Archive for March, 2007
If you are a regular chainsaw user then maintenance is a vital component in keeping your machine in good working order. That’s an understatement if ever I’ve heard one however, it’s surprising how a regular maintenance schedule is often overlooked.
The chainsaw chain is one aspect of your machine you need to keep a close check on. It’s just about the “lifeblood” of any saw and whether you are a professional or a semi professional, keeping it in top working order will not only help prolong the life of your chainsaw but cut down the risk of accidents significantly.
Chainsaw Chain Maintenance
There is nothing worse than a dull chain. It’s frustrating but simple, regular checks can reduce this frustration. Try these maintenance tips:
1. You’ll recognize the “dullness factor” by the lack of bite and sawdust-like chips which are being produced. You’ll also be exerting more pressure on the chainsaw to cut into the wood.
2. If using your chainsaw regularly then you should be checking the chain daily.
Safety is of utmost importance when sharpening so consult your manual. Make sure to wear heavy duty gloves.
4. Use the correct file size as specified for your particular type of chain. It’s important to remember to take your chainsaw to a professional after you’ve sharpened it several times yourself just to make sure you’ve maintained consistent filing angles.
5. Check lubrication on a regular basis.
6. While the chain requires regular checks, making sure the other components of your chainsaw are in good working order is just as vital. The engine, fuel system, pull chord and air filter should all be maintained in good working order.
There are some standard do’s and don’ts with chainsaw chain care.
- Hitting materials such as rocks when cutting.
- Making regular tension checks and ensuring the chain is lubricated.
- Forcing a dull chain to cut. You should never force the issue. A chainsaw is the most dangerous power tool on the planet however, in it’s own way, it’s a delicate piece of machinery which can be easily damaged without proper care and maintenance. You’ve spent your hard-earned in buying a chainsaw, now it’s up to you to get the longest life possible from it.
Keeping your chainsaw in top working condition requires a little maintenance on your part however, you’ll be surprised at just how effective your machine will be with a little love and attention.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a light, medium or heavy duty chainsaw user, the same principles of care still apply. For pruning, trimming and cutting firewood to cutting heavy logs, maintaining your chainsaw in tip top order will not only prolong the life of your machine but will cut down on the chances of accidents occurring which is most important. In fact, in case you didn’t know, chainsaws are regarded as the most dangerous power tool on the planet so an unmaintained machine has the ability to become lethal in poor condition.
Simple Chainsaw Maintenance 101
These simple maintenance checks will give you an excellent opportunity to keep your chainsaw in a “happy frame of mind.” Whether you use a gas or electric machine, performing these checks are vital.
1. For starters, check your chain. You’ll be looking for wear and sharpness because a chain in bad condition can be a potential safety hazard.
2. Many users overlook the chainsaw’s saw teeth. Unmaintained, saw teeth won’t perform the job they are required to in the most efficient manner. This could lead to dangerous situations as the harder your machine has to work, the harder you do as well which means one of the biggest factors in chainsaw accidents, fatigue can set in. So make sure you clear your saw teeth of any saw dust and wood on a regular basis.
3. Proper adjustment in the chain is one thing but also check to see if the bar is tight as well.
4. Your chainsaw’s spark plugs are a vital component… that goes without saying so it’s a good idea to check them on a regular basis.
5. Pull chords should be in excellent order. This can be overlooked quite easily but maintaining them in good condition such as not allowing them to become tattered is just simply good sense.
6. A quick check of other areas such as testing to see if the oiler is working as it should be should also be performed.
These are reasonably simple maintenance checks which can be performed by just about anyone with chainsaw user experience. If you run into major problems, then more expert guidance should be sought. Chainsaw accidents injure thousands of people every year and apart from unforseen circumstances, you can cut down the chances of suffering an injury just by keeping your chainsaw in excellent working condition.
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