| The modern, gas-powered chainsaw has proven to | | | | more convenience and versatility. The main downfalls |
| be one of the most beneficial tools ever for the | | | | of gas-powered chainsaws are the maintenance |
| forestry and logging industry. Chainsaws are portable | | | | involved and the major concerns with user safety. |
| tools that feature a small, 2-cycle engine that operates | | | | Properly maintaining a chainsaw is crucial for long-term, |
| on a combination of gasoline and oil. The chainsaw | | | | efficient operation. It is important to use the correct mix |
| uses a metal bar of varying lengths to guide a toothed | | | | of gas and oil, depending on the manufacturer's |
| chain in a circular motion to cut through wood. | | | | specifications, and to keep the bar oil reservoir filled |
| The first tool resembling today's chainsaw was used in | | | | anytime the saw is in use. The air filter within the |
| the mid 1800s to cut bone. The chainsaw that we | | | | chainsaw must be kept clean and the gears and |
| know today wasn't introduced until the 1920s and | | | | motor mechanisms should be inspected periodically for |
| many of those early mechanical pioneers are still | | | | clogs and debris. Sharpening the chain can also be |
| represented by today's leading brands of chainsaws, | | | | time consuming, especially if the saw came in contact |
| including Stihl, founded by Andreas Stihl in 1926 in a | | | | with dirt, dead or twisted wood, or metal from a nail, |
| small German town, and McCulloch, the first North | | | | bullet, or fence. |
| American chainsaw manufacturer. | | | | Through the years, chainsaw manufacturers have |
| Most chainsaws are used to cut wood, typically in tree | | | | improved greatly on the safety features and efficient |
| trimming or felling operations by arborists, foresters, | | | | running of their tools, but chainsaws are still extremely |
| and loggers. There are special saws designed for | | | | dangerous and are responsible for more than 40,000 |
| cutting limbs away from the trunk of the tree and | | | | injuries and death each year in the US alone. Anyone |
| others specifically for cutting large logs on the ground. | | | | can purchase and use a chainsaw without any type of |
| There are also a broad line of chainsaws designed | | | | training or license, but it is recommended that new |
| with amateurs and homeowners in mind. | | | | users become familiar with proper chainsaw safety |
| Besides standard tree care and clearing operations, | | | | guidelines first. |
| chainsaws are also used in the firefighting industry to | | | | The biggest safety risk during chainsaw operation is |
| clear away hazardous trees and bring control to | | | | kickback, which occurs when the teeth on the chain |
| forest fires and are quite useful for firewood collection. | | | | become stuck in the wood, causing the chain to no |
| There are also specially designed tips and blades for | | | | longer turn and forcing the moving bar towards the |
| the popular hobby of wood carving. RedMax and | | | | user. To minimize this risk, always use a chainsaw with |
| Echo both offer an assortment of tools and | | | | a working brake with your hands in the correct |
| accessories for carvers. Specialty carbide chainsaw | | | | position. If the saw is used properly, your hand will |
| chains are available as well, though rather costly, for | | | | enact the brake and stop the chain if the chainsaw |
| cutting through other materials, including fiberglass and | | | | starts to kickback. |
| metal. | | | | It is also important to wear the appropriate protection |
| The chainsaw has revolutionized the tree care, logging, | | | | while operating a chainsaw. Gloves and eye protection |
| and clearing industries and has made it simple for the | | | | are a must and ear plugs are recommended for |
| average person to manage the small trees and shrubs | | | | prolonged use. Chainsaw protective clothing and chaps |
| in their yard. Modern chainsaws require much less | | | | are also available for extended protection from injury. |
| labor to operate and work much more efficiently than | | | | Use the right size chainsaw, bar, and chain for the job |
| hand-powered chainsaws used previously. They are | | | | you are doing and leave difficult tree trimming or take |
| also easy to move from place to place and offer | | | | downs to experienced professionals. |