Chain Saw Horse Sense!

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KEEP IT WORKING

Learn to perform all the routine tasks of saw maintenance yourself. (A friend once helped me with my saw, and when it came time for me to make the same adjustments, I couldn't budge the nuts and bolts that my assistant had previously tightened!) Basic maintenance instructions will be included in the owner's manual that comes with your implement. (If you buy a used machine, you can probably order a manual from the manufacturer . . . simply write to inquire, giving as much information about your tool—model number, etc.—as possible.)

Typical chores will include mixing the gasoline and engine oil (because chain saws use two-cycle powerplants, oil must be blended with the gasoline ... check with your dealer for appropriate oils and mix ratios), keeping the chain oil tank filled (with a lubricant different from that used in the fuel . . . again, ask your dealer or an experienced friend), and adjusting chain tension. (If you work on the saw soon after running it, remember that many parts will likely be hot. Wear gloves.)

It'll be necessary, perhaps, to have your chain professionally machine-sharpened every so often, but you can take care of in-between touch-ups yourself. There are various devices on the market designed to help with this task (see the article following this piece), but most will require that you have a sharp file. Proper filing instructions are probably included in the owner's manual .. . or someone else who's done the job can show you how.

And, speaking of experience, do be sure to take advantage of opportunities to talk with—and watch—folks who are old-timers at wielding this tool. (I've noticed, though, that familiarity sometimes breeds carelessness, so keep some safety sense in mind while watching "pro's" who might have abandoned some caution as a result of overconfidence.) Your own know-how, however, will grow only with practice.

Make no mistake about it, using a chain saw is hard and—especially for careless people—somewhat hazardous work. Still, such machines are certainly no more dangerous than are many of the power tools we often have to rely on. Just use "horse sense" and keep practicing . . . before you know it, you'll find your skill increasing and your woodpile growing. And believe me, both of those achievements are well worth working toward!

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