How Does A Chainsaw Work?

If you read our previous article, we have explained how to choose the right chainsaw size. Chainsaws are powerful tools. Some might even say that they are the most dangerous of all the saws. See, this is where some moves derive their names from. For example, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. These movies portray chainsaws in their raw and scary form. In this article, we aim to breakdown the components of a chainsaw. We will see how does a chainsaw work and briefly describe how to use chainsaws. 

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How Does A Chainsaw Work?

If you are into tools and machines, you must be curious about how they work. In this section, we will cover how a chainsaw works. We will describe the anatomy of a chainsaw in the section following this one. In very basic terms, a chainsaw converts energy. It converts chemical energy that is trapped in gasoline into mechanical energy. See the list of chainsaws. You can also find a good chainsaw for women under your budget.

This is then used as the prime source of fuel for the chainsaw. Chainsaws require a significant amount of energy to function. There are various types of chainsaws. The most common ones are the electric and gasoline chainsaws. If you use a gasoline chainsaw, you need to keep putting gasoline into the machine as required. The fuel you pour in has certain chemicals.

A regular-sized chainsaw has a tank that will hold at least half a liter of gasoline. The gasoline chainsaw has a gas tank. This is where you pour the gas. It acts as a kitchen for the saw. This gasoline is used to draw up energy. The fuel you put in is later mixed with the air inside the tank. This means the fuel is fed by a carburetor. We will describe the role of this briefly in the next section. This mixture is then pushed forward when it is ready.

The rod and crank optimize the energy to produce a rotary movement of motion. Therefore, this is the main difference between the two subtypes of the chainsaw. The process here onwards is the same. Chainsaws have a shaft called a drive shaft. This shaft radiates the rotary power. Just like a spindle, the rotary control is sent to the centrifugal clutch.

This is where the main action happens. After all the transmission of energy, the clutch sends all the power to the chain. This clutch is not permanently sealed to the chain. This means it is detachable. Individual gears connect the clasp to the sockets. This means that a chainsaw engine might function, but it will not rotate once detached.

A chainsaw has a long steel plate with sharp blades on the sides. The chain turns around this steel plate. This is the famous guide bar. A chainsaw is known to have very sharp and quick teeth. You rarely need to purchase separate blades for it. Chainsaws are available in various sizes.

Therefore some are more high powered than the others. Once you start the chainsaw, you can adjust the speed with the clutch. This speed is the overall rotational speed of the chainsaw. Another part associated with the chain is the chain tensioner.

This is used to adjust the rotation of the chain. This is different from the clutch. The chainsaw has two types of filters situated inside that keep the engine clean while it is being used. A gasoline chainsaw will need much more care than an electric one. You have to take care of the fuel gauge, cylinder, exhausts, etc.

Parts Of A Chainsaw

This is the anatomy of a chainsaw. Every chainsaw will have these components. Please do not open up a chainsaw to inspect its parts. If you are keen to know what is inside, go to a store and check the saws that are already opened. If you cut open a new chainsaw, you might make mistakes while putting it together again. A chainsaw has many parts. Our site will give you information on the internal as well as external components.

1. Throttle

This is what manages the speed of the saw. In a gasoline or gas chainsaw, fuel is regulated by this part. It checks how much fuel goes into the cylinders for combustion. More fuel means higher speed. Another critical factor is tank-volume. If the container can hold a lot of fuel, your chainsaw will be fast, by default. In an top quality electric chainsaw, the throttle regulates the motor amperage. This is different from that of a gas chainsaw. Here, more amperage means high power. And this means higher speed.

2. Throttle Interlock

This is a security lock for the chainsaw. Once this is activated, it keeps the throttle lock. This prevents the chainsaw from being activated accidentally. Injury and damage levels are very high when it comes to a chainsaw. To unlock the device, the throttle lock has to be pushed down. There will be a ‘click’ sound. This means the lock is inactive, and you can use the saw.

3. Chain Catcher

This is another safety part of a saw. The makers know how dangerous it can get. Therefore, always check these parts before buying a saw. The chain catcher is like another additional lock. This is curated to hold the chain if it breaks while functioning. Yes, there are incidents where the chain breaks apart from the steel plate. The detached chain still has power running through it. This means it can even rotate once it breaks away. Therefore, this safety feature is essential for a chainsaw. 

4. Chain Brake

Just like a chain catcher, this is important for the chain while it is rotating. As the name suggests, the chain brake will immediately stop the chain from rotating. The chain brake senses an unusual motion and stops the rotation of the chain. This is mainly for protection against kickbacks. A kickback is a sudden jerk that passes through the saw.

This happens if the chain or any part of the saw faces immense pressure or is pulled. You get two types of chain brakes. Like a manual or automatic car, professionals have their preference for chain brakes. A manual chain brake has a handguard. This has to be pressed in case of a kickback. The automatic chain brake is activated by inertia. It responds on its own to changes in the saw.

5. Handguard

A handguard is another external protection from the deadly chainsaw. This is like an armor that safeguards the users’ hands. Usually, chainsaws will cause flying debris like splinters and wood particles. A handguard keeps you safe from this. 

6. Anti-vibration system

This is a blessing period. A chainsaw can have a lot of impacts. It is a great challenge to control a chainsaw. The anti-vibration system reduces the stress on the users’ hands. It retains the vibrations from large chainsaws. Prolonged use of a chainsaw can cause pain and stress on the hands and muscles. 

7. Muffler

This mostly comes with a gasoline chainsaw. The muffler serves the purpose of noise reduction. In the absence of this part, the chainsaw’s sound will render you deaf. It will be impossible to operate a chainsaw without facing hearing issues. Therefore a muffler is essential. 

8. The Chain

This is the treasure chest of the chainsaw. This is what does the cutting and pruning. The chain has a very sharp set of teeth. The distance between the teeth depends on the size of the saw. Larger chainsaws have more dispersed teeth. The chain of a chainsaw is not one standard size. 

9. Guide Bar

In simple words, this is the steel plate on which the chain is coiled. It is a metal bar. The metal used for a guide bar is of excellent quality. It holds the entire saw in place. The guide bar is the backbone of a chainsaw. 

10. Clutch

We mentioned the centrifugal clutch above. The clutch keeps the spinning rate in check. 

11. Chain Tensioner

This is chain adjustment. You can keep changing this according to your requirements. Adjust your chain as per your need. Keep in mind that if your chain is too tight, it will not be as effective. The spinning will slow down. On the other hand, if the chain is loose, there are chances of it falling off. The chain tensioner helps regulate and maintain the ideal chain size.

12. Decompression Valve

This is like an energy outlet for the chainsaw. Chainsaw regularly processes and uses energy. It needs an outlet to release the excess and unused energy. Therefore, the decompression valve releases energy from the chambers. Think of the decompression valve as the exhaust fan of the chainsaw. 

13. Carburetor

This performs the fastest yet essential function. It keeps in check the fuel usage of the motor. The carburetor has to balance the amount of fuel that is being combusted. 

14. Air Filter

The job of a filter is to remove dirt and keep the engine clean. Similarly, the air filter that is located inside a chainsaw protects the motor. There is a lot of sawdust and dirt floating around while using a chainsaw. Therefore, you need a filter to clog the soil. 

15. Choke Valve

This is like a jump start for the chainsaw. Two-wheelers have a backup start in case the ignition does not work. The choke valve will push out all excess air that is trapped in the engine. Then, it uses fuel and air to kickstart the chainsaw.

As you can see, a chainsaw has extensive autonomy. Each part is needed for the betterment of the other. The first few parts are essential for the safety of the user and the tool. 

How To Use A Chainsaw

Make sure that you have all the safety requirements. To use a chainsaw, you have first to prepare your saw. Check if every part of the saw is in working condition. Make sure that the blades are sharp, and the engine is smooth.

A key to a long-lasting saw is lubrication. Use lubricating oil to keep the saw functional. Once everything is working, you need to fill the tank of the saw. Use the right fuel or gasoline.

There are multiple ways you can start a saw. You can position it on the ground. This way, it will stay away from your body. It decreases the likelihood of accidents. The other way is to keep it between your legs. Both these are equally good to use. Check if the chain brake and clutch are working. The throttle interlock has to be deactivated too. If your saw is on the ground, hold the handlebar tight.

Place your foot on the handle. Now pull the throttle. In around four to five pulls, the chainsaw will make a pop sound. Once this is clear, you can discard the choke. Be careful while using the saw. Keep a considerable amount of distance from the saw. Watch out for kickbacks too.

Saw kickbacks will reduce your progress. Turn off the saw and fix the issues before restarting. Do not push the saw to work if something seems off about the engine. 

Final Thoughts

This article gave you a whole range of details on the chainsaw. Regardless of what type of saw you use, make sure to wear safety equipment. We want to end by reminding you about the importance of lubrication. You should use the best lubricating oil for your machines. Maintain your devices so that they give you the best results.