If you ask most people to think of a very dangerous power tool, among the first to spring to mind will probably be the chainsaw. Made infamous by the movies, it’s a tool that can slice quickly through a range of materials. Failure to operate it safely can be disastrous – and as such it’s worth treating it with respect, and taking the time to get to grips with it.
Naturally, it’s best to use this tool for the first time under the supervision of someone who knows what they’re doing. With that said, we can still run through a few essential tips that will allow you to get the best from your time with a chainsaw.
Choose the right saw
There are actually several different kinds of chainsaw available, depending on whether you want to use liqud fuel or electricity. You’ll find cordless, battery-powered chainsaws widely available, too. They offer exceptional convenience and respectable power, and you won’t have the safety concerns that come with a trailing cable.
Wear protective equipment
If you’re using a chainsaw, then you need to worry about protective equipment. No matter how skillful you are with the saw, there’s always a chance that stray splinters and other fragments might be launched up into your face. Remember that you’re going to be sawing through natural raw materials, whose behaviour can be difficult to predict.
Protect your eyes with a robust pair of goggles, a helmet, ear defenders, and chainsaw-proof trousers, gloves and boots. Look for the logo that indicates a given item is chainsaw-proof, and look for the number which indicates the maximum chain speed stopped by the fabric. You can find a comprehensive list of equipment here.
Start small
If you’re going to be using a chainsaw, it makes sense to start with smaller logs. You can get an idea of how the saw operates before you move on to bigger things. Obviously, you don’t want your first experience of using the saw to come when you’re halfway up a tree.
Use both hands
Using both hands is critical. Not only will you be able to hold onto the saw more tightly, but you’ll be able to distribute any kickback across your entire mass, rather than having it controlled by just one wrist.
Use the edge
The tip of your saw is rounded, which can make it difficult to predict which way it’ll be knocked. Use the edge of the saw instead whenever you’re making cuts.
Consider a training course
If you’re going to be operating a chainsaw on anything like a consistent basis, then investing in proper instruction will usually yeild a substantial return – and it might well make a significant safety difference, too. LANTRA, the National Training Organisation for the Land Based Industries, provide a number of short courses that are worth investigating.