How to Use A Chainsaw Mill with Right Know-How Skills?

Last Updated on March 1, 2021 by John Patterson

There is a vast pine tree shading your petunias and taking away all the sunlight to itself. So, you decided to call the tree cutting service to get rid of it.

But when they spilled the amount to get this job done, you were standing shocked and regretted the decision of calling them. You could just have bought the right chainsaw and do it yourself. The wood could get you good money once sold to the friend living down the street.

There are various types such as Granberg chainsaw mill and many more that can be ideal for both beginners and pro. Getting one of these and deciding to do it yourself is all you need.

How to Use a Chainsaw Mill: The Process

You can follow these simple steps to finish off your woodworking project quickly. This method will need basic knowledge about power tools. Let’s go for it!

All About Safety (Your Basics Should Be Right)

PPE or personal protective equipment is the very first essential thing I want you to take seriously. Yes, this is an integral part of the whole process, and there is no way you can take it as a joke. No matter for what reason, small or big, whenever you decide to use this power tool, protective eyewear, and earbud needs to be on your safety tool list.

You should also be careful about buying a good pair of sturdy boots along with long pants to protect your legs well. Don’t forget the chainsaw chaps and gloves as well.

If you are planning to deal with an upright tree to fall on a surface, a good quality hard helmet or hat needs to be present in your safety bucket as well.

You may wonder, won’t my neighbor laugh at me if I go so overboard for such a minimal chore of cutting a few limbers. Well, even if they do, a full PPE is the best way to avoid any accident, and being casual about it can bring you tragically.

For me, the best way to use a PPE is by wearing a helmet with mesh face armor and earmuffs. It also comes with some extra flip-up. The little foam hearing tools never stay in one place, at least in my case. I always end up losing them. So, using secure flip-up versions is a lot more convenient for me.

Chaps for the chainsaw is another safety tool that is worth as demand to keep one safe. Multiple layers of Kevlar will always do great at protecting body parts if suddenly the chain hits you. The fiber is planned to stop spinning chains in a few moments.

You know about how fast a chainsaw can be since it can go through the wood. Can you imagine what sort of damage it can do if this gets into your leg? I Don’t Even Want to Visualize, Horrible! So, get good quality chaps to keep your legs in a safe hand.

Start It Safely (Two Techniques)

We are here to learn about starting the unit. There are various methods for this. But let me tell you the most standard versions.

If You Are A Beginner

Those who are new to the business of using a chainsaw, need a more steady and safe way to start it. Keeping surface level and strong footing position, let the saw stay in the ground. Now to keep the machine stable, bring your right foot through the back handle.

You need to reach the handlebar now. To do this safely, get your left hand to reach for it. You need to handle the chain brake using your right hand. It should not move as long as you are ready to start cutting. You can pull the starter next.

If You Are A Pro

The next techniques are meant for users who are experienced. Or maybe you are in a situation where the footing is not very decent. You can also use the method when there is a lot of underbrush below.

Start with putting the back handle in the middle of your legs behind the knee area. Now keeping arms perfectly straight, let your left hand hold the handlebar tightly.

Once you ensure the handle is behind the right knee, and there is excellent support on the left knee, gradually pull the starter up.

Operating A Chainsaw!

• To make a smooth cut, only:
• Use your left hand to hold the front handle.
• Let your thumb wrap underneath.
• Use your right hand to grab the back handle.
• Get in the correct position with legs quite apart and managing enough stability.
• Let the chain be free by pulling it back.
• The throttle should be squeezed.
• Cut with the saw using full throttle.

When you are trying to make, a cut keeps it away from the bar tip; there could be a kickback if you decide to do otherwise. It may lead to breaking the chain and cause danger. Always be ready to pull back if such a scenario appears. Also, be cautious about still using waist length while cutting with a chainsaw. Never go for shoulder height.

You should keep the tool a bit above the ground. The blade should not dig and kick back because of too much closeness to the surface. You should also use the side of the saw to cut. Hovering over your working space may cause a dangerous kickback.

Using the bottom bar, you can easily cut downward. This is known as a pulling chain cut. For an upward cut, use the top of the bar. This cutting technique is known as pushing chain cut.

Never Miss out on Maintenance for Smooth Operation!

There are two critical points that most instruction manuals will tell about for maintaining a chainsaw and keeping it in perfect shape. These are:

Keeping Chainsaw Sharp

If you figure out that a gas chainsaw is not drawing itself smoothly, then this means your tool has become dull and needs some sharpening.

Other signals of dullness are too much bouncing and uneven cuts. There are many versions of electric chainsaw that come with self-sharpening features.

With a gas-powered one, you need to sharpen it after every three to four tanks. However, the exact number of sharpening required also depends on what type of wood you’re cutting with it. Always be attentive to performance changes and know if the tool needs sharpening.

Guide Bar with Proper Tension

A chainsaw with improper tensioning can profoundly disturb the overall working ability. Sometimes due to over tightness, the chain might break. On the other hand, with loose tension, the chain can come off and cause mishaps.

So, make sure to check the tension going around your chainsaw’s guide bar. There should be a guide for maintenance with your chainsaw. Also, some models come with a combo screwdriver wench tool knows as scrench to adjust the chain’s tension.

In Conclusion

I hope now you have a better knowledge about using a chainsaw with proper safety basics, start-up rules, operating points, and maintenance ideas. You should always pay close attention to the overall performance of your chainsaw. This way, you’ll be able to use this valuable tool for an extended period. Good Luck!