Chainsaw, the popular weapon of choice for many screen villains, still remains a nightmare for humble home users. Powerful and helpful tools, chainsaws are used around the house for a number of purposes, including pruning trees and scrubs, cutting firewood and even woodwork. For proper maintenance, chainsaws require a number of accessories, including carving bars, suitable stands and a reliable chainsaw sharpener.

With time, depending on the project, your chainsaw may become dull, and the chain will not produce the same precise cut. You will notice that it's time to reach for your chainsaw sharpener when the cut from the saw is not straight anymore or the edges are uneven. Dull chains also produce fine sawdust when cutting, while a sharp saw produces thicker chips of wood.

If you need to push your chainsaw harder to make a cut, it also means that the saw needs sharpening. The chain either is too dull or has been damaged. Newly sharpened chain will enter a cut easily even if you apply only slight pressure.

When you fail to sharpen the chain properly, you will loose power and momentum. As a result, you will consume more fuel. Your chainsaw will age faster and the engine will wear more, too.

Many people refrain from using chainsaws because of the potential dangers. Indeed, injuries caused by chainsaws are severe. The number of chainsaw accidents that required medical attention is getting higher every year, increasing two-fold in five years. 85 percent of injuries to chainsaw users resulted from a contact with a moving or improperly maintained chain.

To survive through many of your home improvement projects and to protect you against possible accident, your chainsaw must be kept in good condition. Keeping your chainsaw sharp will save you fuel, effort and may even prevent you from injury.

Today chainsaw sharpeners are powerful yet safe tools suitable for sharpening virtually all kinds of chains. To prevent injuries the chain is safely locked and grinding wheels are designed to adapt to all your sharpening needs. In many cases, a chainsaw sharpener includes a tool that allows checking the sharpness of the chain finding pitches and changes in gauge depth.

The chainsaw sharpener should be mounted in a well-lit area with plenty of room to work safely, away from any flammable substances. Always wear eye protection when operating a chainsaw sharpener and wear gloves when removing or installing the cutting chain.

Make sure the wheel guard is in place before starting the chainsaw sharpener. Replace the guard if it is damaged or cracked. Use only the correct file size and gauges recommended for specific types of chain.

Make sure your chain is tense if you sharpen it directly on the saw. You may not do a good job when you try to file a loose chain, and besides, you can even damage a chain. Before sharpening the chainsaw, always cleanse the chain properly to prevent soiling the sharpener.

Even if you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, return your chainsaw for re-sharpening to a qualified dealer after sharpening it for a few times yourself. Even with the correct tools, you run the risk of filing at an incorrect depth. A dealer has the equipment to precisely file the chain, and a professional sharpening will make the chain last longer.

Keep your saw clean and energy-efficient by sharpening the chain often and checking the catcher for damages. Clean the chain of your chainsaw with mineral spirits and a soft dense cloth when you finish working. Following these simple tips will keep your chainsaw in top working order.

If you want to be able to take your chainsaw out of the garage and use it, whenever you need it, without trouble you will have to do some chainsaw maintenance, even if it's out of season. There are some basics you need to do to make sure you maintain your chainsaw well.

Sharpening:

You must keep your chainsaw sharpened. You can easily do this with a chainsaw sharpener. You can tell your chain is dull in a couple of ways. Is it biting through the wood? Chainsaw chains should grab the wood and pull itself through the cut. When a chain fails to do this it is probably because it is dull. Also a sharp chainsaw should throw out decent sized wood chips. If you find your chainsaw is throwing out nothing more than saw dust you need to sharpen your chain.

A dull chain makes cutting much more difficult and increases the chance of accidents. So making sure you have a sharp chain is imperative to safe cutting.

The Fuel System:

Make sure to keep the fuel free of moisture and all other contaminates. Chainsaws use a mix of oil and gas. The exact ratio for the mixture will depend on which model you are using. To avoid using the wrong gas make sure to label the gas can. It's easy to use the wrong one with all the small yard tools having different gas/oil ratios. You do not want to use gas mixed for another appliance.

Check the fuel filter often during peak use times. It can easily become clogged and this decreases the flow of fuel going to the saw. Make sure you clean your fuel filter regularly and change it when needed, which may be up to once a week if you are using your saw a lot.

The Chain:

In addition to keeping your chain sharp there are other factors that need to be checked to make sure your McCulloch chainsaw is running safely and in optimal condition. You want to check the chain to make sure it is loose, but not too loose. If your chainsaw's chain is too tight or too loose it will cause problems. When the saw is off the chain brake is released you should be able to manually feed the chain through the saw. Make sure you frequently check the bar retaining nuts as they can come loose from all the vibration.

Give your saw a once over before you fire it up, each time you use it. Look for bent teeth, or bends or crimps in the bar. Make sure the chain moves easily around the bar.

There is no warning light when you are getting low, and you may be surprised how quickly go through it. Check the bar and chain oil level frequently during use. Add more before you see the smoke coming from your saw.

Air Filter:

McCulloch chainsaws are always used in dusty environments. it's just part of what chainsaws do. Because of the dusty environment you must clean the air filter after every use. Before you expose the air filter, make sure to clean the outside of the saw and move it to an area away from sawdust or other materials that could fall into the carburetor. Remove the filter and clean it with an air compressor or as recommended in your owners' manual. During peak usage periods you will probably need to replace the air filter once a week.

Engine:

It is best to take your chainsaw to a professional chainsaw technician if you suspect there is an engine problem. They have the tool and expertise to efficiently and correctly fix your chainsaw.

Out of Season Storage:

If you don't use your chainsaw for more than 30 days at a time, you need to take some special precautions to limit damage to your saw. Drain all fuel out of the tank. Next, drain all fuel from the line and carburetor by starting the saw and running it until it stops. Drain all oil and remove the bar and chain. Store the chain in an airtight container that is filled with oil so that the entire chain is submerged. Apply a light coating of oil to the bar and wrap it in paper. Clean the exterior and interior of the saw. Remove the spark plug and apply a rust inhibitor into the combustion chamber. Replace spark plug and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute the inhibitor over the cylinder.

There's nothing worse than needing to use your chainsaw and finding it doesn't run. You can keep it running in good condition no matter what with a little maintenance during use and proper storage during the off season. To learn more about chainsaw maintenance and how to use a chainsaw sharpener stop by chainsaw sharpener information.

Author: Jackie Lee
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The information in this note has been prepared to raise awareness of the potential injuries and
hazards associated with the use of a chainsaw for general cross-cutting activities. Chainsaw users are encouraged to pursue training in this area through an accredited training organisation.

General safety precautions

o Read the owners manual for your chainsaw model. It will tell you the safety features for
your chainsaw and the correct way of operating it.

o Check your chainsaw thoroughly before use.Make sure your chain and sprocket are in
good condition and that all safety devices are operating correctly. If you are not sure, take it
to a service agent.

o Always wear suitable protective clothing (see below).

o Keep other people and animals away from the work area. Do not become distracted. Stop
the chainsaw if somebody starts speaking to you.

o If tired, take a rest. Chainsaw operation requires constant attention and tired operators have more accidents.

Regularly:

o Sharpen your saw chain;

o Check the guide bar for burring; and

o Service your chainsaw.

Before you start cutting, check that:

o The machine is in good repair (no wear, damage or leaks);

o The chain brake is working

o The throttle trigger, safety throttle lock and stop switch work correctly;

o The chain is lubricated, sharp and tension is correct; and

o The carburettor idle is adjusted correctly.

After using your chainsaw:

o Clean the chainsaw (particularly the air filter, cooling inlets and sprocket cover).

Preventing hearing loss

o Most chainsaws emit noise levels that can cause permanent damage to your hearing if used for long periods at a time.

o Always use safety standards approved earmuffs or plugs.

o Ensure your muffler is in good condition.

o Ensure your engine is tuned to manufacturer specifications.

Preventing exhaust poisoning

o The exhaust gasses from your chainsaw contain poisonous elements such as carbon monoxide.

o Ensure your muffler is in good condition.

o Do not work in confined spaces.

Preventing fires

o Refuel in an area clear of flammable material.

o Refuel the chainsaw only after the engine has been turned off and allowed to cool down.

o Do not smoke while operating or filling the chainsaw.

o Move at least 10 feet away from the refuelling area before starting.

o Make sure caps are screwed on tightly and any fuel spillage is wiped off.

o Only use safety approved fuel containers.

o Keep a fire extinguisher or knapsack nearby when fire restrictions are in force or there is a
reasonable chance of a fire starting.

Personal safety equipment

Approved safety helmets with visor or goggles, earmuffs, protective leggings, steel capped safety
boots and gloves should be worn to protect you from chainsaw injury

Using your chainsaw

o Do not operate your chainsaw with the throttle lock engaged. Engine speed cannot be controlled with the throttle trigger in this position.

o Always hold your chainsaw firmly with both hands.

o Position your chainsaw so that your body is clear of the cutting bar.

o Make sure your chainsaw does not touch any foreign materials. Stones, nails etc. may be flung off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to kick back unexpectedly.

o Take special care when cutting shatter wood - sharp slithers of wood may be caught and flung in your direction.

o If on a slope, stand on the uphill side or to one side of the log. Watch out for rolling logs.

Preventing kickback

Kickback occurs when the chainsaw bar is flung upwards uncontrollably during crosscutting,
usually striking the operator in the head at speed causing serious injury or death. This is caused by the chain on the top quarter of the nose bar, hitting a solid object or being pinched during
sawing. The force of the chain (travelling at up to 60kph at full throttle) flings the tip of the bar in an
arc at the operator quicker than the operator can react.

To prevent injury from kickback:

o Ensure your machine is fitted with a chain brake (preferably inertia activated);

o Ensure the brake mechanism is clean and operates effectively;

o Use low kick back type chain and avoid lowering the depth gauges too much when sharpening;

o Hold the chainsaw firmly, making sure the left hand encircles the top handle with the thumb
underneath;

o Avoid bringing the upper quadrant of the guide bar into contact with any foreign object;

o Do not cut above shoulder height; and

o Always begin your cut at peak revs.

Logs under tension

o Always start first cut on the compression side to a third of the diameter, then perform the second cut at the tension side - otherwise the saw will become jammed.

o For logs touching the ground cut three quarters of the way through the log then roll over to complete the cut - this will avoid damaging the chain.

Written and submitted by M.P. Conradi for more information please visit http://www.Chainsaw-Store.com

Author: Michael Conradi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The modern, gas-powered chainsaw has proven to be one of the most beneficial tools ever for the forestry and logging industry. Chainsaws are portable tools that feature a small, 2-cycle engine that operates on a combination of gasoline and oil. The chainsaw uses a metal bar of varying lengths to guide a toothed chain in a circular motion to cut through wood.

The first tool resembling today's chainsaw was used in the mid 1800s to cut bone. The chainsaw that we know today wasn't introduced until the 1920s and many of those early mechanical pioneers are still represented by today's leading brands of chainsaws, including Stihl, founded by Andreas Stihl in 1926 in a small German town, and McCulloch, the first North American chainsaw manufacturer.

Most chainsaws are used to cut wood, typically in tree trimming or felling operations by arborists, foresters, and loggers. There are special saws designed for cutting limbs away from the trunk of the tree and others specifically for cutting large logs on the ground. There are also a broad line of chainsaws designed with amateurs and homeowners in mind.

Besides standard tree care and clearing operations, chainsaws are also used in the firefighting industry to clear away hazardous trees and bring control to forest fires and are quite useful for firewood collection. There are also specially designed tips and blades for the popular hobby of wood carving. RedMax and Echo both offer an assortment of tools and accessories for carvers. Specialty carbide chainsaw chains are available as well, though rather costly, for cutting through other materials, including fiberglass and metal.

The chainsaw has revolutionized the tree care, logging, and clearing industries and has made it simple for the average person to manage the small trees and shrubs in their yard. Modern chainsaws require much less labor to operate and work much more efficiently than hand-powered chainsaws used previously. They are also easy to move from place to place and offer more convenience and versatility. The main downfalls of gas-powered chainsaws are the maintenance involved and the major concerns with user safety.

Properly maintaining a chainsaw is crucial for long-term, efficient operation. It is important to use the correct mix of gas and oil, depending on the manufacturer's specifications, and to keep the bar oil reservoir filled anytime the saw is in use. The air filter within the chainsaw must be kept clean and the gears and motor mechanisms should be inspected periodically for clogs and debris. Sharpening the chain can also be time consuming, especially if the saw came in contact with dirt, dead or twisted wood, or metal from a nail, bullet, or fence.

Through the years, chainsaw manufacturers have improved greatly on the safety features and efficient running of their tools, but chainsaws are still extremely dangerous and are responsible for more than 40,000 injuries and death each year in the US alone. Anyone can purchase and use a chainsaw without any type of training or license, but it is recommended that new users become familiar with proper chainsaw safety guidelines first.

The biggest safety risk during chainsaw operation is kickback, which occurs when the teeth on the chain become stuck in the wood, causing the chain to no longer turn and forcing the moving bar towards the user. To minimize this risk, always use a chainsaw with a working brake with your hands in the correct position. If the saw is used properly, your hand will enact the brake and stop the chain if the chainsaw starts to kickback.

It is also important to wear the appropriate protection while operating a chainsaw. Gloves and eye protection are a must and ear plugs are recommended for prolonged use. Chainsaw protective clothing and chaps are also available for extended protection from injury. Use the right size chainsaw, bar, and chain for the job you are doing and leave difficult tree trimming or take downs to experienced professionals.

Welcome to our chainsaw store. We offer new and used chainsaws for sale from all the major manufacturers. In our opinion you can't go wrong with either a Husqvarna or Stihl chainsaw but makes such as Echo, McCulloch and Homelite are also worth considering.

Echo Chainsaws	Electric Chainsaws	Gas Chainsaws	Homelite Chainsaws
Husqvarna Chainsaws	McCulloch Chainsaws	Pole Chainsaws	Remington Chainsaws
Craftsman Chainsaws	Stihl Chainsaws	Jonsered Chainsaws	Poulan Chainsaws