How to use a chainsaw - from preparation to cutting

Few people use a chainsaw in the household, and this is justified. Although this tool is universal, it is quite dangerous in inexperienced hands. It is necessary not only to figure out in advance how to use a chainsaw, but also to choose suitable clothing and shoes, and understand how to start and hold the saw. It would also be a good idea to learn how to properly cut down trees, trim branches and saw a trunk. This will help to avoid possible problems during work.


Cutting wood Source agrorebollo.es

What types of chainsaws are there?

Before you start working, it is worth understanding the principle of operation of a chainsaw, as well as the types and types.

A chainsaw is a universal tool for working with wood. It is used to cut down trees and twigs, trim branches, saw construction materials, and also use it in creativity. However, working with a chainsaw requires certain knowledge and skills, otherwise there is a risk to health or even life.

Before you buy a saw, you need to carefully study the offers on the market. You should start by choosing the type of tool. There are 3 types that differ in power, operating time and cost:

  • Household chainsaws. These include instruments with power up to 1.5 thousand W and up to 2.04 liters. With. The length of the tire is 30-45 cm. The continuous operation time of such models is about 30-40 minutes, the weight is 2-6 kg. The tool is suitable for small jobs, such as trimming bushes or preparing a small amount of firewood.
  • Semi-professional, also called universal. These are saws with a power of 1.5-2.5 thousand W and 2.04-3.4 liters. With. They can work up to 5 hours a day, although overloading them is not recommended. The length of the bar is the same as that of household models - from 38 to 45 cm. Such a saw will be required when building a house, barn, bathhouse or other structure, for large logging operations.


Cutting down a branch Source publishernews.ru

  • Professional. The design of this chainsaw is similar to previous models, but they differ in characteristics. Their power is 2.5-5 thousand W and 3.4-6.8 liters. With. They can work up to 16 hours a day, continuous operation is up to 8 hours. The width of the tire can reach up to 100 cm. They are suitable for large-scale work that requires a significant investment of time. Professional models are not suitable for everyday use: they are large and heavy.

In addition, chainsaws are divided by weight and dimensions, speed, chain pitch, fuel tank volume and other characteristics. Some models have additional parameters, for example, an anti-vibration system or automatic chain lubrication. This affects the cost of the tool.

Three device classes

Currently, on the Russian market you can find a large number of chainsaws, which can be divided into three classes:

  1. The first class includes simple household devices that are designed for simple home needs. Most often, such chainsaws have little power, but they cope with all their responsibilities very well. Using such a chainsaw, you can cut down rotten wood or prepare firewood for a bathhouse. Despite the fact that the functionality of such saws is minimal, this is easily compensated for by ergonomic controls and their low weight.
  2. The second class includes the so-called semi-professional models, which are capable of performing almost any work - from repair and construction tasks to felling trees. But at the same time, such models have one significant drawback - they are not designed to work 8-10 hours a day. It is for this reason that they are called semi-professional. Most often, loggers use such saws as loppers.
  3. The third class includes professional saws, which are an excellent solution for people who specialize in deforestation. Such devices can be used for 10-15 hours a day, allowing you to work without a break for 8-10 hours.

Preparing for work

After choosing a suitable saw and purchasing it, you must carefully study the operating instructions. A chainsaw is a dangerous tool; working with it requires extreme care.

Preparing the saw for work consists of several steps:

  • It is necessary to check the tool externally: the parts must be well secured, the body is not damaged, the tire is fixed in its normal place, the chain is inserted into the grooves and engaged with the sprocket.

Using a chainsaw to fell a tree Source 90zavod.ru

  • Then, in the process of preparing the chainsaw for work, you need to check the chain tension. It must be optimal: if the tension is too strong, the load on the engine will increase; if it is weak, the chain may jump off during operation. To check, you need to try to pull the chain in the middle: it should come out of the groove by a few millimeters. Then the chain needs to be turned a little - it should move freely without getting stuck. If the chain does not move or rise, the tension needs to be loosened; if the chain sags, tighten it.
  • Afterwards, you need to fill the chainsaw with fuel: gasoline and oil for two-stroke engines. The ratio of gasoline and oil is indicated by the manufacturers themselves. Usually take 20 ml of oil per liter of gasoline. Both substances are mixed and poured into the tank.
  • Finally, add oil to lubricate the chain. It is necessary to use only special oils - motor oils can easily damage the engine.

It is important to remember that fuel and lubricant are consumed approximately equally. It is necessary to regularly check their level and top up as needed.


Checking the chain before work Source laukar.com

See also: Catalog of construction companies that have their own production of materials and components for the construction of houses

The procedure for performing preparatory work

To cut a log lengthwise, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

  • Take two straight boards and attach one to the other at right angles. The result is a strong guide line.
  • To support the manufactured ruler, you need to make stops from boards.
  • Moving the trunks must be done using a tilter.
  • The log should be placed on a comfortable base.
  • You need to secure the frame to the chainsaw bar using nuts.
  • The supports of the leading ruler must be attached to the ends of the log, checking the horizontal position with a level.
  • Self-tapping screws must be used to secure all brackets and structural elements. Nails are not suitable for these purposes, since they are difficult to remove in the future without causing damage to the structural parts.
  • The leading ruler needs to be attached to the supports using brackets and its height adjusted taking into account that the cut will not go along it, but approximately one centimeter higher.
  • The log needs to be rotated and the second board secured so that it rests on the ground and supports the log.

Work order

Before starting sawing, it is necessary to free the prepared logs from bark and remaining branches and carefully inspect them for any possible defects. This will allow you to choose the optimal cutting pattern and thereby reduce the amount of possible waste.

When sawing logs longitudinally, care must be taken to ensure that the resulting boards have the same density across the entire width. Since the density of the trunk wood on the north side is much greater than on the south side, the cut is made in a plane directed from east to west (or vice versa).

The first operation when longitudinally sawing a log with a chainsaw is to remove the slab from two opposite sides of the trunk. As a result, a double-edged beam is formed, which is then sawn into boards of equal thickness or other lumber, in accordance with the selected sawing pattern. The output is an unedged board, from which the edges are subsequently removed.

If there is a false core or other defects in the log, it can be rotated 90° or 180°, as with the circular sawing method.

Sawing logs at home

Situations often arise when it is necessary to produce a relatively small number of boards or beams for personal needs. In this case, the purchase of sawmills and other equipment is impractical. If you have certain knowledge and skills, it is much more profitable to cut logs manually, using an electric or gasoline chain saw. This is a rather labor-intensive process, but in some cases it is completely justified.

Most experts agree that using a chainsaw is preferable. Such saws, unlike electric ones, have more power and are able to work without interruption for a long time. In addition, when using a chainsaw, no electricity is required, which allows you to carry out work remotely from power sources (for example, directly on plots).

When cutting logs into boards using a chainsaw, you will need special devices: a device for securing the log, a frame attachment for the chainsaw and a guide along which the cut will be made. The attachment frame is attached to the chainsaw bar so that the distance between it and the chain can be adjusted. This will allow you to get boards of varying thicknesses. It is better to choose a special chain for longitudinal cutting, which differs in the angle of sharpening of the teeth. Sawing logs into boards with a chainsaw with how to cut logs into boards. A metal profile of the required length or a flat, rigid board is quite suitable as a guide.

Maintaining safety during work

To avoid malfunctions and accidents, you should follow safety precautions when working with materials and tools:

  • When working, do not allow third parties, especially children, onto the work site.
  • During work, you should use protective equipment against noise and sawdust that fly away during cutting.
  • It is necessary to have a first aid kit with everything you need to use in case of cuts.
  • When using a circular saw, it is necessary to put on a protective guard.
  • Do not pour gasoline into a heated chainsaw tank.
  • Use the chainsaw only for its intended purpose, do not turn it on at full power if it is not in operation.
  • There is no need to put too much pressure on the saw while working.
  • The log for cutting should be installed on the right side.

A chainsaw serves as a convenient tool that can be used to make boards yourself. On

Starting a chainsaw

Before sawing with a chainsaw, you need to take care of protection. The equipment must be complete: a helmet covering the face, headphones, special thick gloves, closed shoes with steel plates. Clothing should be made of durable fabric, but comfortable and tight enough so that loose edges do not accidentally get caught in the instrument.

The saw is started as follows:

  • The tool is placed on a flat area away from the refueling site so that there is no fire during startup. It is worth checking in advance that there are no objects under the chain that the chain could catch.
  • Turn on the handbrake so that the saw does not start working too early.
  • The left hand holds the front handle, the right foot is placed on the rear handle.
  • Then turn on the ignition button, extend the throttle and pull the starter handle several times. The latter must be done with sharp movements, and after tension, immediately release.
  • When the first “flash” appears in the engine, the shutter is retracted and the starter handle is sharply pulled again until the engine starts completely. Once the engine starts, it will no longer be possible to keep the rope extended. Usually the engine starts 3-4 times.

Technology of sawing logs into boards with a hand chainsaw

What is good about this method: it allows you to cut a log into boards of the required thickness, even if you need something non-standard, such as 10 or 15 cm. Such powerful material will become the basis for a shelf in a bathhouse, for a bench or table top.

PHOTO: YouTube.com Start by marking the cut of the log, so you can visualize how many boards you will get of the required thickness and width

The slab that remains after sawing can also be used: it will make excellent street benches. You can also make a seat and back from it.

Before starting work, the log ready for cutting must be firmly fixed

This is very important, because if it starts to move during operation, then the cut will turn out uneven.


PHOTO: YouTube.comThen you need to draw a clear line along the surface of the log, indicating the place of the cut. You can use a board of the size you need as a template. Secure it to the surface of the log so that it does not move, and make a groove along the cut with the toe of the saw


PHOTO: YouTube.com Next, you need to continue cutting without a template, using only the very tip of the bar. This is the main secret of the technology. The movement of the instrument should resemble a pendulum.


PHOTO: YouTube.com The cut should be smooth, if you do not artificially guide the saw, it should work like a plumb line, and the bar will pass along the cut, fitting vertically into it. Only the part of the chain that is on the toe works. To move the saw like this, you need to stand steadily and levelly over the log.


PHOTO: YouTube.comIf you plan to get several boards from one log, then saw them so that they do not immediately fall off from the main part. If you immediately cut the material, the fixation of the log will be broken and it will no longer be so convenient for you to work. Leave a couple of centimeters, then, when the main part of the work is completed, you will quickly finish the cut


PHOTO: YouTube.com Not the first time, but you will certainly succeed. Cutting short logs is much easier than cutting long logs, so practice on them first. The main thing is to practice pendulum movements with the saw so that the tire moves freely in the cut


PHOTO: YouTube.com The surface of a board made with a hand chainsaw will not be ideal; it needs to be processed with a plane and a sander. And then you can use the finished material in your construction

Video description

How to check chain lubrication is shown in this video:

  • After starting and before you start using the Shtil chainsaw, the engine must run for at least a minute to fully warm up. To do this, squeeze the gas to the end.
  • At the end, turn off the brake and check the lubricant supply. To do this, the instrument is brought to a light object (sheet of paper or wood) and held above it. If traces of oil appear on it, then there is enough lubrication.

Using the above method, start the chainsaw with a cold motor. If the tool has been running for some time and has not cooled down after that, there is no need to move the throttle valve.

What should you do if you don’t have a chainsaw?

A chainsaw is the most effective tool for cutting down any trees.
If you don’t have one, you can use an ax and a hacksaw or a two-handed saw.

To make a cut, use a hacksaw to cut the trunk across the grain to 1/3 of the trunk diameter.

It is advisable to use a hacksaw with the largest and sharpest teeth possible.

Then the wood is cut down with an ax at an angle of 45 degrees, striking 2–4 cm above the cut. After this, the trunk is cut on the other side 3–5 cm higher (depending on the diameter - the thicker the trunk, the greater the difference).

If there is neither a hacksaw nor a two-handed saw, then all operations are performed using an ax - first they strike along the cut line, deepening the blade into the wood by 1-2 cm, then they chop from above at an angle of 45 degrees, forming a notch.

Some masters do the opposite, first striking at an angle, then cutting perpendicularly. Both methods are equally effective, so you can do what is more convenient in a given situation.

If at least part of the work is performed with the help of an ax, then it is necessary to secure the trunk with at least a rope under tension, and it is better to use a winch and springs. If you do not do this, the tree may fall in the other direction.

In addition, using an ax and a hacksaw or a two-handed saw, you should not cut down trees whose diameter exceeds 10 cm. Their trunk is too heavy, so due to strong blows it can go in the wrong direction and cause serious injury. Also, you cannot use an ax to cut down rotten and rotten trees; blows can cause branches to break off and cause a strong blow.

How to use a chainsaw correctly

Launching the tool is easy, but working with it can cause some difficulties. A few tips will help make the process easier and safer:

  1. The saw must be held with both hands, the handle held firmly with all fingers. The left thumb should be located under the front handle.
  2. You need to keep the tool closer to your body: this makes it easier to maintain control over the saw and maintain balance. In addition, in this position the hands get less tired.
  3. Your legs should be wide apart and your knees bent to maintain stability. It is better to keep your back straight.


How to hold a chainsaw correctly Source pexels.com
When figuring out how to cut with a chainsaw correctly, do not forget about the importance of correct movements. If it is necessary to change position, turn off the chainsaw and put on the brake. In some cases, if a long break in work is required, the tire should be covered with a casing.

Experts recommend learning to use a chainsaw on horizontal logs of medium thickness. They are not difficult to work with, and in the process it is easy to figure out how to properly handle the saw.

The only difficulty with cutting logs is choosing a blade. The thinner the log, the smaller the canvas should be. However, this is not a mandatory rule and can be ignored.

Tips and tricks

To ensure that there are no problems with the chainsaw and that it works without breakdowns, you should follow the operating rules:

  1. Compliance with safety rules.
  2. Run-in after purchase.
  3. Check chip thickness regularly. If it’s small, then you need to sharpen the chain. If the chain is sharp, then the chip thickness is approximately 3-4 mm.
  4. Do not cut with the end of the tire.
  5. It is advisable to use replacement parts from the same manufacturer as the saw model.
  6. If you are new to working with a saw, then practice on models with low speeds.

Video description

You can see how exactly the cuts should go in the video. While
learning how to cut correctly, you should not forget about a common situation. If the tire is stuck in the barrel, it should not be jerked sharply. First you need to turn off the engine and put on the brake, then manually carefully tilt the barrel until the chainsaw pops out. To prevent getting stuck, it is recommended to place small stakes during work.

Particularly thick trees are felled only with the help of special equipment and with the involvement of professionals. Beginners should not do this themselves, since there are many felling methods, and the choice depends on various factors.

Cutting down branches

Branches are pruned only from a fallen trunk. When working, you need to exercise special care and caution, as there is a high probability of the branch rebounding.

When working, you should follow several rules:

  • First of all, it is important to secure the barrel so that it does not roll. It happens that the trunk rests on just one branch; after cutting it down, the tree tilts or begins to roll.
  • First, cut down the lower branches, gradually moving towards the upper ones. They begin to work standing to the left of the tree.
  • When working, the chainsaw can be pressed against a thigh or tree. The branches are cut off from the top by turning the tool on its side.


Cutting branches Source ghirardellitractor.it

  • When considering how to properly cut down branches, it is worth remembering an important point. It is not recommended to use the nose part of the blade; it is better to cut with the middle and bottom part, otherwise the branches will bounce off.
  • Thick branches can be cut down in sections, starting from the top. You may also need to make cuts on both sides.

If the blade is jammed, it is released as if it is stuck in the trunk: first turn off the tool, then pull the branch to the side.

How to cut branches

We begin sawing the branches, and this should be done only when the trunk lies on the ground in a horizontal position. The lower branches, which rest on the ground due to the weight of the fallen wood, need to be cut down at the very end. The process of properly sawing branches with a chainsaw is as follows:

  1. You need to start work from the bottom of the trunk, moving to the top
  2. When all the branches have been removed, you need to cut the trunk in half from the top
  3. After this, the saw must be turned off, leaving the
  4. Drive a wedge into the hole to prevent the tool from biting.
  5. Perform further finishing


Sawing the trunk of a fallen tree
To properly saw the trunk, you need to start from the top of the tree. To prevent the tool tire from jamming, always work according to the instructions. Often, even experienced sawers encounter the fact that the saw gets jammed between two trunks. At the same time, you should not try to free it by fidgeting and pulling towards yourself - this can break the instrument. Stop the saw, find a support to lift one part slightly, and release the tool guide. It is difficult to do this without a partner, so never work in the forest on your own.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=nm4TYOaL6U0%3F

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Briefly about the main thing

A chainsaw is a difficult but useful tool. They can be used to cut down trees, trim branches, make logs for logs, prepare logs for beams or other building materials. And many professionals even use a chainsaw in their creativity.

I'm not that professional; a household model is enough for me to work with. It is easy for her to cut down trees of different thicknesses (except for the thickest ones) and prepare firewood. I also use it for cutting boards and logs. The tool is quite light and compact, so your hands don’t get tired of holding it.

When working, the most important thing is to protect yourself (helmet, mask, gloves, boots) and act carefully, especially the first time. When in doubt or when tired, it is better to stop and continue later than to accidentally make a mistake.

Maintaining safety while working

To avoid failures and accidents, you must follow safety precautions when working with materials and tools:

  1. When working, do not allow strangers to enter the work area, especially children.
  2. While working,
    you should use protection from noise and sawdust that is thrown during cutting.
  3. You should have a first aid kit with everything you need to use in case of cuts.
  4. When using a circular saw, it must be equipped with a protective cover.
  5. Do not pour gasoline into a hot chainsaw
    .
  6. Use the chainsaw only for its intended purpose and do not run it at full power if it is not working.
  7. Do not press the saw too hard while working.
  8. The log for sawing should be installed on the right side.

Chainsaw. This is a handy tool that you can use to make your own boards. It is suitable for use on a private farm where it is necessary to renovate or build new outbuildings. In such cases it is not required. Therefore, they can be easily cut from any logs of the required size. Once you get the hang of it, the work gets done quickly and the quality of the boards is excellent.

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How to cut plywood without chipping with a circular saw?

It is recommended to cut on a flat floor. The plywood sheet is laid on wooden blocks of equal thickness, placed perpendicular to the cutting line. Full support from below ensures that no corner of the sheet breaks off at the end of the cut. A metal or wooden guide is installed on top, which is fixedly fixed with clamps.

In order to cut laminated plywood accurately and without chipping, you need:

  • Setting the minimum cutting depth. On the opposite side of the sheet, the teeth should protrude 2–3 mm. With this setting of the cutting depth, the blade does not chop, but carefully cuts the wood.
  • Choosing the right circular saw. For gentle cutting, a blade with a minimum size and a large number of teeth (for example, 40) is selected.
  • Low feed speed of the cutting blade when moving without stopping. In this case, the teeth do not cut, but gently cut the wood without chipping. To properly cut laminated plywood, it is also recommended to adjust the blade speed to maximum. Disadvantage of the method: the carpenter runs the risk of overheating the canvas.
  • Laying adhesive tape in place of the cut. To do this, it is recommended to use masking tape that does not leave marks on the surface of the sheet. Upon completion of the work, the tape is removed at an angle of 90°, moving towards the cut.

If you have to process laminated plywood, it is recommended to also tape the sole of the circular saw. This avoids scratches on the front surface of the sheet.

Both an electric jigsaw and a circular saw are suitable for cutting such material. The first option is indispensable in the case of a figured cutting path.

To cut thick plywood without chipping with an electric jigsaw, it is recommended to use any of two types of blades:

  • finishing series CleanWood (Bosch);
  • on metal.

A regular circular saw is also suitable for even cutting of a sheet of plywood. It is enough to install a blade with a fine tooth (for example, 40), adjust the cutting depth within 12–13 mm and lay the sheet on even wooden blocks. It is recommended to make the cut along the guide, with a low tool feed speed and without interruptions.

If the front surface of the sheet is laminated, then the cut area is preliminarily covered with masking tape.

For anyone who doubts which saw is best to cut plywood, we recommend contacting a specialized company with laser cutting and professional cutting equipment.

How to cut scaffolding

No construction can be done without a chainsaw. Using this tool, you can easily and quickly cut a board to the desired size, as well as trim the edges of joists, beams and other scaffolding.

A chain saw tool allows you to make cuts on site, while sawing can be done very quickly, with minimal effort.

Provided that if you need to cut a board with high precision, the master cannot do without a ruler, tape measure, corner and a simple pencil. When directly cutting marked boards, you need to make allowances for the width of the saw chain. That is, the cutting line should be slightly higher, about 5 (mm), than the marking line.

Routine tool maintenance

After use, the tool, especially the saw bar and air intake, should be cleared of sawdust and debris. Failure to comply with this requirement affects the efficiency and traction characteristics of the engine, and difficulties with starting are also possible.

Constant monitoring of the tension and quality of chain sharpening, correct adjustment of the lubrication system, allows you to reach 100% service life of the headset.

The risk of injury is reduced by the effective operation of the emergency braking device and the broken chain catcher design. With timely maintenance and proper operation of the chainsaw, the likelihood of such situations is almost zero.

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