Before you get cracking you need to make sure that you are fully prepared for the task you are about to undertake. Chainsaws are very dangerous tools if they are not given the appropriate respect. As a result, it is very important to minimise all risk as much as possible before you get going.
Before you get to work with your chainsaw, no matter what the task, you need to make sure you have all the personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes jacket, trousers, boots, gloves, helmet (ideally with a visor) and ear defenders. They are all designed to provide the maximum protection possible; the jacket and trousers will jam the chainsaw straight away, which should minimise damage.
- Deciding on pattern before starting
Much of the success when it comes to carving the wood is in the planning beforehand different options available to you This is why it is so important to be clear on the design before you start. There are a seemingly infinite number of so you can download or purchase the perfect designs based on the dimensions of the log you are going to carve.
- Pick the right chainsaw
Strictly speaking, woodcarving can be done with almost all chainsaw types. The right chainsaw is the one that feels natural to hold and work with. Chainsaws vary in size and weight, so you want one that isn’t too cumbersome when you work or is excessively tiring. You need to focus on the carving and not the saw when you work.
When selecting your chainsaw, you need to make sure you have set up the chainsaw chain correctly and it has been tensioned properly. If you are able to, be sure to choose a chainsaw with significant anti-kickback features in order to minimise as much risk as possible.
- Maintenance of chainsaws
Before you start, it is imperative that the chainsaw chain has been maintained correctly. A poorly maintained machine will only be more unpredictable and more dangerous. Given how dangerous chainsaws can be, you must make sure you put the appropriate work in before you start carving.
You should make sure that the chainsaw is sharp, so carving is easy. If the cutting teeth are dull it can increase the chances of kickback and, therefore, more dangerous. You can either sharpen the chain by yourself or take it to a professional.
- Additional safety
One thing you should always be aware of when using a chainsaw is that kickback, which is an instant jolt in an upward direction, is a very dangerous thing if you are not prepared. There is very little you can do when this happens, so you should always be aware of how it occurs.
To help with safety, most modern chainsaws have a chain brake. This is arguably the most important part of the entire chainsaw due to the risks involved. It is designed to apply a steel brake to stop the chain, which comes in handy when you are changing position, as you don’t need to turn off the machine. It also can activate when kickback occurs.