{"id":3609,"date":"2020-04-09T16:09:12","date_gmt":"2020-04-09T16:09:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/?p=3609"},"modified":"2020-12-10T10:57:34","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T10:57:34","slug":"how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Chainsaw to Chop Logs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6600f75b373aa\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6600f75b373aa\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs\/#Chainsaw_101\" title=\"Chainsaw 101\">Chainsaw 101<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs\/#Tension\" title=\"Tension\">Tension<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs\/#General_Pointers\" title=\"General Pointers\">General Pointers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs\/#A_Final_Word_on_Chopping_Logs_with_a_Chainsaw\" title=\"A Final Word on Chopping Logs with a Chainsaw\">A Final Word on Chopping Logs with a Chainsaw<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re tired of chopping your fire logs by hand, a chainsaw should be your new best friend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a chainsaw for the first time can feel be a little daunting. Well, it should be! That spinning blade is the stuff of nightmares (or horror films) and a chainsaw is the single most dangerous hand-held power tool you can use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>So\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The safest way to approach the chainsaw is with a healthy respect. It can be a little scary but if you follow today\u2019s guidelines on how to use it safely, a chainsaw can come into its own for many applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chainsaws are handy tools and when used correctly, you won\u2019t have to worry about the loss of digits or limbs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The chainsaw is one tool that calls for you to read the instruction manual. To be completely safe, you would ideally go on a chainsaw handling course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since you might not do that, we\u2019ve got the next best thing for you today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll get going with the absolute basics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3615 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/chainsaw-equipment-machine-tool-594604-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/chainsaw-equipment-machine-tool-594604-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/chainsaw-equipment-machine-tool-594604-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/chainsaw-equipment-machine-tool-594604-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/chainsaw-equipment-machine-tool-594604.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chainsaw_101\"><\/span><b>Chainsaw 101<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firstly, make sure you wear proper safety clothing and personal protective equipment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kickback is the term used to describe what happens when your chainsaw doesn\u2019t cut the wood but instead catches and then flings it backward. This is potentially lethal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider all of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear defenders protect your ears from damage as chainsaws are very loud<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hard hat will guard your head against any falling debris or kickback<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To protect your eyes from flying sawdust, a visor allows you to see what you are doing but stops anything flying into your eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specially designed trousers that protect your body as you work are recommended. These are known as chainsaw chaps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boots should be steel toe-capped<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also wear gloves when you\u2019re operating a chainsaw<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you use the chainsaw, check that everything is working correctly. Your log should be supported so the underside is exposed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you start the chainsaw, check the tension is correct and that the chain is well lubricated with oil. If you have a gas-fueled chainsaw, it\u2019s best to fire it up on the ground just in case it jumps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the throttle and safety chain brake are working and make sure there is no one within a 15-foot radius before you start working.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>To avoid kickback when chopping logs with a chainsaw, make sure you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain your saw properly by keeping the blades sharp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid using the nose (tip) of your blade to cut. Instead, use only the middle or back of the saw. Don\u2019t let the tip touch anything while you\u2019re cutting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always stand to the left of the blade when cutting. If the saw does fly back, you won\u2019t be in range of the projectile<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The saw should be set to full power when you start cutting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you are left-handed, grip the back handle\/throttle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always keep the blade horizontal and cut in the middle of the guide bar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s always safer to cut at waist height so avoid cutting at shoulder height<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, avoid cutting on the ground to minimize the chances of kickback<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tension\"><\/span><b>Tension<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your chainsaw must be set at the correct tension.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To test the tension, pull the chain at the bottom so that some chain links come away from the rail. When you release the chain, the links should snap back into place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"General_Pointers\"><\/span><b>General Pointers<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you start cutting a log, keep the wood steady with one foot and make sure you stand to the side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by making an indent in the wood with the saw where you want the cut to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, place the blade on the indent and slowly rock the blade back and forth as you squeeze the throttle so the weight of the chainsaw does the most of the work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019ve cut through 80% of the log, flip it over and cut the remainder of the log from the other side. If you don\u2019t cut from the opposite side, you run the risk of the blade going into the ground which will get it dirty and potentially ruin it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3616 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/little-girl-carrying-wooden-log-3850012-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/little-girl-carrying-wooden-log-3850012-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/little-girl-carrying-wooden-log-3850012-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/little-girl-carrying-wooden-log-3850012-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/little-girl-carrying-wooden-log-3850012.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find the cut line and use the same rocking motion until you get through the wood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re cutting a really big heavy log, it\u2019s best to suspend the log on two branches so you won\u2019t cut into the soil when you get to the bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While cutting, use your foot to apply pressure to the blade as you rock it back and forth. But, when you get halfway through, the weight of the log from both sides can press on the blade and pinch it. If a blade pinches, you run the risk of kickback and serious injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trick here is to insert a wedge into the cut. If you use the back of an axe-head, you can gently tap it into the gap which will prise the wood apart. If you\u2019re doing this, be sure to stand clear. The log will be extremely heavy and you don\u2019t want it landing on your foot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the log doesn\u2019t cut free, you may need to make an undercut close to the original cut. Make sure you stand well clear of the log when it falls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have the right type of chainsaw, it\u2019s possible to cut planks out of logs using a chainsaw. You\u2019ll need to use the right type of chain on your saw.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ripping chains are specifically designed to cut wood lengthwise. You\u2019ll need a normal blade for crosscutting the wood, but when you cut lengthways, you\u2019ll need to use a chainsaw with a ripping blade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ripping can put a lot of stress on the chain, so you may find you need to sharpen the teeth a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Final_Word_on_Chopping_Logs_with_a_Chainsaw\"><\/span><b>A Final Word on Chopping Logs with a Chainsaw<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope you\u2019ve found this waltz through using a chainsaw safely and easily has given you a little more confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re stuck for ideas of which chainsaw to invest in, check out our detailed guide right here at <a href=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/\">Homendgarden<\/a>. Before you go, bookmark our site and pop back any time you need a hand with any problematic buying decisions. See you soon!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re tired of chopping your fire logs by hand, a chainsaw should be your new best friend. Using a chainsaw for the first time can feel be a little daunting. Well, it should be! That spinning blade is the stuff of nightmares (or horror films) and a chainsaw is the single most dangerous hand-held &#8230; <a title=\"How to Use a Chainsaw to Chop Logs\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/how-to-use-a-chainsaw-to-chop-logs\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Use a Chainsaw to Chop Logs\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3610,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","generate_page_header":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,3],"tags":[],"acf":[],"modified_by":"Jake Miller","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3609"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3609"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3609\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homendgarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}