Metal In Trees

[BigguyZ]

What kind of safety gear is necessary?? Other than safety glasses, of course? I'm thinking of getting a small electric just for cutting up mid sized logs into smaller blanks I can turn bowls out of... I'm not looking to become a hobbyist lumber jack here... But I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[conwaygolfer]

Chain Saws

Crockett, if you take the chain back to where you bought it, they can replace the broke guidelinks in the chain, as well as any teeth. They should have what you need. The labor cost might be as high as the new chain though.

Bigguyz, if you buy a chain saw, just follow the safety directions that will come with the purchase. The worst and most common issues with a saw are allowing it to kickback towards you. This is avoided by holding the handle with a "baseball bat" grip. Don't allow your thumb to just rest on the top of the handle. And make sure the cutting is being done is on the bottom of the chain and bar - NOT- the tip of the saw. The tip is the cause of kickback.

Thanks,
Glenn

[ironhat]

I'm sure that more will come up, but I use leather gloves, a hard hat, goggles, hearing protection and *always* wear long sleeves and sturdy pants - no matter how hot it is. Yes, some prefer chaps and it's probably wise.
Story: I had asked the farmer to come down with his Bobcat and lift me and my saw up into an old Mulberry tree which had broken off about 12 feet up in a windstorm. Knowing how busy he was I grabbed my gear and hussled to the tree. While waiting I saw that I'd forgotten my gloves. I kept thinking how busy he was and how much of a favor he was doing for me... over and over and over. It wouldn't leave my head. Finally, I ran back and grabbed my leather gloves and it's a good thing that I did. When I cut through the break the limb split with half of it kicking straight back, knocking the saw out of my right hand, spinning it around my left hand's grip and striking the knuckles of my right hand. It turned the glove into slaw but the skin was untouched. No small miracle in my mind. BTW, this was in the days before chain brakes.

[bruce hylton]

I have small scars from my legs to the middle of my face. Fingers and arms included. I believe in chaps, long sleaves and sheild or goggles. Aside from the chaps and face damage the saws bit right through gloves and pants and shirts. You have to decide what you are willing to go through for the beauty of a scar. And how you will explain to family and friends how you did such a dumb stunt. Good luck