CHAINSAW MAINTENANCE

My chainsaws received a lot of heavy use when we first started clearing the property so we could build our retirement home. Since then they often sit unused for months, but when I need them I want them to work. Maintenance is essential if that is to happen.

As you can see I've been neglecting my chainsaws and allowing crud to buildup inside the housing. Eventually this will hamper the way the chainsaw functions. Last week I noticed the chain oil which is essential was not being released onto the chain. This causes the chain to overheat and stress the machine. Time to open things up and do some much needed cleaning.

Once all the nooks and crevices have been cleaned and are free of sawdust then you need to take the saw outside and get it running before attaching the blade. This will give you an opportunity to see if the chain oil is free to flow onto the chain. If all the openings have been cleaned then you will see the oil trickle out as the engine runs.

The bar also needs some attention and cleaning. Simply take a thin blade (I used a hooked blade used for cutting roof shingles) and draw it through the groove on the top and bottom of the bar. It's surprising how much caked sawdust and oil one removes from that thin channel.

Cleaned, reassembled and ready to work; now it's time to think about firewood for next winter. The sooner I get the trees down and firewood stacked the longer they dry and the better they burn. Winter is a busy season up here and getting our own firewood keeps us active.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for keeping an eye on us.