Chain bar oil

Ahhh yes thanks Alastair, that would make sence. How much oil should the chain be using on average, say compared to a tank of fuel?
Any safety tips, I read about Kick back and such! but wouldn't mind hearing any other thought on the subject.
Cheers.

In regards to how much oil used to petrol, i remember reading some where that one tank of fuel to one tank of oil.

Baz

Thanks mate it's working and spraying from the chain so far at full throttle so I guess you be right.

Cheers.

As already said about 1 tank oil to fuel. I think the handbooks for both my Stihl saws (1 big, 1 small) say this. Both of mine have an adjuster and I set mine to have just a little left after a full tank of fuel. It does vary a bit on the big one depending on the revs used.

The following have been my own rules for using a chain saw:
1. Always wear ear muffs and shoes with steel caps.
2. Stop and sharpen chain as soon as the cutting rate slows down. A blunt chain gets hot quickly and wears fast. Learn how to sharpen your own chains. A good file is quick and easy if you are not cutting a lot.
3. Keep the chain tension right and stop if a loop appears undernearth. This typically will also cause the saw to cut on and angle. It can also cause the chain to jump off the bar.
4. Clean and sharpen your saw when finished at the end of the day. It will make the saw last and means if you need to use it then it is ready to go.
5. If not planning to use the saw again the next day, drain the fuel tank and run the saw until it stops. This avoids having the petrol evaporate and leaving the 2 stroke oil in the carby. If it is left for a long time it can be the major cause of hard to start saws.
6. At times my saws get worked hard and I have 4 chains for each one. I change the chain rather than sharpening when it gets blunt and sharpen them all at the end of the day.
7. If you ever cut palm trees take the chain and bar apart and wash everything in water when finished. The sap is very corrosive and will eat holes in the alloy very quickly.

I have a plastic blade guard which slide over the bar and makes it much better to transport & store. I also made a simple plywood box in which I can store the small saw, blades, relevant tools, files, oil and 5L can of fuel. I know I can just pick it up and have everything needed.

Each to their own but the above works for me.
alastair

Thanks Alastair, very helpfull, was wondering about the palms. I have several that need trimming.

Cheers

Thanks Alan, Im sold then.

Cheers.

Hi sweetwill yeah I figured there probably the most dangerous thing on earth the way they slice through logs, with out much of a guard compared to evey other tool I own.
Just hoping I won't get complacent and too confident with it, cause I know it will bite bad If I do something wrong.

Cheers.

Roughasguts
Times 2 and with emphasis on getting checked out by an experienced operator. You already know they are dangerous and being forewarned about the specific circumstances when things can get nasty is essential for keeping bodily parts attached.

One of the most important things not so far mentioned here is to make sure your balance is not affected by insecure footing. Be fastidious about it like having an exit route when felling. It don't matter much how correctly you were holding it if you slip A/T. Always salute when not cutting.

I protect eyes from chips and ears from sound - nothing much will protect you from the chain except keeping the fear alive.

IME there's a lot more to using a chainsaw proficiently than there is to any other saw I've used. Don't want to be smart but you'll know when you see someone who is good at it and probably notice an awful lot people who get by or worse.

FWIW I use Stihl bar oil at 1:1 with the fuel tank. When cutting dry/hard wood, pause occasionally and rev the saw away from the wood until the chain is noticeably moist with oil again. Dry metal on dry metal....

Cheers
Mark

To add to safety warnings.

Always check your escape route. Make sure that you can step back or move away from your tree or work.

Stop every so often and take off your ear guards to listen. Look up and around often to see what's around you.

Don't saw if children and animals are nearby.

Wear chainsaw chaps... or lose a leg.

Always have the chain moving fast before you start to cut.

It's a good idea to have someone know that you are chainsawing to check on you if they hear the saw stop unexpectedly!

And get a note from your Mum saying you're old enough to own a chainsaw too.

You're a grown adult, you sound like a sensible person - I assume you haven't had "training" for every other dangerous object you own (watch out for those kitchen knives) just use the chainsaw in a sensible manner and take sensible precautions.

This country will end up wrapping itself up in cotton wool.

What a shocking irresponsible response from Nigel. My wife is an ambulance paramedic. You should listen to some of the horrible results of ignorant 'grown adults' using chainsaws.... or for that matter kitchen knives!!!!

You must be a very young and foolish person to suggest that ALL the safety advice shouldn't be carefully followed. My son is currently felling timber from the big fires in our area. I am relieved every evening when he makes it home safely. This is no lightweight discussion.... We ARE talking about life and death.

Wake up to yourself. It is not a 'nanny state'... 'cotton wool' discussion. Chainsaws really shouldn't be sold to untrained operators. IMHO

“Wake up to yourself.”

What an interesting and supremely arrogant expression. Its intent is to suggest the user has some superior knowledge and wisdom over the mere mortal to which he is speaking . The user of the expression, alone, sees “The Truth” and knows only his view is the “Correct” one.

Unfortunately this phrase has become all too commonplace recently and is, invariably, uttered by people who want to force their view of the world onto those “other” people who hold worthless opinions.

It is a valuable tool for proponents of the nanny state.

Well Nigel all I can think from your responses is that either you are trying to get a "rise" from someone or you have never seen or contemplated the damage the wrong end of a chainsaw can inflict on the operator or a bystander getting too close. Keep in mind some so called "adults" can not perform a task as simple as getting themselves across a road without winding up as roadkill.
Get too up close and personal with the bitie end of a chainsaw and you will have a lot more to worry about than a migraine

Ah well done Nigel. You understood well. I don't however think that your opinions are completely worthless.

Hi John, I'm with you mate.
This subject has sure brought out the experts.
Cheers Bruce.

Thanks Fatso, was wondering about the cutting using the upper chain . Think I'll leave that then.

Cheers.

Yes, and when the chainsaw 'bites' you will need some rope to hold that arm or leg in place till you get to the hospital too

Maîneÿ . . .

Yeah right on Mainey, and an esky full of ice to pack the limb in when you take it and yourself to hospital

Yes, I agree full with the above comments, you do NEED quality bar oil, it’s nothing like lubricating oil used in a vehicle because it does a totally different job and has to remain on the blade, not get thrown off by the chain.
I'm sure you would not use bar oil in your vehicle engine as lubricating oil ha ha


Why not do a " chainsaw operating course " as you will learn so many things you have not even thought about.
I did and my cutting 'technique' and chain sharpening skills improved dramatically because of it.
Image Could Not Be FoundMaîneÿ . . .

Hi Dave, I am wondering about m/cycle chain oil! I guess that won't flick off but might gum up the chain and bar with all the wood chips.

So I'll just stick to the bar oil for now.

Cheers.

Nah not electric. Bought the petrol Ozito, 12 inch bar! just a GMC in green plastic.

A mate tells me the electric B&D Alligator would probably do a better job quicker and safer. Oh well should have asked around first but it's only a few dollars, just hope it's safe enough.

Cheers.

Thanks Mate, I won't be using it a lot as it's only for the maybe twice a year job. Otherwise I would have spent a bit more money like me other toys, but so far can't fault it it starts better than me Stihl Line trimmer and the Blower, but the Honda stuff is easier to date.

Cheers.