Even if you do not have any direct experience dealing with lumber, there is a very good chance that you know what a chainsaw is. Chainsaws have a glorified reputation of sorts, due to their overuse in different forms of media, but they are not typically depicted as “tools”. In movies, television shows and videogames chainsaws are often portrayed as weapons, and when you think about it deeply, there is a reason for this. While the loud buzzing and the spinning teeth make for a tool that has a “scary” aura, a chainsaw is an inherently dangerous tool to use if someone does not know how to operate it. It is this element of danger that many people tend to focus on and that has earned the chainsaw its place in pop culture. However, this danger can be mitigated substantially if someone practices chainsaw safety awareness.
How can I learn about chainsaw safety?
Chainsaw safety training is not uncommon, as many professions make use of chainsaws. A chainsaw safety course is a great way to support hands-on training, as you can learn about how a chainsaw works and how to safely use it. Through a chainsaw certification course someone can earn a chainsaw certification (valid for 3 years) that demonstrates to potential employers that they know how to safely use one. A chainsaw training course or a chainsaw operator course does not necessarily have to be done in person either. An online chainsaw safety course is also another means of obtaining a chainsaw operator certificate. Taking a chainsaw safety training course is also useful to yourself, as you will have the knowledge from the chainsaw safety certification to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself whenever you use a chainsaw.
What exactly is a chainsaw?
Many of the tools that first resembled the modern chainsaw were often used for cutting bone in surgical settings. It was not until 1905 that these tools started to be used to cut wood, and it was not until 1918 that they started to become truly portable. Wood-cutting chainsaws, which were typically made in Germany during the early 20th century, were imported to North America. However, with the occurrence of Word War ll, chainsaw exports dwindled, and North American manufacturers started popping up. After the war, chainsaws became light enough for a single person to carry, and they became the tool of choice in the forestry industry.
The inner workings of a chainsaw consist of multiple parts:
- The engine (two-stroke internal combustion/electric)
- The drive mechanism (centrifugal clutch and sprocket)
- The guide bar (laminated/solid/safety)
- gauge
- oil holes
- grease holes
- guide slot
- The cutting chain (teeth, full complement/full skip)
- The tensioning mechanism (screw/manual wheel)
Modern safety features and chainsaw safety equipment include:
- Brake
- Catcher
- Handle guard
- Safety links
- Protective clothing/Chainsaw safety gear
What professions make use of chainsaws?
While most chainsaw applications are focused on wood cutting (chainsaws embedded with diamond grit to cut brick, concrete and stone would be outliers, for example), chainsaws are no longer just used for forestry purposes. There are many professions that can make use of the chainsaw. These include:
- Loggers
- Construction workers
- Firefighters
- Landscapers
- Military engineer units
- Hydro line workers
- Police SWAT teams
- Ski hill groomers
- Wood carvers
Due to the large range of professions, chainsaws can come in many sizes. While chainsaws that are used in forestry will tend to be on the larger size, there are also smaller chainsaws that are meant for residential purposes.
What are some chainsaw safety tips and concerns?
The safe and proper use of a chainsaw is important because it will protect not only you but also those around you. As mentioned previously, modern chainsaws tend to come with safety features, but there are still techniques and bits of information that are important to know.
Firstly, remember to become acquainted with a chainsaw by seeking proper training and education in its use. Once you have done that, be aware that danger can still arise from several places. Chainsaw operators tend to have the highest fatality rate in Canada for any occupation. Loggers are fourth on the list. This is for two major reasons: kickback and falling timber.
Kickback occurs when a tooth on the tip of the guide bar get stuck in porous wood. This prevents the chainsaw from cutting through and throws the tool back towards the operator. Kickback is unfortunately a risk that comes with cutting any porous material, like wood, so maintaining a strong, proper grip is very important.
Falling timber is typically an issue when a tree is being felled, or a large piece of wood is being cut. If it so happens to fall too early or the wrong way, then any nearby worker can become stuck or crushed. Problems can also arise for workers operating at a height, where falling timber can catch them unawares, or they could simply fall.
Some other sources of danger include loud vibrations and carbon monoxide. While modern chainsaws come well equipped with material for damping, older ones can still cause issues like deafness, tinnitus or HAVS. Exposure to carbon monoxide is a concern with gasoline powered chainsaws, especially in enclosed areas. The existence of these risks makes training and education even more valuable, so silly mistakes like drop starting are completely avoided.
How do I take care of my chainsaw?
Chainsaw safety and maintenance go together. Two-stroke chainsaws need about 2% oil in the fuel to keep the engine lubricated, while electrical chainsaws should remain lubricated for the entire duration of their lifetime. The bar and chain must also be lubricated with oil, but this will deplete much faster, requiring frequent application. Chains must also always be kept sharp so that sawdust does not become powdery and the operator does not need to press on the saw or be exposed to excessive vibration. To prevent a chain from becoming blunt, try to avoid touching metal, soil, or stones, unless the chainsaw is made specifically for those. Chainsaws can be sharpened by using one of three chainsaw sharpeners:
- Handheld file
- Electric
- Bar mount
Finally, do not forget to occasionally empty the air intake filter of sawdust.
What are some reputable chainsaws?
If you are using a chainsaw, then it makes sense to want to use one that is as safe and reliable as possible. Chainsaws will either take gasoline or be electric. If they are electric, they can come corded, or cordless with a battery. Each type has its own cons and pros:
- Corded Electric
- Pros
- Does not take fuel
- Does not need battery
- Quiet
- Easy start
- Small and light
- Affordable
- Minimal maintenance
- Cons
- Corded
- Weaker
- Pros
- Battery-Powered Electric
- Pros
- Portable
- Light, easy to move
- Very quiet
- Minimal maintenance
- Easy start
- Cons
- Battery
- Weaker
- Pros
- Gas-Powered
- Pros
- Powerful
- Portable
- Cons
- Fuel
- High maintenance
- Noisy
- Carbon monoxide
- Difficult start
- Pros
Below are some brands to watch out for when deciding on what tool to choose:
- Stihl
- Husqvarna
- Echo
- Jonsered
- Efco
- DEWALT
- Greenworks
- Poulan Pro
- Makita/Dolmar
- Remington
- WORX
- Oregon
- Kobalt
When selecting a chainsaw, be aware of where the tool is manufactured and its availability in your country of residence.
Here are some chainsaw features to look for that will make your experience easier and more enjoyable:
- Tool-free tensioning
- Combined choke + on/off switch
- Easy-start
- Narrow body width
- Carbide teeth
Ultimately, try to choose a chainsaw that is appropriate for what you need it to do. A large “lumberjack” chainsaw might not be needed for garden work, and something smaller and corded could be more affordable and be more valuable to you. Just remember that when using a chainsaw, you should not feel afraid, but you should respect it for what it is. It is a power tool, and power tools come with risks.
