Chainsaws are incredibly powerful tools. There’s a reason it’s not sold to the general public. They can do serious damage if you’re not careful, and even the most experienced professional chainsaw carvers make mistakes from time to time and cause damage to themselves or those around them.
When it comes to using a chainsaw, there are so many things that you need to know about to use the tool efficiently and safely. It really is such an awesome hobby! If you’re interested in getting started with chainsaws, read on to find out the chainsaw tips for beginners. Here, you get to know some helpful advice on how best to begin your journey as a chainsaw user.
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6 Helpful Chainsaw Tips for Beginners
We’ve made a comprehensive list of the six helpful chainsaw tips for beginners. By following these tips, you can effectively and safely use a chainsaw. The following are essential things to remember while operating the tool.
1. You should read the owner’s manual before using a chainsaw
The manufacturer of a chainsaw will provide you with operator manuals. You should read thoroughly to learn the proper and safe operation of your new piece of machinery. There are many safety features built into and around a chainsaw that may not be apparent at first.
But it will become clearer when you’ve familiarized yourself with the type of machine that you have purchased. For example, knowing how to identify the engine size and bar length is essential knowledge for any user who wants to know about their operating capabilities.
Besides, you can quickly determine whether or not the chainsaw is suited for particular applications by discovering these key specifications as indicated by the manufacturer in the manual.
2. Do a preliminary check
As with any power tool, it is important to make sure you know how to use it correctly and maintain it so that it remains in top working condition. A chainsaw can be a dangerous tool if used improperly and even more so if it’s not properly maintained. For example, you should always check the oil and gas levels before using the chainsaw to make sure that both are sufficiently full.
Many fuels such as gasoline tend to evaporate a little at first so taking care of this early on will ensure your safety for the duration of your cutting job. In addition, adding fuel is cheaper than buying an entirely new chainsaw! You should also check all the parts of the chainsaw for wear – paying special attention to the chain (it needs sharpening!), drive shaft, and engine. Make sure everything fits tightly together and you shouldn’t experience any problems.
3. Put on the proper safety gear when using a chainsaw
Wear appropriate safety gear that includes eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chap, chainsaw helmets as well as protective clothing. Wear sturdy boots and insulated gloves. Chainsaw safety glasses or goggles may also be of use. Make sure your shoes are metal-toed for additional protection from injuries.
Also, keep in mind that cutting wood will likely produce wooden shavings which can either irritate your skin; so, cover up with clothing such as a long sleeve shirt to protect against this risk.
Chainsaw chaps can protect the user from both flying metal and chain oil splatter. Also, some additional accessories may be necessary for you to use in conjunction with your current chainsaw case solution such as handles, sealants, or mounting kits.
4. Make sure you use the saw correctly
Understanding the chainsaw techniques for beginners helps to handle a chainsaw correctly for greater control and efficiency when cutting down trees or wood. One vital safety tip is to make sure you always hold onto your saw with two hands and maintain a tight grip at all times.
If you’re a teenager, some chainsaws may not offer safety and protection features so you shouldn’t use them until they are old enough to handle them properly. Some people don’t know what they’re doing while handling a chainsaw, so it is wise to ask someone who has more experience in using them before trying to use them on your own!
5. Keep your chainsaw well-maintained
A lot of people know how important it is to get in regular servicing and maintenance on their vehicles, but they rarely think about their power tools. Regular and proper maintenance helps your chainsaw from getting lost in the woods. You should maintain your saw regularly by sharpening the chain and oiling it to keep it running smoothly.
Greasing the appropriate bolts can help keep all the parts securely in place. Additionally, you should often remove stuck wood dust from the engine’s air filter to ensure optimal performance.
6. Know when to call in a professional
If you’re a beginner, we want to make sure you’re safe around chainsaws. If you’re unfamiliar with the equipment, there’s no shame in leaving the danger in the hands of an expert. Kickbacks are one of the major hazards when cutting down large trees with chainsaws. Chainsaws are extremely powerful tools, and kickbacks are a testament to their power. However, if this is your first time cutting down trees, you should probably leave it to the experts as kickbacks can cause serious harm and damage!
Safety Tips & Precautions
- Always put on a helmet, steel-toed boots, eye goggles or face shield, and earmuffs.
- Don’t wear loose-fitted clothes
- Ensure that the blade is sharp and the chain isn’t loose
- Make sure you’re old enough to handle a chainsaw (at least 20 years old)
- Don’t cut hardwood if you’re a beginner
- Beware of kickbacks
- Make use of extra caution for storm-damaged trees
- Do not eat or drink during operating a chainsaw
Don’ts
- Don’t ever cut trees with a loose or bad chain
- You shouldn’t cut when holding the saw above your shoulder level.
- Don’t cut with blunt blades
- You shouldn’t stand on a ladder when using the saw
- Don’t ever use the saw with one hand
- Avoid staying around fire or smoke when adding fuel to the engine
Do’s
- Always have a first aid kit around the jobsite
- Make sure you keep the chainsaw well-maintained
- Use both hands to hold the grips firmly when cutting
- Always apply chain brake when the saw isn’t in use
- Make use of the bar cover when the saw is off
Conclusion – Wrapping up!
Don’t forget to oil your chainsaw or it won’t work well. You should oil your saw after every few saplings, but be sure to read the owner’s manual first! If you keep your chainsaw and maintain it, it will be much easier to use. Don’t forget the safety gear! And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. In this article, we covered the beginner’s tips for using a chainsaw. Follow these tips the next time you need to use a chainsaw, and you’ll be sure to stay safe and get the job done right.
Read More: Best Chainsaw for Beginners Safe and Convenient Cuttings
