If you are a newbie then you might not have any experience in using a chainsaw, or just have a little experience.
The best way to learn how to use a chainsaw is to first learn how to cut wood slices with a chainsaw. Once you learn how to use a chainsaw you can do much more than just cutting wood slices. You can use it for trimming, felling, firewood chopping and buckling.
In this guide, we will specifically teach you how to cut wood slices with a chainsaw, and by the time you are done reading our easy and simple guide, cutting wood slices will be like second nature. Depending on what you need wood slices for, maybe for a decorative design, centerpieces, chair bottoms, or centerpieces, we will teach you how to go about it.
Let’s get started, shall we?
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What Size of Chainsaw Should You Use?
Before we dive in headfirst to learn how to cut wood slices with a chainsaw, the most important thing is to know the size of the chainsaw you need. There are two sizes you choose for this project specifically, a 16-inch or an 18-inch chainsaw. Why do we recommend these two sizes?
It’s because they are long enough to cut trees for wood slices easily. Usually, the chainsaw needs to be 2-inches longer than the wood itself.
Depending on the size of the wood, you will have to opt for a chainsaw that best fits the requirements we have mentioned. These three types of chainsaws: gas, electric, and cordless.
Electric and cordless chainsaw don’t go above 18-inches, whereas gas-powered chainsaw can go up to 24 inches. Now that you know the size and type of chainsaw you need, let’s move forward to the step-by-step guide.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Cut Wood Slices with a Chainsaw
If you follow all the steps in the order given below and take all the measures we have recommended you will be able to cut wood slices the way you want to for the project you have in mind.
Step 1: Wearing Protective Gear
We all know that chainsaws are an extremely powerful tool and if the precautionary measures are not taken, you will be putting yourself in at risk.
Accidents can always happen even with the most experienced chainsaw operators. Precisely why, to avoid any horrific accidents your primary concern should be safety first.
Therefore, before you start your chainsaw, you must be wearing all the protective gear like:
- Eye goggles
- Chainsaw gloves
- Chainsaw chaps
- Protective footwear
- Ear protection.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt
Step 2: Prepping the Wood
Assuming you know how to start a chainsaw, prepping the wood you have to cut beforehand is imperative.
The wood you are supposed to cut, you will have to place the wood five to six inches off the ground because you wouldn’t want the chainsaw to hit the ground and if the chainsaw hits the ground there could be a kickback which can be dangerous for you, while it can also potentially damage the chainsaw blade.
To prop up the wood you will be cutting, you can make use of a log jack or maybe other wood scraps. Ideally, we would recommend a log jack because they are perfect for this task.
However, if you don’t have one a solid piece of wood scrap could be used instead. All you will have to do is place the wood scrap underneath the wood you will be cutting. The reason behind propping up the end of the wood is that it provides a surface for a smooth and precise cut, while is also a good safety precaution.
Step 3: Finding the Knots
If you didn’t know, cutting through the knots of a trunk is tiresome and also dangerous. Moreover, cutting through the know may prevent a smooth and sharp cut because it is prevented by the knot.
Knots are basically the strongest portions on wood, and if you cut through them the chainsaw may kickback which can be very dangerous. To avoid this from happening, it is good practice to find the knots.
How do you find the knots on the wood? It is very simple actually; all you have to do is figure out where the circular area of wood is and where the wood is exactly condensed.
A knot is very visible because of its thick and circular appearance. Your job would be to avoid the knows when you are making the cuts.
Step 4: Measuring and Marking the Wood
We are at a step that requires precision and measurement, you will have to measure and mark the wood depending on your requirements. To achieve the desired shape and size, you must make accurate marks that will allow you to cut precisely.
To measure the thickness of the wood, you can use the guide bar chainsaw.
Although, thickness doesn’t play a huge role when it comes to cutting wood, and can also use a measuring tape to make the measurements.
Make marks in various places and, don’t under any circumstances forget to make the marks where you need to make the cuts. The marks you make will serve as a guideline when you will be making the cuts. To make the marks you can either use a permanent marker or a masking tape to marks the points.
Although, a permanent marker will not be visible where the bark is darker. In those places you can make use of masking tape, all you will have to do is wrap the masking tape around the darker areas on the bark.
By following the marks exactly during the cutting process you will be able to achieve the desired results with precision and accuracy which is obviously important when it comes to cutting wood.
Step 5: Holding the Chainsaw Firmly
Now we are finally at the main part which is making the cuts, holding the chainsaw firmly in your hands at four to five inches above the trunk you will have to place it in line with the marks you previously created in the step above.
Before you switch on the chainsaw, don’t let the chainsaw touch the wood.
Wrapping your left thumb around the front handle of the chainsaw, switch it on and very gradually lower it down to the mark where you need to cut. This is also a great way to avoid any kickbacks from the chainsaw.
Make sure you hold the chainsaw firmly and are standing at a comfortable angle because you want to make sure you have adequate control over the chainsaw and can make the cuts perfectly without making any mistakes.
Since the chainsaw is a heavy power-tool make sure you hold it with both hands and are standing on a balanced surface while being in a safe environment as well.
Step 6: Gliding the Blade
A very common mistake a lot of people make when using a chainsaw is applying pressure more than it is needed when the blade cuts through the wood. The chainsaw is an extremely powerful tool and doesn’t require pressure.
You just have to apply a minute amount of pressure; the rest of the work will be done by the chainsaw itself. To make smoother cuts, you will have to hold the chainsaw firmly and glide the blade slowly.
If you feel like the chainsaw is not cutting fast enough, just be patient and keep guiding the blade in the direction you want and let the saw do all the work for you. Applying unnecessary pressure will result in uneven cuts or sudden kickbacks which you wouldn’t want.
We’ll advise you to take intervals in between because the chainsaw is a heavy power-tool and using it continuously might tire you.
Step 7: Arranging the Wood Slices
If you have to cut multiple wood slices, you will have to stop the cutting process and place the already cut wood slices away from your working space to operate in a safe environment.
Moreover, you wouldn’t want the wood slices to be damaged or have dents which are why, once you are done with a tree log, move the cut wood slices and also don’t forget to give the chainsaw and yourself rest.
Conclusion:
We hope this guide on how to cut wood slices with a chainsaw was easy to understand and follow. If you have to cut multiple wood slices, you will have to repeat the steps given above. Don’t panic or feel unsure about if you can do it, just take all the precautionary measures like wearing protective gear, working in a safe environment and, following the steps we have mentioned, and you will be good to go!
