An electric chainsaw is a terrific tool for cutting down branches or felling trees or cleaning the landscape around you. Electrical handsaws are very much easier to handle, lighter, less expensive, quieter unlike their gasoline operated buddies. Only disappointment is that they are less powerful than the gas chainsaws and can only be used for lightweight works and they also have a limitation. They run out of power very quickly if it is operated by battery or the range is limited because of electric power cable. For heavy-duty works and felling down very large trees, you have to use a gas chainsaw. Another thing about the electric chainsaw is that, in a way, they are a bit safer than gas chainsaws. And most importantly, learning how to use an electric chainsaw is also very easy.
Quick Overview
Safety materials
A chainsaw, no matter the type of it, is very dangerous power tool. It can cut you into half. So you should not use a chainsaw without taking proper safety measures.
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Dust mask
- Long pants
- Boots
- Hard hat or helmet
- Working gloves
Cautious mind and body
Before you start using a chainsaw, the first thing you should know that if you cannot handle the saw correctly then you should not use a chainsaw. If it is too heavy for you to lift or to work with it for a long time, you should not use it at all. Focused mind is also necessary if you are willing to work with a chainsaw. It produces a lot of noises and dusts. And if you are not thinking clearly, you also should not use it at that time.
Accidents because of chainsaw
Research has shown that most of the accidents caused by chainsaws occur in the lower region of the human body i.e. the leg area. When making cuts with a chainsaw, you should remember that you must not make cuts above your shoulder height. Ideal height for cutting is your waist height. Do not go way down while cutting. If you cut too close to the ground then the bar could dig into the earth and the blade might start kicking back.
Kickbacks
To avoid kickback, be careful so that the tip of the bar of your chainsaw should never touch any surface when it is running. If the tip touches first then you will face terrible kickbacks. If you face such situation suddenly, there is a chain brake which comes with your saw. Apply the brake so that the chain stops moving immediately and you do not get smacked because of kickback.
Chainsaw chain
After using it for a time, dusts and chips of woods get stuck in between the grooves of the chain of the bar. You have to remove the bar groove dusts regularly with a knife or a wire. You also have to sharpen your chainsaw chain regularly after a particular time of use. Change the chain if it becomes unsuitable to use. You have to change the whole bar if it is bent or splintered or worn out.
While cutting with a chainsaw, you have to keep oiling the chain always to prevent it from wearing out and help in cutting smoothly. The oil tank runs out quickly. So you also have to keep attention to it. Refuel it before it completely dries out.
Operation
Using an electric chainsaw is rather easy than the gasoline operated chainsaw. Gasoline operated saws take longer time to start. But an electric chainsaw starts and stops right at the flick of the switch or trigger. There are fewer operating parts on an electric chainsaw than gas saws. To learn using a chainsaw, the foremost important thing you should do is to read the user manual of the saw. Even if you are an expert in using a chainsaw, you should read the manual of the saw you are going to work with.
If you are still looking for an electric chainsaw for your job, we very might will be able to help you with that. Here is an expert chosen list of the topmost electric chainsaws available.
Chainsaw oil
Before operating a chainsaw, you have to fill the reservoir with SAE 30 (Society of Automotive Engineers) oil. But if the manufacturing company refers any other type of oil, you have to use their one. This is why I told you to read the user manual carefully first. You would not know about this crucial piece of information if you do not read the manual first. Here is a full article on what oil for electric chainsaw. You will find every information about electric chainsaw oil in there.
The tension of the chainsaw chain
Pay attention to the tension of the chain of your chainsaw. If it is too loose then you would not be able to make cuts. You have to adjust the tension accordingly. To adjust the chainsaw chain tension-
- Let the chain cool down properly if it is hot after working. Otherwise, start from step 2.
- Locate the both guide bar nuts and then loosen them properly
- Use the tension adjusting screw to loosen or tighten the chainsaw chain
- While adjusting the chain, be sure that the chain is moving freely. Not so tight and not so loose.
You have to adjust the tension necessarily every time you use the chainsaw.
How to Cut Using Electric Chainsaw
Now, start the chainsaw. Press the throttle lockout and hold it. Wait and give it some time to get to the highest speed. Then, slightly pressure it through the wood you want to cut. Do not force it. Apply only light pressure. If you force the blade then it might bind or start to kick you back aggressively. If any situation arises where the bar has bind, keep an axe or sledgehammer near you so that if the bar gets stuck, you can free it using those tools.
Practice cuts
If you are a beginner, it would be much better for you if you do not start cutting on an actual project or work. Instead, make some practice cuts on scrap woods and small trees. Keep practicing until you are fully comfortable using your chainsaw.
Lubricate the chain
When you are making cuts, press the oil bulb time to time. The oil will lubricate the chain and also reduce the friction and assist you in making smooth to smoother cuts.
Your standing position while making cuts should be beside the saw, not directly behind the saw. You also should not keep anyone or anything anywhere near your cutting position.
Techniques of cutting
When you are cutting trees to make them fall, you have to cut in a little different pattern. In the case of trees, you have to apply the pressure a bit downward. Cut a horizontal notch that’s one-third of the width of your cutting tree. The position where you will make the notch is the direction your tree will fall. So make a 45o angled cut just above the notch to create an open wedge. Then cut another 45o angle a couple of inches above the bottom of the wedge until the tree fells.
Finish the cut
When you have finished cutting with the chainsaw, cool it down before storing it away. Unplug it from the power source and safely store it away where children cannot touch the saw. And remember to drain out excess oil left after cutting. They are flammable dangerous substances and may leak out. So draining them out would be wise.
