This months Essential Arb - Cut and hold

[Mark Bolam]

I agree with Dean. It's best not to do it at all, but it can be done safely with a bit of thought.

 

What annoys me is seeing it done for the sake of it. I saw a lad working for a local firm dismantle a small sycamore last year, and he cut and held EVERYTHING. Massive drop zone, and he threw everything straight down where it would have fallen anyway. It was as if he had been taught that a top-handle was only allowed to be used with one hand.

 

Beside the risk of cuts, the risk of tennis elbow and RSI is massively increased.

 

There is a place for cutting and holding, but not as a substitute for good technique and work positioning.

 

It can save time, and therefore make you money, in the right situation.

 

The lads I've seen with their forearms in casts waiting for their tendons to knit back together weren't making very good money, however.

[Mick Stockbridge]

Obviously not everything has to be cut and held but I've always been under the impression that top handled saws were brought about for that very reason.

Apart from fitting into tight spaces, what other reason is there for top handled saws ?

[Mark Bolam]

Much quicker for chogging smaller diameter stems Mick.

 

And they make me look taller when hanging from my harness.

[High Scale]

I have had a young lad working for me who is doing a course at Merrist Wood and he's been taught to start a top handled saw in the most dangerous, cack handed manner I have ever seen.

[ben lightfoot]

cutting and chucking quicker? not that much quicker when you cut your arm then take six months off work bet the employer will be glad of those extra five minutes saved on the last job, i will stick to the silky for those bits thanks or maybe rig it down

[Dean Lofthouse]

It may not have to be quicker if you are employed by someone, doesn't need to be then because it's your boss soaking up the overheads and costs

 

I'd like to see those that "never cut and hold" or "cutting and holding isn't quicker" run their own business and win quotes against those that do cut and chuck.

 

Try working over very expensive targets and rely on the "step cut hand held".

 

I personally will remain competitive and claim free by hand holding when I feel and know full well it is safe to do so.

 

...and they will never ban top handles, because people will then try to one hand with a rear handle...and that would be dangerous.

 

Some people need a reality check

Edited January 7, 2011 by Dean Lofthouse

[Mark Bolam]

Good post again Deano.

 

I've bust a few roof tiles using 'hand held step cuts' in my time! The temptation over valuable targets is to make the step too big so you can't crack it.

 

It's an interesting point - should cutting and holding, with good technique, and when safe to do so - be taught to some degree?

 

I'll only do it with a sharp saw, and when the saw is heading away from the direction the held piece is being taken by gravity.

 

Silky is generally a better idea, but I would rarely use it on 3"+ pieces.

 

Too much risk of injury from RSI.

 

Oh no. The argument has just gone full circle.

 

Whatever your methods, come home safe fellas.

[Matthew Burton]

I can't say i've ever used the 'cut and hold' technique with a chainsaw. I've not yet seen a situation where it would save enough time over an entire job to justify the risks. I work for a small firm and none of us cut and hold yet we still get the job done in the time frame we've set ourselves and price competitively.

 

I've got to agree with Paul, handsawing is an all together more pleasant way to work.

 

The only incident i know of regarding a chainsaw injury amongst anyone i know was an attempted 'cut and hold' which resulted an a mutilated wrist, thank heavens for modern medicine!

[Johny Walker]

Slightly of topic, but does any one else find the new chains are more dangerous, as the extra raker material makes the saw more likely to skid along, instead of bighting in.

 

i do ,dont like then, im lucky tho got 25 of the old type chains ,so should be ok for a year or two

[Dean Lofthouse]

I work for a small firm and none of us cut and hold

 

 

I'm Sorry Matthew, all due respect an all that stuff

 

But I cannot and will not accept from anyone, that they have never, ever cut a small branch whilst holding it with the other hand.

 

I do however find it difficult to believe none of you or your work collegues never cut and hold in your day to day working

 

...and I would never in this world ever accept from anyone, them saying they have never used a 200t with one hand. I would find it quite laughable, as arrogant as that may sound

Edited January 7, 2011 by Dean Lofthouse