Chainsaw kickback is a common and potentially dangerous occurrence when using a chainsaw. According to studies conducted by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 21,500 reported chainsaw-related injuries each year in the United States alone.
Of those, kickbacks were reported in 8,000 to 10,000 cases, or between 37 and 46 percent of total incidents. Injuries resulting from kickbacks can range from minor to severe, depending on how the saw is used, how the chain is maintained, and the type of wood being cut.
Kickbacks are more likely to occur when the chainsaw’s tip touches an object, like a tree or a deck post, for example. Even with a properly maintained saw and a sharp chain, the force of rotation can cause the saw to kick back in an unexpected direction.
To avoid and reduce the risk of kickback incidents, it is important to use a chainsaw correctly. This includes following manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct chain and using proper protective gear when using the saw.
What causes kickback on a chain saw?
Kickback is a dangerous phenomenon that can occur while using a chain saw. It is caused when the tip of the saw’s guide bar touches a solid object while the powerhead is rotated rapidly in the cutting direction.
The rapid rotation creates a high pressure reaction resulting in a rapid kickback force, propelling the chain saw in a sudden, dangerous direction.
Some of the most common causes of kickback when operating a chain saw include having the saw chain dull, improper use or wrong positioning of the guide bar, misalignment of the chain, or over-accelerating the chain speed.
To reduce the risk of kickback, it is important to inspect the chain and guide bar regularly to ensure they are properly aligned and free from obstructions, such as wood sap and dirt. Keeping the chain sharp and tensioned appropriately is also important, as a dull chain can cause kickback.
The guide bar should also be the correct length, so it can reach deep enough into the material without hitting the surface. It is important not to over-accelerate the chain speed, and never use the tip of the guide bar, as this increases the risk of kickback.
Finally, always be sure to provide a clear working area to reduce the chance of contact with hard surfaces.
How often do chainsaw accidents happen?
Chainsaw accidents are surprisingly common and can be very dangerous. According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2018 there were an estimated 33,800 chainsaw-related injuries that required treatment in an emergency room.
That averages out to about 92 chainsaw-related injuries each day.
Most chainsaw accidents occur when the user loses control and the saw hits the person in the leg or arm, causing cuts, lacerations and sometimes fractures. Other serious accidents, including amputations, have also been reported.
The most important thing to remember if you are operating a chainsaw is to always wear protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves, as well as a hearing protection, and to use extreme caution. The safest way to operate a chainsaw is to stay focused and alert, and to maintain control of the saw at all times.
Chainsaw accidents are commonly due to operator inexperience and improper use of the saw. Therefore, it is important to take the time to learn how to operate a chainsaw safely and to never use a saw if you’re not familiar with the instructions and safety precautions.
What is the safest chainsaw?
The safest chainsaw is one that matches the user’s needs in terms of power and size as well as having all the necessary safety features. It should be designed to minimize kickback and vibration, have a chain brake to stop the chain quickly and a chain catcher to prevent kickbacks.
It should have guards to cover moving parts of the saw and a safety switch that must be actively engaged with each use to start the motor. Additionally, safety gear such as a hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves and cut-resistant boots should be worn.
Chainsaws should be properly maintained and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions; this includes regularly inspecting the chain, sharpening and lubrication. Finally, only professionals or persons trained to use a chainsaw should operate one, and proper safety precautions should always be taken when handling a chainsaw.
Would a chainsaw cut through bone?
No, a chainsaw would not be able to cut through bone. While chainsaws are powerful tools designed to cut through most materials, their blades are usually made of steel and are not sharp enough to cut through bone.
Additionally, bone is very tough and is able to absorb more force than most other materials without breaking. Chainsaws would be unable to generate sufficient force to effectively cut through bone, and doing so would be incredibly dangerous and could result in serious injury.
It is recommended to use specialized tools such as bone saws or hacksaws, instead of a chainsaw, to cut through bone.
How do you prevent a chainsaw accident?
Preventing a chainsaw accident requires taking certain safety precautions while operating the saw. After reading both the owner’s manual and safety manual, you must make sure you are properly attired in safety clothing, such as wear steel-toed boots, pants, eye protection, and a helmet.
A chainsaw that feature a vibration-reducing handle can also help reduce fatigue and discomfort and increase accuracy.
When cutting, you should always stand to the side of the saw and never straddle it. Additionally, the handle should always be firmly grasped, the switch off, and the chain guarded against accidental start-up.
Be sure to hold the saw tight and never move it between cuts; the chain should always stop before the saw is moved. When cutting, you should cut downward out of the back of the material, using the bar tip as a guide.
When not in use, the chain saw should be shut off, chain unloaded and stored in a safe and secure spot out of reach of children.
What should you not do with a chainsaw?
When using a chainsaw, it is important to take safety precautions, as operating a chainsaw can be dangerous.
In order to reduce the risk of serious injury, you should never operate a chainsaw with dull cutting chain. This can cause the chain to bind, kickback, and result in potentially dangerous accidents. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the chain is well oiled, and that you check the chain tension before each use.
Also, you should also never use a chainsaw with loose or worn parts. Worn teeth on the chain can contribute to difficult cutting and potential chain failure, as well as kickback. If anything on the chainsaw appears worn, replace it before use.
Additionally, you should never operate a chainsaw with one hand. It is important to maintain a firm grip with both hands when using a chainsaw, with three points of contact preferably. Operating a chainsaw with one hand can lead to loss of control, which increases the risk of a kickback.
Finally, you should never attempt to use a chainsaw while standing on a ladder, or while reaching up with the saw. You should keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, and lower the chainsaw when necessary to reduce strain on your body.
Is it safe to use a chainsaw on a ladder?
No, it is not safe to use a chainsaw on a ladder. When using a chainsaw, it is important to maintain a firm footing to ensure your safety and that of those around you. This is impossible to do when using a ladder.
The ladder may be unstable, which can lead to falls, electric shock or worse. Additionally, using a chainsaw on a ladder can lead to the saw becoming entangled in the ladder, leading to the ladder toppling over and resulting in serious injury.
Finally, when the saw is in contact with the ladder, it can cause the chain to become dull much faster.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid using a chainsaw on a ladder and instead use a protective chaps, safety helmet, gloves and eye protection when operating the saw on the ground. Even when operating a chainsaw on the ground, always make sure that you are in a safe position, practice proper body posture, and keep the saw away from your body.
Does blade guard prevent kickback?
Yes, blade guards can help to prevent kickback. Kickback is a reaction that occurs when the cutting teeth of a saw blade grab and pull the material being cut, causing the saw to suddenly move backward and upward.
This is a dangerous situation that can cause the saw operator to lose control, potentially resulting in serious injury. A blade guard is a physical barrier placed between the saw blade and the material being cut.
It acts as a cushion that absorbs the sudden force of the blade, reducing the chance of kickback and promoting safe operation.
How does a riving knife prevent kickback?
A riving knife is a safety feature on table saws that helps to prevent kickback by preventing material or debris from entering the gap between the saw blade and the back edge of the saw table. The knife is mounted directly behind the saw blade and is automatically shifted up and down as the blade is raised or lowered.
It acts as a barrier that prevents material from being forced up into the blade opening, which can cause the blade to grab the material and suddenly push it back toward the operator. By keeping the material from entering the blade gap, the riving knife acts as a shield against kickback.
In addition to the riving knife, it is important to make use of certain safety techniques and practices when operating a table saw. These include making sure all guards and splitter plates are in place, not forcing the material through the blade, and properly positioning the material so that the most amount of blade teeth are available for cutting for the most efficient and safe cut possible.
What does a kickback look like?
A kickback typically involves one party paying another party to get them to do something in a deal, refer business/customers, or awarding a contract. Generally, it is an illegal form of payment for an activity that is forbidden by law or breach of fiduciary duty such as bribery.
The receiving party typically receives something of value from the other side as an incentive for some action.
Kickbacks may take many different forms, such as cash payments, gifts, services, discounted goods, or favorable terms and conditions on contracts. This can be done directly between the parties or through a third party.
It is most common in situations where one party has leverage and greater knowledge than the other.
Examples may include conflicts of interest involving officials directing contracts toward friends and associates, excessive pricing, overcharging, bribes, and sometimes corruption of public office. As kickbacks can be a way of gaining unfair advantage, they are generally not allowed in business or government transactions.
Kickbacks are usually considered a criminal offence or can give rise to a civil wrong, depending on the jurisdiction and the particular circumstances.
How do you make a table saw push stick?
Making a table saw push stick is a relatively easy but important task. This tool is necessary for safely operating a table saw and should be completed before you begin any woodworking project.
To begin, you will need the following materials:
• A scrap piece of wood at least 24” long, at least 1 ½” wide, and preferably ¾” thick
• Sandpaper
• Pencil
Start by smoothing both sides of the wood with the sandpaper. Then mark off two lines along the length of the wood, approximately 6” apart. Between these two lines measure and mark out 10” lengths. These 10” lengths will be to help define the handle of the saw push stick.
The next step will be to use the 10” length markers to guide you in cutting the sides of the handle. Cut the sides of the handle at a 45 degree angle for optimal comfort. Make sure that the cuts are parallel to the other sides of the handle and double check the measurements.
After your handle is complete, use a chisel to create a safe, nonslip grip. The grip is formed by cutting diagonal lines into the handle. Make sure the grip is secure for a good grip when using a push stick.
Finally, measure and carefully mark a 1 ½” wide notch in the thicker end of the push stick. This will be the part that will fit snug into the blade guard. Once the notch is cut, sand any rough edges and the push stick is ready to use.
Making a table saw push stick is a relatively simple task and essential for woodworking safety.
What is a reduced kickback bar?
A reduced kickback bar is a metal, metal-alloy, or composite cutting blade that is designed to be used with a chainsaw. The design of the bar is intended to help reduce the chance of kickback, which is the sudden, jerking force that can occur when the bar touches an object while cutting.
The shape of the bar has angled teeth that are cut into the top portion which make contact with the work piece, with a resulting reduction in the power of the kickback. Reduced kickback bars also tend to be designed with more secure attachment points that hold the bar more securely in place and decrease the likelihood of it coming loose.
Additionally, the bar may be designed to accept specialized chain lubricants to help reduce friction and make cutting easier on the components of the chainsaw.
Why do chainsaws buck?
Chainsaws buck when the saw’s chain is stressed too quickly or intensely. This could be caused by a multitude of factors. The most common is a dull chain or incorrect tension, as the saw is pushing a dull chain harder than it should and it jams in the cut.
Other causes can include using a dull guidebar, cutting something that is too thick for the blade, hardwood, frozen wood, and improperly lubricated bars. When a chainsaw bucks, it can be dangerous, so it’s important to check the chain, guidebar, and tension regularly to ensure it is properly maintained and up to date.
If the chain is too loose, it can cause bucking, so it’s important to always check the tension. Finally, always ensure the chainsaw is properly lubricated and check the guidebar for any distortions. If any of these components are off, it can cause excessive bucking and damage the saw.
Why does my chainsaw go blunt so quickly?
Chainsaws are powerful machines, but like any machine, they require maintenance and proper use to work their best. If you’re finding that your chainsaw is going blunt very quickly, it is likely due to a combination of one or several different factors.
First, the broadest, most common cause of a chainsaw blade becoming dull is simply excessive use without maintenance. Proper maintenance includes cleaning off the chain after use, as well as ensuring that it is properly oiled and tensioned.
If the chain is allowed to become too loose, this can cause it to become dull more quickly as well. It is also important to keep the chain clean and lubricated, as dust and dirt can cause wear down on the blades and decrease their cutting power.
It is also possible that the chain is not suited for the job you are trying to do. If you are cutting through hard wood, for instance, a chain designed for soft wood or thin branches may quickly become dull.
You should be sure to use the correct size and type of chain for the job, or else it may not last very long.
Finally, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct cutting angle on the chainsaw. When cutting, the chain should be running at a certain angle in relation to the direction you are cutting.
If you are using the wrong angle, it can put additional strain on the chain and cause it to become dull faster.
Overall, the best way to ensure that your chainsaw blade stays sharp is to properly maintain it, use it for the right job, and use the correct angle while cutting. If you are following this advice and still noticing that the blade is going blunt quickly, you may want to consider looking at replacement chains of a higher quality.
Does cutting wet wood dull a chainsaw?
Yes, cutting wet wood will dull a chainsaw because the characteristics of wet wood can cause major wear and tear to the chainsaw’s cutting system. This can work to blunt the chain and would require sharpening relatively soon upon completion of the job.
When cutting wet wood, the liquid that is present can seep into the working parts of the chainsaw. This liquid will then cause the metal moving parts of the chainsaw to rust, increasing friction within the system, eventually leading to dulling.
Furthermore, when cutting wet wood, the sawdust created may clump up, meaning it will clog the cooling system of the chainsaw. This can reduce the performance of the chainsaw and would require more cleaning of the components.
If a chainsaw operator is cutting wet wood, it is important to keep the chainsaw clean from debris, make sure to have a sharp chain installed and frequently oil the chain after each use.
How often do you need to replace a chainsaw bar?
Replacing a chainsaw bar depends on the type of wood being cut, the age and condition of the bar, and the cutting frequency. Generally, a chainsaw bar should be replaced every two to three years as it can get worn out easily.
It is also a good idea to replace it and the chain if cutting hardwoods or if the chain edges show significant wear. A careful inspection of the bar should be done on a regular basis or after each use for signs of damage or excessive wear.
If the bar does show signs of wear or damage, then it should be replaced immediately to prevent it from degrading and causing a safety hazard when cutting.
What causes a chainsaw to smoke while cutting?
Chainsaw smoking while it is cutting wood is a common problem that can have a variety of causes. The most likely cause of the smoking is inadequate lubrication on the chain and bar of the saw, as the friction of the chain wearing down on the wood creates heat and smoke.
This can be remedied by ensuring the chain and bar are regularly lubricated with chain oil according to the instructions in the saw’s manual.
Another possible cause of smoke from a chainsaw is an overworked engine, which is often caused by running the saw at a higher speed than it is designed for. This can cause the engine to overheat, produce excess smoke, and eventually fail.
The best way to prevent this from occurring is by ensuring the saw is only run for short periods at a time and not overworked.
Finally, smoke from a chainsaw could be due to debris and dust clogging the air filters or the spaces between the chainsaw parts. This can be remedied by regularly cleaning the saw, checking and cleaning the air filters, and using compressed air to blow away any buildup of debris.
Is it normal for a chainsaw bar to smoke?
It is not necessarily normal for a chainsaw bar to smoke, however, it is a common symptom of an issue with the chainsaw. If the bar is smoking, this could be due to a build-up of sawdust or other debris.
It is important to clear any sawdust or debris that has collected in the bar, as this material can act like an accelerant. It is also a good idea to lubricate the bar as often as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that the chainsaw is running properly and efficiently.
If the bar is continuing to smoke, it could be a sign of a mechanical issue such as worn parts or a broken chain, which should be corrected as soon as possible. A smoking bar can also be indicative of improper use or the wrong oil-fuel mixture, so it is best to check those areas as well.
How do I keep my chainsaw sharp?
Keeping your chainsaw sharp is an important part of regular chainsaw maintenance and is essential for cutting efficiently and safely. A sharp chain cuts quickly and easily, whereas a dull chain can cause the saw to bind and kick back, which can be dangerous.
Here are some tips to ensure that your chainsaw stays sharp:
1. Perform regular maintenance. This includes checking the chain tension, cleaning the chainsaw, and oiling the bar. Be sure to use the recommended oil for your saw.
2. Sharpen the chain regularly. This will depend on the age and condition of your saw, but most chains will need to be sharpened every few weeks or months. Use a file with the correct size and angle for your saw.
3. Consider using a chainsaw sharpener. This is a simple device that helps maintain a sharper edge by grinding off worn teeth with a special stone or diamond wheel. These can be great time savers and are often less expensive than manual sharpening.
4. Store your chainsaw properly. After using and cleaning your chainsaw, be sure to store it in a place that is dry and cool. This will help prevent the chain from becoming dull prematurely.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your chainsaw stays sharp and ready for use.