The Main Parts of a Chainsaw

Chainsaws are possible the most versatile pieces of outdoor power equipment on the market.

They can easily make quick work of cutting firewood, pruning saplings and felling trees. In addition, trenchers, which are another type of chainsaw, can even help you in dig trenches and edge your yards.

The gas-powered chainsaw usually has a two-stroke gasoline internal combustion engine, while electric chainsaws will be powered by an electric motor. The next obvious part is the bar. This is the long flat metal frame that is usually made from a tough alloy. The bar is what the cutting chain is mounted. The chain has sharp blades called a tooth. A Skip-Tooth chain is a chin that has a tooth on every other link. This type of chain is often used for cutting soft woods such as pines as it reduces the risk of the chain clogging.

The first “teeth” used on chainsaws were straight, however thanks to Joseph Buford Cox, modern chainsaw teeth, have a forward slightly curved section that chips away pieces of wood from the bottom of the cut, while another section of the tooth is at a right angle to chips away at the wood from the wall of the cut. There are also left and right-handed teeth, which chip away at the left and right wall of the cut. The left and right teeth are alternated on the chain. The motor, bar and chain may be the main parts of the chainsaw, but they are not the only parts. Other parts of a chainsaw include, but are not limited to:

Chain Catcher/ Chain Guard- This can be either a metal or a plastic guard that is designed to protect the operator in the event that the chain breaks or derails.

Flywheel-This is a weighted wheel, which controls the speed of the engine and helps cool the engine.

Clutch-The is attached to the chain sprocket and is the connector, which controls the driving part of the saw.

Decompression valve-This valve releases compression and allows for easier starting.

Anti-vibration Handle System-Is highly recommended by OSHA to limit stress on the operator’s hand, and arms. This is a system of handle shocks.

Hand guard- Usually a plastic shield that protects the operator’s hands from kickback. Kickback is a very violent backward and upward motion of the chainsaw guide bar. This occurs when the nose or tip of the guide bar comes into contact with a log, dirt, rock, branch, or when the wood pinches the saw chin.

Muffler-On chainsaws, the muffler is a hearing protection device to help reduce engine noise.

Chain brake-This will stop the chain if kickback occurs to prevent injury to the operator. Depending on the age of the chainsaw, this feature may not be installed. Chain brakes became a safety requirement in February 1995.

Throttle-This regulates the RPMs by either increasing or decreasing the amount of fuel flow to the cylinders. The chain on the chainsaw will stop when pressure on the throttle is released.

 

More hardware and equipment information:

Material handling equipment
Work equipment
Home construction equipment
Work truck equipment
Finish construction accessories

©, Chopping Chain Saws.com
All rights reserved worldwide. Always read instructions before using any chain saw equipment and follow manufacturers recommendations. The content on this site is the authors opinion only.

Disclaimers

Chain Saw Online Book

Where to buy