Saw Safety Series -- 2

If you're stopping by the first time, be sure to check out Part 1 to get caught up!


Now that you're all decked out in safety gear, it's timed to move on to the  next step. It is imperative that you select the correct saw for the job at hand. For instance, you wouldn't want to cut down a 200 year old pine tree with 14" climbing saw; neither would you need a 3 foot bar on your saw to cut down a few saplings in the backyard. To ensure the proper saw selection for each task, stop by and speak to a salesman about the chain saw that's right for you!

Husqvarna sales rep displaying the saw he'll be using on location for the saw class.

Once you've chosen a sufficient saw, it's crucial to maintain all moving parts of the saw in working order. The better your saw functions, the lower the risk of injury! Basic saw maintenance includes using fresh gas or a premix like Husqvarna's Premixed Fuel, which we sell for just $7.99 a quart. You'll also want to regularly check and adjust your bar and chain and be sure to keep bar oil in the saw. ALWAYS inspect your saw before cranking it. For a full walk thru of assessing your saw, visit our Support Page and watch some of our safety videos.



Husqvarna sales rep teaching saw class students about saw basics.

If your saw has a tank of fresh gas, a reservoir full of bar oil and a sharp chain properly adjusted, you should be ready to start. Remember to engage your chain brake before cranking and at any other time when you are not actively cutting, especially if you set the saw anywhere. This eliminates the possibility of walking by or accidentally running into the saw and losing a body part.


The last thing to evaluate before you actually start cutting is the environment. Be aware of your surroundings. Are there other people around? What is the terrain like? Are there any nearby trees that may snag the tree or branch you intend to cut? Examine every possibility, decide where to cut, and check your surroundings one last time before you begin cutting.

Teacher and students survey the tree and surrounding area before felling the tree.

Not sure where to make your cuts or how to fell a tree without ending up underneath the log? Installment #4 in this series will discuss some key points in tree felling including the use of wedges, axes, directionality of your cuts, and how to correct a faulty cut. You don't want to miss out on that post! But first, next week we'll go through correct and safe procedures for starting and running your saw.