If you plan on splitting firewood, you may be wondering if your chainsaw can do the job. Using this machine is easier than manually swinging an ax, but both can be dangerous if you don’t know how to handle them. With the right techniques and safety steps, using a chainsaw to split firewood is easy and efficient. Below are a few tips to remember.

A Guide to Using a Chainsaw

1. Use the Right One

Since trees can have large trunk diameters, it’s recommended to use gas-powered chainsaws with a guide bar of at least 18 inches and an engine of 50cc or larger. Firewood logs are generally 16 inches, but they can vary. Consider how large you are planning to cut each piece of wood and go for a chainsaw length two inches longer than that to prevent nicking the nose or getting too much kickback.

2. Wear Safety Equipment

Always wear protective gear while you work. Start with face guards or safety glasses to protect your eyes, as well as a hardhat and earmuffs to save your hearing. Wear cutting chaps and gloves to safeguard your limbs from the blade, as well as from flying shards of wood.

3. Utilize a Sawhorse

Using a sawhorse elevates your work surface, so you aren’t killing your back while splitting logs that are sitting on the ground. Working at a more comfortable height also gives you better control of the equipment, allowing you to see your cuts more precisely.

4. Reduce Trunk Size

Cut your trunk size down to four-foot lengths. Place it between wedges so that it doesn’t roll away. Measure out your lengths with forest tape measures or a marking spray. Place the chain on your marked area, and saw about three-quarters down through the wood. With a felling lever, flip over the trunk and finish the cut. Trying to cut through in one swoop often leads to hitting the ground and dulling the equipment’s teeth.

5. Angle the Cut

Hold the chainsaw at a 45-degree angle to ensure sawdust blows away from you and the machine. Lesser angles can clog the discharge chute and overflow the guard with sawdust.

Continue this approach as you cut the four-foot pieces into firewood. Split the log in half, either on the ground or on a tree stump. Dig the bucking spikes into the log and pivot the blade as you saw all the way through.

If you need a quality chainsaw, stop by First Quality Power Place in Middlefield, OH. Their friendly team will ensure you have the outdoor equipment you need from top manufacturers. This company has been serving the Tri-County area since 1981, and also offers chainsaw blade sharpening, as well as routine tuneups, oil changes, and ignition tests for lawn equipment and snow blowers. Call (440) 632-5068 to discuss your repair needs, or visit them online to view their available inventory.