Preparing to cut winter firewood

Press, 24 May 1988, Page 37

Preparing to cut winter firewood

Few things could be more annoying than a neighbour’s chainsaw shattering the silence early on a Sunday morning. Nevertheless, apart from their noisy habits, a chainsaw can be a useful addition to the collection of tools in the garage. As winter approaches, the thoughts of many people are directed towards replenishing the woodpile. The trusty chainsaw is found and put to work. This may sound simple enough, but it is most important to remember that a chainsaw can be a lethal tool if used incorrectly. The chain can be moving at 80 km/hr and if it comes into contact with a carelessly placed limb, whether of a tree or person, it can do some serious damage. Using a chainsaw can be a physically demanding task. Operators should be in good condition and unaffected by drugs or alcohol. If you get tired while operating a chainsaw, take a break. Operating a chainsaw need not be hazardous, however. There are many ways of reducing risks.

Wearing the correct clothing is important. Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs or other clothing that could become tangled in the saw. Special protective clothing should be worn. Essential items would include non-slip gloves, ear muffs, and non-fogging goggles or a visor. Chainsaws have been developing for more than 60 years. Much of the. development has revolved around making them safer and easier to use.

The first rule of safety is to ensure tht the chainsaw is mechanically sound before starting work. Fuel is also important. It is best not to use old fuel that has been sitting around the garage for some months. Chainsaw fuel is a mixture of petrol and oil and if it is stale the saw will not function efficiently. Also important is the mixture of the fuel. Oil is added to the petrol to lubricate the parts.

Older chainsaws are likely to use a mixture of one part of oil to 16 parts of petrol. Modern saws

are cleaner and more efficient and may require only one part of oil to 25 or 50 parts of petrol. Make sure you know the fuel requirements for your own particular saw and never just ask a petrol pump attendant to ;mix you the correct amount. You are more likely to get a mixture suitable for a lawnmower engine. By now, the chainsaw will be ready to cut that winter firewood. But remember, look at your watch before getting started on Sunday morning;