Powersaws - what's everyone using?
- Thread starter thedustyboot
- Start date
I also set my chain brake when I'm moving with a running saw.
-Mac
-Mac
Head Lice
TJ Addict
Just curious as to the saw(s) you run and their/your application. You've "seen way too many incidents" . . . just wondering what type of work you're involved in.
Thanks
As a note, before chain brake saws were around, many fallers/buckers used the bend/twist techniques to minimize kickbacks.
Never bought anything from Donny just yet but that's exactly where I planned on going. Once I have enough saved up (estimating $1800-ish) I'll give them a ring and see if they'll port a brand new 562 for me. Might even see if they'll spruce up my old 371 too
been a few months since I've checked but yea you're right. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to buy that instead...
That's a fair question. I used to work with a family friend's tree company before college. They did mostly residential tree removal, but also land clearing with skidders. Currently most of the saw use for me is just farm clearing, as well as clearing my own land. I've witnessed quite a few incidents over the years both with "homeowners" and professionals where the chain brake (and protective gear) saved them. My grandfather is also an avid wood cutter, and insists on using only newer saws after his neighbor had a kickback incident and was not so lucky. He bled out before he made it back to his house to get help. This was years before chain brakes were really standard though.
With that said, I modify saws, and also repair power equipment as a side business. I don't see any gain by removing the chain brake on a modern saw. Some of the early versions were admittedly cumbersome, and some didn't even function reliably, but that is not the case with newer saws. I've run pretty much every brand of saw, from old McCulloch and Homelites just for fun at a show, to Dolmars (some of my favorites), Huskys, Stihls, Jonsereds, and now I own pretty much all newer Echos.
The safety gear is annoying until you need it, shorter bars and smaller saws are more dangerous IMO and people feel more comfortable with them.
I've run a walkerized Husky 372XP, it ripped. Definitely recommend Donny's work.
speeding_infraction
TJ Enthusiast
The "danger" meaning the chain and bar is closer to your body/face. People bend over and cut with a shorter bar. There are several videos out there of professionals using a longer bar and standing up to buck, minimizing the risk of kickback since the bar and chain is physically further away from you. I think that definitely has merit, but it must be used properly. If you have a longer bar but still cut the same way bending over close to the saw, it won't help.
People in general (usually homeowners who don't cut frequently) view a smaller saw as less dangerous, and will attempt to make cuts that are risky. I've seen so many people cut themselves even with just those little battery powered glorified pruner chainsaws when it kicks or gets snagged on something they are attempting to cut at an awkward position.
Exactly. One of my good friends owns a Christmas Tree farm, his insurance company said his policy would basically double if he let people cut their own trees because of the increase in accidents with the little electric saws people usually bring.
And on that note...get an Israeli tourniquet and a bandage and hang them on your chaps.
-Mac
-Mac
I need to cut some stuff in my backyard and you guys are making me nervous I'm gonna die
speeding_infraction
TJ Enthusiast
It's like this, are 8you dumb for not wearing a bicycle helmet??
You are a grown man, you do you, I don't wear chaps, it's just a me thing.
I do typically wear a brain bucket... I tell myself I got too much money in student loans to not do so when relevant.
But at least it isn't like mandatory I guess. I just don't want to fuck myself up doing something like yardwork lol
How familiar are you with saws, if you aren't familiar with them, then yes you should.
If you respect the saw and understand that it can and will kill you, then respect it and treat it like a fine lady and not a hooker, you should be ok.
Not at all!! I have used it a few times. All I really know is don't cut with or near the tip and try to stand offset from the blade a little bit lol. It does make me nervous I do try to be careful. I need to cut up (not down) a big tree and have been putting it off
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