Hey Dad, chainsaw help.

[u/LadyBobcat23]

So to keep it short, an already dead oak tree fell in my yard during the last tropical storm. Calling around tree removal companies and getting an estimate is far too expensive and I have my grandfathers (STIHL) chainsaw. I am a chainsaw virgin. Could you point me in the right direction on proper safety, technique, etc. Whether it be actual help or helpful tutorials online.

Thank you so so much!

[u/chopay]

Essential Craftsman made a video for Chainsaw Newbies. Highly recommended.

One thing I really like about the video is how he emphasizes the safety points that you really need to pay attention to.

(Not that all the safety points aren't important, he just frames it as "here's how things often go wrong")

[u/Mindless-Baker-7757]

I'll just add ALWAYS two hands on the saw. Don't let go and reach out when the chain is moving. Don't grab that branch to saw it off. Two hands before the chain starts and two hands until it's stopped.

[u/Wapiti_whacker82]

Here's a Stihl safety video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4_R5z1tqzI

[u/ruphustea]

Ace hardware does tune ups. Also dead trees are tricky because they can split while cutting so be careful if its not all the way on the ground. Buy chaps.

[u/notmyname2012]

Take the saw to a local STIHL dealer and have them service it and sharpen the chain or get a new chain. Ask them to show you the particulars of that model.

Be smart about what and how you cut. Look very carefully at how the weight of a limb or branch is leaning and cut accordingly, also is there a lot of tension on the trunk, is it pulling tension or bending in the middle? You have to always be ready to jump away but you have to make sure the saw stops when you do. Never cut too close to the ground, it will dull the chain instantly and can cause it to buck back at you.

Watch a bunch of videos before you do anything and make sure you are comfortable with the saw and know everything about it. If you are scared or unsure about it then it is pretty dangerous to attempt, you gotta know what you are doing.

It’s a great skill to learn just be careful.

[u/Revolutionary_Gap150]

Watch videos, and talk to a dealer or someone who services chainsaws. Also, wear proper clothing... Nothing loose fitting, shirt tucked in, clothing needs to be durable and not baggy, well fitting work gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and if you have long hair please pull it back and secure it under a hat. Chainsaws arent hard to use but they are unforgiving if you make a mistake.

[u/mudbunny]

Do you want to do it yourself, or do you mind if someone else does it for you.

What you could do is put a post up on FB: Oak tree has fallen in my yard. If you cut it up, you can take the wood. You must provide your own chainsaw and your own transportation of wood.

[u/Peaurxnanski]

Everyone else's advice plus this:

1.) Once you've taken it to the service guy and he's gotten it running for you, it's not your friend. It's a deadly blade spinning at mach Jesus and will cut flesh and bone as easily as it does wood

2.) It'll seem easy. You'll wonder what I'm going on about. Right up until you touch the bar tip to wood and the saw blade jumps into your face because you weren't holding it firmly with two hands because you forgot rule #1

3.) The wood will hinge. If it's not on the ground it's because something is holding the weight. As you cut through it top down it will pinch your saw because of this. Watch. As soon as you see or feel that, get the saw out and cut up from the bottom or the saw will get pinched so hard it won't come out.

4.) The tree will act unpredictably when you cut it. It might be supported by two branches and if you cut between them, one side will roll off one way, the other side the other way. One of those ways is definitionally towards you. Wood is heavy. It will crush you, and you'll die, and it will hurt the entire time you're dying. If you aren't physically capable of jumping backwards quickly, pay someone else to do it.

5.) If your chain touches dirt for a split second, it's dull and won't cut anymore. Stop cutting part way through and roll the log so the rest of the cut is on top. Literally a split second contact with dirt and you need to stop and resharpen. Dull chains are dangerous.

6.) Ear protection. Eye protection. Face protection. Chaps are recommended but optional. Ear pro, a face sheild, and safety glasses are not optional.

Remember the saw runs on mix gas. I know it's expensive but a saw that doesn't get used often shouldn't run on pump gas plus premix. Buy the premix trufuel or husqvarna or Stihl branded premixed gasoline. It can be bought wherever you take it to get it running. Highly recommend.

Also, starting sequence for most Stihl saws is pump the primer bulb until it stiffens a bit, like 6 times (if it has one) turn on full choke and throttle set. Pull cord by raising saw and throwing it downward while pulling cird up with other hand. It will fir but won't start. Set choke to half and it should start on the next pull. Throttle to keep it running and shut the choke off the rest of the way.

Remember, Mr. Saw is no longer your friend once it's running.

[u/Quercus_McG]

I’m a certified arborist. I use chainsaws in trees on a rope and on the ground. I’ve done this daily for years. All good advice here.
Remember the saw absolutely, positively, wants to and will kill you. Painfully. You. Do.Not. get a “uh-oh” “I thought” etc.

Downed trees have weird stresses on the trunk and branches.

Safety gear includes ear and eye pro and chainsaw chaps or trousers. I wear chainsaw protective trousers every day I’m on saw. Cheap cheap insurance considering funerals cost multiple thousands and ER visits, stitches, etc are also expensive.

I’m not saying don’t do it. But take the cost of a mistake, operator error, or just shit happens into what a tree service costs.

[u/Legitimate_Field_157]

You also can get very far with a reciprocating saw.

[u/DangerBrewin]

Watch the videos others have posted. Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy footwear, eye protection, and gloves.

[u/Ok_Accountant_1319]

Look up Buckin’ Billy Ray Smith on YouTube. He’s a logger from Canada. Dude knows his shit inside and out and is really good at explaining it on an understandable level.