Chainsaws can be very useful for clearing large limbs or dead trees.
They are powerful handtools that can cause a great deal of damage if they are not treated with respect, however.
It is important to follow all of the safety rules that are included in a chainsaw's operating guide.
Users should also wear protective gear that includes safety goggles, gloves, long pants, and thickly sleeved shirts.
It is possible for a chainsaw to kick back and cut into the user at any time, so the user needs to be prepared to minimize the damage if that should happen.
Always Create a Sturdy Base Before beginning to cut into a piece of wood, make sure that the wood is completely stabilized.
A chainsaw blade creates a pulling motion because it is rotating at such a high velocity.
If the cutting surface is not entirely stable it is very possible that it will shake loose and fly toward the operator.
The best way to configure the cutting surface is to brace it between two frames if it is not still attached to the tree.
Limbs that are attached to the tree should be braced so that they will not whip back or fall on the person operating the saw.
Keep Chainsaw Angled Away From the Body Never cut anything with the chainsaw blade angled toward any body part.
Sometimes the blade will cut through a limb remarkably fast, which creates the possibility of the blade continuing to cut through the air in a straight line.
If a leg, arm, hand or other body part is in the line of the blade it could be seriously injured very quickly.
Keeping the blade angled away from the body also protects the user against possible jumps and kick backs that may occur during the cutting process.
Gas powered chainsaws use quite a bit of power to drive their chains.
That power is generally stronger than the average user can handle when the saw begins to work in an unexpected direction.
If the user does it right, the saw should fly into thin air if it gets out of control for a moment.
Never Disengage Safety Mechanisms Most chainsaws are equipped with several different mechanisms designed to make the tools safer.
These mechanisms can become frustrating because they can get in the way of the saw's maneuverability.
Never, under any circumstances, remove the safety mechanisms.
Work to find a way to cut the materials without altering the saw in any way.
The tool has been balanced and designed to operate at its best with the safety gear in place.