The Versatile Chainsaw

Chainsaws are one of the most versatile and useful pieces of garden equipment you can own. Whether it be to prune the trees in your garden, gathering firewood or commercially felling trees - a good dependable chainsaw can handle the job. Chainsaws are power tools and despite safety improvements, can be dangerous, and injuries can and do happen from improper use. Therefore, operators should be properly instructed and wear all the necessary safety gear while executing the job.

Chainsaws can be labor saving devices, but they also have great potential for causing severe injury and death if not used properly. Chainsaws are heavy and awkwardly balanced so if you're working on unstable ground, be aware of that and wear solid, dependable shoes.

Chainsaws are highly portable, relatively cheap to buy, very efficient, and can be used by a single man to fell, crosscut and mill a large tree in a relatively short period of time. When you think about it, that fact alone is really amazing. If you have ever looked at old logging pictures you realize how labor intensive cutting down and preparing just one single tree can be.

Once considered the primary tool of professional loggers, ranchers and farmers, chainsaws became a popular homeowner tool. Chainsaws are still used for harvesting smaller trees in smaller parcels or large valuable hardwoods. Improvements mean that chainsaws are far safer than they once were but they are still potentially very dangerous tools in the wrong hands. Essentially they are a power tool that is both effective and yet dangerous; put it this way, basically they are the grunt workers among the world's power tools.

Chainsaws can make quick work of cutting firewood, cleaning up fallen limbs and trees, cutting framing timbers or carving wood. Gas chainsaws continue to take the lion's share of the market, but as recent reviews demonstrate, electric chainsaws keep winning converts.

On a personal note, I have found that chainsaws never start the first time I pull the starter chord. Maybe it's just me but I always have that happen. In addition they are very LOUD and are hard on the back when using in a wooded cutting situation. Other than that, they sure make short work of bringing down and cleaning up trees and firewood. Improvements mean that chainsaws are far safer than they once were.

Finally, gas chainsaws are also more powerful than electric chainsaws but also heavier, require more maintenance and upkeep and are more expensive. A true loggers chainsaw is too large, heavy and expensive for most people.

http://www.my-chainsaw-4u.com/

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Combustion power saws are extremely loud and can damage hearing easily if proper precautions are not taken. Many gas powered saws are rated over 100 decibels. I almost always reach for my electric saw because it is quieter. I still wear hearing protection, but I don't want to damage the hearing of others around me either.

So many jobs are easier and faster with an electric chainsaw. Next time you build a wall with windows or doors, try cutting the sheeting from the inside with a electric chainsaw. It is so much faster than pre-cutting the sheets or buzzing them out with a router. Cutting out the roof vents for shingled roofs is faster and easier with an electric saw as opposed to using a circular saw.

Having a chainsaw that you can use indoors is great. Sometimes you can use an electric chainsaw in place of a reciprocating saw, if there are no nails present. The noise levels are tolerable if others are working in the same area and there is no nasty fumes poisoning the indoor air. Just make sure you treat the electric chainsaw with the same respect for safety as you would for gas powered saws.

Before buying an electric chainsaw you should always research consumer reports and reviews. Compare the saws for power and durability. One thing I have noticed, is some of the cheaper electric chainsaws vibrate badly. The bar on some saws are too light and they shake so bad, that trying follow a straight line is impossible. Vibration in any chainsaw is also bad news for the blood vessels in your fingers. You can get a permanent injury to the small blood vessels known as "vibration white finger" if you use a chainsaw that has too much vibration for extended periods of time.

Electric chainsaws are great for cutting really long compound angles, that you could not achieve using a circular saw when cutting dimension lumber. For instance, cutting the top cuts on an irregular hip or valley rafter is really simple with a chainsaw. Just make sure that the piece you're cutting is safely secured in position.

Electric chainsaws are indispensable for sculptures of wood and ice. They are preferred because of their lightweight and lack of fumes. The sculptors often only resort to gas saws when they need more power or long chains for huge works of art.

With electric chainsaws the major drawbacks are that it should not be used in damp conditions and the saw is tethered to an extension cords. You should never run a saw on more than 100 ' of cord. This will vary on the rated amperage that the extension cord was designed to handle. It should match or be greater an the amps the saw consumes. Always have the saw plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter.

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How to Properly Use a Log Splitter

If you are a person that is always cutting trees for firewood, then you will want to think about getting a log splitter. Log splitters are a very expensive machine that is often purchased when there is a lot of wood that needs to be cut. Wood splitters are most commonly used for firewood or logs for furniture making. In fact, you can buy one wherever equipment for logging is sold; as well as on the internet.

One of the best selling log splitters is a hydraulic log splitter. In fact, there are many benefits of hydraulic splitters over any other ones. Some of the benefits of wood splitters are that they are very easy to use; they have either a gasoline or diesel engine; which is what makes the machine fire up.

When it comes to the features of a hydraulic wood splitter, there are many to look for. In fact, one of the biggest features that people look at is the engine size; which ranges from 5-8 horsepower. Generally, any home wood splitter has a small engine that is commercially used. In most cases, it will have 10-25 tons of force when splitting wood as well as have a 2 stage oil pump.

For most people, the only purpose they have a log splitter is for cutting logs into firewood; however, the tree must first be cut down and de-limbed by a chainsaw. In fact, the process of making firewood with a splitter is much easier and faster than doing it by physical labor; as it would take hours and even days to complete the job.

One of the biggest things to think about when using a splitter is safety. In fact, there are many tips that should be followed; and those are:

1. Children should never be allowed to operate the machinery.

2. Always make sure there are no children present, as there can always be debris flying.

3. Always wear protective gear (steel-toe boots and safety glasses) as well as no loose clothing; as it could get tangled in the machinery.

4. Before using it, read all the directions and owner's manual.

5. Make sure there is a safe perimeter around the machinery.

6. Don't ever make any adjustments while the machine is running.

7. Never operate the machine during the evening or night; always during daylight.

8. Never be impaired when operation the machine; no drugs or alcohol.

9. Always use on a dry surface.

10. Do not put anything else in the cutter except for wood.

11. Always make sure the guards are in place.

On some occasions people have purchased wood splitters for the purpose of furniture making; which is possible. In fact, many splitters can be set up for log furniture making; however, a chainsaw will still be necessary among other tools. Some of the other tools you will need for making log furniture are different sized clamps, instructional videos and books, larger sized chisels, mallet, wood guides of various sizes and a tenon among other things.

Ken Morris repeatedly publishes detailed reports on ideas associated to log splitter hydraulic system. You can come across his contributions on hydraulic log splitter and log splitter hydraulic system here.

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Stihl - Best Chainsaw Manufacturer

A chainsaw is a movable, mechanical and motorized saw. It is used in logging activities like felling, limbing, and bucking. Chainsaws started around the 1830's. Bernard Heine, a German orthopedist, was the known inventor of chainsaw.

Chainsaw is classified as a power tool. It is a dangerous machine if mishandled. Users must be fully knowledgeable of the machine before trying to use it. Know the parts and functions of each for your safety.

A chainsaw has the following parts:

• Chain catcher - this is a plastic or metal guard used to prevent a broken or derailed saw chain from hitting the operator.
• Fly Wheel - a weighted wheel which controls the engine speed and assists in cooling the engine.
• Clutch - it is the connector that controls the driving part of a saw
• Decompression valve - this allows easier starting by releasing saw compression
• Anti-vibration handle system - this relieves stress to the operator's hand, arms and joints.
• Hand Guard -plastic shield that protects the hands from kickback.
• Muffler - reduces engine noise.
• Chain brake - stops the chain when kickback happens to prevent injury.
• Throttle - regulates RPMs by increasing or decreasing the volume of fuel to the cylinders.
• Throttle interlock - this is a locking mechanism that prevents the throttle from activating while the interlock is pressed

There are a lot of chainsaw manufacturers in the market. Some of them are:

- Stihl
- Husqvarna
- Homelite
- Echo
- Jonsered
- Pioneer
- Makita
- Husky
- Ryobi
- BlackDecker
- Mcculloch
- Poutan
- Craftsman
- Remington
- John Deere
- Shindaiwa
- Partner

Despite so many competitors, Stihl remains one of the world's best manufacturers of chainsaws. Their products are versatile to hobbyists and professionals. Their wide selection of chainsaws suits the different needs of farmers, professional loggers, landscapers, construction crews and fire departments.

Popular Models of Stihl

MS 180 C-B has a fast engine and is easy to use. It has a STIHL Quickstop inertial chain break and an anti-vibration system. The standard chain adjuster is the Stihl's Quick Chain Adjuster (B).

This model was released in 2007, having a grayish or orange in color. It has the following specs:

- Displacement: 1.94 ci (31.8 cc)
- Horsepower: 2 hp (1.5 kW)
- Fuel Capacity: 8.5 oz. (250 cc)
- Oil Capacity: Chain: 4.9 oz. (145 cc)
- Weight: 8.8 lbs. (4 kg)
- Chain: Oilomatic®: 3/8 in. PMN
- Guide Bars: 12-16 in. (30-40 cm) STIHL Rollomatic® Mini
- Miscellaneous: Recommended Guide Bar: 14 in. (3005-000-3909) Recommended Saw Chain: #3982 (61 PMN-50) Oilomatic®

The price of this unit is definitely worth the excellent work output of this machine.

Choose the right chainsaw needed for your work. A unit may be too powerful but unnecessary for your needs.

For more information on Sithl Chainsaws and Husky Chain Saws please visit our website.

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Important Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaw safety is extremely important, especially when you consider the importance of your extremities. The most important aspect of chainsaw safety is knowledge. You are doing great by reading this article, but it surely isn't going to teach you everything you need to know. So, read this article and then go and read some more!

A great place to start on your quest of chainsaw knowledge is with an expert. Find a retail establishment that is experienced with chainsaw sales and pick their brains. They should be able to provide you with a lot of information, including proper handling, cleaning, and sharpening of the chainsaw. They are also going to be there to help you choose which chainsaw is right for you and your specific needs. Since there are several different sizes of chainsaws, it is imperative that you get one that is right for you.

Once you leave the store with your new chainsaw safely tucked in the trunk of your car, head home and read up on the manual. This is the best place to find information on chainsaw safety as it is specific to your product.

The safest use of a chainsaw is when it is completely sharpened. A dull saw is more dangerous to you than a sharp one. Whenever you are sharpening your saw, you should be wearing very thick gloves. To make this even safer, take it to a professional! Then you can be assured that your blade is as sharp as possible and you won't be risking any of your fingers in the process.

Ultimately, the most important safety is awareness. You need to be aware of your chainsaw and your surroundings. You need to be in the right mental state as well. Make sure you are rested and not impaired by any alcohol or medications. You will be safest running your chainsaw when you are in the right state of mind.

Chainsaw safety is extremely important for you and anyone within your vicinity! Take your time to learn as much as you can about this machine in your hands. Utilize the expert at the store where you purchase your chainsaw and read the manual thoroughly. Take precautions to ensure that your chainsaw is always sharp and running properly. If you are unsure of this, then take it to a professional for sharpening and maintenance. Finally, always be aware of your surroundings, your physical strength, and your mental state. Follow these guidelines and you are certainly more likely to hold on to all of your limbs!

STIHL SHOP is a national chain of independent, locally owned specialist outdoor power equipment dealers including stihl chainsaws

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A chainsaw requires a sharp chain to produce great cuts. A dull chain will cause a chainsaw to produce cuttings that are not quality and can cause accidents. By keeping a sharp chain, you can avoid these problems.

Spot A Dull Chainsaw Chain

One of the ways that you can tell your chainsaw chain is getting dull is when using the chainsaw produces sawdust instead of wood chips. A chainsaw will also cut great without pushing from the user when the chainsaw chain is sharp. Therefore, if your chainsaw starts making dust or you begin pushing the chainsaw to finish your cut, your chainsaw chain is probably dull.

Avoid Unnecessary Trips To The Store

A chainsaw sharpener will save you the trip to the store to get a replacement chain. When you have your own chainsaw sharpener, all you have to do is use it and your chainsaw chain is ready to use. It is important that your chainsaw is durable and easy to use so look for these qualities when you want to purchase a chainsaw sharpener.

The Right Sharpener For Your Chainsaw

You can find chainsaw sharpeners that will accommodate the different chainsaw chains, such as the chipper, semi-chisel and full-chisel chains. Some chain sharpeners are made to be used with certain types of chains. You can find chainsaw sharpeners that are equipped with a hydraulic vise.

A hydraulic vise will shorten the time that it takes to sharpen chainsaw chains. Hydraulic vises can be adjusted to fit the size of the chainsaw chain that is being sharpened. Motorized chainsaw sharpeners come equipped with a fan cooling system. You can also get chainsaw sharpeners that can be mounted on the wall or a workbench.

Protect Yourself

When using a chainsaw chain sharpener, you should wear protective eyewear. It is important that you protect yourself form any flying particles that may be loosened during the sharpening process.

You can find a chainsaw sharpener that will suit your budget, space and needs. If your chainsaw sharpener is hand held or electric, you will find that your chainsaw sharpener will prevent you from any accidents that are caused from using a dull chainsaw chain.

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Buy Parts Instead Of Replacing The Entire Chainsaw

A chainsaw is a powerful machine and because of its cutting action and use in tough jobs, chainsaw parts may need to be replaced. Chains are one of the first chainsaw parts that need to be replaced. Chains are a main device on a power chainsaw so it is important you have a replacement chain to avoid having to go out and buy one when you need it.

Stihl replacement parts are important to the proper function of your chainsaw. Stihl chainsaw parts are manufactured to fit precisely into a Stihl chainsaw. By using Stihl replacement parts, you can be sure that your replacement part will be completely compatible with your Stihl chainsaw. There a variety of Stihl replacement parts for each of the Stihl chainsaw models. Some of the parts can be used in different models. You can save even more money by shopping for Stihl chainsaw parts on eBay.

You should use Stihl chainsaw parts for Stihl chainsaws to prevent any compatibility errors that can be caused by trying to place an off brand part in a Stihl chainsaw. Find a local Stihl dealer to ask any questions about Stihl chainsaw parts. Your local Stihl dealer can provide you with any necessary help for replacing chainsaw parts on Stihl chainsaw products.

The Right Size Parts For Your Chainsaw Model

It is imperative that the parts that you get fit perfectly in your Stihl. The replacement part needs to be manufactured from the same material of the part that it is replacing. This will happen when you purchase Stihl chainsaw parts for any necessary replacement tasks.

Note the serial numbers before you go out to purchase Stihl chainsaw parts. You will need these to identify the part quickly that you need for your chainsaw. The power of your Stihl chainsaw and the size of the cutting bar will also identify which model of chainsaw that you own.

Take care of your Stihl chainsaw and replace the worn parts with Stihl chainsaw parts when you notice that any part is wearing down. Regular cleaning, maintenance and proper storage of your Stihl chainsaw will give your Stihl chainsaw a longer life.

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There are similar chainsaws to be had for less money. But, most of them are not up to the quality and ruggedness of the Husky 142. It's actually built to the same general standards as Husqvarna's professional saws.

Features:

• Safety - Safer to use than cheaper saws with a double acting chain brake, right hand guard and chain catcher.
 
• Ease of Use - For the home owner it's easy to operate and the ergonomics are right with a slim body, high center of gravity and flat underside. Also has an angled front handle for a better grip and more natural position from which to work.
 
• Powered Right (2.2 horsepower) - Not underpowered like the budget or homeowner specials for other brands you'll see regularly at retail outlets.
 
• Easy Starting - Very easy to start with it's spring-assisted starter mechanism.
 
• Light Weight - Light weight moving parts increase acceleration.
 
• Low Vibration
 
• Air Injection - Enables the saw to run stronger and longer between filter cleanings, with reduced wear and smoother operation.
 
• Service and Parts - Easier to obtain than with Stihl.

Limitations: Not a professional saw. Not intended for heavier timber operations.

Bottom Line: This chainsaw is a wise choice for the home handyman (or lady) who demands something a cut above the cheaper underpowered, less rugged saws so often urged upon the unsuspecting consumer. In short, the Husqvarna 142 has more than enough power to handle the occasional jobs any homeowner would have in mind, and the ruggedness and durability to make it a keeper for years to come.

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How to Properly Use a Log Splitter

If you are a person that is always cutting trees for firewood, then you will want to think about getting a log splitter. Log splitters are a very expensive machine that is often purchased when there is a lot of wood that needs to be cut. Wood splitters are most commonly used for firewood or logs for furniture making. In fact, you can buy one wherever equipment for logging is sold; as well as on the internet.

One of the best selling log splitters is a hydraulic log splitter. In fact, there are many benefits of hydraulic splitters over any other ones. Some of the benefits of wood splitters are that they are very easy to use; they have either a gasoline or diesel engine; which is what makes the machine fire up.

When it comes to the features of a hydraulic wood splitter, there are many to look for. In fact, one of the biggest features that people look at is the engine size; which ranges from 5-8 horsepower. Generally, any home wood splitter has a small engine that is commercially used. In most cases, it will have 10-25 tons of force when splitting wood as well as have a 2 stage oil pump.

For most people, the only purpose they have a log splitter is for cutting logs into firewood; however, the tree must first be cut down and de-limbed by a chainsaw. In fact, the process of making firewood with a splitter is much easier and faster than doing it by physical labor; as it would take hours and even days to complete the job.

One of the biggest things to think about when using a splitter is safety. In fact, there are many tips that should be followed; and those are: 1. Children should never be allowed to operate the machinery. 2. Always make sure there are no children present, as there can always be debris flying. 3. Always wear protective gear (steel-toe boots and safety glasses) as well as no loose clothing; as it could get tangled in the machinery. 4. Before using it, read all the directions and owner's manual. 5. Make sure there is a safe perimeter around the machinery. 6. Don't ever make any adjustments while the machine is running. 7. Never operate the machine during the evening or night; always during daylight. 8. Never be impaired when operation the machine; no drugs or alcohol. 9. Always use on a dry surface. 10. Do not put anything else in the cutter except for wood. 11. Always make sure the guards are in place.

On some occasions people have purchased wood splitters for the purpose of furniture making; which is possible. In fact, many splitters can be set up for log furniture making; however, a chainsaw will still be necessary among other tools. Some of the other tools you will need for making log furniture are different sized clamps, instructional videos and books, larger sized chisels, mallet, wood guides of various sizes and a tenon among other things.

Ken Morris repeatedly publishes detailed reports on ideas associated to log splitter hydraulic system. You can come across his contributions on hydraulic log splitter and log splitter hydraulic system here.

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Chainsaw Safety Training - The Important Points to Cover With Each of Your Employees

Did you know that more than 30,000 people are injured each year while using a chainsaw? And, that figure is in the United States alone. Since worldwide numbers are not readily available we can see that the actual number is much higher. For this reason, particularly if you are an employer whose employees use a chainsaw regularly, safety training is an absolute must. By providing proper training for those affected employees, you can reduce your on the job injuries, reduce your workers' compensation insurance costs, and have a much cleaner safety record.

First and foremost, ensure that any new employees that are hired are trained on the proper use of the chain saw before they use it. Regardless of the employees experience level, it is your job that any new hire is trained before being allowed to use this dangerous tool. Why? At least two reasons: 1) It is an OSHA requirement that all new employees be trained before they enter a hazardous workplace, and 2) you took the time to find, hire, and retain this new employee and you don't want to have to start over again. Is this selfish on behalf of you the employer? Absolutely.

Much of your chainsaw safety training needs to revolve around the use of the proper personal protective equipment or PPE. Much time should be spent discussing the use of hard hats, proper hand protection such as gloves, eye protection in the form of safety glasses, and hearing protection such as ear plugs. Proper training on PPE will go a long way to ensure that your employees who use a chainsaw on the worksite will remain safe while on the job.

Finally, make sure that your employees are trained on the proper process of starting the chainsaw. Although this sounds overly simple, many accidents occur by employees doing an "air drop" technique to start the saw. This is where the operator holds the starting cord with one hand and drops the saw forcing the start of the tool by gravity. Many employees think this is the "cool" way to start a chainsaw and many an operator have lost their hands while attempting this. There is only one proper way to start a chainsaw and that is with the tool in complete control at all times. Your employee's should know that safety is important at your company and that any violations might result in discipline or termination.

If you want to use a comprehensive training solution, check out this chainsaw safety training video.

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