Chain Saw Horse Sense!

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Now, start the tool, by yourself, on a flat surface ( not on your leg or kneel) . . . making certain that the bar isn't touching anything: the ground, logs, rocks, or any part of you! When that's assured, grip the front handle with your left hand and place the toe of your boot In the "boot loop" to help hold the saw steady. The starting switch should (of course) be on, the choke out, and the gas lever on.

With your right hand, give the cord a good, strong, fast pull ... and don't be discouraged if the tool doesn't start up right away. (Once the engine "fires" a time or two with the choke out, you may have to push that control back in to start the saw.) I have trouble sometimes, too, and I've learned that cussing doesn't help as much as do perseverance and firm determination.

After the engine is running and the choke is off, grip the machine firmly with both hands . . . thumbs and fingers encircling the handles, and right index finger on the gas lever. If this is the first time you've ever operated a chain saw, simply hold it for a while—using the throttle to vary engine speed—until you get used to its vibration... and then practice both starting the tool and turning it off.

You should, as a matter of fact, always shut off the engine when moving from one log to another and before you set the saw down. And, while you shouldn't work alone (you may need help In case of an accident), don't allow people—especially children—or pets near you (or out of your line of sight) while the saw's in operation.

Finally, you must be alert in order to maintain safe working conditions, so don't drink alcohol or take any "dulling" medicines immediately before (or during) your spells of chain saw work.

OFF TO WORK

Now that the saw is running, don't think you're ready to head right out and cut down a tree. At first you should confine your efforts to trimming "downed" logs to size. Later, if you want instructions on tree felling, read Barnacle P arp's Chain Saw Guide excerpted in MOTHER NOS. 54 and 55, or Wood Heating Handbook by Charles Self. And supplement such readings by finding an experienced tree cutter who can teach and supervise you. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Sells Wood Heating Handbook (1977) is published by TAB Books at $5.95 . . . ask for it at your bookstore.. Barnacle Parp's Chain Saw Guide is available—for $7.95 plus 95¢ shipping and handling—from Mother's Bookshelf, P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791 . . or you may purchase issues 54 and 55. for $3,00 each, plus $1.00 shipping and handling per order, from THE MOTHER E ARTH NEWS®, P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791.]

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