I'm only making this post to keep people thinking about the dangers in operating a chainsaw. I was talking to a good friend today and he mentioned he had a friend that died recently in a chainsaw accident. Apparently he was cutting a tree and somehow got into his leg and cut a major artery and died. I'm as guilty as anyone being lulled into a false state of security so let's all keep the dangers in mind when cutting and safety first!
Great post X2 don't hurry ,pay attention, think about your next move, call it quits when you're tired
Son-in-law hasn't used a chainsaw much at all, he had a six or seven foot pile of brush with some bigger stuff like 4 Inches, ( none of this stuff was cut up) he wanted to get burned up, he had been drinking, the pile wasn't burning well because too much air space, so at 3 in the morning he decided he wanted to get the chainsaw out and cut some up, being up at 3 a.m. is normal because he works 3rd Shift, but they do, have neighbors. He had trouble getting the saw started, but got it going, so it's 3 a.m. he's half drunk, some of the wood is on fire. Good ending here, the whole while my daughter was trying to talk him out of it and eventually did, chainsaw back in the garage
You can never be too careful or complacent while running a saw. Even the best, most experienced operators can have a bad moment.
My personal rules are: 1. CHAPS 2. Always keep my chain sharp. Dull chain equals a tired operator and tired operator equals a careless operator. 3. When it is hot, cut for 15-20 minutes then rest. 4. Pay attention to detail.
I don't wear a helmet with my EXCUSE being that I never fell trees. I have been burning 2 plus cord a year for over 15 years and have managed to scrounge it all plus it helps that I have a friend with a tree service. I know I should use a helmet in case of kick-back, though. Whenever I pick up my saw, I remember what my dad told me when I was 12 years old and going hunting with friends without direct adult supervision for the first time: "Son, never forget that death is a one way street".
I'm new to cutting so I really appreciate you guys always given safety Briefs and explaining how things should be done, by reading a lot of what you guys post I know it has safe me a lot frustration and even injury so thank you all
Chaps are a great, but if they are to long your better off without them. Proper fitting work boots are a must and steel toes would be great idea, but i hate steel toed boots. Use caution when cutting on steep terrain, be aware of cutting hazards such as barbwire or rocks.
I remember bucking up a tree that was suspended off the ground by about 3-4 feet. I had dropped it and it got wedged between a few trees. I was out of cell range, alone and high in elevation at 6000 ft which is high for us. The tree didnt seem to be under tension but when I cut through it, it released and smacked me in the gut like I was punched in a fight but it was different because I had a chainsaw in my hands. Anyways.... not to dramatic but I watch for that kind of thing now. Not to much fun having a tree smack you in the gut when youre in the sub alpine all alone.
You can't be too careful!!! It happens so fast!!! I didn't see that kickback coming last week. Just a little 6" log but laying across the trail it had tension on it and twisted as I cut. Ouch... Hit by the saw
Chaps, Helmet w/face screen, good fitting work boots, gloves and a Chainsaw with a good sharp chain and I'm good to go . Lets all be safe out there.
Sad to hear about the friend of a friend. I always put my chaps on when cutting; you guys taught me well. I would like to get a helmet with the attached ear muffs and face shield; that is on my list.
I'm going out to purchase a pair of chaps today. If it's to hot to wear them I will just wait another day to cut.
I would suggest if they're too long, find a pair that isn't. I've had friends and family and neighbors blow me chit for wearing chaps. My favorite was my brother. He had some lite hearted derogatory commentary for me including something to the effect that I think I'm a professional, but you're not. My reply to him was that the saw cuts like a professionals saw and I wear the chaps precisely because I'm not a professional and the saw doesn't know the difference.
