Here are the chainsaw chaps I wear: amzn.to/3RcKodl Here is the type of helmet I wear: amzn.to/3GcBUfR Check out more of our Tree Felling and Firewood videos here: ru-vid.com/group/PLmYnhJtNUq7fT6tin6FKooDf7_oeqwyex To interact with me personally, join the Rockhill farm Facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/1270496403596230/ Rockhill Farm is a daily equipment and rural living vlog. We mainly focus on tractors and working outdoors. I really appreciate you taking time to watch this video. If you enjoy this type of content Check out some of the following links to support our channel. If you are interested in a rock Hill Farms T-shirt check out our merch store rockhill-farm.creator-spring.com/listing/rockhill-farm-logo Please subscribe to our channel here: ru-vid.com Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/Rock-Hill-Farm-102050688356056/ You can now support the channel by buying us a coffee at the following link: www.buymeacoffee.com/rockhillfarm
I have been using a chain saw for over almost 50 years. When I got my first one I knew absolutely nothing. I learned from friends and by experience. I had some close calls, but nothing bad. Due to folks like you and other RU-vidrs I think I am now much safer than I ever was. So thanks for making this video. It is excellent! Cheers!
Brock, thanks for your excellent videos. The things I like about your videos are... 1. you are humble, 2. you do not claim to be a professional, but instead are a person with enough experience to understand various things, but are still learning and share what you are learning. Many pros have learned so much they can no longer relate to the novice, and you are right where a person needs to be to understand both the pro and the novice, which helps you share what information a novice needs to know, 3. you are an open book, and not afraid to share both the good and the bad. Thanks.
By far the BEST video I have watched!!! Didn't get the urge to skip through the video nor go to the next video. THANK YOU!!! Great video for young boys to watch, gotta catch them before they get set in their ways lol
Thanks, great points! I just want to say, I have used chainsaws for years, always went well. Last fall i purchased one of those 'Little' Battery cordless ones (8 inch). Used it quite a bit with not problem. The other day I was cutting a piece of 'cedar', which I never really realized was very different from other wood. It's a rough, stringy wood, grabs the blade easily (especially if it's not sharp), the saw blade jumped into my arm b4 I could even take my finger off the trigger. So just a reminder to all of your watchers, be aware that as they seem almost like little toys, they are Not. They can do alot of damage in a second or two. Fortunately, the cut was lengthwise down my forearm instead of across, I got real lucky. Was cut to the bone but miraculously didn't hit the muscle, nerve, ligament, tendon or the wrist/hand. So grateful but it was a 'Wake up Call that they are serious little machines!
Good points for everyone to consider. When i run a chainsaw i wear dual hearing protection ear plugs and muffs. My hearing is terrible anyway so i have to protect what i have left
Also really important: If you start the saw between your legs, pinch the handle with your legs - not the blade... Believe it or not, some people try it the other way around... (Greetings from Charles Darwin). I think, this video is underrated. Chainsaw safety can't be stressed enough. I might want to add, there are special boots that have a steel tip, and the same cut-proof fabric on the shaft as the chaps, stopping the chain when you try to cut into your foot. And if you find chaps uncomfortable, there's also pants with the protective layers. Much more comfortable IMHO and they're usually not very expensive. What I'm not sure if it was missing in the video, in Europe the safety pants are available in different classes. The most common (and cheapest) class 1 protection pants are officially only stopping a chain moving no more than 20m/s (some 60ft/s ish). That speed is exceeded by many chain saws, and a pair of class 2 pants would be advisable. If that's also holding true in the US, it might be worth a consideration. Last but not least, one somewhat important rule would also be to never ever cut with only one hand on the saw. I'm guilty of that myself, cutting a small branch into short pieces, and the branch started spinning on my sawbuck, so I kept the saw (it was a small and quite lite model) in one hand and the branch in the other. Long story short, the glove was good for the trash, and some bandages had to stop the blood flow. Only some light cuts in the top of my fingers, and I had more luck than I deserved. If you absolutely have to cut with one hand, take a suitable saw. There's models that are made for that purpose, with the handle really close to the center of gravity. And keep in mind, even for those the manufacturers recommend to use both hands at all times. If there's no other solution, take a manual saw. It's a pain in the ass to cut up your branches by hand. But hey, and hour is time well spent if the alternative is spending 2h in the ER and 2 months recovering. Just always ask yourself: Do I want to save myself an hour of extra effort, or do I want to save my wife an hour a day for not having to visit me in the hospital?
Adding to this: Invest in a really GOOD manual pull saw for those few cuts that should be done manually. They are cheap nowadays and cut with relative ease.
I’m new to owning and using a chainsaw. Just picked up a Sthil MS 261. Appreciate this video and I am using all the recommended safety equipment mentioned. I have a lot of respect for this tool and what it can do if you’re not carefully. Thank you for taking the time to share this very informative video.
I am old school. Any safety concepts on 99% of your points are spot on! I don't have the chaps and helmet. Both are awesome things to use. Study each cut.
Thanks, great advice! Here's some fun facts for you, chainsaws were invented by a German surgeon to improve the amputation saw in the 1820's, according to Robert Grimshaw in Grimshaw on Saws. It looked like an 'egg beater' drill. Stihl came up with the version we know, with Buford Johnson creating the tooth design we use, based on the mandible of a wood boring beetle. And Buckin' Billy Ray is a great guy! I learned about him from Steve, at Steve's Small Engine Saloon channel.
My biggest concern or when I almost took my leg off or hurt myself. Is at the end of the day (tired) that's when I make mistakes. I typed it before u talked about it . Cutting brush usually throws the chain because the branches go in between the bar and chain and your hand can get hurt. Also the saw being sharp and not taking the time to re sharpen. Great job 🤪
As many commenters have already said; great video Brock. There is no way to ever know it but I'm sure your video will help to prevent an injury (injuries).
1) I'm all for chain brakes. Even a properly adjusted saw will sometimes have blade movement when idling (at least in my experience). Hitting the chain brake makes sure any blade movement won't cause it to catch anything on the ground. 2) When using wedges, make sure then can't drop down on to the blade. I had one kick out about 12 feet. If anyone had been in front of the saw, they'd have gotten clobbered. 3) If you're still learning, work your way up in what you cut down. Don't go for that 40" tree until your comfortable with the smaller stuff. 4) Experience cutting firewood poles does not translate to experience cutting down trees. They're basically two different skill sets.
Ya im a brake hitter as well. It is literally a flip of the wrist. Then a quick grab with the fingers. I remember being told by a few old timers that I will wrar it out lol. They obviously dont understand how one works.
All good info. Repetitive and fatigue leads to what we call complacency in the military. Thanks for sharing your story. Glad everything turned out ok and its crazy how the hand heals like that. I will probably refer this video next time we have a safety meeting on outdoor power equipment.
thank you for this vid Brock. i wish i would have had this when i first started using a saw! i stumbled and took a cut to my lag which required over 70 stitches! great job man,
Oh, and ladders put 5 times more people in the ER than chainsaws, so always be super careful on ladders folks. Just think about all the people who fall off ladders and don't need to go to the ER. Ladders are really the most dangerous tool we ever use!
Brock, Thank you. You being safety oriented is a big help. I've recently within this last week taught my 12 year old the fundamentals and how to use a chainsaw. "Even made a video on cutting up a tree with him. I'll post it in a week or two" I did tell him the importance of wearing safety glasses and ear plugs and good leather gloves. I've always thought those were a necessities and have always worn them. I've honestly never given chaps a second thought never had them, never wore them don't even own a pair. But I think at it would be a good idea to get a pair for him and me. Seems like that would be a good piece of ppe for someone to use. I've gotten lucky in the past and have had the chain come across my jeans or bibs and lay them open. Very easily could have turned out bad for me.
Pay attention folks. My uncle died in a chainsaw accident 5 years ago, he was cutting down a tree and didn't clear the area around the tree, and he couldn't get away from it when it fell.
Appreciate being reminded of how dangerous one of my favorite things to do can be. I am going to try and use my chain brake much more than I have in the past.
Thank you for making this video My friend's brother almost took a1 way trip to the cemetery because of a widowmaker. He is alive today back to work on the family farm.
Perfect video! And perfect timing as most folks that are rookies always wait until it’s cold outside to start cutting any fire wood as like now so hopefully this content will make folks think about what they are doing with chain saws. I like you have been injured gravely before with a log rolling onto me and crushing my leg SO…. All of your points are correct for anyone’s personal safety using a saw! Hope you and the family had a great thanksgiving! Oh…. Is the new LS hat a clue for upcoming announcements?? Great channel and content…. You keep it ALL interesting and fun!! 🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍
When I bought a stihl saw I git a safety bag. There were chaps, helmet and glasses. I wear these chaps every time I use that saw. When I cut a tree down, I've got that helmet on. I was helping our neighbor cut trees down, I had put a new chain on and was cutting the tree that was down. There was a lot of brush in that area. When I pulled the chainsaw back it crabbed my leg. If I had not had those chaps on it would have cut my leg.
Nice job Brock, always good info no matter how long you have been operating chainsaws. Another thing is saw push back. I've been surprised by that a few times, usually happens when the the bar is just starting to get pinched . Top of the chain moving away bites in and pushes the saw back.
I prefer my two ways of starting my new saws! Has NOT failed me yet!! 1st way is plugging in the extension cord and pulling the trigger ( out on the property I take a generator with me), OR 2nd way is inserting a battery and pulling the trigger..... TRY IT and you may never go back! You don't need that excess weight if you can help it..... Who all here has gone electric as much as permitted????
I'm 41. Operated a saw a few times. Bought an ego battery powered saw. Part way through carrying it through the yard I applied the chain brake. A gas saw you are more conscious of it running because you can hear it. The electric saw starts at the bump of a button.
I’ve only been running a saw for 2 years… every single time I’m not cutting I hit my chain brake, I don’t really care if people think it’s stupid or whatnot. I’m protecting myself and I’m protecting the chain.
Awesome video! Will be on my list to show people new to sawing! Thank you! If you want input on a couple of improvements, I would stress the kickback area of the nose. I even show the user the distance between the cutting edge and raker and how that distance magnifies when it goes over the top of the nose and cuts too much and kicks back. You also do great job recommending steel toe, but I would how that is so important when bucking a log a few feet off the ground. Anyhow, these are small things and your video is great!!!!
68 years old . I have running saws seance 13 ears are shot. Only had one close call kick back! Had one tree spin 180 and fall the wrong way. I still watch safety videos every time I see one. After all the time I have spent with saws all ways catch my self getting to lax with safety. Think before for cut!!!!!
I keep 4 chains on hand (1 on the saw). That way I can make a quick swap, and go back to work. My reason is because I will rush sharpening in the field vs. taking my time, and doing a better job sharpening at home. My .02.
You are very lucky and I'm sure it could not have been easy to get back to it. I'm so nervous to use our little electric chainsaw. Maybe this wasn't the best video to start with, lol. I'm kidding, I learned a lot. Just the thing about the thumb placement. I'm so worried about kickback, an old boyfriend had a big scar across his cheek from that. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your knowledge.😊
Enjoyed your safety tips Brock, at 74 yrs don't use chainsaw as frequently as in yrs before. As a career hvy equipment mechanic always had/ wore work clothes and hvy safety shoes. Yes I nicked toe of shoe once exposing steel cap. Good that I had em on. Can't be too careful as complacency will kill ya. As you said don't be stupid and hurry. A chainsaw will remove a leg in an instant.
All great points, but sometimes the PPE can be a hazard as well. I use all that is not interfering with my safety. I agree totally with the slow down and think. Intentional thought and actions are the biggest safety that a person can take into any situation.
I love the little electric chainsaws... but I find them even more dangerous than the big ones! They have less mass, so they buck easier (IMO) and I've "caught" two of them jumping at my face (stitches needed) especially when cutting tiny limbs (1" or less). - - - And you're completely right, Fatuigue is ALWAYS what gets me in trouble, with a saw, a tractor, a rope, or any other project! Great reminder video Brock!!
Been around saws for 40+ years. The only way anyone I’ve been around sawing starts with what you call the throw method. I can’t start any of my saws the other two ways you described. Throw method I guess is how the older generations do it.
Would love to see you do a comparison on AirPod Pro 2nd Gen with noise canceling vs. over the ear. I use over the ear headphones for chainsaw work and in ear AirPod Pro for tractor work.
Haven't seen it on many US videos but in New Zealand pretty much every bigger saw I've seen has a leather mitt for your left hand to stop what you said happening at the end of the video in a kick back.
Good video Brock! And I can't help but notice that you're wearing a brand-new LS hat!!! Am I reading too much into this, or have you finally decided to move to a larger machine??? 🙂
You did a great job explaining everything. My dad taught me about running saws and working in the woods. The thing that stands out the most was him telling me if you feel yourself getting tired or weak, stop cutting. He said the same thing about using axes and busting mauls. I think a good thing to add is to always have someone else around. Thats not always possible but its definitely a good idea.
In addition you need to pay close attention to the loading and the lean. If you don't know or can't tell for sure, then get a rope on it. A good rope and a couple of snatch blocks are well worth the investment as cheap insurance, especially when you're first starting out.
I finally made the jump to chaps. Ive touched my leg 3x over the years but was lucky each time once with Carhart (361), once with Key double front (592) and once with chaps (455). No injuries but realized that i was getting fatiged and being lazy. ...as well as being very lucky there was no blood any of them. Bought a pait of Husky techs now. Hot af but gonna run them anyway
No matter how careful you are you can still get hurt. Lots more to think about cutting trees, but what do I know? I am just a dumb wood cutter. Thanks for the video. Be careful out there!
Good morning Brock. You're probably thinkig, "Here we go again". 😁 I've never really had any of the safety clothing or helmit when using a chainsaw but I always wore gloves and steel toed boots. Everything that you said was spot on. To me the two most important things about what you said was about the chain brake and making sure of your footing. As a person gets older they become even more important. When I am done cutting a piece of wood when I get through it I employ the chain brake before I move an inch. Which comes to the second part about knowing exactly where your feet are. As a person gets older their balance and footing are more compromised. And last but not least you are also right about operating a chainsaw while fatigued. But in my situation I have a Stihl MS250 and by the time I can get it running I'm wore out. 😁 Anyway, keep up the good work and one day I'll tell you the story about the time that I was holding a ladder for a buddy that was trimming limbs up a tree and dropped the chainsaw. So, God bless and have a wonderful day. Sorry this was so long. 👍👍🙂
Thanks for the comment. That sounds like a scary day. I wear the gear, but I think the biggest part of safety is your actions. I sometimes catch myself getting lazy or sloppy with what I’m doing and I’m trying to be conscious of that at all times.
@@krags.allander2465 It was a brand new saw. I have an old Poulan Pro that can sit for a year and it will fire up on the second pull. I was told when I bought the Stihl that they are the best but I'll never buy another one.
3 pieces of advice that can help 1) Get a pole saw. Powered or not. Even if you never use it for cutting branches, and extra 12 feet on a blade can come in very handy when have one of those situations where a tree isn't falling correctly. It can save your life. 2) If you're using a top-handled saw, don't cut anything above you. Your natural impulse will be to try to grab falling or swinging branches with your left hand. Happens faster than you'd expect. Also be mindful of how things will move on the ground with one of those saws. Anything unexpected with an arborist saw will cause you impulsively stick out your left hand near the blade. 3) Get a saw-proof glove for your left hand and wrist if you're using an arborist saw.
Brst tip i can give is wen your tired and sweaty ..take a bloody break for a few mins and cool off ..dont race to finish the stack of timber . Im so guilty of this ..and its wen all my near misses have happened .. gotta get thru all this timber so i can crack another job off d list eg.plough the acre, sort oit the charging system om the massey ..cut someones lawn ..ect ect ..you get the picture. TAKE A BLOODY BREAK B4 YOU GET A BLOODY BREAK.
My neighbor used to throw his saw to start it and I pinned mine to the ground. Neither of us wore chaps. He threw it one day and his brake wasn’t set and started, chain spinning and barely touched his leg just above the knee. I immediately suggested my wife buy me chaps for a present, lol! I don’t cut without them now, brake on, pinned to the ground.
I ALWAYS use my chain brake. If I'm walking, the brake is on. My grandpa cut his leg with a homelite saw that never had a brake. Mine has a chain brake, I use it.
I don’t know if this is something I talked about in the video because I don’t remember the details of this video but the Stihl operators manual gives you two methods. The way I do it is one of those two methods.
A feind of mine thinks its a good idea to stack timber into a log holder and cut through many lengths at once using the whole bar and tip ..sometimes they are twisted as in not even straight so hes no odea what is going on with each individual log he cuts away from the stack .. i. Pretty sure this isnt a good idea ... i always cut branches or bow sections individually on a stack of pallets ..so i can cut into the top pallet a bit of needed ..or wedge ones that fit into the top pallet through the side of the pallet to hold them . As i never use a helper to hold the logs. Seems to work well for me ..but then ive a good eye for wood, grain types, direction, force needed or not needed ect. Not a big fan of ppe bar face and ear protection as i reckon it just makes you complacent .. best tip in this video is about starting the saw while walking with it and not flicking on the brake while manouvering to a different position ... im pretty much a beghiner and i realise this .
I agree on the helmet big time. I was cutting one day and took a break to stand in the shade under a oak tree, when a big branch landed on top of helmet I was wearing, it buckled my knees but did not hurt me at all.
@ 04:10 …” But it Stihl really matters…”. I heard what you did there! 😊 @ 04:28. Whoa! This is what we call the ‘drop start,’ and I wish I could give you $100.00 for saying this. I will back you 100%, as this is a huge thing with me, and something I am very much against. I had a family member that ended up in the ER like You, and almost died. THAT IS MY REASON for any of you naysayers. @13:32 Simple but effective explanation of ‘Compression/ Tension!’ Great Video! I have watched a few of your videos, and I will Thank You by hitting that Like Button, AND SUBScribing! Please stay safe! 👍💪✌🇺🇸💯😊
The safety programs say if more than 1 step put it on or stepping over something ( chain break ) and have chain break engaged when starting . Great job hopefully u helped somebody stay safe . 🤪
One of my best friends father's almost cut his leg off. He was alone cutting firewood on the mountain, same as every year. Slipped, no protection, he was experienced ya know. 😢 Cut his leg nearly in half, tourniqueted it, drive through two closed gates, to the hospital, 20 miles nearly. His leg healed but it took years. It's not worth not being safe.
