Chainsaw 101

Everything you need to know to operate, sharpen, and maintain a Chainsaw !

[@stephenmayeske7792]

I ran a chain saw professionally for many years. I can’t believe how good you are at explaining the basics. I could find no wrong in anything you said. There are, of course, many other things to know beyond what you said,but this perfect for the guy starting out. Listen up guys,this dude knows what he is talking about! By the way, after 52 years, I am retired now with no scars!

[@robertgraves3215]

Do you know any other channels or books that are classics for this? I'm delving into it this winter.

[@davidpeckham2405]

@@robertgraves3215 You can get good info from the saw companies themselves. there are some online saw courses too, worth the time a nd money.

[@jadrews76]

No scars? Were u a pencil pusher?

[@donaldhofman5257]

Me neither!! I started cutting at 14, and I'm 71 now! I've had several close calls, mostly from people near me that didn't know what they were doing! I had a uncle that was killed by a tree that was hung up and came loose and got him! He was in his 70s at the time! He'd logged since he was a kid too!

[@JesseG085]

​@donaldhofman5257 I'm sorry about your uncle but that's a real eye opener. Thank you for sharing.

[@bruceludwick8200]

Dave, this video is another reason that you have a million subscribers. It covers the basics of what you need to know and more. As you explained, tension is a real danger. If you are felling trees you always need to be aware of what is around you, what is above you, and what can go wrong. You also want to have an escape route for when the tree starts to fall. Great job!

[@andy2a2m]

I don't think i will ever use a chainsaw, but i really like the informational dense video, calm tone, no over exaggerated body language, no screams, just pure knowledge. I love it.

[@RonHight-un8uk]

Great video Dave! I’m 56 years old and have been running a chainsaw most of my life. That being said I learned something new today. That little rubber stop on the bottom of the saw, I did not know that was for operator safety if the chain was to come off the bar! I’ll be darned! Very informative and helpful, really enjoyed this tutorial!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks. Often that chain stop is made of aluminum

[@melindastephens9200]

Ok Dave. Slow down for us girls!

[@brendag2891]

​@@melindastephens9200I actually changed the speed of the video and slowed it down to half speed.... lol....

[@thegreatwhite-hd3uo]

U still got ur homelite I seen that old picture of u

[@eastkybigfoot]

I didn’t grow up with a dad or work a job that would give me this type of knowledge growing up. And videos like these mean a lot to me. I love seeing a cabin being built but informational videos especially on safety. Mean a lot to me. Thanks man.

[@NewGuyMedia-xe7bm]

Same here. This and Wranglerstar are my favorites

[@douglasmckee754]

Great advise for anyone. Accidents happen. Commonsense and safe operation is a must when using any equipment. The dumbest question is the one you didnt ask. Great video Dave

[@TheBeerbelly007]

I have always found that a clean tool feels like it is working better than it did when it was dirty. :)

[@muskegonhunterscamp]

Want to know why Dave has 1M subs? Videos like this, thorough, well-thought out, reinforcing the important parts multiple times. Authenticity: Dave states his experience is limited to building a log cabin & firewood. Great safety tips and the 'why' behind those tips. Excellent coverage on 'stored/potential energy' and the dangers & unpredictability. I also personally appreciate how Dave takes pride in his tools. Easy to pile on here... chain sharpening, fuel tips, starting tips... This content is just packed w/what ya really need to know about owning/operating a chainsaw. Thanks Dave, you raise the bar with every video.

[@TTheBiehlster]

When my step dad borrowed his friends chainsaw to cut down a dead tree in our yard, he was struggling to control the saw. It kept throwing him off balance and making him trip. A lot of kickback. He didn't like me suggesting he was doing it incorrectly. Still might send him this though... and then 🤐 I'm glad we don't have a chainsaw of our own yet. I hope he'll watch to the end.

[@kellyjenkins3965]

Man, finally a video about tools and maintenance and taking things apart like you made in the beginning. I am not likely to use a chainsaw but I learned and enjoyed the video. This kind of video is like stopping by your house, just seeing what you are up to and listening while you explain it. So relaxing, informative and enjoyable!!!

[@Normalizethis]

Understanding binding is imperative to using any powered saw.

[@WVhillDweller]

My dad told me when I was young, take care of what God gave you and he will bless you something else. I miss my Dad he died in 2016. Thanks for the memories.

[@lonniechartrand]

Very informative video for the “newbies” and even some “seasoned” veterans! An old dog CAN learn new tricks!!!

[@davidjones8680]

Top job Mr Whipple, I'd recommend anyone and everyone to re-watch this video on a regular basis.

[@sbarnette13]

I couldn't care less about cleaning a chainsaw, but your videos are so enthralling I found myself watching the entire thing!

[@RoundBoyRanch]

Brother, we are so chiselled from the same tree, I've never seen anyone else WAX a chainsaw. I couldn't disagree with anything, great info!!

[@sardonic_smile_8752]

"Who waxes a chainsaw?" 😂 I like detailing and cleaning I would too

[@Bushradical]

You and me both!

[@jeannethornburg2694]

As a widow continuing to live on 5 acres full of trees and relatively new too using a chainsaw. I think this is an excellent video. You covered all the bases of chainsaw use and safety and maintenance. Love your channel ! Thank you

[@mwamba3105]

I don't even own a chainsaw but I'll definitely come back to this video once I own one...great video 🔥

[@shawnr771]

Excellent commentary. When operating a chainsaw. Always step back and take a second look before committing to the cut. Check your angle one more time. I have two electric pole saws. One electric saw, two gas powered 1 Husquvarna, one Stihl and bought a 40volt Ryobi with an 18in bar yesterday. Each has their specific uses.

[@jerold8908]

Don't forget working to long till you are tired and prone to mistakes. One time I let the saw drop after going through a large branch and took the knee out of my jeans. Never broke the skin but scared the crap out of me. After that I bought chaps and quit if I am tired.

[@djrtime1398]

I’ve run saws on and off for over 40 years but never will say I’m an expert. I’ve got a project over the next couple weeks involving some technical felling and am glad and grateful you put this out. Always learning and needing a refresher. Happy and safe cutting to all.

[@waynecarlson8689]

Respect any power tool ! When you get cocky and disregard common sense and safety is when accidents happen! Got that advice back in mid to late seventies from shop teacher and never forgot it! Great vid great advice!

[@mesy2945]

Cutting firewood and chopping it, two of the things I never complain doing. Something so relaxing about wielding an axe or a chainsaw. And I still have all my fingers :))

[@Bushradical]

Couldn't agree more!

[@markshuput5228]

You showed me a lot of things I didn't know. I will practice safely with what I learned. Never too old to learn, I just turned 66. Great video Dave!!!

[@stuartofJax]

You are not wrong. Great video and very well explained! I’m a very safety minded person and therefor run thru many scenarios in my mind on and off the job site. Two expansions on your points: 1) Footing. Pay real attention to what’s around your feet as it is very easy to get tangled and or trip on something. Thinking of de-limbing a tree. All those little branches catch your feet. What’s your exit paths if you need to escape a situation. Don’t trip over that log that’s right behind you. 2) Your cardboard plane example is right on. I will not cut something if someone is down range on that plane. Thank you for your videos!

[@esvedium]

I used a chainsaw for the first time this weekend. With the help of my dad (who also never used a chainsaw), we took down a small tree that was mostly dead in my front yard. I knew the safety basics, the maintenance basics, and operation basics, all from watching your videos and others like it on youtube. It's amazing that we have this tool at our disposal today. I never would have done that on my own without videos like this. I would have hired the job out and ended up having to pay 3 to 4 times as much as the price of the saw. Keep making great videos like this, Dave, and I'll keep watching them and trying to be radical, eh.

[@tburda823]

Keep being safe, and remember, always trust your gut. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. Step back and re-evaluate. Congrats to you and your dad tackling a project like that, great sense of accomplishment.

[@stevesampier527]

The best basic chain saw video ever.

[@mike.4277]

Great video. I'm fully certified to use a chainsaw. Safety always comes first in my book!!

[@arronjohnston742]

if you've been regularly running a saw for 20+ years without any serious injuries i'd say you're worth listening too, even if yourself have been running saw for an extended time it's still worth listening to others as you never stop learning and someone else might just have a better more efficient way of doing things........ great video as always Dave💪👍👍

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@timothydarrow9474]

I couldn't agree more.

[@AdmanToronto]

I've been using a small Stihl saw around the property for years but there was A LOT in this video I had no clue about. THANK YOU.

[@georgesaunders2012]

I have ran a saw for years saw nothing wrong with this video great lesson for beginners

[@michaelgardner800]

Dave that was a great video, at 72 I have had firsthand experience with stored tension. I lived in Florida before retiring in 2021, there was a Brazilian pepper tree in back that needed cut down. It had three main branches that had to be cut, I cut down the first with no problem. The second one however was a different story as it came down it turned and put tension of its branches. I studied the tree before stopping that day so that I knew how to cut the next day. The next morning, after sitting everything up to get started, I had started working backwards from the way I had say I would cut it the next day. Well, here I am on a six-foot ladder with pole saw in hand, started the cut and saw what was about to happen but it was a little too late. I threw the pole saw to get it away from me just as the branch made connect with the ladder. I fell backwards landing on the stump of a tree with a vertical V-shaped cut, let me tell you that hurt and yes, I went to the hospital on my own. Lesson learned study a branch with tension before you make that cut because you cannot take it back trust me. The fall hurt my pride and caused bruising from my buttocks to my ankle on my left leg. Thankfully I did not loss any work and I still cut that tree down. Have a great day up there radical land.

[@William4143]

Just bought a 18 volt Ryobi 10” great little chainsaw. Thanks for the tutorial. Safety is #1. Gettin’ hurt or dead ain’t fun for anyone.

[@michaelduke4500]

A very thorough explanation of use and maintenance; the only thing my dad hasn't taught me is watching out for wedged branches and the force they can have.

[@c.a.g.1977]

I don't own a chain saw, I have no practical use for them in my daily life. But now I want one, just to have the satisfaction of cleaning it. Great video, Dave!

[@omgroscoe]

Thanks for this. I live in a rural area of New England and my neighbor gifted me a used chainsaw recently after I complained about not being able to clear my road and driveway whenever a tree came down and blocked me in (happened 3 times last year). I knew I needed one but had never used or picked one up because I had reservations about maintaining it.

[@AJKPenguin]

Now that is a great neighbor.

[@Snowsey]

I love the way you explain things in a way anyone can understand

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

Never have used a chainsaw. I have split a lot of firewood, in a different life. If I ever have to use one, now I have a wealth of information that I did not know. Thanks!!!

[@gringoenespanol]

Thanks for certifying me. I'm ready to cut down my neighbor's tree now.

[@keithharoldsen1141]

I love your videos. You have common sense and you explain things very well. I have used a chainsaw for many years. Im 70 now. I have had no serious injuries with a chainsaw , but i also don't claim to know it all. Thanks for your videos. I look forward to them.

[@martinjohncameron]

Great introduction to this useful (and dangerous) tool. I use one occasionally and this was a great reminder. "Caution is your best piece of safety equipment." Great advice. Thanks for a great video.

[@HansWurst-xj7xh]

Hey Dave, another great video of yours! My dad has been doing his firewood for years without knowing to kick about the chainsaws. Since he's getting older, I'm taking over that job slowly but surely. Great to have a nice video like this to get some orientation on how to generally use and especially maintain the tool. Clear and informative as always! Keep up the good work!

[@thezimra9429]

..... my life is just getting harder and closer to that point where imma just move to the forest.. so this is very useful. thank you... really hope i can get a house going.. atleast a shack

[@crazykyy]

That was just great, Dave. For a comparative "city boy", that was very instructive.

[@SpiralMagic]

We're purchasing a small electric chainsaw for our camp and this is exactly what I needed, thank you so much!

[@calebdoner]

Grew up with chainsaws in a family of loggers and been cutting my firewood for years. This is the best video I have ever seen on chainsawing. I learned several things from you! Thanks!

[@Bushradical]

Wow! Thanks

[@gonegliding2966]

Great video. Chainsaws aren't dangerous until you forget they're dangerous

[@Uriah_mccurry]

I absolutely love these videos and this is probaly the best video for people who need simple sense with a chainsaw.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@drbosb]

I maintain chainsaws, chippers, and stump grinders, and can appreciate the way you break it down in explanation. Great job!

[@rickyjessome4359]

Fantastic video Dave! Lots of great tips. Common sense and extra caution is your best friend while using any power tool. Cheers

[@Bushradical]

Absolutely

[@jerrypischke4230]

Very informative , and will definitely save some beginners a very painful reminder , if they take your informative for granted ! Thanks for caring !!

[@DanaUdapp]

Excellent, excellent, excellent! Short, clear and great advice.

[@DH-ku6qg]

I will probably never use a chainsaw but I sure will look at and appreciate the people that do! Thank you for your concise and entertaining video yet again.

[@ronicard]

Great video. The only thing I would add is something I learned when I'm sharpening my chainsaw: that is, I take a Sharpie and mark the tooth of the one where I start sharpening. It makes it easy to know when I've gone all the way around.

[@carltonboles6675]

Probably the best intro to chainsawing I have seen. Great content as always, Dave!

[@madamecampsalot6384]

Thank you, Dave. Your teaching style is greatly appreciated.

[@abrahambemar9530]

I used to work with chainsaws a lot. Making beach road/trail. Working with all kinds of tree sizes. I know how to operate a chainsaw. Ten seconds into the video i realized, i have no idea how to operate a chainsaw. Haha Thank you Dave, I enjoyed the video....and consider me enlightened. Haha

[@jamesschaeffer1770]

Great video, Dave. The information, the pacing and the production are all excellent. Thank you!

[@northwoodsrecce]

Perfect! Thank you! Been watching you for years, and I learn something every time I tune in. Much appreciated.

[@karenbrest187]

You Always do a good job of explaining your projects so well 👌 have a great day 🙏🇺🇲

[@ruthiewrangler9864]

I always struggled to get a sharp chain. Then I found the Stihl 2 in 1 sharpener. Total game changer. Thanks for all the pointers. We sometimes just forget, because we are to comfortable. Thanks Dave.

[@suzzettebridges4931]

Enjoy listening as always

[@BarryMcColeman]

Really enjoyed this one. Alone is on Hulu now so I am enjoying seeing you and Brooke from way back then.

[@itsjustjoe3790]

Thank you for the vids. My children are watching them and we are making big olans

[@scottl8793]

Thank you Dave. I've been watching your videos for a long time but I don't think I've ever said thank you. You should know that I've learned so much from you. I am young and I've acted/am acting already on all of these lessons. I am headed to Alaska! Thank you so much for an exciting and radical and simple life ahead of me. Thank you.

[@fernaureason7150]

Towards the end when you were cleaning it you said "Does this matter? no." But I would beg to differ. It reminds me of something my dad has told me my whole life: "Take care of your tools and they will take care of you." Sure, changing all the liquids and getting new tires for your car is more important than cleaning it but I believe there's a spiritual aspect to it and for you to take the time to clean your saw I like to think you do too. Thanks Dave! Love your videos!

[@05301mark]

Went through a 3 year apprenticeship and I've used saws almost weekly for over a decade since and still gonna take some pro tips into work tomorrow. That's a great point about too much safety gear giving a false sense of security, seen a lot of people do some shady stuff thinking they were untouchable bc they had fancy chaps on. This is going to help a lot of people stay safe, great job Dave!

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Very comprehensive! Thank you. The older I get, the move I realize that you can always learn something.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@EDHBlvd]

I don’t use a chainsaw (don’t even own one), but found this video incredibly useful. I loved the points about cutting a tree limb with a chainsaw on a ladder. Great stuff Dave!

[@Bushradical]

thanks

[@lovespurpleflowers]

Indeed, I purchased a pole saw to avoid any ladder temptations!

[@rebeccasilveous8898]

That was the most explicit explanation on how to take care of a chainsaw that I've ever seen. Well done Mr. Bush Radical. I am quite impressed!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@nancybrown2700]

I so appreciate this.Your tutorials are clear, common sense and extremely informative. Thank you Dave.

[@Bushradical]

You are very welcome

[@MyBackyardScience]

Dang, we missed the premiere, but greatly enjoyed the informative video! 👏 😀

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@invisiblesurfer]

You should be doing more how-to's, you are a gifted trainer!

[@salottin]

One of the things I hate the most is how people take off their safeties. Thanks for explaining!

[@johnsonlam]

A lesson worth thousand dollars, you are so nice, thank you.

[@KayBeee]

Part 2 - Everything about firewood?

[@Bushradical]

maybe

[@Bushradical]

.......actually not a bad idea

[@squirrel_is_notamused4694]

Wow. Just wow. I'm just getting started in using a chainsaw and feel like I've just had a comprehensive course in the basics. I'm taking your safety pointers to heart. Excellent video. Cheers.

[@bonniebon7335]

Thank you. I was gifted a pole saw last summer. I’m still cutting behind decades of neglect. By the end of winter, I”ll be lifting a real chain saw. The pole saw was good at breaking me in before getting close and more powerful. Essential videos are important and yours is excellent.

[@tmoomoo42]

Great video. My only problem is I'm left handed so sharpening and using the saw get frustrating sometimes.

[@bobjones9727]

Great video. Probably saved some injuries. Good job.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@johninslp]

Been using a chainsaw for years and learned some great new tips... thanks, Dave

[@daleadkins2448]

I had a running saw contact my leg twice. Two different times. Both when I was fatigued and limbing downed trees. Stepping and tripping over limbs and such. Now I wear safety chaps every time I’m sawing.

[@two4fan]

So not that i needed this video for myself. I am an on call firefighter with a batch of new hires that really don't know how to run a saw. After watching i forwarded this to them thanks for all the safety talk. this video needs to be included with saws.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks !

[@jamesadowney]

"who waxes a chainsaw?" Best line in the video. This was so great.

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Great video, Dave ... and just in time. You've likely saved me from serious injury with your tips. My Great Grandfather was a lumberjack working near Cadillac before I was born. He had a timber kick back on him and he almost died from the head wounds he got. I appreciate your "heads up", for sure! God Bless you and your family

[@BuceGar]

You forgot to mention that you have to fill the bar oil or the chain won't cut worth a $#&%. Great video, I love your content and this channel. Keep up the great work Dave!

[@Price1861]

My dad bought a Stihl 034 in 1986. I have the saw currently and it still cuts firewood today.

[@cedarrockcabin3633]

Excellent video. Thank you! I'm a 62yo woman and have only recently started using a chainsaw. I have my own little battery opperated one but feel I'm ready to graduate to a real chainsaw if needed.

[@kerickwalters2749]

This is proving to be a fantastic informative video. Great work Dave!

[@annalorree]

Through my former job in the fire service and a lifetime of cutting firewood, I have run Huskies, Stihls, Echos, Poulans, and McCulloch saws. This is a solid basic course for folks just starting out.

[@SpryGuy289]

Appreciate you brother, thanks for the video. I watched it with my 8 year old son. Passing it on.

[@98okuGT]

My grandfather died in 2019, a month ago I was at his old house and "saved" four Jonsered chainsaws: 62 (mfg: 1969-1970), 52 (mfg: 1971-1982), 370 (mfg: 1986-1988) and 2041(mfg: 1990). Been cleaning them up and checking how they work and if they don't run, try to make them run. Right now the only one that doesn't run is the 370 :) Grandpa worked in forestry back in the days. Found your videos yesterday, you are really good at explaining things, thank you! Great videos, keep up the good work! Greetings from Finland.

[@Bushradical]

Keep those old Reds running

[@EnduranceRoom]

Excellent video, Dave! Appreciate your time, effort and knowledge.

[@larrymeyers6913]

Very good video!!! For someone's first time.using a chainsaw they need to watch this video as there is alot of great information. I can watch your videos all day long

[@northernbackwoodsman263]

I have been cutting wood, for roughly 35 yrs. Professionally and just on my own stuff. This was a really good video. Lots of common sense. Never to old to learn something new or review things I should know/ be doing. Thanks.

[@TimpTim]

Seriously, though...thanks. Have a friend who got careless and "luckily" ended up with staples from his forehead to his chin! AND a relative who "luckily" ended up with a severed toe tendon and a ruined pair of shoes.

[@kevinharding2099]

Good advice, and well done. I would strongly recommend chaps. I gave up on gas saws and run only electric - much quieter, no fumes, and by the time I’m tired the saw is out of juice. I run a corded saw at the house to buck longer logs to length. The key to all chainsaw use is to keep the blade sharp.

[@keithdavis2601]

Cool Video Dave...I bet you get a lot of views on this one ! Great for a newbie greenhorn like me !

[@Bushradical]

I hope so!

[@ryobrown-mcclain805]

Absolutely great instructions, I work for an arborist and I can't think of anything to add, except I was trained never to use air compressor on an air filter(maybe because of how hard to control the air's power), my favorite part to watch was your saw cleanup, so satisfying. The saws we use are always so filthy, and never stay clean, we need you around !

[@mupo1811]

Ma dude I just spent 6 hours watching your videos. Thank you for the content. I had that I can't do that attitude. After I watched the video "simple off grid cabin behind the scenes" I felt so ashamed of my way of thinking. Sometimes we need people to talk to us about what a blessing it is to be healthy, young and capable. Thank you ma dude, I will realise my dream one day, I will work for it.