The saw is one of the essential power tools in the industry. There are many different types of saws, but not all can perform some heavy outdoor jobs. The chainsaw is the best for all the heavy-duty outdoor work. The electric chainsaw is becoming famous and is replacing the good but old gas-based chainsaws. So here is a guide on how to use an electric chainsaw.
Up to 90 cuts per charge on 4x4 pressure treated wood (using a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery); Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force
How To Use An Electric Chainsaw – Step By Step Guide
Step 1: The tool
If this is the first time you’re working with an electric chainsaw, study the components first. The user manual will help us learn more about the saw and how it works. Sometimes even different brands may have slight differences in the operation. The guide bar is like a support to the chain, which does the major work. The chain helps with the cutting. There is even a reservoir for oil. This oil goes through the chain oil cap and chain oil bulb.
This helps in the lubrication of the chainsaw at time intervals. Then all the others are handles and locks. If our chainsaw is a corded model, we may need an external power source to run it. Else if it is cordless, it runs with a battery,There are some good battery powered chainsaws too . These days it is the lithium-ion batteries that come with the cordless model. So learn the tool and its components before starting.
Step 2: Checking The Chain Tension
After studying the tool, the next work is setting the components. The most important part of that is the chain tension. If the tension is not proper, the chain can even break in the middle of the cut. Get the unbreakable chainsaw chain for yourself
One way of checking the tension is by pulling the chains. Pull the chain down from the guide bars to remove the links, and the chain gets released. When we pull it, if the chain doesn’t move, then the chain is too tight. While pulling, if the chain doesn’t snap back to its position, it is too loose. This is a simple way of finding the tension.
Step 3: Oil
The oil in the chainsaw plays a significant role in getting smooth cuts. They keep the blade lubricated and helps the blade work smoothly. An oil level window will be there to tell us how much oil is there in the reservoir. The oil cap is the place where the oil goes for lubricating the chain. There will be a chain oil bulb in the tool which the user needs to press for oiling the blade.
The wrong oil can lead to problems in the chainsaw too. Almost all chainsaw work with the standard SAE 30 oil. But refer to the product manual once to confirm it. Fill the bar and reservoir so that we have no disturbances while doing the job.
Step 4: Setting Up The Chainsaw
If we have a cordless electric chainsaw, it is easy to carry it everywhere and work in the field too. But the corded ones may not have enough cord at times to reach your work. This may create problems when we work in the fields. So getting an extension cord will give the user more space to work with. If you’re out in the middle of the field, we can’t expect to have a power source there. So these extensions will be handy at those times. Having a generator will be useful as we can work anywhere by taking it with us too.
Make sure the other components are right and working too. Set the blade well, also, as it is going to do our work. If it is dull, replace it for better results or sharpen it. There are specifically best sharpeners for chainsaw blades in the market. If you’re using a cordless electric chainsaw, make sure the battery gets charged. Having a spare battery will also be great as it would let us continue the work if the charge is gone. Setting a good electric chainsaw will be essential before working. A single error can be costly while we work with the saw.
Step 5: Measurements
Now focus on the material getting cut. Measure the material getting cut, and mark the locations. A pencil or chalk would help and make sure the mark is visible from the position you’re cutting. This would help us do the cut with precision, and we may get the desired result.
Step 6: Cutting
Now, as the tool is set, position yourself in a way the cut will be visible. There will be a safety lock button in the electric chainsaw. The user must push and hold it to make the trigger working. Now, as the safety lock gets engaged, the trigger button will control the chain spinning. Allow the blade untouched for a few seconds. Place it for the marked locations and press the blade against the material. The pressure applied must be stable and firm.
Applying too much energy on the chainsaw will not be right. So make the chainsaw do the job, and all we need to do is guide it on the path. Make sure to apply the same force until the end of the cut for good results. Remember to lubricate the saw blade at regular intervals like about once in 30 seconds. This will lubricate the blade with the oil in the reservoir. Some electric chainsaw may come with an automatic oiler that may do this by itself.
Step 7: Finishing
After finishing the cut or trim, release the throttle. This stops the chain of the tool and then raise the tool. We may get the needed job done. If the user needs to continue, turn it on, and follow the above step again. Once over, turn the chainsaw off and remove the cord if its a corded chainsaw.
Now don’t pack the chainsaw immediately after turning it off. The electric chainsaw will be very hot after working. So allow it untouched for a few minutes so that it gets cooled. Be careful as it can even result in minor burns on the user. After its cold or normal, pack it and store it. It is best to store the chain separately and the tool separately. Wrapping the blade is better as it is very sharp and can cause accidental injuries.
Things Needed
The things needed when you use an electric chainsaw are
Electric chainsaw
Measuring tape
Pencil or chalk or correction pen
SAE 30 oil
Some tool to sharpen the blades
These are the simple steps to use an electric chainsaw for some simple jobs. They are not a tough tool to work with. It is a tool even beginners can work with. It is better to practice with some scrap pieces before trying it on the projects.
Safety Tips
We may hear from many experienced workers that chainsaws are dangerous. Even small accidents can cost big problems for the user. But with proper safety measures, there will be not many dangers when using electric chainsaws. So here are a few tips which may help us work in peace with our chainsaws.
While working outdoors, it is good to wear a helmet. This protects the head and also can prevent dust or debris in our hair. It is good to wear a boot too as it can give us more grip and also prevents any injuries to the toes. Hearing protection is vital while working with chainsaws under 300 . Even though the electric chainsaw is not as loud as the gas chainsaw, they can also cause problems if we are working for a long time. So have some hearing protection for safety.
Wear tight-fitting clothes for more safety. Loose clothes can cause problems and may get stuck in the tool. This may cause unwanted accidents too. A goggle or glasses are very handy when working with any saw. The tiny bits of wood or sawdust is dangerous and can result in significant problems to the eye. A goggle can help us prevent this and is a safer option.
Final Thought
The electric chainsaw is lighter and portable, unlike the gas chainsaw. They can do a lot of delicate jobs and are good to have in your garage. But its never a complicated process to work with an electric chainsaw. All we need is some patience and concentration. When you use a electric chainsaw follow the steps given above to make your work easy. Remember to follow all the necessary safety measures before working with the electric chainsaw. We hope your chainsaws are ready for some quality work.
[…] source http://thehemloft.com/how-to-use-an-electric-chainsaw/ […]