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Old 05-09-2014, 05:40 AM   #1
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Chain Saw Safety

I had bought a reconditioned Poulan Pro 18" Chain Saw from Rural King. It seemed like a great saw until I started into a 16" diameter pine that had to go to make room for a driveway extension to accommodate the newTT

The saw bar and chain would get super hot and the chain would bind and actually jump off the bar. It did fine on the small limbs, but would not want to cut through the biggest part.

So here I go online to look up the problem I was having and everything I saw said it was a good saw but to get rid of the factory chain and get an Oregon chain. Off I go to Home Depot and buy a 2-pak.

Once home I install the new chain and while tensioning I immediately see a difference. This chain ran freely across the bar. So far so good. Now for real work.

I have on the first tree I cut down a stump that is 15" high. I position the saw at just above ground level and rev it up. About 7 seconds later The stump is cut nearly flush. Wowsers - this chain is awesome!

So I go on to tree #2 and its on the ground in no time flat. A monster with a chain saw is born.

So now for the safety part.

I was easily cutting limbs from the tree when I noticed it was going to roll. No big deal - I knew it would eventually roll so I moved to my right a bit and stepped over. That's when the saw hit a limb that was moving up and it sent the saw down to my left leg just above the knee. Let me just say that it didn't hurt a bit. Thankfully, the saw was at idle and barely moving. Just three not deep, cleanly cut lacerations. A large band aid with an ace bandage to keep it on while finishing was all that was necessary. Plus a thank you to the man above for watching out for me just a little.

If you've read this far, just be safe out there. Through my nearly 60 years I've used a chain saw on numerous occasions. This is the first time I've had an incident. It can happen to anyone.
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Old 05-09-2014, 05:57 AM   #2
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Having used a saw all my life, all these "near misses" are lessons learned. I study a tree, whether standing or down, make a plan and anticipate would "could" happen before making that first cut, then reassess as I go. Thankfully you escaped serious injury!
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:13 AM   #3
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I was riding Rescue in Dade County (Miami) Florida after Hurricane Andrew. Just about every tree in the south end of the county was knocked down. Everybody was out clearing roads and property with chain saws. A good deal of our calls were related to chain saw injuries. Many were not as fortunate as you. I got a new respect for chain saws after seeing some of the injuries.
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:31 AM   #4
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Chainsaw (Chaps),helmet,faceshield are the (First) thing you (Put ON) before starting a (Chainsaw)! Size of tree or years experience have No bearing on (Proper Saftey)! Youroo!!
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:35 AM   #5
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As I was warned by my other father figure "youroo" he yelled at me for not having or wearing chainsaw chaps.
I now have a pair of expensive heavy chaps and wear them evertime the saw fire's up

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Old 05-09-2014, 06:36 AM   #6
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In my aviation safety career, it has been proven over and over again, that every fatal aviation accident/crash has been preceded by a minimum of three (sometimes many more!) near misses in that organization that went unaddressed or not reported.

Warnings should be heeded and not ignored.
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:37 AM   #7
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These

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Old 05-09-2014, 06:37 AM   #8
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I had safety glasses only and was wearing shorts.......
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:45 AM   #9
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So was this guy.... ouch

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Old 05-09-2014, 06:52 AM   #10
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Yep, I still carry a scar on my left knee from a saw bite.
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:52 AM   #11
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I guess when your wrestling a saw like this 440 it makes me think what happens when this full chisel chain decides to kick back.....
Or hits an errand nail like this.
Glad you we're not seriously hurt!
Thank you for warning others from your mishap.
Thank you youroo too!




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Old 05-09-2014, 07:05 AM   #12
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Yep, got a small scar about an inch long on my left knee from one of those babys, I was so lucky.
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:10 AM   #13
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Unfortunately in my line of work (4 letter word) I see too many professional loggers, & tree trimmers that don't get to go home after cutting trees due to saws, equipment but by far the biggest is a tree that does not end up where it where it was intended....................


Be Safe.............
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:41 AM   #14
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And it might sound crazy, but I also wear a hard hat when cutting trees. I had a 2-3" branch that looked like it was going to zig when it zagged instead and hit me on the head. Nothing major, but enough blood that I had to stop, clean it and bandage it before finishing. As Coach from Cheers would put it, so I "don't take one in the old bean," the hard hat is now standard chain saw issue.
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:46 AM   #15
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Luckily I don't have to go cut tree's. ...
They come to me already cut down!

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Old 05-09-2014, 08:51 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlangdn View Post
I had bought a reconditioned Poulan Pro 18" Chain Saw from Rural King. It seemed like a great saw until I started into a 16" diameter pine that had to go to make room for a driveway extension to accommodate the newTT

The saw bar and chain would get super hot and the chain would bind and actually jump off the bar. It did fine on the small limbs, but would not want to cut through the biggest part.
It looks like your 'reconditioned' Poulan just had a dull chain (binding and getting hot). Sharpen it up and it would have cut like a new one.
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:58 AM   #17
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As stated in Post (#4) Head gear as well as Face & Hearing protection. Saws can (Kickback) at any time not just in the (Felling mode in the Woods)! Youroo!!
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Old 05-09-2014, 09:03 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo View Post
As stated in Post (#4) Head gear as well as Face & Hearing protection. Saws can (Kickback) at any time not just in the (Felling mode in the Woods)! Youroo!!
Hearing protection ?
Ms Amy did you say something?


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Old 05-09-2014, 09:19 AM   #19
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I don't use my chainsaw often but years ago I used to cut down trees for firewood with my uncle. He used to tell me to respect a chainsaw, it is one of the most dangerous tools you'll ever use. It doesn't care if it's cutting a tree limb or your leg. A small chainsaw is just as dangerous as a larger one maybe more so because folks figure it's just a small tool. Keep your blade sharp, a dull tool is a dangerous tool. Be especially careful when cutting smaller brush, that's when you can cut fast and get careless. Concentrate on EVERY cut, don't be distracted. Just thought I'd share what he taught me....be safe.
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Old 05-09-2014, 09:22 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by kamu View Post
I don't use my chainsaw often but years ago I used to cut down trees for firewood with my uncle. He used to tell me to respect a chainsaw, it is one of the most dangerous tools you'll ever use. It doesn't care if it's cutting a tree limb or your leg. A small chainsaw is just as dangerous as a larger one maybe more so because folks figure it's just a small tool. Keep your blade sharp, a dull tool is a dangerous tool. Be especially careful when cutting smaller brush, that's when you can cut fast and get careless. Concentrate on EVERY cut, don't be distracted. Just thought I'd share what he taught me....be safe.
Good advice!



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