WORKING TECHNIQUES
Basic cutting technique | |
! | WARNING! Never use a chain saw by |
holding it with one hand. A chain saw is | |
| not safely controlled with one hand; you |
| can cut yourself. Always have a secure, |
| firm grip around the handles with both |
| hands. |
General
•Always use full throttle when cutting!
•Let go of the power trigger after every cut (running the motor for too long at full power without any load, i.e. without any resistance from the chain during cutting, can lead to serious damage to the motor).
•Cutting from above = Cutting on the pull stroke.
•Cutting from below = Cutting on the push stroke.
Cutting on the push stroke increases the risk of kickback. See instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.
Terms
Cutting = General term for cutting through wood.
Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree.
Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off before the cut is complete.
There are five important factors you should consider before making a cut:
1Make sure the cutting equipment will not jam in the cut.
2Make sure the object you are cutting will not split.
3Make sure the chain will not strike the ground or any other object during or after cutting.
4Is there a risk of kickback?
5Do the conditions and surrounding terrain affect how safely you can stand and move about?
Two factors decide whether the chain will jam or the object that you are cutting will split: the first is how the object is supported before and after cutting, and the second is whether it is in tension.
In most cases you can avoid these problems by cutting in two stages; from the top and from the bottom.You need to support the object so that it will not trap the chain or split during cutting.
! | WARNING! If the saw chain jams in the |
cut: deactivate the machine! Do not try to | |
| pull the machine free. If you do you may |
| be injured by the saw chain when the |
| machine suddenly brakes free. Use a |
| lever to open up the cut and free the |
| machine. |
The following instructions describe how to handle the commonest situations you are likely to encounter when using a chain saw.
Cutting
The log is lying on the ground. There is little risk of the chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a risk that the chain will touch the ground when you finish the cut.
Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting the chain touch the ground as you finish the cut. Maintain full throttle but be prepared for what might happen.
-If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about 2/3 of the way through the log.
- Turn the log and finish the cut from the opposite side.
The log is supported at one end. There is a high risk that it will split.
English – 29
