If you want to know how to cut a tree with a chainsaw, then this is the place to be. Chainsaws are the handiest tools when it comes to chopping trees, or branches efficiently. Gone are those days when one would take out the axe or a manual saw to cut down trees. With every passing model, chainsaws are getting better, offering a whole new world of features to make our life easy.
A chainsaw is an outdoor tool that contains a mechanical chain along the length of the guide bar with teeth to chop heavy logs of wood or trees easily. Read our beginner's guide to know about the tips & tricks for starting a chainsaw. If you don’t want to invest in a brand new chainsaw, provided you rarely use it, you can also go for a used chainsaw. This blog focuses on the process of cutting trees with a chainsaw and how to go about it.
Before we delve further, let’s take a look at the basics first:
How to Start a Chainsaw?
Place the chainsaw in a stable ground and remove all hindrances like objects, people, pets, etc. Grab the chain brake and engage it. Remove the safety switch and pull the trigger. You should engage the trigger for continued operation until the motor starts completely. However, the ignition process is different when it comes to battery-powered and gas-powered chainsaws.
How to Cut a Tree with a Chainsaw?
The entire cutting process happens in 3 main steps- cutting, limbing, and bucking. But before we even start to cut, there are certain things you should look at, if you don’t want to create havoc in the area surrounding the tree. Read our blog to know the tips to use a chainsaw the right way.
- Check Permits
Check the area where you want to cut the tree. Certain areas require permits before felling a tree.
- Prepare
Navigate the area before cutting a tree. If it is a large tree and other lesser tall trees are surrounding it, there is a good chance that even they might come down the tree. Similarly, check for power lines or houses in the vicinity. Based on the location and the tree, identify the direction where you want the tree to fall. You should have a proper truck to carry the logs back when the task is done.
- Check the Condition of the Chainsaw
Ensure the condition of the chainsaw before taking up a task. If the blade seems dull use a chainsaw sharpener and get the blade ready for some heavy log cutting.
- Get Your Safety Gear
Make sure you are ready for the task. Equip yourself with chainsaw accessories and safety gear like a helmet, safety boots, eye shield, earmuffs, cut-resistant gloves, etc.
In Action: Cutting the Tree
The process of cutting involves making face cuts on the trunk. Reviews of Mereced 4 Inch 20v Electric Chainsaw show that this portable chainsaw can cut through thick barks easily. There are three types of face cuts that you can choose from.
- Open-Faced Notch Cut that varies between 70 Degrees and 90 Degrees
- A conventional Notch Cut that is made at a 45-degree angle. The bottom of the cut is flat, and the top is angled
- Humbolt Notch Cut is also made at a 45-degree angle but, the top of the cut is flat while the bottom is angled
- If you have made the face cut, back cut the tree as it will disconnect it from the stump. This cut should be 10% of the diameter. If you are going for an open-faced notch, the back cut should be at the same height as the front cut. In the case of a conventional cut, you should cut 1-inch above the bottom cut. While for a Humbolt notch, it should be 1-inch above the top cut
Remember to use the chainsaw blade to cut in the direction where you want your tree to fall.
Limbing the Tree
Limbing is when you remove the branches from a fallen tree. While cutting the lower branches, use the bottom of the chainsaw, where the chain will pull the saw out from you. While cutting the upper branches use models like Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw where the chain will push the saw towards you. You can cut lower limbs can from the underside too. For the limbs under tension, cutting them can be tricky. Start cutting the tree after all the tension from it has been relieved.
Bucking a Tree
Bucking a tree means cutting a tree into smaller halves. It works the best when cut near the compression of the trunk. When the two segments of the trunk fall together, compression is formed. Cut halfway through such sections and then cut from the opposite side. For logs on the ground, cut halfway through each side and make sure the saw doesn’t come in contact with the ground. Else you might lose control. Try to cut equal sizes as it will help during loading and storing.
Key Take Away
Cutting trees with a chainsaw can be an easy task when you know which size chainsaw to go for. We recommend that you try on smaller trees and thick growth before going for a bigger tree. If you frequently need to cut big trees, go with the one that has less vibration like BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw. This model has got good reviews for its longer runtime and improved performance.
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