Have you ever wondered how a chainsaw operates? A chainsaw is a handy mechanical saw run by a motor, usually in forestry activities like logging and tree thinning. Tree surgeons make use of this indispensable tool to fell trees and haul foliage and branches and in harvesting firewood. In chainsaw art, specially designed blades have been developed as tools.

Chainsaws are made of a small, two-stroke gasoline (petrol) internal combustion engine. Smaller versions often use electric motors. The blade or bar, a long metal frame made of sturdy alloy, along with the cutting chain complete the package.

This equipment normally requires two kinds of lubrication. Since it is similar to two-stroke engines, it is lubricated by fuel that contains from two to five percent oil dissolved in fuel. Since the mixture is highly flammable, to prevent accidents, a separate oil reservoir is used for the blade and chains external lubrication. This is easily depleted since it tends to be separated from the chain by a centrifugal force. Failure to keep this reservoir filled and using an oil of incorrect viscosity commonly leads to damage in the chainsaw; the chain can disengage from the bar. The operator needs to stop once in a while to unplug the holes with oil dispensed to the chain.

Since the air filter normally clogs up with sawdust, this should be kept clean to ensure smooth operation. A lot of operators use oil to clean it up. Caution must be used, though, in making use of fuel with no oil added; otherwise the residual oil in the filter will clog it up even more.

Chainsaws can cause injuries, sometimes fatal. The most common accident involving chainsaw is called kickback; it occurs when a chain tooth near the bar tip cuts into wood without going through it. Thus, the chain cannot move and the bar is pushed into an upward motion towards the operator, resulting in serious injuries and even death. Another dangerous situation occurs when a huge timber falls or shifts when a cut is almost done. The operator may be trapped, even crushed to death, since a tree is heavier than a car. Operators are also prone to vibration white finger, tinnitus, or industrial deafness. Thus, protective clothing and ear covers are normally worn and certification and proper training is needed before one is allowed to professionally operate a chainsaw.