Top-Handle Chainsaws?

Cap Crutch · #1 04-27-2008, 10:05 PM

Hello, all,

I was wondering whether many of you chainsaw carvers use top-handle chainsaws.

I do some tree work on the side and have a small top-handle saw (Dolmar PS3410TH) and was considering trying to use it for carving, but I know top-handle saws are more dangerous than rear-handle saws as far as kickback is concerned, and wondered whether this is a big issue if you want to use the saw for carving. (I suspect your arms start to get tired when carving, so the increased risk of kickback might be a major issue.)

So: Do many of you folks use top-handle saws?

dicktilley20 · #2 04-28-2008, 04:06 PM

Hey Cap

They dont reccommend using them here in UK but I use a little Husqy 335xpt, if you fit a 12 inch dime bar you could also use it for tree work.
The chain I use is 'Full House'.

With the small dime bar fitted you will have less chance of kick back, file the back edge of the cutting tooth at about 45deg, as the cutters go around the bar tip the back edge of the cutter does'nt bind, good for bore cutting too!

l for pruning ornimental trees, nice clean cuts.

Be sure to get the 1/4 sprockett and oil drive too.

dick

RopeWorker · #3 05-04-2008, 05:35 PM

I dont wish to sound like a boring fart ,but I am also a tree surgeon/woodsman & you are correct about the additional risk of kick back but you would also find that in the case of an accident you would not be insured as the saw is not designed for ground work & is "technically" illegal (in the UK).

There may be a technicallity in using one for carving but im not aware of any ,so my advice would be take care and if in doubt ,dont.

fred

dicktilley20 · #4 05-05-2008, 07:49 PM

Old! but not boring!!!!

Sound advice John, an experienced user of top handle saws, like ourselves, would I feel find them a very usfull tool, kick back is very much reduced with a carving bar such as the dime bars, there are a lot of UK clibmers suffering from kick back injuries, maybe a question for one of the Arb' forums????

I would have used one when pruning, I wasnt a tree surgeon John, I was a tree stylist!!!!!

dick

louis · #5 05-08-2008, 01:23 AM

Like you capcrutch I now am a worried man. I have just bought a top handle and found that one must be very careful when starting it as there is no real way to hold it down with a foot. Make sure that it points away from you Louis

dicktilley20 · #6 05-08-2008, 04:06 AM

Dont worry!

Tuck it between your knees to start it, pop the chain break on, no problem.

dick

louis · #7 05-08-2008, 08:50 AM

Thanks Dick, I will definately take your advice, not much is known about chainsqaw carvig in South Africa. King Arther tools are "technically" banned here as unsafe yet I have used them extensively without much trouble. Hardware stores say "oh they are dangerous" but in actual fact know very little about them.
Louis

bghebert · #8 05-15-2008, 08:52 PM

I wouldn't consider using one for a second, there’re meant to cut branches and they'd be perfect for that, most carving is with the tip of the bar which would be very dangerous, I had some close calls with two hands holding on.

Colin_Partridge · #9 05-15-2008, 10:44 PM

Dick said it all he obviously knows all about saws. I just was at my friends place last weekend. He told me about starting the saw between my legs. All those years I drop started a saw I didnt realize how dangerous it is. Starting the saw between the legs is so much easier and much safer. As for kick back any saw used the wrong way will kick back. I have a little Redmax 3200 with a dime bar running 1/4 pitch chain. I have never had it kick back most of the small carving saws dont unless you plunge cut but as with anything safety first.
Colin

dicktilley20 · #10 05-16-2008, 05:09 AM

DANGER!!!!

I know of some guys that remove the chain breaks! Not for me!

Saws are as dangerous as the user, treat them with respect, safety first, if you are not sure, be safe!

Colin is right, the dime bars have very little kick back, you can draw with them, here are a couple of pix of some simple relief carving holding the saw at a 45deg angle, you can get a little kick back, the saw will skip about 4-5 inches.\
Good practice for accuracy....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...b-mar_0955.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7.../Hopi_0388.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...6/owl_0510.jpg

dick