HOW DOES GASOLINE CHAINSAW WORK?

INTRODUCTION

The chainsaw can literally be explained from its name, that’s the first clue you should probably know. A gasoline chainsaw is a machine that cuts with a set of teeth attached to a rotating chain driven along a guide bar. This article explores not just the question "how does a gasoline chainsaw work?" but the analysis of its comparison with its electric powered counterpart. It is used in activities such as tree felling, limbing, bucking, pruning, cutting firebreaks in wildland fire suppression, and harvesting of firewood. Chainsaws with specially designed bar-and-chain combinations have been developed as tools for use in chainsaw art and chainsaw mills. Specialized chainsaws are used for cutting concrete during construction developments. Chainsaws are sometimes used for cutting ice in polar ice regions. There are many advancements in electric tools, hence we now also have electric chainsaw. The electric chainsaw boasts of Boasting clean energy and little maintenance, an electric chainsaw is attractive to those not comfortable with gas engines and live with access to mains supply so they can connect or recharge their chainsaw.

New electric models make short battery life a thing of the past. And the cutting power is outstanding. But there are still some tasks in which a gas chainsaw cannot be matched in power and cutting speed.

Knowing the pros and cons of an electric vs. a gas chainsaw can help you to better determine which style is right for you. For the purpose of this article we will be discussing how a gasoline powered chainsaw works. In Nigeria gas is usually called petrol

Starting a gas chainsaw

A gas-powered chainsaw is much easier to start with proper maintenance of the chainsaw. Before you start your saw, perform a quick maintenance check:

• Check the oil level
• Fill it with fresh fuel (using a proper fuel-and-oil mix for 2-cycle engines)
• Ensure the spark plug boot is fully seated

Afterward, the steps you take to start your gas chainsaw depend on whether you are starting your saw cold or hot.

Description and mechanism of chainsaw

The chainsaw has a bicycle-like chain, running around sprockets (gear wheels designed to turn a chain) only with about 30 or more sharp teeth (made from a hardened steel alloy) mounted around it at intervals. Inside the engine, as the piston moves in and out of the cylinder, it pushes a connecting rod that turns a crankshaft. The crankshaft turns gears that are connected (through a centrifugal clutch, explained below) to one of the sprockets on which the chain is mounted—and the chain spins around.

The gasoline chainsaw converts the chemical energy locked in gasoline into mechanical energy you can use to do work. Each mechanical device is basically composed of a set of different parts, each of which, by performing a specific task, makes it possible to achieve the ultimate goal of the device. In the case of gasoline saws, the main goal is to cut, and all the components and parts try to achieve this goal in the best possible way. In the following and in several sections, we will introduce the main components of gas chainsaws.

The movement mechanism of a gas chainsaw is composed of two main structural parts; centrifugal clutch and wheel-chain structure. After increasing the speed of the motor output shaft, the centrifugal clutch engages using the centrifugal force created and the motor output force is transmitted to the propulsion mechanism.

Note that in the gasoline saw, the clutch also acts as an interface between the engine and the drive mechanism. The clutch transmits the input force to the wheel, which is part of the wheel-chain system, causing it to rotate. Here we need to use an allegory to better understand. The structure of the gas chainsaw in this section is very similar to the structure of a bicycle. The centrifugal clutch acts as the pedal that rotates with the rider's foot. This rotation is transmitted to the chain by a pedal and a plate, and this chain rotates because it is fixed between two large wheels. In a chainsaw, the same rotation of the chain is required and will cause the cut. Note that in the example above, the cyclist's leg muscle plays the role of driving the engine.

Basic safety when working with a chainsaw

Here are some major safety measures needed in using the chainsaw for work. Note that these safety principle also apply in the use of other power tool, they include the following:

1. Do not work on a site alone, work in the company of another colleague in case of injury someone can help the other.
2. Keep a safe distance of about 3 – 5 metres from the blade when working with a chainsaw. During tree felling, a greater safety distance is required.
3. Keep a steady grip on both handles on the saw. Thumbs and fingers must be completely wrapped around the handles to be prepared for possible kick-backs.
4. Hold the chainsaw close to your body for better balance and to make the saw feel less heavy.
5. Stand with your feet apart. To achieve the best possible balance, put your left foot slightly in front of your right.
6. When working in low positions, do not work with a curved spine, bend your knees instead.
7. When you are moving to another spot within the site you are required to activate the chain brake or turn off the engine to prevent any hazard.

Pros and Cons Gas Chainsaws

Advantages of Gas Chainsaws

A gas chainsaw is ideal for heavy-duty work. If you have a lot of trees on your property, live on a farm or ranch, or want to find something for professional use, a gas-powered chainsaw is probably your best bet. it saves time, tree felling and wood cutting are achieved with less time compared to the use of manual tools. It turns logs into firewood. Gas saws also come with a range of bar lengths to meet the requirements of your job. Unlike a corded electric chainsaw or manual saw, you won’t be confined to one area. And unlike a cordless electric chainsaw, you won’t run out of battery life, so you can work longer if you have the proper gas supply.

Disadvantages of Gas Chainsaws

Gas saws are often heavy, which can create fatigue. They are also louder than electric chainsaws and require you to mix oil and petrol, for newbies that seems a little difficult because there are specific ratio of gas and oil to mix, the mixture also gives off a scent of gas while operating. Finally, gas chainsaws often start at a higher price point than electric chainsaws, which may make them less appealing to beginners or budget conscious people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the possibilities of Kick-back effects when working with Chainsaw?

1. Kickback can occur during most work procedures if the saw is not handled carefully. This is why it is essential for you to learn and use the correct saw technique.
2. It can also occur when the chainsaw is without a chain break.
3. One should always keep the left thumb under the front handle when using the saw to catch the saw in case of kickback.

Conclusion

The chainsaw is an invention for easier and faster cutting of thick woods and tall trees into logs, The movement mechanism of a gas chainsaw is composed of two main structural parts; centrifugal clutch and wheel-chain structure. After increasing the speed of the motor output shaft, the centrifugal clutch engages using the centrifugal force created and the motor output force is transmitted to the propulsion mechanism. Note that in the gasoline saw, the clutch also acts as an interface between the engine and the drive mechanism. However, a high level of safety awareness is needed with the use of gasoline chainsaw to avoid serious injuries to the user or others around the place of use.

You can purchase different brands of gasoline chainsaw as well as other kinds of power tools by contacting us on our website gz- supplies.com. We offer the best quality tools to get your job done effectively.

Other important topics to explore while using a power tool

10 Tips on Simple Ways to Keep Your Power Tools in Good Working Order

Safety Tips for Handling Power Tools

POWER TOOLS SAFETY MEASURES FROM INJURIES