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 There are a number of choices when shopping for a
chainsaw: powered by gas or electricity, bar length and type, and
category of chainsaw.
The principle of a chainsaw is that it has two handles on one end to
hold onto the saw, with a trigger to control the speed and power of
the saw, and a revolving chain on the other end on a track called a
bar with multiple mini cutting blades, designed to "chew" through
wood. All chainsaws use "chain oil" to lubricate the bar and chain
to allow it to turn freely, and requires that the blades on the
chain be kept sharp and adjusted to cut.
For small jobs, infrequent use, and low cost you might consider
getting an electric chainsaw. Electric chainsaws come in both corded
(extension cords) and battery models. Some of the corded models even
include a pole that can extend the chainsaw to cut branches as high
as 10 to 12 feet off the ground, and even have a low cost, often
under $100. These "pole saws" often include the ability to remove
the chainsaw from the pole and use it as a hand-held saw
(Remington). The new genre of name-brand battery-powered chainsaws
make it easy to take the chainsaw anywhere and use it for universal
purposes without worrying about having gasoline on hand, ideal for
small and light jobs.
Electric vs
gasoline chainsaws
Chainsaws powered by gasoline give you more flexibility, power and
portability, and a wide range of models, quality, sizes and
categories exist. The three categories of gasoline powered chainsaws
are home, farm and professional.
- A home chainsaw has limited power, limited bar length, and a
limited lifespan, but also come with a lower purchase price.
- A farm chainsaw has a larger engine size, a longer bar, is built
for tough jobs and abuse, and has a longer lifespan.
- A professional chainsaw has the largest variety of features, bar
length, power and lifespan, but usually comes with the shortest
warranty and the highest price.
The three most popular quality brand names in gasoline chainsaws are
Stihl, Husqvarna (Husky) and Echo, and each of these brands has all
three categories of home, farm and professional available.
All brands and models of gasoline chainsaws have 2-stroke engines,
and use "mix gas" with oil added to the gasoline, allowing them to
operate at any angle (even upside down), have a smaller, more
lightweight engine, and do not need crankcase oil to keep them
running.
There are two different bar types available: standard bar and
bow-bar.
- The bow bar is only available on limited models, is used because
it is a faster cutter which tends to bog down less, and is generally
considered much more dangerous to use in the industry.
- The standard bar chainsaws will cut on both the bottom of the bar
and the top of the bar, and generally is safer to use when cutting
with the top of the bar.
A condition called "kickback" can occur when attempting to cut with
the top or tip of the bar, causing the chainsaw to suddenly lurch at
your face or head and can cause serious operator injury. Bow bar
saws are notorious for causing kickback and are generally only used
by professional arborists.
Tips for
Avoiding Chainsaw Kickback
Bar lengths:
- Most electric chainsaws and home saws have a limited bar length,
usually16 inches or less (a 12 inch chainsaw bar is standard on home
and electric models). The bar length limits the size of the cut, the
size of the log being cut, the amount of power being used, the
control needed, and usually is less dangerous because there is less
cutting area for the operator to be exposed to.
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- Farm saws may have bar lengths up to 24 inches for
larger jobs and the power necessary, and professional saws have bar
lengths up to six feet (72 inches). The bigger the bar, the larger
log you can cut. Larger bars require more powerful and heavier
engines, and universally are used less for small to medium cutting
jobs.
Safety first:
Chainsaws should always be used while standing on the ground (as a
homeowner), and never be used while standing on a ladder to avoid
injury or death. Protective clothing and eyewear are recommended for
use while operating a chainsaw. Helmets, face masks, hearing
protection, Kevlar gloves, and even special chaps are designed to
protect the operator and prevent injury or death.
Personal
Protective Equipment
Chains become dull from normal use, but immediately become dull and
useless when you are cutting something other than wood. Attempting
to cut wood below the surface of the soil will immediately dull any
chain (including carbide) and render the saw useless. Cutting dirt,
rocks or any metal will immediately turn a good chain into a
worthless cutting tool. Dull chains can be re-sharpened using
chainsaw files, Dremel rotary sharpening sets, expensive motorized
sharpeners, or can be sharpened by sharpening professionals for a
nominal fee. New replacement chains can also be purchased, and it is
advisable to have a spare chain on hand. Don't try to cut with a
dull chain.
The tension of the chain on the bar should be watched closely. A
chain that is too tight can bind, a chain that is too loose can skip
off the bar or be ineffective to the cutting process. Read the
user's manual to become familiar with chain tensioning and a wide
variety of other important instructions and maintenance tips.
Knowing more can keep you from damaging the chain saw or causing
yourself injury.
Properly
Adjust The Chain Tension On Your Chainsaw
Pruning and cleanup often present less danger than felling standing
trees with a chainsaw. There are specific methods and measures
necessary for successfully felling trees to prevent property or
bodily damage, and it is recommended to receive the proper training
to successfully fell trees, or leave this activity to professionals.
A quality chainsaw is an awe inspiring tool, and in the hands of a
trained and cautious operator, can quickly transform an overgrown
landscape into a well groomed homestead.
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