Thank you Joel – I occasionally have to turn on one of these contraptions and they sure can be cantankerous, especially if older and ‘seasoned’ with use. I can use all the help I can get – much obliged sir!
I have a Stihl 032AV, a wonderful (pre-idiot-proofed) saw. Not even a chain brake. Also a newer small Stihl that annoys me with all the interlocks.
I got in the habit of emptying the fuel tank and then running the saw until it stalls, because my older saw did not like sitting with fuel in the carburetor. I think that carb got rebuilt at least 3 times until I got disciplined.
I think people should learn to sharpen their own chains. If they depend on dealers to do it they will always be tempted to work with a dull chain. It’s not really that hard in my opinion. The owner’s manual shows how.
Watch the chain as you use the saw. If you see it getting loose, re-adjust. It is a royal pain if the chain gets too loose and jumps the bar, because the chain gets banged up and you end up having to file it smooth again.
Thanks for a great how to manual. Many years ago I got married and moved from a city to the country. Picture a clueless yuppie learning to use a chainsaw. I did it and still have all limbs. A safety helmet and chainsaw chaps is a really good idea.
I follow your blog on a random schedule and your chain saw article was very interesting. I have several chainsaws from gas models to electric and battery models. My first gas saw was a McCulloch chain saw. I have since had several different brands. Since I have but three trees on my property I usually use the battery or electric model for triming and use the gas models for cutting firewood. I go with my two sons and our spouses. We take three trucks and trailers when we go for firewood, both for safety and pleasure .
Thank you Joel – I occasionally have to turn on one of these contraptions and they sure can be cantankerous, especially if older and ‘seasoned’ with use. I can use all the help I can get – much obliged sir!
This is awesome. Thanks crazy old guy in the desert!
Thanks for the document, Joe!
…I mean, Joel! ^^
This is excellent – straightforward and well written, thanks Joe!
Just want to say thank you. You were a big help. This is easy to read and understand.
You’re very welcome. Tell a friend.
J
I have a Stihl 032AV, a wonderful (pre-idiot-proofed) saw. Not even a chain brake. Also a newer small Stihl that annoys me with all the interlocks.
I got in the habit of emptying the fuel tank and then running the saw until it stalls, because my older saw did not like sitting with fuel in the carburetor. I think that carb got rebuilt at least 3 times until I got disciplined.
I think people should learn to sharpen their own chains. If they depend on dealers to do it they will always be tempted to work with a dull chain. It’s not really that hard in my opinion. The owner’s manual shows how.
Watch the chain as you use the saw. If you see it getting loose, re-adjust. It is a royal pain if the chain gets too loose and jumps the bar, because the chain gets banged up and you end up having to file it smooth again.
Thanks- I learned a lot. The “this is my chainsaw…” are you USMC?
Thanks very much for prividing this document. Easy to read and I learned a lot.
thank you for the free document Joel….i really appreciate it!
Thanks for a great how to manual. Many years ago I got married and moved from a city to the country. Picture a clueless yuppie learning to use a chainsaw. I did it and still have all limbs. A safety helmet and chainsaw chaps is a really good idea.
great doc and blog, just found you h/t commanderzero/clairewolf
Love my Huskys . Stihl is just too hard to work on . Special tool this . Special tool that .
I follow your blog on a random schedule and your chain saw article was very interesting. I have several chainsaws from gas models to electric and battery models. My first gas saw was a McCulloch chain saw. I have since had several different brands. Since I have but three trees on my property I usually use the battery or electric model for triming and use the gas models for cutting firewood. I go with my two sons and our spouses. We take three trucks and trailers when we go for firewood, both for safety and pleasure .