How to Use a Chainsaw

A chainsaw is a hand held mechanical saw used in logging and forestry, most often to fell trees or cut branches and foliage. The equipment is powered by a two-stroke engine, which rotates a chain of blades. The chain is made up of several teeth, which effectively cut through the material when used at a proper speed. Chainsaws are also used in creating firebreaks, i.e. an area cleared of combustible vegetation to stop or slow a wildfire.

Perils of a Chainsaw
One of the most useful equipments in wood cutting, chainsaw has some hazards of its own. The machine, which can cut through a tree trunk, can easily rip apart human body. Initially, a device known as Osteotome, similar to a chainsaw, was used to cut bones in surgery. Similarly, using the saw to cut wood above your shoulder height can also be dangerous. Therefore, it has to be operated with proper care. The person who operates it should have proper knowledge of how to use a chainsaw, and more importantly should be well versed with its perils.

How to Use a Chainsaw?
Always wear safety gears when you are working with a chainsaw. The chainsaw safety gear includes gloves, hard hat, safety glasses and earplugs. Wearing gloves facilitates a proper grip on the equipment, which is very important when you use the chainsaw. Make sure that the shoes you wear allow you to have a proper foothold. Never wear loose clothing while using a chainsaw. It's dangerous to use a chainsaw, when you are not in you best health.

When starting the chainsaw, make sure that you are at least 30 feet away from any sort of fuel. There are high chances of a fire breakout due to the sparks created when starting the motor. Once you are ready with necessary precautions and safety gear, you can start the chainsaw by pulling the starter cord. While doing this, place the equipment on the ground, and place your foot on it, to hold it in place. In order to trigger the ignition process the cord should rub against the starter housing and break, and hence the cord should be pulled straight up. Make sure that the cord doesn't touch anything while you pull it to start the equipment. During the cutting process, you should hold the saw close to your body. When you use the chainsaw to cut trees or branches, make sure that you cut at a point below your shoulder height. This will allow you to keep your elbows locked, and thus restrict the wayward movement of the equipment. When cutting a trunk at a point higher than your reach, climb the tree and suspend yourself against it using a harness.

As a mechanical reaction, the chain can pull you into the work, when you use the bottom of the blade, or push you outwards, when you use the tip of the blade. Therefore make sure that you use the perfect stance, and have a proper grip of the equipment, as well as your foothold. More of such kickbacks can happen, when the machine abruptly comes to a halt, or when cutting a hard piece of wood using a relatively blunt blade. Taking some simple steps can make sure that the machine stays in your control. You should hold the chainsaw with both the hands to get a proper grip. Never walk with the chainsaw on, turn it off when you are not cutting a wood, even if it's for a few minutes. The chain of the saw should be sharpened regularly.

Technology comes at a price, but safety shouldn't be the price you pay for some advanced technology, even if it helps you to work faster. A chainsaw is no doubt one of the most useful wood cutting equipments, but it has its own perils. Knowing how to use a chainsaw safely can help you to avoid accidents, which can change your lives.