The first one was two weekends ago. I was cutting down a long dead ash tree. While I was making the final cut to drop the tree, a big chunk of bark fell off and was in the way. I took the saw in my left hand and reached out with my right to remove the bark. With out realizing as I reached for the big chunk of bark the saw in my left hand, still turning but not under power, rotated a little and came into contact with the other hand. Thankfully I was wearing gloves so other than a little groove in the leather no harm done.
Today I was cutting down another long dead ash tree. This one was in heavy brush. I should have cut it all away before tackling the targeted tree. I wanted to preserve as much “barrier brush” as possible so I didn’t do it. The tree started to come down, not quite in the intended direction. As I tried to back away to the safest area the saw snagged on some brush and pivoted right into my leg! Again, not under power but still turning. Chewed a big hole in my pants but not a scratch on my skin.
Chainsaws are no joke! Learn from my mistakes. I have!
Yes chaps would be a good idea as would a face shield. I know a guy that had a saw kick back and catch him right in the face. Missed his eye by about an inch. His plastic surgeon did a great job.
Also, today was a beautiful day here. Been freaky weather here this year. It was in the mid sixties twice in Jan. and Feb. Then it was -8. Now unusually nice for March. Saw at least three garter snakes over in the woods and a rather sluggish turtle in the pond. Unusual before mid April most years.
After my neighbor hit his leg with a chainsaw. and almost bled out, I bought the chaps, helmet with face shield and ear protection, plus chainsaw gloves. I am by myself a lot here, and I need to be safe.
Learn to use your chain brake properly and make it second nature to engage it. They are designed so you can use it without removing your hands from the saw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRKnYaxdf4g
Thanks, watched the vid and it even uses the same brand and nearly the same model as my saw. I thought the brake was an emergency only safety, not something to use regularly while cutting. Ignorance fought!
Close calls while operating a chainsaw scare the fuck out of me. In my 20s-30s I used a 4 tanks of gas limit. My fourth fill was my last for the day, as I wanted to stop before exhaustion set in. Nowadays I fill up, cut trees, and put the saw away when my first tank runs dry.
ETA: years ago, a guy I knew was clearing property for a house he planned to build in the woods. He managed to severe his femoral artery and bled out. He was found a few days later. Another guy I knew was a dentist in his late 40s. He lost two fingers doing chainsaw work in his yard. He tried to return to work, but retired when his patients disappeared over time.
I stopped after work tonight and picked up the chaps, hard hat/face shield/hearing protection combo and some chainsaw gloves. They are all hi-viz Orange so at least someone will see my body laying over there if nothing else.
20+ years ago, I worked a Stihl 021? and 044? saws for two years on the Big Island {wet side}.
It was a business so we never left the shop without a hardhat and chaps. Both were blaze orange.
We had had a guy without much common sense and one day he dropped his nearly full speed running saw on top of his thigh.
His chaps basically stopped the saw instantly and with only minor damage to the chaps !
