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Chainsaws

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Having the right tool for the job can save both time and effort. For cutting trees and logs, there is no better way than using a chainsaw. When you think of all the effort that has to be put in to manually cutting down a tree using either a saw or an axe, you are likely to be persuaded that a chainsaw offers a much better option.

Like choosing any other piece of equipment, you need to make sure that a chainsaw is the tool you need, both from a practical point of view and one of value for money. If you are only going to use a chainsaw to cut down the odd stray branch annually, then it does not make sense to invest in a chainsaw. However, if you are likely to be cutting wood on a regular basis, then your productivity is likely to increase lots by using a chainsaw, but it is important that you choose the right one.

It may also be an option that you invest in a chainsaw with a group of friends or relatives rather than buying one outright yourself if the use does not demand it. Whether you choose a basic model or one of the heavier duty models will be determined by how much you are likely to use it. If you are using a chainsaw regularly, it may well be worth the extra cost to buy a better quality high powered saw, which are often more reliable.

You will also need to determine what kind of wood you will be cutting. Hard woods require a much more powerful tool than soft wood. The ideal situation is to get the right tool for the job at the best possible price. This means not buying a chainsaw which has features you are unlikely to use, or is more powerful than you actually need as it is likely to cost you more money for little return.

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Choosing a Chainsaw

There are two power options available when it comes to choosing a chainsaw. For small projects and if you are not experienced using a chainsaw, then an electric chainsaw is likely to be the better option.

Electric chainsaws are quieter and lighter. They require less maintenance than a petrol chainsaw. However, you may find they are limited by the length of the electric lead to where you can use the chainsaw, unless you have another means of providing electricity, or you can provide some kind of extension lead. In addition, they are less powerful, so you may find that you are restricted in what you can use your electric chainsaw for. There is also a potential safety risk if you accidentally cut through the power lead, so care has to be taken when using an electric chainsaw.

Petrol driven chainsaws are a better option if you are working in woods, or large gardens, or even if you are in a farming environment. You have more freedom with petrol driven chainsaws. A petrol driven chainsaw is likely to be heavier and you should bear in mind that the chainsaw will need regular top ups and the added cost of providing fuel for your chainsaw should be taken into account before you decide to buy.

The power of a petrol chainsaw is determined by the size of the engine. The engine size is measured in cubic centimetres and the larger the capacity, the more powerful the machine is and therefore it will be able to handle more difficult jobs. Another measurement that you need to bear in mind is the bar length of the chainsaw. This is the largest size of wood that the chainsaw can cut in one cut. However, chainsaws can safely cut twice the length of their bar measurement. This means that a chainsaw with a bar measurement of sixteen inches will be able to cut through a thirty two inch log. Bar lengths can vary between fourteen and twenty inches. As the bar length increases however, the more powerful the machine. This means that your chainsaw is likely to be heavier and more powerful and will require more petrol to drive it.

Chainsaw Safety

The weight of the chainsaw is a factor that needs to be kept in mind. Heavier chainsaws are more difficult to use over long periods. Users can become tired and this is when accidents can happen. It is well worth bearing in mind that chainsaws are potentially lethal pieces of equipment. The cutting edge of the chainsaw is very similar to a bicycle chain and the potential for getting caught in the mechanism is high, although safety features have improved over the years. However, the potential for inexperienced users to have accidents is great. There are a number of precautions which can be taken to minimise risk:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions before you begin using your chainsaw. By being aware of all of the features on the chainsaw, whether you intend to use them or not, you can be aware of what to look out for and minimise risk. You should ensure that all the controls are easy to use and easily accessible before you begin to use the machine.

Anyone not involved with the cutting process, people or adults and for that matter any other distraction should be kept away from the chainsaw.

You should hold the chainsaw correctly, firmly and with two hands.

Chainsaws kick back sometimes when in use and it is advisable to make sure that your body is away from the line of the cut to avoid any recoil.

When using the chainsaw, you should only increase the speed of the blade once you have begun to cut. This will help stabilise the chainsaw and allow greater control

Stihl and Husqvarna are the best known manufacturers of chainsaws. They produce a wide range of chainsaws from general purpose tools for property maintenance and agricultural use, to specialised chainsaws for specific purposes, including the rescue services. Both Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws have extra safety features such as a chain catcher, chain tensioning and also an inertia chain break, which can help in an emergency. As chainsaws can be potentially dangerous, Stihl have produced a safety manual which can be downloaded from their website.

You may also be interested in our guide to Ride on Mowers.

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Comments

One Response to “Chainsaws”
  1. Bill says:
    August 21, 2009 at 7:15 am

    A fine and informative article, I know more than ever about chainsaws now 8)

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