How Does A Chainsaw Work | An Easy Step By Step Guide

Chainsaw very an essential tool in our daily lives. Owning a chainsaw for the first time can be a fun experience especially if you into DIY tools. But if you don’t know how it works, operating it as a first-timer can be hard and dangerous. Although a chainsaw is a device that seems simple but yet complicated. How does a chainsaw work? How is it used? How do we repair one if something wrong with it? This article will teach you, how does a chainsaw work? How does it cut down trees? How does it function?  We share all the tips tricks. If you a beginner you can check this post.

Chainsaw Defined

In order to understand how a chainsaw works, it is imperative that one first understands what a chainsaw is. A chainsaw is a powerful machine that cuts through wood or any other wooden objects by using its chainsaw “teeth”.

The chainsaw “teeth” which are also commonly referred to as the metal chain can cut through even the hardest types of wood with ease.  There are seven types of chainsaws that are;

• Electric (Corded)

• Battery Operated

• Manual Saw

• Gas Powered

• Pole Saw

• Top Handle Version

• Rear Handle Version

How does a chainsaw work?

A chainsaw uses the aforementioned components for its work. The components all work together to power and operate it. To simply answer the question of how a chainsaw works. Well, a chainsaw works by spinning a chain of saw blades, around a guide bar. The spinning chainsaw blades quickly cut through the wood in a fast, smooth motion.

But before all that, you have to start the chainsaw machine. Depending on the type of chainsaw it is you can either push the on button or pull the cord. When you have switched on the chainsaw, the engine will obtain power from the starting mechanism which will, in turn, go on to give power to the crankshaft.

When the crankshaft is all powered up, the chainsaw blade will start rotating the gear wheel. While the gear wheels are spinning, the chainsaw blade will begin to rotate around the guide bar. This kind of motion creates enough friction that enables the chainsaw to cut through wood or any other type of material. Chainsaw is a versatile tool. Many powerful chainsaws and their brands are in the market, It depends on the type of chainsaw you buy. 

Uses of a chainsaw

When the word chainsaw is mentioned the first that comes to one’s mind is a lumberjack. One would think that a chainsaw is specifically designed for felling trees only, but that is not the case as a chainsaw can be used for a number of things. Here is a list of what a chainsaw can be used for;

●  Uses on Wood

Using a chainsaw on wood is quite a common practice.  However, not only is it meant for cutting wood, you can use a chainsaw for a number of things on wood.

Tree Felling: You can use a chainsaw for tree felling. Tree felling is also considered as hand felling. It involves using a chainsaw to cut down the whole tree at once. Tree felling is a precise type of cutting that requires skill. In most instances, an experienced tree feller is contacted if there is a tree that needs to be cut. Thus, if you want to fell a tree you have to how a chainsaw works and have experience in tree felling.

Pruning: It is a process whereby you clean up a tree using a chainsaw. This type of cutting is usually done for decorative purposes. You can use a chainsaw to remove dead tree limbs. A chainsaw really does come in handy when you want to groom your trees or you want to remove the trees from the power lines.

Limbing: Limbing can also be done by using a chainsaw. It involves you using a chainsaw to remove the branches from a tree that has already been cut. A chainsaw helps to clean up the tree for the next stage that is the logging and milling process.

Bucking: It is a process whereby you use a chainsaw to cut a delimbed tree. You can use a chainsaw to cut the delimbed tree into log sections. This process is more detailed than any other type of cutting as wood has to be cut according to specific measurements.

Firebreaks: You can also use a chainsaw to cut firebreaks. Firebreaks are gaps that you put in vegetation to slow down and stop wildfires.

Components of a chainsaw and how they work

A chainsaw consists of both major and minor parts that enable it to work effectively. All the parts play a significant role in ensuring that wood or any material is cut smoothly. Here is a list of components that can be found on a chainsaw;

●  Engine

The engine is the most important part of a chainsaw. The engine is the very thing that makes the chainsaw or any other machinery work. Without an engine, a chainsaw would actually be no different from a basic hand-held saw. The chainsaw gets its power from the engine to run the blade and chain for it to spin in a circular motion to cut through the wood.

The engine of a chainsaw can be powered by different sources; it all depends on the type. For instance, the battery-operated chainsaw uses a lithium-ion battery, whilst the electric chainsaws require you to connect to a steady power source to power the engine.

●  Carburetor

A carburetor is also another component that can be found on a chainsaw. The carburetor channels air and fuel through the chainsaw. It plays an essential role by aiding the chainsaw to push the blade and chain to cut through the wood.

●  Cutting Chain

The cutting chain is the part that cuts through the wood or any other material. The chainsaw is fully equipped with a chain that is wrapped around the blade of the saw. A chainsaw runs in a circular motion and cuts through the wood when the chainsaw is connected to a power source.

●  Chain brake

A chain brake is also commonly referred to as the mini-brake. The chain brake comes in handy when you experience a kickback. The chain brake takes signals from the clutch when the chainsaw experiences a kickback, but it also stops the operation of the chain and blade.

●  Drive Mechanism

The drive mechanism of a chainsaw can be found where the clutch of the chainsaw is. The clutch shields the engine when the chainsaw experiences a kickback or when the engine is idle. The clutch also protects the operator from hurting themselves as it signals the chainsaw to stop if there is a kickback.

●  Use a chainsaw for art

A chainsaw is quite a versatile piece of machinery. You can actually use it for artistic purposes. A number of creative artists around the world use chainsaws to carve and design very beautiful wood carvings and ice sculptors.

●  Use it to cut metal and concrete

Chainsaws also come in handy when it comes to cutting metals, concrete, and any other hard materials. These special types of chainsaws are specially designed to cut all different types of materials such as concrete, metal pipes, and brick. Most firefighters use these types of chainsaws to cut into buildings during emergencies. Most of the chainsaws specifically designed for hard materials have diamond pieces embedded in their chainsaw blades.

To Wrap Up

In summation, a chainsaw is a very powerful machine that can be used in a wide variety of activities. Not only is it meant for felling trees, but you can also use a chainsaw to make ice sculptors and wood carvings. However, as handy and powerful as there are, chainsaws are also quite dangerous. To safely operate a chainsaw, one needs to know how to operate it. Lack of knowledge can cause catastrophic damage to your body, anyone, or anything nearby if it is not handled with caution.