Tree Care: Look Sharp

For safe and efficient operation, chain saw users need to "look sharp" – that is, ensure they have sharp chain saw blades for the most productive performance and make certain their are wearing the appropriate safety gear to protect themselves while on the job.

For contractors who use chain saws occasionally, knowing how to sharpen a chain isn’t imperative, but all chain saw users should know how to determine if a saw chain is becoming dull. According to Tim Ard, president, Forest Applications Training, Hiram, Ga., if the saw chain is not feeding into the wood without having to apply heavy pressure, the chain should be replaced with a sharp one.

Ard, a 25-year veteran of the outdoor power equipment industry, annually instructs 6,500 people in chain saw safety and suggests that as a rule of thumb, the chain should cut the wood at a rate of approximately 1 inch per second. If not, it’s time to sharpen.

Using chip size as a rule can be deceiving, Ard adds. Chip size will vary according to the wood species, grain size and fiber direction of the material.

For contractors who plan to sharpen their own chain, they must have an understanding of proper procedure and settings. Just picking up a file and beginning to work on a chain tooth can be dangerous. Contractors should consult their chain saw owner’s manual first or visit their local chain saw and accessories dealer for some assistance.

To better understand the process, here are the important parts of a chain saw tooth and its function.

• Raker or Depth Gauge – Sets the thickness of the wood chip being removed from the kerf.

• Working Corner or Point – Starts the cut into the wood fiber and must be without abrasion and or damage.

• Top Plate – Opens the width of the kerf and the tracking of the tooth left and right. This area must be without abrasion and or damage.

• Side Plate – Crosscuts the long wood fibers and really does the toughest job of the tooth. You never want this area to be damaged, hooked forward or back sloped.

• Top Plate Chisel – Removes the chip by splitting it away for the fiber and the kerf.

APPAREL AWARENESS. When working with a chain saw, safety must be a contractor’s first and foremost consideration. The initial step in safe operation is to make sure workers are properly dressed with protective apparel. Wearing safety gear helps to protect the body and can reduce the severity of an injury in the event of an accident.

Since there are multiple pieces of protective attire to consider, Mark Michaels, product manager, Husqvarna, Charlotte, N.C., offers a list of the essential pieces.

1. Chaps or Pants – Wearing chaps or pants specifically designed for chain saw operators will protect you in the event that the chain saw makes contact with your body. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the majority of chain saw injuries – about 40 percent – involve the legs, so chaps or pants are a critical part of your safety gear. Chaps or pants that bear the UL label have been tested in accordance with ASTM F1897 for cut-through protection and washability.

2. Ear protection – Operators of chain saws are exposed to high levels of noise that can impair or damage hearing. Wearing ear protection, such as earmuffs or plugs, can help to reduce the level of noise an operator experiences, thus reducing the risk of hearing damage.

3. Eye protection – With the wood and dust that flies during chain saw use, safety glasses are a must. Wearing safety glasses will help to keep debris from interfering with your vision or scratching your eye and causing damage to your sight. The glasses should fit close to and wrap around your face for the best protection. Glasses with "Z87" stamped somewhere on the frame are approved by ANSI as safety glasses.

4. Gloves – To prevent injuring your hands, wear protective gloves or mitts. Gloves with built-in cut resistance are recommended for the best protection. Chain saw protection is usually only added to the back of the left hand, where most chain saw cuts occur.

5. Boots – Wearing cut-resistant footwear helps to protect your feet when saw slippage occurs. Selecting a pair of boots that are durable, comfortable and appropriate for the work at hand is essential.

6. Helmet – If the tree you’re working on is not already on the ground, an approved safety helmet is necessary. Helmets should be replaced every two to four years, as ultraviolet light weakens the helmet material.

Since you spend a lot of time using your safety apparel, select pieces that are comfortable and durable. The clothing you select should fit closely but not so tight that your movements are restricted.

Be sure to take the first step toward safe chain saw operation by taking time to select and wear proper safety apparel.

The author is product manager for Husqvarna, Charlotte, N.C., and can be reached at mark.a.michaels@electrolux.com.