History Of The Chainsaw Chain
April 29, 2009 by Robert · Leave a Comment
It might actually surprise you to learn that there actually is an interesting history to the chainsaw chain. The chainsaw chain was important to developing an efficient tool that could saw through objects quickly. The chainsaw chain became a mechanical part of the osteotome, an early chainsaw device. The osteotome was used in surgical procedures. The osteotome was an invention of Bernard Heine in 1830.
This early chainsaw type of device had the now typical chainsaw chain with cutting teeth. The chain moved quickly around a metal blade, which served as a guide for the chain. The chain was energized by a sprocket wheel handle. Bernard Heine’s invention provides the basic form and parts, which have inspired the modern chainsaw of today.
It was not until 1926 that portable chainsaws were available to the public. It was then that Andreas Stihl began building the small chainsaws with a motor. These types of chainsaws were a hit with the customers.
Power To The Chainsaw
Since the early days when a hand crank powered the movement of the chainsaw chain, the chainsaw has developed into hand held and stationary cutting machines that are powered by electricity and gasoline. The home hobbyist and the industrial user of chainsaws can use the power of the chainsaw chain to help the job get finished faster. The chainsaw chain is one of the best modern tools for construction because of the time that it saves the chainsaw owner.
The chainsaw chain is strong enough to cut through wood easily. It must be maintained with regularly oiling. A chain replacement part should be kept on hand so that when the chainsaw chain needs replacing, you have one ready.
Wear Protective Clothing
Since the chainsaw is a powerful cutting device, it is important that you use the chainsaw carefully and be prepared for a swift kick back motion from the blade when the blade is not used properly. Wear protective clothing that is made from heavy and protective material such as ballistic nylon or Kevlar material. Since particles will fly when you are using a chainsaw, wear goggles and a helmet. These pieces of protective clothing could save your life in the event of an accident. Read the instructions carefully to learn how to use the chainsaw blade and chain correctly.
The chainsaw chain has kept its basic form since its early days as a surgical tool. The chainsaw chain has been a successful design since the chain continues to be produced on chainsaws regularly for 178 years. As a powerful element of the chainsaw, the chainsaw chain should be treated with respect.
Looking for a replacement chain saw chain? Here's a partial selection to look over.
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High Limb CS-48 Chain Saw For Professional Landscapers 48-Inch Chain List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $34.85 Average Rating:   |
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No more balancing acts! No more expensive tree service bills! Just toss the safety weight over the branch you want to cut, then pull the 25ft. polypropylene ropes. Carbon steel blades can be sharpened... |
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Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4.0 HP Electric Chain Saw List Price: $89.99 Sale Price: $89.99 Average Rating:  |
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Providing cutting-edge features to help you power through jobs both big and small, the Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4.0 HP Electric Chain Saw arrives fully assembled, so it's ready to go right out of the box... |
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Black & Decker NPP2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Chain Saw, 8-Inch Bar List Price: $251.18 Sale Price: $119.00 Average Rating: |
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Save money and time by tackling pruning projects yourself--instead of hiring someone else to do it--with this ultra-efficient 18-volt cordless pole chain saw from Black & Decker. Complete with an 8.0-inch extension bar that lets you reach up to 14 feet and cut high branches without having to climb up on a ladder, this battery powered saw is both lightweight and easy to handle... |
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Poulan 952051338 18-Inch Chain Saw Chain 3/8 List Price: $28.64 Sale Price: $13.99 Average Rating: |
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Use this replacement chain on select 18-Inch Poulan chain saws. Features the Color Match system so you're sure to get the right size. 3/8-Inch Pitch .50 Gauge Features the Color Match System Purchase The Yellow Color Match Guide Bar For This Chain Fits Models 2175, 2300, 2375, 2450, 2550 & 2600 |
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Black & Decker CCS818 18-Volt Cordless Electric Chain Saw List Price: $191.66 Sale Price: $109.99 Average Rating: |
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Lightweight, easy-to-operate, and able to get into even the tightest areas with ease, this cordless electric chain saw from Black & Decker handles both soft and hard wood measuring up to eight inches in diameter... |
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Chainsaw Carving as Art
April 27, 2009 by Robert · Leave a Comment
As the name suggests, chainsaw carving is the practice of using a chainsaw to create sculptures, generally out of wood. It's a popular art form with a growing audience all over the world. There are exhibits and chainsaw carving festivals held in many countries, with more of these events being held with each passing year.
Chainsaw carving not only produces aesthetically pleasing sculpture but is also a sort of performance art all its own. Chainsaw carving festivals draw large audiences, with the spectators quite often traveling many miles to watch the artists create their sculptures. By anyone's standards, it's amazing to watch an artist take a chainsaw and a run of the mill log and transform it into a thing of beauty. There's something unique about sculpting with a chainsaw that always draws a crowd. Some chainsaw carvers have even been able to take their passion and start a successful career as a working artist; some larger and more detailed chainsaw carvings sell for thousands of dollars at auctions and in galleries.
The History Of Chainsaw Carving
Chainsaw carving has been around nearly as long as the chainsaw itself. However, this was long something done only by loggers looking for a way to keep occupied when work was slow; with some loggers taking it up as a hobby.
In the 60's, chainsaw carving work began showing up at state fairs and forestry expos, bringing the art form to the attention of the general public. Many of these sculptures were very simple ones made by chainsaw manufacturers and dealers to illustrate the ease of use offered by their products. While chainsaw carving was often used as a marketing gimmick, hobbyists were beginning to take an interest as were professional artists interested in this new technique.
Chainsaw carving slowly grew in popularity, with hobbyists selling some of their work at fairs and other events. With each exhibit, interest grew.
It was in the 90's that chainsaw carving really began to gain popularity. The internet made it possible for enormous numbers of people to be exposed to this art and many people found themselves catching the chainsaw carving bug. There are now thousands of chainsaw carvers all over the world, with artists working in the medium on every populated continent. It is however in the US where chainsaw carving got its start that this art form is the most popular and US-based chainsaw carving events draw thousands from every part of the globe.
If you happen to live nearby where a chainsaw carving event is held, it's well worth your time to go have a look. You'll be amazed at what can be made with a chainsaw and a log – and watching these artists work is a one of a kind experience.
If you're in the market for a chain saw, here is a partial selection of chainsaws for sale offered at very affordable prices.
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High Limb CS-48 Chain Saw For Professional Landscapers 48-Inch Chain List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $34.85 Average Rating: |
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No more balancing acts! No more expensive tree service bills! Just toss the safety weight over the branch you want to cut, then pull the 25ft. polypropylene ropes. Carbon steel blades can be sharpened... |
|
Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4.0 HP Electric Chain Saw List Price: $89.99 Sale Price: $89.99 Average Rating: |
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Providing cutting-edge features to help you power through jobs both big and small, the Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4.0 HP Electric Chain Saw arrives fully assembled, so it's ready to go right out of the box... |
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Black & Decker NPP2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Chain Saw, 8-Inch Bar List Price: $251.18 Sale Price: $119.00 Average Rating: |
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Save money and time by tackling pruning projects yourself--instead of hiring someone else to do it--with this ultra-efficient 18-volt cordless pole chain saw from Black & Decker. Complete with an 8.0-inch extension bar that lets you reach up to 14 feet and cut high branches without having to climb up on a ladder, this battery powered saw is both lightweight and easy to handle... |
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Poulan 952051338 18-Inch Chain Saw Chain 3/8 List Price: $28.64 Sale Price: $13.99 Average Rating: |
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Use this replacement chain on select 18-Inch Poulan chain saws. Features the Color Match system so you're sure to get the right size. 3/8-Inch Pitch .50 Gauge Features the Color Match System Purchase The Yellow Color Match Guide Bar For This Chain Fits Models 2175, 2300, 2375, 2450, 2550 & 2600 |
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Black & Decker CCS818 18-Volt Cordless Electric Chain Saw List Price: $191.66 Sale Price: $109.99 Average Rating: |
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Lightweight, easy-to-operate, and able to get into even the tightest areas with ease, this cordless electric chain saw from Black & Decker handles both soft and hard wood measuring up to eight inches in diameter... |
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Working with a Chainsaw
April 24, 2009 by Robert · Leave a Comment
Chainsaws are tools which are familiar to most of us. Largely used in logging, a chainsaw is a motorized saw which is designed for cutting down or trimming limbs off of trees. They are used extensively by parks departments to prevent wild fires and for growth management. Chainsaw sculptures are another popular use for the tool; there are a lot of people who sculpt wood with chainsaws as a hobby or as working artists. Of course, we also know chainsaws quite well from horror movies.
How Does A Chainsaw Work?
A chainsaw is a relatively simple tool. There is a cutting chain which is something like a bladed bicycle chain. The chain is set along a metal guide bar which serves as the track for the cutting chain. This chain is powered by a gasoline or electrical motor. There are varieties of chainsaws designed with loggers and arborists in mind, but they are becoming increasingly popular with home gardeners – there are now smaller, lighter chainsaws available which are well suited to smaller jobs. There are now even chainsaws which are marketed towards female gardeners.
Maintaining a Chainsaw
The engine is self-lubricating; the oil used in the fuel takes care of lubrication. However, this fuel is very flammable, so a different oil reservoir is used to lubricate the chain and guide bar. This oil needs to be kept at the appropriate level, lest the guide bar and chain be damaged by friction. You’ll also need to clean the air intake filter periodically to keep your chainsaw in good working order by blowing it out with compressed air. You'll want to then remove the filter itself and wash it with warm soapy water and allow it to air dry. You'll also need to keep the blades sharp; this can be done with a jig or a round file.
Using a Chainsaw Safely
Even though pains are taken to ensure safety when designing chainsaws, it's important to remember that there is some risk associated with using these tools. Kickback is the cause of most chainsaw injuries and fatalities. This occurs when the chain stops moving while cutting, causing the guide bar to bounce back towards the use. When felling trees, there is also the risk of the tree falling on the user. It's important to educate yourself on proper safety procedures before working with these tools. Safety should always come first, especially when working with power tools.
If you're in the market for a chain saw, here is a partial selection of brand name chainsaws for sale offered at very affordable prices.
Check out these chainsaws and chainsaw parts for sale, available now at affordable prices
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How to Tell If Your Chainsaw Chain Needs Sharpening
April 18, 2009 by Robert · Leave a Comment
Lets assume you're somewhat inexperienced with using a chainsaw. How do you tell when it's time to sharpen the chain? You should be aware that there are warning signs, and failure to heed them could lead to serious injury or worse.
A good way to tell if your chainsaw chain is dull and needs sharpening is when it stops throwing off wood chips and produces saw dust, instead. You'll notice, also, that you'll begin needing to push. A sharp chain cuts without pushing. So, if you see your chainsaw making sawdust and/or you have to begin pushing to make to complete your cut, your chain has, no doubt, become dull.
In fact, when these things begin to happen, you should stop cutting immediately. Let go of any temptation to finish the job, no matter how close you are to completion. It only takes a split second for things to go wrong. Then you will wish you would have stopped and addressed the issue.
Getting a Chain Sharpened Professionally
If you have no experience sharpening a chainsaw chain, it's probably best to have it done professionally at first until you can learn to do it properly yourself. Always keep a sharpened chain in reserve so that you don't have to interrupt the job. It's an easy matter to switch chains.
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes even experienced users make is not operating a chainsaw with a sharp blade. Take this as a warning always to make sure you're using a sharpened chain.
Tags: chainsaw chain, Chainsaw Maintenance, Chainsaw Safety, Chainsaws, osteotome, using a chainsawRelated posts
How do you sharpen a Chainsaw?
April 17, 2009 by Robert · Leave a Comment
If you use your chainsaw on a regular basis you know how important it is to keep it sharp and if you do use it often, maybe it's a good idea to learn to sharpen it yourself. Although they only charge $10-20 to sharpen a chainsaw professionally, if you need to do it often, it would be wise to learn to sharpen it yourself. Here are the steps required to sharpen a chainsaw on yourself.
Find Out What Size of Chain Your Chainsaw Has
Each chainsaw has a different type of chain with different sized blades. Once you find that out, purchase a chainsaw file otherwise known as a rattail file that is sized specifically for your chainsaw.
Clean the Chain
Before you begin to sharpen the chainsaw, make sure that you have cleaned the chain and it's free from dirt, sawdust, oil and debris. You should purchase a degreasing cleaner to clean the chain.
Look For Damage
Before you starting sharpening, look for damaged teeth or teeth that look overly worn. Over time and with use these teeth will wear out and instead of sharpening, you should just buy a new chain.
Place the Chainsaw Bar in a Vise or Clamp
Make sure the chainsaw is securely fastened to a vise or clamp and will not move.
Find the Shortest Cutter
Once you have found the shortest cutter tooth, start by filing the angled tooth. If you have purchased the right file, it will fit the curve of the blade perfectly. The file should end up being flush with the tooth. Make sure to make a mark to indicate where you have started so that you don't end up doing it two times.
File At The Same Angle
Once you figure out where you should be filing (it will be quite obvious since that's where the file will fit), make sure to file on the same angle, which is about 25 degrees. When filing, file across the face and twist the file slightly. You can either push the file or pull it toward yourself.
Work Your Way Around the Chain
Sharpen each tooth the same way and if you made a mark, you will know exactly where to stop.
Once Done, Turn Around
If you notice, you have been sharpening only the cutter that is facing you, there are cutting teeth on the other side as well. Turn the chainsaw around and secure it again and file the teeth that go in the opposite direction, making sure to mark were you started once again.
Oil The Chain
When finished sharpening, make sure to oil the chain thoroughly as this newly exposed steel will rust. Also, check the tension once again and adjust if necessary.
Now that you know how to sharpen your own chainsaw, give it a try. With a little practice and patience you will be able to sharpen a chainsaw just like a pro. This can be a handy skill to learn so that you don't have to rely on someone else when you need your saw sharpened.
Are you shopping for a chainsaw sharpener? Here is a selection for your consideration.
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Oregon 108181 Saw Chain Mini Bench Grinder/Sharpener List Price: $224.90 Sale Price: $169.99 Average Rating: |
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OREGON® BENCH-MOUNTED MINI GRINDER |
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Oregon 109179 Saw Chain Hydraulically Assisted Bench Grinder/Sharpener List Price: $535.61 Sale Price: $359.99 Average Rating: |
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HYDRAULICALLY ASSISTED BENCH GRINDER 115V |
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Oregon 511AX Saw Chain Bench Grinder/Sharpener List Price: $349.99 Sale Price: $309.99 Average Rating:  |
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This grinder is a durable machine built with the quality and features needed for frequent high-volume chain sharpening. Comes with 1/8in., 3/16in. and 1/4in. grinding wheels for sharpening chain pitches up to 1/2in... |
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Dremel 1453 Chain Saw Sharpening Attachment List Price: $12.73 Sale Price: $8.13 Average Rating: |
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Use to sharpen dull chainsaws. For use with Dremel rotary tools (model No. 275, 285, 395, 398, and 781). Includes: Sharpening attachment, 3 sharpening stones, 2 spacers, gauge, and wrench. Available Only At Cape. |
