" 'limbing" saw. Great for cutting up down branches and other stuff. Light weight and easy to handle. Very good saws to learn on.
I have several saw of different sizes. My small saw is a 12" Homelite from Home Depot around $100. Very good saw for the money. Starts pretty easily. Not the best made but have had several and they last long enough for the price. And I would bet I use mine a lot more than most people do. I don’t worry about abusing it given the price.
The main thing I tell people about chain saws is to keep a sharp chain on it. A dull chain is a PITA and can be dangerous because the operator has to work at it a lot more. I tell people to buy a couple of chains and keep the spares sharp.
IMO it is worth leaning how to use one properly. No more dangerous in a lot of ways than working with horses. If a person doesn’t know how to work around horses and or ride well they are plenty dangerous.
Of all the tools I use, a chain saw is not one of them --I actually had one and used it a bit until --1) a properly cut tree didn’t fall where it was supposed to and nearly killed my husband. 2) a properly cut tree “kicked back” and nearly killed me. 3) one of my students was helping his dad cut trees (boy was 18; dad had a tree service, knew what he was doing) and a tree fell on his head. He had permanent irreversible brain damage. I sold my chain saw. I do use other saws (table, Skil, hand, band, chop), but will not use a chain saw. I even use a wood splitter --but not a chain saw.
Foxglove
There is a “Greenworks” electric chain saw. It has the most powerful battery, 40 volt (lasts the longest, can do more work). Yes, it can kill or injure you just like a gas powered one can. But it is lighter, and there is no drama about whether or not it is going to work for you. You are not going to go logging with a little chain saw like this, but for light work, it is excellent. And easy to operate. It has a chain brake, which is a good thing.
My hubby has a selection of gas powered chain saws, and has learned how to operate them adequately, and is very safety oriented. But he does use my little electric one every now and again, and actually likes it (he thought it was a joke when I was determined to have it). I can operate some of his smaller gas powered saws, and am OK with them now for the most part. But only do so when he is around, when we go out firewooding together.
Several years ago now, a saw kicked back and he slipped. Cut his leg, but not the femoral artery. It was messy, and scary for him. Has healed up fine. We are both glad that it was only his leg, and not his neck, or face. Enforced the need for safety equipment, and thinking ahead when using a chain saw, and keeping respect for the tool.
We have a neighbour who is a “girly girl”. Was scared of chain saws, and not physically strong, but wanted to help with the firewood gathering, other than just loading cut wood. She tried my Greenworks saw. She liked it, and felt confident with using it. They bought one. She now uses it herself as necessary.
Keep it sharp, keep the chain oil tank full. Try not to run the battery down to fully dead before recharging. Get someone who is skilled and experienced to give you some tips re safety, in use of the saw AND falling trees. Presumably, if you get an electric one, your goal is NOT to fall huge trees, only cut up some crap on the ground.
Your vehicle or horse can kill or injure you too, not just the chain saw.
[QUOTE=Foxglove;8516684]
Of all the tools I use, a chain saw is not one of them --I actually had one and used it a bit until --1) a properly cut tree didn’t fall where it was supposed to and nearly killed my husband. 2) a properly cut tree “kicked back” and nearly killed me. 3) one of my students was helping his dad cut trees (boy was 18; dad had a tree service, knew what he was doing) and a tree fell on his head. He had permanent irreversible brain damage. I sold my chain saw. I do use other saws (table, Skil, hand, band, chop), but will not use a chain saw. I even use a wood splitter --but not a chain saw.
Foxglove[/QUOTE]
same. grew up in a hands-on, contracting/building family – can handle anything from an excavator to a welding torch… used a chainsaw plenty of times but every time i did, it made my skin crawl – i will not touch one as an adult. i’ve seen the kick-back get experienced wielders by surprise and no thank you, rather someone more experienced than me risk their limbs…
It’s not hard, but it can be dangerous. Follow the rules and always expect something to happen. Just like with horses. I’m in favor of learning how to use as many tools as one can get their hands on.
Dropping the tree is not where you should start. If your friend has dropped trees, let him do that part. Then, he can instruct you in the dinking up of the tree. Just like a knife, be aware of where the blade is going and try to keep out of the path. Take your time and let the saw do the work. If you feel like you’re having to push, the blade needs sharpening.
I have used an electric one very carefully but I am forbidden to use the gas chainsaw. They are more powerful and require a skilled hand. I have used many power tools but I am afraid of a chainsaw. My brother almost cut his arm off from a kickback. Over a hundred stitches! I would never attempt to cut anything more than 4-5" in diameter.
I do plan on getting this in the near future. Looks safe and all I need.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_699968-70-LLP120B_0__?productId=999921254&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY--OutdoorPowerEquipment--SosChainsawsAccessories--999921254:BLACK&_DECKER&CAWELAID=320011480006584483&kpid=999921254&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=88cbb43c-7c43-4858-b54f-01ab77736466
I leave the chainsawing to Mr. PoPo. Even with all his experience over the years with chainsaws, he still cut into his knee (weird incident and miracle that he felt no pain and did no real damage). Since then I put my bossy wife pants on and make sure he is wearing chainsaw pants whenever he’s out working.
I’ve tried it and I didn’t like it. Too much potential for things to go wrong. If a guy is coming out and you think you’re going to do work with his chainsaws, you might think again when you try to hold it up and have it vibrating in your hands and you try to move it to where you want it to go and control it. I hate to sound like a sexist person here, but a chainsaw that a guy-who-does-a-lot-of-chainsawing uses is likely to be too much chainsaw for the average woman.
IF you do decide to give it a try, make sure you have all sorts of protective gear - goggles, helmet, gloves, ear plugs, chainsaw pants, boots. It isn’t a “oh, I think I’ll go just limb up some trees on a whim” kind of thing. It is serious work with the potential for serious harm if not done with the right tools for the right person.
[QUOTE=AKB;8516514]
I have a Ryobi, battery powered chain saw which I love. I am in my 60’s and had never used a chain saw until I got this one. My husband has a big, gas, chainsaw which is too heavy for me and almost never starts. My Ryobi cuts small trees and fence boards. I wear safety goggles, Stihl chainsaw gloves, and chainsaw chaps. The helmet with a face shield sounds like a good idea, but I haven’t gotten one. Read the instructions thoroughly. Start with some small branches until you eel confident. A chain saw is empowering.[/QUOTE]
I may have to look into one of those.
I swear I am always amazed at how many people say their saws do not start. Mine it a bear. I get so fed up I just end up using the cross cut saw.
How much did you pay for the Ryobi if you do not mind me asking?
I finally decided it was time to learn to use one a few years ago. I had all the same fears as you do, and faced them by watching every single video I could find and bought all the safety gear, chaps, googles, boots, ear protection and gloves. I got a Stihl MS-180 which is sometimes referred to as the chick chainsaw. It’s lighter than most saws, has a very small kickback area, and is an EZ-start saw. I love it. It can cut up to 10" easily, and I’ve since pushed it’s limits with mixed results.
As long as you do your research regarding safety and respect what can go wrong, I have a feeling you will do just fine using one.
When I first wanted to buy one my family said NO. They told me to hire somebody that has all his fingers and toes. I finally got fed up with tree pieces falling in the pasture right after I would pay somebody to cut stuff up. I borrowed my sister’s electric one and burned that baby up - smoke started coming out of it and it melted. So don’t get an electric one for big jobs.
I have a gas one now and I use it sparingly. I was stupid enough to try and get part of a dead tree down once. I lived through that adventure and decided I shouldn’t do that again. So it may be worthwhile to just pay for the labor if you just need one big job done.
Wow… 16 posts! It being Saturday (a usual day for noobs to go out and slice things), I just want to update you:
I left a message for the experienced buddy (who said he has a girlie-sized saw for me when I asked). I hope we’ll look at the tree Monday and then do something next week.
This could be a weekday project… which makes it more professional dontcha think? Or maybe I should plan it for, like, Tuesday mid-morning when I’ll be the only person in the ER with a chainsaw injury.
I’ll read more and keep you guys updated.
[QUOTE=mvp;8516450]
After a lot of talk, the time has come for me to learn to use a chain saw. Am I going to die a spurting-blood death? If not, how?
I have a dead tree that needs to go, a good buddy with a couple of chainsaws and an interest in helping me out. And I have gloves… plus lots and lots of experience carrying away cut up fire wood.
Thank you in advance… while all my blood is still in my body.[/QUOTE]
There are a number of safety aspect to chainsaws. If you want to learn them, do so and you will use a chainsaw safely. Pinched bars, thrown chain, kickback, tree felling, are among the basics. There is actually excellent content on the internet about saw operation and safety as well as in the saw users manual.
If you do not take the safety thing seriously, you can end up in the ER or worse.
Protective helmet, eyewear, chaps, gloves, and clothing are important but will not save you.
My suggestion is to find someone who is experienced (and knowlegable) with saws and offer to buy them a replacement chain and help with all of the grunt work. Chainsaw chores are 1/3 cutting and 2/3 moving and dragging wood around. If someone else is handling the grunt work, it’s hardly a chore at all.
If you have one dead tree to cut, get someone who knows what they are doing, and owning a chainsaw doesn’t complete that qualification. Dead trees are several factors more dangerous than a living tree.
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