Proper Chainsaw Techniques

A chainsaw is a tool that cuts with a set of teeth. If you are using a new chainsaw or using it already, you need a guide to help you in certain situations. You need to be extremely careful while using a chainsaw. Otherwise, else you will end up seriously hurting yourself. For this, you should know the proper chainsaw techniques. By the end of it, you will know how to use a chainsaw like a pro.

Recommended Chainsaws

Proper Chainsaw Techniques 

1. Over-Bucking

It is a technique where you start cutting from the top of the log or the branch, which is placed horizontally. It is also called over-cutting. It is a technique most used for cutting wood.

2. Under-Bucking

This technique is the opposite of the over-bucking technique. This will require about 2/3 of your time. Start cutting through the upside of the branch or the log, which is placed horizontally.

3. Pruning Trees Technique

In this technique, the tree will be placed upright, and it is similar to limbing. The branches above chest height should not be cut with this method. It can be dangerous. Once you have chosen your branch, follow the following steps:-

• Ensure that your workplace is clear. It should firm footing as well.
• Now, from one foot away from the trunk, you need to under-buck the log. Slice around 1/3 of the way through it.
• From 2 to 4 inches above the under-buck, over-buck the branch to remove some load of the branch. This will make it fall, and it will then swing towards the trunk of the tree.
• Make the last cut, which would be an over-buck that is as near as possible to the tree trunk to eliminate the branch stub that is left.
• If you prune the branches as close to the tree trunk, the bark can grow back easily. Make sure that you seal to keep it healthy and grow strongly.

4. Limbing Trees Technique

It is a method in which you have to cut off the branches falling from the tree or are just lying over the ground. You need to be extremely cautious while climbing trees. Follow the following steps for this method:-

• From the top side of the tree, remove the limbs and the branches which aren’t bearing any weight.
• Remove the smaller branches on the tree’s underside, which aren’t bearing the weight of the log.
• Check the other branches of the log. Anticipate which way the log can roll or fall when its other branches are removed.
• You can start cutting off the branches of the tree where it is getting its support from once you anticipate where the tree will fall.

Use the undercutting chainsaw technique is also the safest way to reduce the chances that the chainsaw may get pinched or stuck during a cut. If the tree gets loose, you will have to move out of time way as quickly as possible. You need to be very spontaneous so that you can jump when necessary.

5. The Technique For Cutting A Log On The Ground

You can use the over-bucking technique to cut a log when it is on the ground. Follow these steps for this technique:-

• Begin cutting by applying light pressure to the chainsaw from the top of the log.
• Let the chainsaw get your job done for you. The teeth of the chainsaw are then supposed to pull the chain-bar. The chain-bar should be pulled into the wood.
• The nose of the guide bar should not touch the ground. Even the chain should ‘t touch anything. If you don’t take care of this, then this can dull your chain and can cause kickbacks.

If the guide bar of the saw gets stuck in the log, you can get it out by the following steps:-

• Turn down the chainsaw.
• Use a hammer to drive a wedge into the cut.
• The wood will now release the chainsaw, and you need to pull it out of the log.
• Once it’s out, you can start using the chainsaw again with a downward motion, as you used before.

6. Chainsaw Stump Cutting Techniques

Out of all the methods, it is the easiest. Follow these steps to remove the stump from the ground:-

• Use a power washer to clean the stump. You can use a hose as well to get rid of the debris. The debris can damage or even dull your chain.
• It is recommended to use an old chain for this work.
• Keep the tool steady. You need to make horizontal cuts, and it needs to be done close to the ground.
• You should use a wedge to maintain a gap between the wood’s underside and top layers. This will keep your chainsaw from getting pinched.

7. Cutting A Log Supported On Both Ends

It is a technique that you will use when your log is resting on two types of supports. Instead of either over-bucking or under-bucking, the reason you want to use this approach is that when you cut the wood, the bow downwards towards the area being cut. With this technique, your tool won’t get pitched inside the wood.

• Cut around 1/3 of the way from the top of your log.
• With the help of the under-bucking technique, start cutting from the underside of the log. You need to cut in the upward direction until you reach the first cut.
• The log will break into two equal parts due to the wood’s weight and fall as you reach the top cut.

While performing this technique, the chainsaw might push back at you. So, you need to keep a firm hold on your equipment. You don’t have to pull too hard while cutting. If you push too hard, you can end up hitting yourself when the tool gets free from the wood.

8. Cutting Log Supported On One End Technique

In situations when your log is supported on one end, you can use the under-bucking technique by this technique, cut 1/3 of the way through the log. To ensure that the blade doesn’t get pinched, you will have to cut it from the top. Determine where the log will fall so that you don’t end up hurting yourself.

9. Cutting A Log On A Hill Technique

You need to stand on an upslope side for this technique, where you cut a log on a hill. Suppose the tree rolls down the hill, standing on the upslope slide will save you from injuries. Any of the mentioned proper chainsaw techniques can be used to perform a cut with a chainsaw.

Some Dos And Don’t 

• Don’t use the saw while standing on a log with the saw between your feet. Your chainsaw should be away from your legs and never stand on the log.
• Don’t ever run while carrying a chainsaw.
• To avoid kickbacks, don’t cut with a blade tip.
• Try cutting from below your shoulder height. This will keep the chainsaw away from your face and avoid kickbacks.
• A tip guard can be used to avoid kickbacks.
• Make sure that you stand on one side of the log you are cutting.
• Ensure that you have always planned an escape route from the place where the tree will be falling.
• Power down your saw the moment you are done using it
• When you are cutting large logs, you can give a shot to a sawhorse. It will make sure that your logs are secured. It won’t distract you, and you can keep your focus on the chainsaw.
• Determine where your log will fall once you are done cutting it. Make sure it doesn’t fall or roll over you.

Final Thoughts

Most of the proper chainsaw techniques require using both over-bucking and under-bucking techniques. The techniques mentioned here will help you to take care of the most common problems. You should be very attentive while using this tool. Wear all the protective equipment. Your chainsaw should be at least 2 inches longer than your working piece. This provides enough clearance to the blade and helps in avoiding kickbacks. 16 and 18-inch chainsaw is a universal saw. I hope that you find these chainsaw techniques helpful.