Are you new to chain-saws? Looking for ideas on a chainsaw? If so, this guide may be of help. Below I’ll go over the top things every beginner should know about the chainsaw. The aim is to help you make the most of your chainsaw experience so you can enjoy any kind of wood cutting work. In addition, if you’re just going to find the best of the best chainsaw, visit my top reviews on the chainsaw. It includes every type, length, and price of the top 10 chainsaws.
Chainsaw Tips for Beginners
1. Know Your Chainsaw’s Capabilities
It’s necessary to know the limits of your chain saw when performing your wood cutting task.
If you have chosen a smaller model, the size of the tree you will cut would be easier to manage but still reduced. If you’re going to try to cut down big trees you’ll need a bigger model with more power.
The bar length is another factor other than the size of the chainsaw model. Longer bars are used to cut trees, and shorter bars are used for branches.
If you’ve set your chainsaw limitations and the proper bar size for the project, the most essential chain saw tips for beginners begin with a safety checklist.
- Check if you have the right amount of torque on your chainsaw. Not too tightened and not too loose.
- Be sure parts or bolts are not loose.
- Properly lubricate the chain according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
- Ensure the sharpness of the teeth and cutting points.
- Be sure that the environment in which you can operate is clean of objects that might possibly get in the way.
- Check that over your field of work there are no loose branches that could drop on you.
See also: How good are electric Chainsaw
2. Wear the Right Protective Gear
It’s important that you wear the appropriate protective gear before starting your task.
Accidents can happen and you want to ensure the body is safe from accidental cuts.
This includes:
- Glasses or safety goggles
- Ear protection
- Wearing protective gloves
- Wearing secure boots
- Thick pair of chainsaw chaps
3. Starting your Chainsaw
Beginning your chainsaw starts with placing your tool on a flat surface far away from any gas cans or fires open.
If you have a battery-powered chainsaw, make sure that the battery packs are full but don’t charge extra them as this can decrease the battery life. If you have a gas-powered chainsaw, check the level of fuel and when possible use environmentally friendly fuels. When using a corded electric chainsaw, make sure nothing on the cord prevents or lays.
When you are ready to start your chainsaw, first totally pull the choke out on gas-powered versions, particularly in cold weather conditions. Cold temperatures don’t impact electric and battery chainsaws.
First, see to it that the chain brake is applied. Only drive the brake over the chain before you hear it click. If there is a sudden kickback, this will stop the chain from spinning and will keep you safe while you start the chainsaw.
The next step is the lubricating pump. It can purge air out of the gas line. Driving gas into the carburetor, drive it four to five times. Place your foot in the handle then keep the handle tightly with your left hand. Taking the starter rope into your right hand and slowly pull it out until you encounter some resistance.
Just give the rope a fast, firm pull, after you feel the resistance. You may need to pull a couple of times then let the rope slip steadily back into position between pulls. It will damage the starter mechanism by causing the rope to snap back onto the chainsaw.
If after a couple of pulls the chainsaw doesn’t start and you hear the motor turn over but won’t start, try cutting the choke back in half. After a couple more pulls it should then start. Depress the throttle briefly while running, to keep the engine running. Any models may require that the choke is set to idle. For more specific beginning guidance please read your operating manual.
Here are some important safety tips for starting your chainsaw:
- Do not attempt the start of a drop. This is a cutting edge technology that increases the chances of injuries.
- Often keep the starter rope in your hand directly, never loop it around your hand.
- Never bother getting your chainsaw started if the bar is stuck in the wood. A kickback runs a great risk.
- Do read the safety manual for any particular problems that may occur that comes with your chainsaw.
See also: How to use an electric chainsaw
4. Making Your First Cuts
When you are ready to cut, begin by keeping both hands tightly to the blade. Keep the chainsaw tight. Firmly position your feet and spread them out, to maintain proper alignment.
When cutting light material, be careful of bits and pieces that can turn into projectiles. Use strict caution on larger pieces of wood, if you have to re-enter a cut. This is where things will lead to kickbacks.
5. Felling Trees
When you fell a tree (i.e., cut it down), make sure you abide by all local or state rules and regulations.
Stop cutting in bad weather situations like heavy winds, snowfalls, or rains. Create a strategy for the direction the tree should fall for. Until cutting off clear the area. When planning the route take wind into account.
Never try to cut your shoulders to a height above a tree. Do your research on safely cutting down bigger trees to ensure that you follow safety protocols.
Be sure to keep your chainsaw when you’re done with your job because a well-maintained machine can work better and is necessary to complete your tasks safely.
See also: Best Chainsaw Safety Gear
6. Kickback Safety
Kickback from Chainsaw is dangerous and can happen to anybody; including top professionals.
A kickback is where the guide bar of the chainsaw rotates at a rapid rate back towards you. What happens when the tip of the chainsaw chain nicks a hard rock or when the chain is pinched in between the wood.
As a beginner, you can take the requisite precautions to avoid a kickback from a chainsaw:
- Still hold your hands tightly onto the chainsaw.
- Never cut with blade tips.
- Often verify before cutting the chain brake (it may save your life or avoid a serious injury).
- Never cut into the wood that has been used as materials for construction and may contain hidden nails or other hard objects.
- Use great caution when re-entering a cut, and go slowly.
7. Chainsaw Maintenance
Proper maintenance of a long-lasting chainsaw is important. Make sure to follow those steps after each cutting session:
- See to it that all parts and bolts are tight.
- Top the chain oil and the bar off.
- Empty the gas tank, if fuel is used by the chainsaw.
- Clean the groove from chain and bar, and oil.
- Clean the sawdust, Air Filter.
- Oil the chain, before the chainsaw is stored.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use a chainsaw as a beginner, you might wonder which chain-saw to purchase.
If that’s the case, please visit my best value chainsaw reviews to find a decent chainsaw for starters. Once the craft is comfortable you might want to upgrade.
You could also like reviews of my battery chainsaw, reviews of the gas chainsaw, and reviews of electric chainsaw.
I hope this guide on beginner chainsaw tips has been helpful.