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WORKING TECHNIQUES
English – 29
Basic cutting technique
General
• Always use full throttle when cutting!
• Let go of the power trigger after every cut (running the
motor for too long at full power without any load, i.e.
without any resistance from the chain during cutting,
can lead to serious damage to the motor).
• Cutting from above = Cutting on the pull stroke.
• Cutting from below = Cutting on the push stroke.
Cutting on the push stroke increases the risk of kickback.
See instructions under the heading How to avoid
kickback.
Terms
Cutting = General term for cutting through wood.
Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree.
Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off
before the cut is complete.
There are five important factors you should consider
before making a cut:
1 Make sure the cutting equipment will not jam in the
cut.
2 Make sure the object you are cutting will not split.
3 Make sure the chain will not strike the ground or any
other object during or after cutting.
4 Is there a risk of kickback?
5 Do the conditions and surrounding terrain affect how
safely you can stand and move about?
Two factors decide whether the chain will jam or the object
that you are cutting will split: the first is how the object is
supported before and after cutting, and the second is
whether it is in tension.
In most cases you can avoid these problems by cutting in
two stages; from the top and from the bottom. You need to
support the object so that it will not trap the chain or split
during cutting.
The following instructions describe how to handle the
commonest situations you are likely to encounter when
using a chain saw.
Cutting
The log is lying on the ground. There is little risk of the
chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a
risk that the chain will touch the ground when you finish
the cut.
Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting
the chain touch the ground as you finish the cut. Maintain
full throttle but be prepared for what might happen.
- If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about
2/3 of the way through the log.
- Turn the log and finish the cut from the opposite side.
The log is supported at one end. There is a high risk
that it will split.
!
WARNING! Never use a chain saw by
holding it with one hand. A chain saw is
not safely controlled with one hand; you
can cut yourself. Always have a secure,
firm grip around the handles with both
hands.
!
WARNING! If the saw chain jams in the
cut: deactivate the machine! Do not try to
pull the machine free. If you do you may
be injured by the saw chain when the
machine suddenly brakes free. Use a
lever to open up the cut and free the
machine.