Chainsaw use question

[Conygree]

I have used chainsaws for years and always use the full kit + a field dressing on the back of my helmet Vietnam style. nothing has ever happened I hate wearing the full kit [less jacket] on hot days but won't take the chance. Most accidents are to legs - lowering the saw, so go for a pair of trousers and a helmet for starters. I also wear a fume mask against CO fumes - as I can feel a bit rough after a full day using saws.

[JJaxeman]

Full wrap protection is mainly for climbers so if you are not climbing frontal protection is fine. (Stihl make the best trouser's) :blink:

[henry d]

One thing to be aware of is both petrol and Electric chainsaws spit out tons of oil mixed with the sawdust, this option may not be best for smoking, as it really is unhealthy.

If you can, try to get your saw dust (thick stuff) from wood work shops, or pet shops, they sell large bags of the stuff quite cheap for dressing hamster cages etc..

 

Cheers for that, I was aware and have been advised to check out some chain oil when the saw goes in for a tune and new bar/chain, as they do an eco friendly one and if that isn`t suitable its going to be cooking oil.

Workshops and pet sawdust could also be a mix of hard and softwood which isn`t good, but thanks for the input

[Hunter]

One thing to be aware of is both petrol and Electric chainsaws spit out tons of oil mixed with the sawdust, this option may not be best for smoking, as it really is unhealthy.

If you can, try to get your saw dust (thick stuff) from wood work shops, or pet shops, they sell large bags of the stuff quite cheap for dressing hamster cages etc..

 

Cheers for that, I was aware and have been advised to check out some chain oil when the saw goes in for a tune and new bar/chain, as they do an eco friendly one and if that isn`t suitable its going to be cooking oil.

Workshops and pet sawdust could also be a mix of hard and softwood which isn`t good, but thanks for the input

 

I dont own small pets, but I do pick up cat food, and the stuff in the bags is always white softwoods, bagged after the extraction fan sucks it away from the cutting machinery. I heard some woods can be bad for pets, so they have to keep it clean an usually only soft woods, but thats all I know :blink:

 

You can get eco firendly oil, or known as 'Biodegradable' (spelling?) its a little more expensive, I try to use it when working with the electric chainsaw, but I recently ran out, and im on a big bottle of Synthetic 'Carlube' stuff.

To be honest I never thought of cooking oil! it should work. Make sure you can find something quite thick, as you want it to stick to the chain as much as possible. If it leaves the chain to quick, the chainsaw will only continue supplying the same amount, and you may get some wear..

 

Make yourself a fry up before starting work, and tip the melted bacon fat in there

[JJaxeman]

" big bottle of Synthetic 'Carlube' stuff"

 

 

Thats probably the quikest way of naffing up your chain/sproket and bar since the oil will flick off the top of the bar and not lube the underside (cutting side)

[Hunter]

Its propper chainsaw oil, not 'car lube' :blink:

Works a treat, nice and sticky, not overly expensive

 

But not something you want to use all day breathing it in, getting it in your hair/clothes and the ground around you. Even if you cant really see it, its there.

[JJaxeman]

Sorry Hunter my mistake saw the Carlube bit in your post and thought you were refering to Engine Oil, I sell and service chainsaw's for a living ( Stihl Dealership) and we get so many saw's in with ordinary engine oil in them No what you mean regards the Bio Plus Oil it's very expensive almost double the price of standard chain oil.

[henry d]

So many good replies thanks again, and if you have any more please add it on :blink:

[Oly]

does it have the spiked bit where the blade joins the body? If so I would say no need too. As this will help to stop the saw kicking out.

 

However, safety gear is there to protect you incase. So worth the investment just to be safe.

 

Edit: And keeping the chain in a good sharp condition, will also prevent a mishap too. :blink:

 

My Dad used chainsaws all his working life without protection and was fine...all depends on the user - hiow confident and careful you are...if your naturally clumsy get protection!

 

Best way is to try a bit and see how you feel, mopve up to the big stuff slowly though and make sure the brake works on each occasion you use it - a sharp chain helps too.

 

By the way Axe the "spiked bit" is called a "dog"

[JJaxeman]

By the way Axe the "spiked bit" is called a "dog"

 

Stihl call that part A Bumper Spike

[Conygree]

The problem is seeing the saw kit as an extra cost, try to see it as part of the total package. I have see old country chaps with no kit at all only a fag on the go [even filling up], one nutter was seen cutting rods across his leg with a chain saw one handed with no kit - they seem to get away but its only ever borrowed time.

 

I have seen many users with saw cut trousers most were experienced mature users , its one risk I avoid so I wear the kit, but saying that I find using axes/bilhooks [ mine are razor sharp] far more dangerous and there is no protective kit that works

[al4x]

Its a big question this, I've used saws for years and got various tickets, for use at home I don't use much PPE just ear protection and eyes. Chainsaw use safely is all about good technique do it right it won't cut you and you can never let safety lapse so similar to shooting in that way. Learn about saw maintenance and make sure its always sharp, make sure the chain brake works properly and always operate the saw with two hands.

Watch what you're cutting the most dangerous part is the top 10cms or so of the bar as when the saw is revved touch this part to the under/nearside of a log and it will cause kickback. If both hands are on the saw this should cause the chain brake to hit your wrist stop the chain and thats that, but better option is to watch out and make sure it doesn't happen.

Don't use it for too long or when tired and you should be fine. Of course trousers jackets and helmets help but there is a train of thought that they make you complacent and you're actually more cautious without them. Certainly I've a mate who is a tree surgeon who has cut himself 3 times now and to me there's no excuse for it ok its a top handle saw but he's an accident waiting to happen and thats with most of the safety gear

[Dunkield]

This had to be posted the same week I get an email from mate inviting me to a work party at his new house.

 

"Bring your chain saws, I will provide food an beer"

[Mungler]

Rock and roll.

 

Add bonfires and shooting and that's ticking all the boxes.

[paulf]

I have lurked for a while on here and now seems a good time to post.

 

For prolonged periods I wear front type A trousers, toe cap boots and a helmet. I find the husky helmet is better than the stihl one and SIP trousers last longest.

 

for quick things and i know its wrong eg whisking the top off a post then i only wear the helmet. Knowing someone first hand who has been left permantly scared after his saw kicked back into his face I will never operate a saw without the helmet.

 

You may find it better to replace the mesh visor vith a polycarbonate one, I have often had sawdust or grit get past the mesh and into my eye.

 

When you operate the saw try and stand to one side of the guide bar and not directly inline, this way any kickback will not do harm.

 

 

It will be well worth replacing the air filter, spark plug and fuel filter especialy as the saw is old, this will give it a new lease of life. Remember to stop rehgularly to sharpen, one or two strokes of the file every two fills (sharpen before the saw becomes noticably blunt) any spares i get from stanton hope www.stantonhope.co.uk. They are far cheaper than most dealers for parts, machines and kit.

 

Hope this helps.

[Holland&Holland]

Already a lot of good advice on here .

I would go for the best protection. During college i had to do a chainsaw course. The first thing the teacher showed us was a 30 minutes video of chainsaw accidents with people who where protected and unprotected. It was very bad . Everybody immidiately got the message; it can go terribly wrong, and this probably only happen once. Respect the power of the chainsaw. So buy good trousers, eardefenders, boots and a helmet. This investment is far better then a hospitalbil.....

I only got my chainsaw in the hind leg once when walking (working) round in the forrest with the saw. Sometimes you get careless after a week cutting trees and being hard at work. Luckily i had a trouser with protection all round so no harm done. Am still happy bought those !

[henry d]

I can`t thank you all enough for all the good advice, many many thanks !

[Conygree]

Have fun Henry, once you get sorted and relaxed with saws its good fun, the problem for me was using axes for years - I knew all the vices for axes but took a while to settle in with saws. Cutting up small blocks can be dangerous they can fly back at you and the old one don't hold a log down with one foot while cutting.

 

Have a look on the Stihl and Husky websites they have all the safe work practices, it should help.