small cordless chainsaws

[steve rollnick]

In the last issue of the Smallwoods there's a glowing review of two small cordless chainsaws, and it is tempting reading, seemingly ideal for my small scale dreams for a woodland I have.

Are they safer than larger chainsaws? What about training for a novice? I'd appreciate any advice anyone has on these two questions.

Thanks,

Steve

[greyman]

Steve,

I've not seen the article so can't comment on the actual saws they've mentioned but the basics for chainsaw use and safety would still apply. Sharp moving metal + clothing/skin still = potential for injury. Having said that if you follow the information contained in a downloadable leaflet from the HSE:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg317.pdf

You just have to consider that your power comes from electricity - even if it is only 12/18/24 volt - and adjust your use accordingly. Basic sensible precautions - clear the area you are to working, don't use without checking over for broken teeth on the saw, all guards in place, no loose/flapping clothing etc. It is debatable about the purchase of safety trousers and a face shield but if you can afford it without buying very expensive equipment, get a helmet and chaps as a minimum - there's lot's of advice out on t'internet:

http://www.chainsawguide.co.uk/safety_equipment_ppe_clothing.htm

http://www.hobuk.co.uk/acatalog/Chainsaw-Safety-Equipment.html

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/A331068/Workwear-PPE/Protective-Clothing/Chainsaw-Protection&cm_mmc=Google-_-Safety%208%20Workwear-_-Chainsaw%20Protection-_-chainsaw%20clothing?P=P&gclid=CMrO44_rppgCFU4g3god3SEnmw&source=aw

Having said all this I am sure others here on the forum would join me in saying that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - specially with sharp whirly things! If you can at least afford to go on the same basic course as Tracy can recommend that would be to the better.

Anyway that's where I am coming from on this but other may think differently

Greyman

[tracy]

Steve, remind me where you are based? The best trainer we have for East Sussex/ Kent is David Rossney- I can put you in touch with him. I will see if he will comment on the saws here too.

I did my training before using a saw, and got all the safety gear and I would stress, safety gear is SO important! A couple of weeks ago, a little twig and a second of less concentration for me, meant I snagged my trousers. Had I not been wearing chainsaw trousers I would have got a lot of stitches...Please folks, get some safety gear!

Anyone else recommend trainers in other parts of the country?

[greyman]

Are we all sad? On the SWOG site this time in the morning!

;~))

[tracy]

You might be - I get paid to do it! ;-0

Have a great day in your woods Greyman!

[steve rollnick]

Thanks a lot Greyman and Tracey. I guess I am heading for a course of some kind. I'm based in Cardiff. Tracey, I'm not that keen on using a large chain saw. What sort of course could I go on?

Greyman, thanks for all those details. I like your fantasy that on a Sat morning there is only one place to be...... but I had kids to play with and their routines to follow........ I only get to the wood once a week if I am lucky .........

Bye and thanks, Steve

[mikepepler]

I'm not convinced about the power of chainsaws running on batteries, or how long a charge will last. For occasional home/garden use I can see it's an option, but for working in the woods the energy density of a can of petrol will beat batteries hands down every time.

[RichardKing]

"A glowing review" you say Steve. Lets examine this article in objectively.

First, with all due respect to Nick Gibbs (editor) He is not comparing them with petrol chainsaws (or even mains electric ones), but simply with each other.

Second, he is not using them for the same tasks as petrol chainsaws.

Thirdly, he is reviewing them because he was probably given them for free.

Fourthly, I suspect that if you calculated the total power output of even a small petrol saw at full revs then it would exceed the total available power a battery powered saw in the first minute.

As the writer Henry Miller once put it "You need a built in, shockproof twenty four carrat crap detector"

[steve rollnick]

Dear Richard,

brilliant comment, thanks.

Steve

[tracy]

Steve, I will do the 'chainsaw training' hunt for you tomorrow-and let you know how I get on - today I am in the wood -unless anyone else in the Cardiff area can recommend someone...?

Tracy

and Richard, I love the way you write! I am hoping for an article from you soon!