I agree with all that has been said.
I read that you were new to chainsaws. Here are a few things you need at a minimum! (seriously, many have learned the hard way)
Safety glasses that wraparound your eyes tightly on the sides. I don't know how but flying wood will find a way into your eyes. Literraly every carving caused me problems until I bought a new pair of safety glasses. It still happens but not as much.
Safety chaps, this is a must. As much as I carve I hit my chaps again a week ago with my saw. They have protected my leggs more than they should have needed too but when you are carving you are holding the saw at strange angles and it can get away from you.
I use Kevlar safety boots. Obvious why. These are expensive but if you ever start carving bigger stuff you might want to consider these.
Vibration gloves with open fingers. Should really help you with the numb hands and fingers that you will experience.
Hope this helps.
One final woord of advice, especially if you use a regular bar. Always keep the bar in an orientation such that you can see the same side of the bar with both eyes at the same time. By doing this when you experience kick-back your head will not be in the way (notice I said when, not if...)
Greg
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