Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw?

R

rangerdanger

Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Just wondered if you guys had any tips for beginning chainsaw operators. I'm going to try and get Dad to start letting me do some this week(Spring Break) and this coming summer. I've read alot of the books on safety, operations, PPE required, etc and know most, if not all by heart. Just wanted to know if you guys had any tips. Thanks
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

don't cut yourself
grin.gif
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

Read through the articles at Tim Ard's forum, Forest Aps.

The USFS has some good articles too.

'Professional Timber Falling: a procedural approach' by D. Douglas Dent. Not really a chainsaw use book.

'The General Fundamentals of Treework' by Jerry Beranek.
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

Keep BOTH hands on the saw until you lock the chain brake and cut away from your self. FOCUS!!! Tim Ard is the man.
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

I like to tell new operators to ask themselves on each cut:

-Am I cutting in a direction that will result in a cut to my body if the saw cuts further than I intend it to?

Or, put another way, Will I cut myself if I follow through after I cut the wood?

-If the saw kicks back, will it hit me?

Always look for pressure or tension in a limb or log before you make the cut. Everyone gets surprised, even after years of cutting, so expect to get pinched here and there, but never cut something unless you've looked at the whole length of it, and decided if it will roll or spring towards you or cause something else to move. You can't be too careful with a chainsaw.

And don't cut anything but wood.
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

[ QUOTE ]
'Professional Timber Falling: a procedural approach' by D. Douglas Dent. Not really a chainsaw use book.

[/ QUOTE ]

great book. a few years old, but the saftey and practices aspects are still relevant

are classes an option for you? if you live near a national forest they offer classes and certifications. although they tend to lean more towards people who already have experience.
the best class i ever took was soren ericksons game of logging. if you get a good instructor they are way thorough. i actually learned more in GOL level 1 than i did certifying through the forest service.
i can tell you more about either if you're interested
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

dont look down the bar at your cut, take it in for all of its beauty and look from the side. Not only is it more safe but you can also tell how close you are to the ground when bucking logs.
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

Keep plugging away at English. Boring as classes may be, learning to read, write and comprehend the language will help you with every book,article and manual.
Learn safe chainsaw operation and then strive not to become complacent once you are familiar with using one. After decades of safe saw use I got hit in the face with a kicking saw on Monday. Thank God for an effective chainbrake. All that safety "junk" is something you should learn to work with rather than remove or ignore it.
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

its always good to learn from someone who has extensive chain saw knowledge and experience. tim ard has courses to go through and your local stihl distributor should have info on chainsaw safety. rule number 1 is to always respect your equipment at all times, accidents occur when you become complacent, work safe and rock on!
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

Thanks guys. I was off sick yesterday and today, but yesterday the medicine they gave me helped alot, but they said I had to stay home for two days to let the medice fully work so no one else catches it, so I went out to work today. Great day!!! I had to run a chainsaw for a few, cutting up some groundwood into firewood pieces and cutting up a fallen dead spar. Very fun work. Dad was a great teacher, giving me some tips, such as keeping your eye on the tip, and some other things. Also go to do a small climb today. All in all, a great day!! Thanks for all the help guys!
 
Re: Tips for learning to and operateing a chainsaw

Ranger, your dad is right. Always always always know where the tip of the saw is and what is near to it also. I was going to write this to you but your dad beat me to it. It is easy to have something catch the chain or the upper tip and send the saw places you don't want it to go.


Be safe.

The Cleanup Pro
 
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