Black & Decker CCS818R instruction manual Common Cutting Techniques

90560838 ccs818 chain saw.qxd: chainsaw booklet new 2/12/10 10:07 AM Page 13

Switch

•Always be sure of your footing and grip the chain saw firmly with both hands with the thumb and fingers encircling both handles.

•To turn the tool ON push the lock off button (2) to either side and squeeze the trigger switch (1) with your fingers as shown in figure M. (Once the tool is running you can release the lock off button.)

•To turn the tool OFF, release the trigger switch.

Chain Braking System

Your chain saw is equipped with a motor chain braking system which will stop the chain quickly each time you release the trigger. This system should be tested before every use.

Saw Chain Sharpness

The cutters will dull immediately if they touch the ground or a nail while cutting. Refer to “Sharpening the Chain”.

Saw Chain Tension

This should be done regularly. Refer to “Adjusting Chain Tension”.

Common Cutting Techniques

Felling

Felling is the process of cutting down a tree. Be sure battery is fully charged before felling a tree so you can finish on a single charge. Do not fell trees in high wind conditions.

Bucking is the process of cutting a felled tree or log into lengths. When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately. Scrutinize the surrounding overhead for dead or broken limbs or branches which may fall during the felling process.

The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.

•(Figure O) A retreat path should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts are started. The retreat path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall.

•Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the location of larger branches and the wind direction to judge which way the tree will fall. Have wedges (wood, plastic or aluminum) and a heavy mallet handy.

Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where the felling cuts are to be made.

•(Figure P) Notching Undercut - Make the notch 1/3 of the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of the fall. Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching of either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is being made.

•(Figure Q) Felling Back Cut - Make the felling back cut at least

2 inches (51mm) higher than the horizontal notching cut. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling back cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.

•(Figure Q) As the felling cut gets close to the hinge the tree should begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling cut is complete and use wedges to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall. When the tree begins to fall remove the chain saw from the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.

Limbing (figure R)

Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing, leave larger lower limbs to support the log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut. Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw. Trim limbs from opposite side keeping tree stem between you and saw. Never make cuts with saw between your legs or straddle the limb to be cut.

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