Am I being a wuzz?

[Paul A]

Hi,
Wifey bought me chainsaw for Christmas 16" bar 2 stroke 50cc jobby - so quite powerful.
Finally got round to assembling it today (Put bar and chain on).
I want to use it today to cut some logs as we've finally run out.
Thing is..... it scares the bejeesus out of me!
Any one got any tips?
I've read the manual about ten million times and looked at loads of pretty scary stuff on the web.
Am I just being wuzzy?

[Silver Ghost]

No your not being a wuzz as you say,
Im a timed served would machinest, and seen lots of silly accidents, the od finger lost, and even a peice of 22foot 2*1 go straight through a guy. and i also was very lucky that i had a rip saw blade only showning 5mm, which to my cost, shattered 2 fingers and 18 stitches, what if the balde was higher, ( loss of fingers i guess).

follow all instrctions, always cut away from yourself, Most of all dont cut any corrners, and wear all saftey gear, gloves, glasses, or face sheild would be even better.

if you follow all safety procedures, the saw will do the rest. and will be your friend.

the biggest advice i can give, is RESPECT IT FOR WHAT IT IS. a machine for cutting.

sean

[Red Oktober]

i'd say no....

it's very easy to look on the web and scare yourself stupid about what might happen if your stupid with it.....

you just need to practice some self discipline and try it out on something small first ......

[Silver Ghost]

[Drift]

Try one of these

http://www.treevolution.co.uk/courses/b ... ainsaw.php

[dandan]

I'm a certified chainsaw operator (which reminds me I must do the update course soon) and have seen a couple of near misses in my time.
here was a tree surgeon killed last week round this way as well after being caught out by a "kick-back" (Article).

Please don't take any offence by this but it still amazes me that any Tom, Dick or Harry can go out and buy such a dangerous piece of kit without any sort of formal training and yet to hire one or operate one in a public place you have to be licensed!

Give the machine the respect it is due!

[dickycaz]

if your that scared of it then stick it on ebay and keep all your fingers.

[dandan]

You can't be scared of it or it'll bite you in the arse.

Couple of tips when cross cutting (some of which are very similar to using a petrol disc cutter)

NEVER use the tip of the saw. You're just asking for trouble.
NEVER lean over the saw.
ALWAYS wear safety equipment. As a minimum you should wear ear defenders, goggles, gloves and safety footwear.
ALWAYS apply the chain brake when the saw is not cutting. If it's not in use turn it off IMMEDIATELY.
ALWAYS use common sense. Sounds daft but hey.
TRY to make sure the cut will "open" so that the saw does get "pinched" as this is another cause of kick back.
The straighter your arms the more likely something will go wrong. It's not to everyones liking but I always have the "tail" of the saw as close to my hip as possible.
If in doubt.....STOP!!!

[Drift]

sod that

Buy an Axe

[Red Oktober]

[dandan]

This is my little baby

[Drift]

I still think and axe is safer

[Tiddles]

I used to use them for a living and they can be a bit scary at first

Just treat it with respect and make sure you ALWAYS were the protective trousers, boots and helmet

I had on bite me in the leg but thankfully the trousers stooped it gong through

Never ever start it off the ground and apply the chain brake every time you stop cutting. Make sure that people know to ONLY approach you from your right side. As when you let go of the back handle the saw will swing to your left side

[woodwizzard]

I produce logs as part of my living and one of the best £100 I spent was on a metal saw horse that you clamp your chainsaw to. It has a guard that goes over the bar and you can operate it one handed and feed the log in with the other hand. You don't have to keep picking up and putting down the saw and it saves your back as well as time. They have them in machine mart or screw fix I think and they are made by pro-logic. Mine has lasted 4 years of pro use and is now looking a bit tatty so it should last a home user years. It makes cutting logs safe and very efficient.

[Rich2.4i]

[ernie1]

I used to work for a Plant hire firm,I was always amazed when so called trained operators used to ask us to put the bar and blade on for them
Unbelievable that you can't buy a good hunting knife in this country,but you can buy a chain saw
If you aint sure about it then dont use it

[Drift]

[dandan]

They even have to ID you (if you look around 18, but I don't s'pose thats a problem many of us have) if you are buying a screwdriver!!!

[woodwizzard]

[dandan]

Have a read of THIS