Safety should always come foremost when purchasing a chainsaw. Most chainsaws include safety features such as chain brakes, blade casings, and anti-vibration technology to prevent dangerous kickbacks. Accidents may be avoided with proper maintenance and common-sense precautions, such as avoiding wearing loose-fitting clothes or sawing with the blade's edge.
This section will introduce you to the fundamentals of chainsaws, which are outlined below.
Chainsaw types
Chainsaws may be gas-powered or electric, with corded and cordless battery-powered models available. Each kind offers benefits that make it more suited for particular uses. Learn more about chainsaws in the sections below.
Gas-powered chainsaws
Gas chainsaws are the most powerful chainsaws on the market. They operate on a mixture of gas and oil. The majority of gas chainsaws are 16 to 20 inches long. Gas chainsaws are usually quicker than electric chainsaws, making them perfect for larger tasks such as tree removal. They can also cut through hardwoods like oak and birch more easily.
Depending on how the chainsaw is utilized, a single gas tank may last 40 minutes to an hour. They are more expensive than corded electric chainsaws and need more maintenance to ensure the engine works correctly.
Corded-electric chainsaw
Other than simple cleaning and maintaining the bar-lube levels, corded electric chainsaws need very little maintenance. As long as there is a stable power supply, several corded electric saws can match the power of gas chainsaws.
The problem with this chainsaw is that it's limited in terms of how far its cable can reach, so it's best for small yards that don't need regular chainsaw usage. Corded chainsaws are limited to 100 feet and need longer 10- to 14-gauge extension cables for wider regions. It's not a good idea to loop several extension cables together since it may cause fire danger.
Battery-Powered Electric Chainsaws
Battery-operated chainsaws provide a lot of versatility. They're low-maintenance, like an electric chainsaw, but they're also portable, like a gas chainsaw. Today's alternatives are powerful while also being much quieter than similar gas-powered models. The disadvantage is that these saws' batteries are often expensive, thus having a couple on hand may cost as much as the saw itself.
Battery-powered saws are ideal for DIYers who are not frequent users and intend to use the saw once in a while. They're among the most refined compact chainsaws for these situations because of their minimal maintenance requirements and mobility. Their run duration is governed by the battery's voltage and amp-hour rating but anticipates 30 to 40 minutes of semi-continuous cutting on a single charge, with a 60-minute recharging period.
Chainsaw features
In addition, the chainsaw market offers a variety of additional characteristics. Some may be irrelevant to your requirements, while others may provide strong reasons to choose one tool over another.
Chain speed
While some chainsaws have a single speed, allowing you to switch it on or off, higher-end chainsaws include variable speed settings. These chainsaws use a pressure-sensitive trigger to control the blade speed, enabling you to adjust the chain speed for various kinds of cuts.
Chainsaw bars
The chainsaw's blade is also known as the bar, and it acts as a guide for the chain. Chainsaw bar lengths vary considerably across models, ranging from 8 inches to 30 inches.
The chainsaw will be simpler to manage if the bar is shorter, but it will also limit its cutting capabilities since it should be 1 to 2 inches longer than the wood you're cutting to prevent kickback.
Weight
Weight may be the most crucial factor of all, depending on the user's physical strength. The fuel source or bar length won't matter if someone can't properly operate a saw because it's too heavy.
Chainsaws come in a wide range of weights. Small electric versions may weigh as low as 6 pounds, while bigger gas ones might weigh as much as 20 pounds. Keep in mind that some of the larger bowling balls weigh approximately 16 pounds, and you can see how a high-end machine might be tough to run for certain individuals.
Size
The guide bar's length mainly determines the chainsaw's size. The metal bar on which the chainsaw's chain revolves is the guide bar (or blade).
According to a general rule, branches or trees should be chopped with a chainsaw that is at least two inches wider than their thickness. For instance, if the branch is 8 inches thick, the optimum chainsaw's guide bar (or blade) should be at least 10 inches long. This allows the timber to be sliced through in a single pass.
Tool-Free Chain Adjuster
The chain adjuster enables you to change the chainsaw chain's tension on the fly. Most variants are tool-less designs, allowing you to change the chain tension without needing a specific tool.
Handle type
Chainsaws have two handle kinds, both of which are self-explanatory: rear handle and top handle.
Any cutting you perform on the ground requires a rear handle chainsaw, and these are the most frequent kind you'll come across when buying.
Top handle chainsaws, also known as in-tree chainsaws, are intended to be operated when on an elevated work platform (EWP) or in a harness high in a tree.
Rubberized grips on chainsaw handles enable you to obtain a solid grip on the chainsaw. The trigger that initiates the saw is likewise located on the back handle, as is a safety switch engages to turn off the saw if you lose your hold on the back handle. The chainsaw's front handle bends around it, enabling you to hold it in various positions for varied cuts.
Chainsaw safety features
Chainsaws have many of the same safety features as other engine-driven power equipment. To enhance safety, manufacturers have devised a slew of design elements. Like any other instrument, a chainsaw is hazardous and should be used carefully, so read the instruction booklet that came with your chainsaw. Familiarize yourself with each feature and be aware of your alternatives in the case of a failure.
Reduced-Kickback Chain
The amount of fiber that the working corner may catch as it rounds the top half of the bar tip, referred to as the kickback zone, is limited by chain kickback-reducing elements.
Chain Brake
When using a chainsaw, a chain brake is an essential safety component since it prevents kickbacks. One of the most significant dangers when operating a chainsaw is the possibility of the chainsaw kicking back.
Kickback occurs when the top quadrant of the bar's tip makes contact with the ground. The saw bar's tip is then pushed upwards, and the chainsaw is flung backward by the spinning chain's power. The chain brake works by placing a steel brake band around the clutch drum to stop the chain from moving.
To be safe, make sure the chainsaw bar's tip does not come into contact with anything while in operation and never attempt to cut with the kickback sector of the bar.
Chain Catcher
When chainsaws aren't correctly maintained, the chain risks breaking or flying off while being used. The chain catcher's job is to catch the chain and keep the operator safe. If the chain derails, it effectively prevents the chain from flying backward and striking the chainsaw operator in the face.
Trigger Lockout
The trigger underneath the saw handle is used to regulate the throttle. The black lever that serves as a trigger lock is located above the saw handle. The trigger lock must be engaged to activate the trigger. You must depress a lever on the top of the throttle handle to engage the throttle. When the operator releases the throttle trigger lockout lever, the throttle trigger will be locked at the idle position.
Automatic Chain Oiler
Many chainsaws now come with an automated oiler, which saves the user time while ensuring that the saw is in good operating order. Automatic oilers come in two types: fixed flow and adjustable flow. A fixed-flow oiler will provide a constant and steady supply of oil to the chain. The operator may change the setting of the oiler to discharge more or less oil using an adjustable flow oiling system. This may be necessary when putting more pressure on the saw, such as when cutting tougher woods.
Bucking Spikes
They are metal spikes at the base of the bar on a chainsaw’s front. They have two functions: Firstly, they offer greater control when sawing, allowing you to pivot the saw blade downwards for a clean-cut; and secondly, they provide a safety measure by enabling you to grip the log or tree trunk in the event of a kickback, preventing harm.
Anti-Vibration
This is a significant advantage on a chainsaw since prolonged exposure to strong vibrations may have serious health effects. Because of the constant vibration, frequent use of power tools may create health issues for the operator.
Anti-vibration solutions come in various forms, including separating of the stiff bar and engine from the exterior casing, using metal springs and rubber bushes to absorb vibration shocks, and even heated handles on high-end Chainsaws to promote healthy blood circulation.
Safety tips
Clearing timber, trimming trees, and chopping firewood may all be made easier using chainsaws. The sheer force of a chainsaw, on the other hand, may pose a safety risk to users and others around.
Follow these easy chainsaw safety guidelines to get more familiar with the correct use of your chainsaw, avoid accidents, and protect yourself from severe harm.
Safety gears
Minimize the risk of harm by wearing suitable safety gear and personal protection equipment (PPE) for the activities at hand. To avoid being entangled in the chain saw, wear well-fitting clothing. Safety glasses with side shields, safety goggles, and face shields that have been approved should be worn. Additionally, use the following safety equipment: a cut-resistant leg shield, hearing protection, protective gloves, work boots, and more.
General work safety
Chainsaws are portable power equipment that is efficient and productive in a variety of sectors. They may also be harmful if they are not used properly and cautiously. When using chainsaws, proper operation and maintenance significantly minimize the danger of harm. Before using a chainsaw, it would be best to familiarize yourself with particular work procedures, practices, and regulations.
For instance, to use the chain saw, grasp the handles tightly with your fingers and thumbs. Also, keep both feet firmly planted, and ensure that you have full power during each cut. When the chain saw is turned off, be sure the chain does not move.
Maintain your chainsaw
Follow the manufacturer's suggested maintenance plan to prolong the life of your chainsaw and ensure that it is in good operating order.
Here are some basic maintenance and care suggestions:
- Check the oil level in the bar and chain regularly. This should be done before each usage.
- Maintain the sharpness of the chainsaw chain. This will improve cutting efficiency and reduce kickbacks and enhance the safety of the chainsaw operator.
- After each usage, clean the debris from the saw.
Emission safety
The chainsaw’s two-stroke hand-held engine exhaust includes many hazardous chemicals that pose a health risk to people. Two-stroke engines must be equipped with a catalytic converter to decrease emissions. Catalytic converters are now standard on chainsaws and other garden power equipment to minimize hazardous emissions.