CHOOSING   AND  USING  YOUR  CHAINSAW

If you're going to buy a chainsaw and your experience level is light, or zero, the most important thing that needs to be said is that proper safe use is far more important than which saw you use. 

We've read recently there were 36,000 chainsaw related injuries in the US in 2020. Whether that is accurate or not, we would argue that nearly all were preventable. In other words, you will stay safe if you are informed and cautious. Let's take a brief look at choosing your chainsaw, and then please look at the safe use  information below.

 

• Shopping for chainsaws.

Fair warning!  There are many who would argue passionately against what we are about to suggest. 

It can remind you of the way Chevy and Ford truck fans attack each others choices and have for decades. But it seems to us that between chainsaw brands, it's actually hard to go too far wrong. 

We already hear spooky howls of outrage coming out of the backwoods.  But, here's why:

The big name brands (we are thinking here of Stihl and Husqvarna ) are very good tools - but so are many of the less known brands. And they all seem to last a very long time if you look after them.

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^{( We aren't talking about the thousand dollar plus models here. If you really need one of those you already know what you are doing.)} 

For most people's needs, you can get a good reliable tool for 350 - 750 dollars - depending on features and size. Weight, bar length, budget considerations all matter, and you will sort through those factors while finding what's right for you. 

A caveat:  A few years back, on impulse, marked way down on sale, we did buy a very small, model by one of those big brands. Pulling it out of its box, it seemed more like a toy than a tool to us. We slid it back in the box unused, and returned it. Do give a lot of thought to size. You can buy too big and heavy - and you can buy too small to do what you need. 

A second caveat:  Electric chainsaws are a different category. We have only had one so far. While there may be concerns about different brands of those, we don't know from experience. Ours has been fine though - for a few light duty jobs. 

 

Chainsaws are actually a very simple tool.  And if looked after as instructed, and used properly, they last.  Which brand is not a choice to lose a lot of sleep over.  Shop a little, use you're judgement, you'll be fine. 

 

Taking Safety Seriously. That is the more important choice. Learn the best techniques, and use them. 

We are going to makes some points here and then offer you to a couple of videos that are probably a better way to learn them - by watching. 

A gas chainsaw with a 16 to 18 inch bar is probably about right for most people and most off grid / homesteading situations. 

It's not a good idea to use that saw in wet rainy conditions. The cutting can wait. Take a break! 

Most importantly Gear up!   Here’s what you need:

Hard Hat  Branches do fall. 

Safety Glasses Shields your eyes from inevitable flying debris.

Ear Protection

Face Mask 

Chainsaw Chaps

We admit you will see a lot of people in real life or in videos who are not using all of that protection, particularly the chaps. You decide these things at your own risk. Now you are geared up, and you also need good cutting habits:

Grip: Always hold the saw firmly and keep your hands and feet away from the cutting chain.

Stand Tall: Keep the saw at a comfortable height—no bending or overreaching!

Light It Up: All clear? Look around. Work in a well-lit area, free from obstacles.

Weather Check: Avoid using the saw in windy or wet conditions.

Keep Others Clear: Make sure kids and pets are far away from your work area.

Stand Steady: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent for balance.

Start Smart: Make sure the chain is tight and the bar is secure before starting.

 

And now this...

A WORD OR TWO ABOUT THESE VIDEOS!  

• Most people learn more quickly and thoroughly from well done videos than from plain text, so please be sure to watch - especially this safety video.  The second one is for when you are ready to learn about chain sharpening.
• We don't choose videos here that are primarily designed to entertain. We choose those that we feel  teach well.  So if these folks don't sound like your average youtube influencer don't be surprised - but we think they did a very good job.