Learning how to use an electric chainsaw is critical when cutting down small trees or chopping wood for light work. However, gas-powered saws are often much heavier, so the electric counterparts are a great stepping stone when training to handle power tools. To help you out, we shall dive into a complete manual on how to get your bearing with electric saws.
1. Prepping Electric Chainsaws
a). Get Your Gear
Accidents are, by definition, something unexpected and intentional. Consequently, whenever you are using chainsaws, safety should be your number one priority. So first, ensure you have the right safety gear to protect yourself, such as safety goggles, a helmet, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear and cut-resistant materials for your shirt, pants and hands.
Ensure the power cord leading to your electric chainsaw is long enough to allow you to reach the cutting sites without overreaching. Still, ensure the cable or extension cord is out of the way of falling trees and your feet when moving around. After all, it can be a trip hazard and a falling branch may yank the electric chainsaw from your hands and cause serious injury.
b). Read the Owner’s Manual
Many electric saws have standard features like a chain brake to stop the rotating blade when there is a kickback. Hence, learning to use one makes you reasonably adept at using others. Nevertheless, it helps to check the user manual of power tools, even if it is not your first rodeo. Look out for the features it offers, how the manufacturers recommend you use it and how you can access different modes for cutting.
If you are looking for a dependable electric saw, we have various recommendations you can check out. Of course, the best premium electric chainsaws offer more features, but if you are on a budget, we have a selection of the top value-oriented picks for you. In addition, we have a mid-tier roundup of the most reliable models on the market.
c). Check the Power Tool
Ensure the electric chainsaw is safe to use by checking the chain tension and the bar and chain oil reservoir. Confirm the former is taught enough to remain in place while the chainsaw chain is spinning at immense speeds. Hold the chain links with your safety gloves, pull them down from the guide bar, and release them. If it does not go back in place immediately after letting go, it is too loose and requires tightening.
Lubrication is essential in machines with moving parts, and electric chainsaws are no exception. Check the bar and chain oil reservoir and ensure it is full with the manufacturer-recommended engine oil. With these in mind, proper tension and adequate lubrication in the blade reservoir can help prevent injury and damage to your electric saw.
2. Using an Electric Chainsaw
a). Power the Electric Saw
Ensure the power cord is continuous and lacks any physical damage that can cause a short circuit. Electric chainsaws draw a lot of power, so if you must use an extension cord, ensure it can handle the juice your tool needs. Once connected, you can engage the power switch to operationalize the machine before triggering the safety switch to get the chain moving.
b). Start the Saw with Safety in Mind
Even the gas-powered counterparts come with a lock you need to hold before they allow you to activate the chain’s motion for cutting. In addition, your grip on the safety bar handle should be firm as you aim the chainsaw blade away from you. This common-sense precaution ensures you do not lose control or risk cutting yourself accidentally when operating the tool.
c). Cutting Wood
While keeping one hand on the main handle and the other on the secondary one, press the trigger to activate the chain’s motion. Slowly bring the blade into contact with the side of the small tree or on the piece you want to cut. Allow the chain to sink into the wood at an angle while applying slight downward pressure on the electric chainsaw.
Remember to ensure the blade is not moving at full speed when it first comes into contact with the wood. In addition, ensure you are using the middle part of the blade instead of the tip or closer to the base of the engine housing. Finally, keep the pressure constant but do not try to force it through and ensure you lubricate the mechanism every half a minute if the process is not automatic.
3. Putting the Power Tool Away
Once done, release the activating switch and allow the chain to stop moving and then turn it completely off. Unhook it from the electricity source and let the mechanism cool down before storing. It may be crucial to check the manual on putting it away since you need to handle the tool differently from a gas-powered saw. While gas saws might have some leftover fuel, electric ones require care to ensure the component are not compromised.
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