1. Education

Buying, Using and Maintaining a Chain Saw

The chainsaw is forestry's basic tool of the trade. Find useful information on buying, operating and maintaining chainsaws.

Important Parts of a Chainsaw
Here are 11 typical parts of a chainsaw identified and illustrated. Occupational Safety and Health Administration REQUIRES that the chainsaw have the parts identified in bold text. Chain saws placed into service after February 9, 1995 must also meet the requirements of ANSI B175.1-1991, Safety Requirements for Gasoline Powered Chain Saws.

Purchasing and Maintaining a Chainsaw - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to many questions asked by people planning to buy and operate a chainsaw. This Fequently Asked Questions page on chainsaw addresses the most common concerns about purchasing and maintaining a chainsaw.

What is the Problem With My Chainsaw?
Frequently asked question on chainsaw problems

What is a Chainsaw Depth Gauge?
Frequently asked question on chainsaw depth gauge

How Often Do You File a Chain?
Frequently asked question on chainsaw filing

How Long Should a Chainsaw Last?
Frequently asked question on chainsaw duribility and how long they last.

What's the Difference Between a Chipper and Chisel Chain?
Frequently asked question on using chipper or chisel chains on your new chainsaw

How Long a Bar Should I Get?
Frequently asked question on using bar sizes on your new chainsaw

Can I Use Regular Motor Oil As My Chainsaw Bar Oil?
Frequently asked question on using bar oil in your new chainsaw

Do I Need to Mix Oil with Gas for My Chainsaw?
Frequently asked question on how to mix oil with fuel in your new chainsaw

What are the Most Important Parts of a Chainsaw?
Frequently asked question on how to be safe and puchasing safety equipemt with your new chainsaw

Do I Really Need to Use Chainsaw Protection Equipment?
Frequently asked question on how to be safe and puchasing safety equipemt with your new chainsaw

What is Kickback and How Can I Prevent It?
Frequently asked question on how to be safe and prevent kickback with your new chainsaw

How Should I Practice Chainsaw Safety?
Frequently asked question on how to be safe with your new chainsaw

How Do I Learn to Operate a Chainsaw?
Frequently asked question on how to use a new chainsaw

Where Should I Buy New Chainsaw?
Frequently asked question on where to buy a new chainsaw

How do I Select a New Chainsaw?
Frequently asked question on picking a new chainsaw

Review: SwedePro™ Leather Chain Saw Boots
Chain saws can remove body tissue as they cut, can kickback or slip into legs, arms and feet and have devastating effects that can include death. These reinforced boots will protect you from a serious injury to your feet and ankles. Wear specialized protective boots when using a chainsaw.

Review: Bailey's WoodsmanPRO Chain Saw Safety Chaps
Chain saws can remove body tissue as they cut, can kickback or slip into legs and arms and have devastating effects that can include death. Protective chaps or pants will protect you from a serious injury to the lower torso. Wear specialized protective clothing when using a chainsaw.

Review: Tasco Woodman Hard Hat System
Chainsaws can remove body tissue as they cut, can throw shrapnel-sized particles into eyes, may be loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss and create dangerous overhead hazards if you’re felling trees. Use a specialized hard hat system when using a chainsaw.

Review: Stihl's Chain Saw Safety, Maintenance & Operation DVD
An excellent DVD video on chain saw safety, maintenance & operation or a chainsaw by the manufacturers of Stihl saws.

Your Backyard Forest - Work Safely With a Chainsaw
Things you need to know before and after you crank that chain saw!

Small Chainsaw Review - Your First Purchase
These saws were selected for compactness and reviewed for use by arborists who work in an urban environment but need plenty of compact sawing power.

Before You Buy - America's Favorite Chainsaw
With over 3,100 votes cast, Husqvarna was the chain saw of choice as voted on by About Forestry readers.

How to Fell a Tree Using a Chainsaw
Tyson Schultz is an Oregon logger and uses his chainsaw everyday. Here is a step by step on how a logger cuts into and fells a tree with a chainsaw.

Starting a Chainsaw
Even a new chainsaw in good repair can be hard to start. Here are steps you can take to get a reliable start every time.

A Beginner Chainsaw eCourse
All chainsaw beginners need to take this four-part Chainsaw eCourse!

About Chainsaws Frequently Asked Questions
About Forestry answers chainsaw questions...

How to Spruce Up Your Chain Saw
Keeping your chain saw in perfect operating condition will save you money and time. Here is how to spruce up a saw.

About  How to Fell a Tree
A graphic demo on how to fell a tree with Tyson Schultz.

About Chainsaw and Timber Feller Glossary
Essential terms for the chainsaw user and timber faller.

About  Chainsaw Interview
A three part interview with Carl Smith, a chainsaw expert.

Essential Chainsaw Parts (Illustrated)
Review 11 essential chainsaw parts essential to running a saw and improving it's safety.

About Chainsaw Training Videos
Sources for ordering chainsaw safety and training videos...

About Forestry Votes on Favorite Chainsaw
With over 1,800 votes cast, Husqvarna was the chain saw of choice as voted on by About Forestry readers.

About Purchasing Your First Saw
Tips on how to purchase your first small saw from your About Forestry Guide...

The Best Electric Chainsaws
Sometimes you just don't need gas. Try this option when thinking about buying a chainsaw...

Bailey's Online
"Bailey's - The wold's largest mailorder logging supply and equipment company, selling at discounted prices!"

Logging eTool from OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on chainsaw use and manual logging operations.

Discuss in my forum

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.