Author Topic: Chain Saws (Read 2059 times)

delboy · « **on:** November 25, 2008, 10:17:43 »

For ages and ages I have wanted a chainsaw to deal with small trees etc and to cut logs for the fire.

Foolishly I mentioned this as a potential Christmas present to my OH.

Oh my God! She went apesh#t. You'd think I'd wanted a thermo-nuclear device to use on Margate...

She has now spoken calmly(only took a fortnight) and tells me that as long as I go on a safety course and can prove I have, then I can buy my own chainsaw..

Have looked at a couple of sites, but these courses would seem to cost £350 plus for a couple of days.

Does anyone know of anything/anywhere a bit cheaper?

I'm in Surrey but can drive an hour or more if needed.

Thanks

betula · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2008, 10:25:00 »

I can understand your OH reaction.Out of all the tools ,they scare me.

Maybe I have been at college too long but I agree training is essential.

Pershore college in the midlands probbally do courses,Should imagine not cheap though. :)

OllieC · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2008, 10:44:45 »

Wear goggles, don't saw towards yourself & remember the blade doesn't stop instantly... I used to be left alone with one at the age of 14 to cut up wood for the fire, still got most of me fingers & toes!

froglets · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2008, 10:48:49 »

And add in the cost of the safety gear. OH has had several chainsaws over the year and we take down trees between us. He's always had the gloves, toe tectors helmet, face guard and ear defenders, but after a bit of nagging from me, has just invested in a pair of safety trousers ( dungarees) to protect the front of his body. £100 +vat for them alone & the rest is not optional ( in my opinion)

Cheers

asbean · « **Reply #4 on:** November 25, 2008, 10:59:15 »

My BIL has a wood and uses a chainsaw regularly to maintain it. He uses all the gear all the time and H&S is top priority.

At least the VAT will be cheaper now :) :) :)

Pesky Wabbit · « **Reply #5 on:** November 25, 2008, 11:53:56 »

I got myself a small chain, its absolutely brilliant. Never been on a training course, just read the safety guide and use common sense.

If the gadget scares you, dont use it as you wont feel confident with it and that's when accidents happen.

Treat it like a woman, be decisive and firm, be in control, otherwise it will bite you.

PS woman scare me ... a lot.

tonybloke · « **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2008, 18:38:40 »

my college runs these course, 'eaton college norfolk' I've been on 2; cs30 and cs31, (double course) got the tickets! I agree the courses are a bit pricey, but we got 4 days plus 1/2 day assessment. cheaper than a new hand or foot ;)

davyw1 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2008, 18:41:54 »

Netto had them in Origon 2 £70.

mike77 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2008, 19:44:21 »

why not find out if there is a qualified tree surgeon in your area that would take you out for a day or two? ok you might not end up with a piece of paper that says you are qualified but they are the guys in the know.
bit like learning to drive really you get taught how to pass a test but you only learn to drive when let loose on your own!
my old man has had several chainsaws over the years and is one of the most accident prone people i know!
it's a matter of not taking risks you aren't 100% sure of and using common sense at the end of the day just make sure you aren't buying a sledgehammer to crack a walnut ;D

Larkshall · « **Reply #9 on:** November 30, 2008, 20:16:58 »

If you are intending to use a chainsaw for cutting up logs there are two things you need. Common sense with tools and a sawhorse fitted with a rope vice to hold the log. The sawhorse needs to be three "X" frames with a bolt in the cross to allow it to pivot, these are then linked with two horizontal bars and a diagonal bar each side. Two of the X frames should be about 9" apart (to hold short length's). The rope vice is a rope of about 1" circumference tied to the far side of the sawhorse top horizontal bar, brought round over the log and held tight with your foot (a bar of wood will help to hold it tight).

If you are not confident with using power tools, then I suggest that you use a bow saw. You should use a bow saw on anything under about 3" diameter.

delboy · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2008, 09:24:32 »

Thanks for all the advice.

Erring on the sides of caution and expense, my OH has "won"... I'll make do with axe and saws.

Safer.

Sensible.

Bu##er!

ACE · « **Reply #11 on:** December 01, 2008, 20:37:26 »

That's the right decision. I have been on chain saw courses, refresher courses, tree climbing courses. I failed the last one as my bottle had gone. No amount of training will have you prepared for the first kickback you will get. Even with all the safety gear on you will still need spare undercrackers.

OllieC · « **Reply #12 on:** December 01, 2008, 20:43:02 »

Safe, boring & able to count to 10 without removing your socks... Sounds good!

ACE · « **Reply #13 on:** December 01, 2008, 21:24:44 »

Perhaps your missus read this.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/chainsaw-death-was-carefully-thought-through-suicide-1025503.html

Larkshall · « **Reply #14 on:** December 04, 2008, 23:54:54 »

Whether you use a chainsaw or bow saw you need this:-
http://erowell.co.uk/Gardening/Firewood.html

delboy · « **Reply #15 on:** December 05, 2008, 01:18:52 »

Thank you all for really useful info.

This entire thread is being sent to she who will now be obeyed..

springs · « **Reply #16 on:** December 10, 2008, 16:09:36 »

Delboy don't be put off just common sense needed that's all

shaun01 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 11, 2008, 09:20:43 »

oh yes kick lol or should that be brown backs ;D

littlebabybird · « **Reply #18 on:** December 11, 2008, 17:15:41 »

what are you using at the moment to deal with trees and do the logs?

just asking coz umm i'm nosy lol
lbb

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Author Topic: Chain Saws (Read 2059 times)