After seeing a video with several board members "drop starting" saws I just wanted to open a thread on this. There are MANY ways to safely start a saw, drop starting isn't usually one. This video shows two methods that I use. Also I have set the bar tip on the ground, log, etc held rear handle with left hand. This works well with a longer bar where the saw is nose heavy. Or I have set the saw on a flat stable surface... Tailgate, picnic table, on a log. The "drop start" is a bad idea because you make a pivot point with just one point of contact. We preach burning dry wood, chimney setup and cleaning, proper stove use, using proper PPE. I think proper saw starting is important as well. It doesn't cost anything nor take any longer. This isn't a 28 levels of PPE to use a butter knife situation! It doesn't make you less of a man for doing it "by the book". I say this because I have had SEVERAL folks comment about PPE while I was cutting. Basically to the effect that chaps or ear/eye pro was for a pansy. One of my friends cut his jeans and a bit of his leg and STILL insists that chaps are stupid.
I tend to drop start nate. I know I shouldn't, but I don't bend well anymore. I need to make it a habit to do the between the knees method, so I don't have to kneel or bend. Thanks for the reminder. I've recently become more mindful of putting on the brake any time I'm walkng with the running saw. Had a couple times where I slipped and could have cut myself if it hadn't been on.
Good post Nate. I am of the pansy clan. I wear helmet with faceshield and ear muffs, chaps, steel toe/kevlar boots, cut resistant gloves, and start saw on ground or between knees. Hopefully, I will never need their protection. It doesn't bother me if I cut with others and I am the only one. It is a personal decision for everybody. I hope nobody gets hurt, whatever choice they make.
I've shown a few folks. I try not to be OSHA nazi, but I figure if they are educated at least its their choice and not just from not knowing.
Proud to be a pansy.... But I do drop start with chain brake engaged. I usually can't do this with the 038, no base gasket, and no decomp.... I hear ya Nate, I do. On the small saws I can't fit my foot in the handle, and between the knees just feels awkward.
On my 61 ,I always start it on the ground cuz there is no brake, other saws , under my thigh or on the ground
I drop start mostly. I will start the 088 on the ground when it's got the 41" or bigger on it. I do a modified drop start when it's on the mill with the tip supported.
I generally put the rear handle under my right knee . Occasionally drop start once the saw is warmed up . Always wear my chaps ,ear and eye protection . Don't set the brake ever,and don't own a helmet . Pseudo safe ?
I've tried to start a few under my knee and stuff and the high compression ones will hurt you like that.
I start my saws on the ground for the first start of the day, but when the saw is warm and I'm cutting and moving, the rear handle goes between my legs and a quick pull to get started again. Cheers!
Get you one with 200 lbs of compression and you'll only do it once. I tried and ended up doubled over.
Ha! Sure thing - actually, my 262xp has no decomp and she's actually a bear to pull over for 62cc (and only pulling about 155lbs) - even on the ground she'll snap at me - I usually have to start her on the ground regardless of cold or warm starts. My others saws are fine to start as I said earlier. Certainly different saws will call for different treatment. Cheers!
Depends on the saw I have, the 026 for me is always a drop start. Might not be the correct way to do it but works well with that saw. Now the 064 that Carbine brought. Better put your foot on it and strap in.
I guess it's different horses for different courses . It just doesn't bother me . Wait...... Are you saying the Moobs and Terry don't build saws with high compression ?
I forget the decomp most of the time. I can drop start the 088 as long as it's got a 36" or shorter bar. Terry or randy did the machine work for almost all of my saws.
My 460 needs a foot on handle, but smaller saws I still drop start.. Use the brake and use common sense. You won't get killed. Gary, great to meet you today. You had some mean saws today. Look forward to meeting you again.
