How do you use your chain brake?

[Breezeblock]

almost all the time i use the brake but i think the slamming off the brake on at full throttle is a waste of time i prefer to stick it on and give it a few revs to check its ok

[harvey b davison]

 

Going back to the OP: I don't think NPTC should be teaching the full revs chain brake test any more. I think they have to teach testing the brake to the manufacturer's recommendation. In the case of Stihl I think this is apply the brake and blip the throttle twice? Husky might still be a full revs test, not sure. I think you should also be doing an inertia test by dropping the bar tip (saw switched off) onto a log/stump? I'll wait to be corrected.....

 

Just done my cs31 with a makita, that also was a full revs test.

[ThrustSSC]

Me, I'm relatively-inexperienced user. I recognise that and admit it. So I use the chain brake when I'm not cutting - when moving around, when I put it down, when I sharpen it or fuel it, when thinking about my next cut, when rolling a ring out of the way.

 

Mind you, after driving well over a million miles I still use the handbrake when I stop, too. I wish more did so their over-bright brake lights didn't blind me. I don't want to end up wishing I'd used the chain brake more...

[Joe Newton]

Since we've had a couple of apprentices join us I'm making a conscious effort to be better with stuff like this. It's unfair to correct them on something in also guilty of.

 

It was fun trying to tell the newest how to use a saw as NPTC will teach him. I remembered most of it (and found it frustrating) but when showing him how to cross cut a small stem my team leader reminded me that I should drop to one knee to make each cut, to prevent poor posture! What a ball ache! Anyone honestly do that still?

[magwick]

good test to find out, i have done this so many times, its that front handle on the stihl that does it.

 

 

 

i have seen this happen alot, but moslty on top handles. due to doing a cut and getting the saw down and away before it has dropped in revs, suppose it cant be helped if concentrating on the big lump you are about to drop.

 

 

 

think he means applying it at full revs rather than waiting for it to calm down.

 

lets face it the brake is there for the operators safety, its there to prevent injury not to be a neusance.

 

applying it at full revs should be on start up and test only, do it too often and it will break, its a safety feature to be able to apply at full revs and stop that chain quick, you wouldnt slam your car brakes on at 70 eevry time just because you can. so why do it to a saw.

 

if it works then use it, dont abuse it.

 

oh and i use it everytime i stop cutting. unless snedding up with saw on opposite side of timber. it doesnt take much to wait a secone for a saw to drop to apply it.

 

 

i agree with all of the above.

having fallen on a saw i am pleased that i have always clicked the break on.

[ThrustSSC]

Since we've had a couple of apprentices join us I'm making a conscious effort to be better with stuff like this. It's unfair to correct them on something in also guilty of.

 

It was fun trying to tell the newest how to use a saw as NPTC will teach him. I remembered most of it (and found it frustrating) but when showing him how to cross cut a small stem my team leader reminded me that I should drop to one knee to make each cut, to prevent poor posture! What a ball ache! Anyone honestly do that still?

 

No way! I'm usually sawing close to the end of my log stack - no way I would make it harder to run if the lot unexpectedly decided to start moving my way!

[Aussie treesmith]

Use it most when up a tree, on a top handles I use it all the time. With a rear handle on the ground if I put it down running the brake goes on, if I'm holding it then my hand is on the front handle ready so I don't bother until I move my hand and it goes on then. I've had buildups of crud on outboard sprockets where even full rev brake engagement won't stop the chain so it's worth keeping that in mind

 

P.S. hello all, nice to be here

Edited October 30, 2013 by Aussie treesmith
bloody autocorrect

[Marc]

Since we've had a couple of apprentices join us I'm making a conscious effort to be better with stuff like this. It's unfair to correct them on something in also guilty of.

 

It was fun trying to tell the newest how to use a saw as NPTC will teach him. I remembered most of it (and found it frustrating) but when showing him how to cross cut a small stem my team leader reminded me that I should drop to one knee to make each cut, to prevent poor posture! What a ball ache! Anyone honestly do that still?

 

I got to one knee all the time, ringing and putting in felling cuts, I find it easier and more comfortable.

[Joe Newton]

I got to one knee all the time, ringing and putting in felling cuts, I find it easier and more comfortable.

 

Felling cuts: if it's easier.

 

Ringing: I'd rather not get a damp knee