Picked up my Chainsaw today

[Bubbas Boys]

Well i took some advise and went and got my Stihl 290 Farm Boss today. Went with the 20 inch bar. It was last one they had, said they not making that model anymore. Not sure if that is a bad thing or not for me. The thing is a beast cant wait to try it out tomorrow. Thanks for advise.

[logbuilder]

What oil gas ratio do they recommend? If you don't have some wedges, since you will be cutting bigger things, you might want to get a couple.

[Bubbas Boys]

50:1. Tomorrow will be the first tree i have ever fell! Kinda nervous but excited. haha. Thanks for tip.

[elkhound]

please wear hardhat and chaps.

[logbuilder]

Originally Posted by Bubbas Boys

50:1. Tomorrow will be the first tree i have ever fell! Kinda nervous but excited. haha. Thanks for tip.

I'm an old school 2 cycle guy so I tend to prefer more oil. I put 3 ounces per gal which puts me around 40:1. The way I look at it, if I don't have fouling problems, I'm happy. I've been known to mix with castor oil. Oh the smell is wonderful.

Felling is interesting in that you have a few things to think about beyond just cutting firewood. First, you are right under that tree. Limbs, possibly dead above you, and you are about to disturb that tree. Those limbs might come down your way. They call those widow makers. If what you are cutting down has the possibility of this, wear a hard hat. Safety glasses are always a good idea. Second, you really have no idea which way it is going to fall. You plan for it, look for the lean, make your first cut just right, and then from the back. But you never know which way it will go. Have at least 2 escape routes if it starts falling the wrong way. Just whack the chain stop, drop it and skedaddle.

[logbuilder]

So this is a new saw? If so, be sure and read up on the break-in procedure. Vary speeds and don't get too hot at first. After a couple of tanks, you should be good to go. You did get bar oil right? It is a special oil. Real thick. Don't let it run out. And I like to give the chain, bar and roller a shot of WD-40 whenever I refuel.

[logbuilder]

Don't know what your manual says about starting, but with my 029, I put it on choke and pull until it pops. 2 or 3 pulls on mine. Then move it out of choke. Usually mine starts right up.

[retire2$]

Make sure you use mid grade gasoline. I just purchased a leaf blower and there was a sign that stated if you did not use mid grade gas the warranty would be void.

[elkhound]

do yourself a favor use non ethanol !!!...also use premium you will be much happier.

[Bubbas Boys]

Thanks a lot logbuilder. It is new. I gonna read manual tonight a little. Tree is dead, in the middle of timber so shouldnt tear anything up too bad. I plan on moving pretty fast. haha. My father in law told me to run it a bit rich too.

[davel745]

a chain dulls real quick it is super important you learn how to sharpen the chain. dirt and rocks dull the chain. don't be discouraged by the chain getting dull start with the correct size round file and learn how to make it sharp and cut again. You will also learn respect for keeping the chain out of the dirt. bucking rounds I always go half way through and turn the log with a peeve. I use a old milk basket to hold the gallon of gas and the bar oil and the screwdriver thingie and the files. I keep my stuff in the ATV it is so handy for cutting firewood. Another important thing is to not over tighten the chain on the bar. it should go around very easy and you should be able to lift it a little from the bar. Keep it well oiled. I use the synthetic oil in little bottles designed for a gallon of gas. there is a lot of maintenance with a chain saw. but when someone shows up and your saw starts and walks through the wood pulling a nice chip out it is a thing of beauty and something to be proud of.

[logbuilder]

Originally Posted by Bubbas Boys

I plan on moving pretty fast. haha.

My plan, if executed well, does not call for running. That is plan B. When you are on your second cut, watch what the tree is doing. It will 'tell' you where it is going to fall once the cut starts to let go. If it is a small tree, I sometimes can nudge it the right way. But above all, do things safely.

[Nimrod]

Brand new chains will stretch after about 10 minutes of use. Check the chain tension frequently and tighten if needed.

Don't cut through dirt. It dulls the chain instantly. The bottom of the tree close to the ground will have dirt in the bark because it splashes on it when it rains. Cut about 3 feet off the ground. It's also easier on you than bending over.

A sharp chain throws out little shavings of wood. A dull chain puts out sawdust.

Get some extra chains. When one becomes dull just switch it out for a sharp one. Sharpen chains on a rainy afternoon when you don't want to go play in the wet woods.

The saw can kick straight back or straight up or somewhere in between. Position yourself so that if the saw has a kickback it won't try to occupy the same space you are in. Never try to cut with the tip of the saw. That almost guarantees a kickback.

If the tree is under a shear force and you cut too deep the kerf will clamp down on the saw blade/bar and trap the saw. you will have to get another chain saw to cut a parallel kerf and relieve the pressure on your saw. This is a good excuse to the wife that you need another chain saw immediately.

Look on Youtube under "felling a tree gone wrong". It might help you avoid a mistake. Here's one of the worst.

YouTube

Remember, if you are caught or killed we will dissavow any knowledge of your actions. LOL

[geo in mi]

Originally Posted by Bubbas Boys

50:1. Tomorrow will be the first tree i have ever fell! Kinda nervous but excited. haha. Thanks for tip.

Well, there's a first time for everything...... But in felling a tree, it could be your last. Please watch this first, and please practice on some downed logs to get the feel of your new saw(beast). Consider some safety equipment, and have a friend nearby(with a cell phone) as a safety watch. Report back tomorrow on how it went.

YouTube

geo

[bja105]

Everyone else covered things pretty well, even some good youtube videos. The only thing I can add is to quit when you get tired. Cutting with a chainsaw is hard work on the arms and lower back, I wear out quick. When I get tired, I have less control over the bar and do stupid things. Twice I have cut my pants with the chain, once breaking the skin barely (no chaps.)

Also, buy a second bar and chain. It is useful for cutting out the first bar when you get it pinched.

Don't cut in the woods alone, for safety.

Have fun with the new toy. I have the 029 Farm Boss, and love it.

[Bubbas Boys]

Thanks everyone. I will be safe, usually I am over cautions with all that I do. Wind might keep me from felling today but I gonna cut something with the dang thing. haha

[SmokeEater2]

I bought a Stihl 290 last year to give my ancient 034 a break. I've used the heck out of it and it's still going strong so I'm happy with it so far.

Good luck cutting and please let us know how it goes.

[ct01r]

I also have a 029, and like it. Sounds like this might be the first saw you've used; BE SAFE! Like logbuilder said, running should not be Plan A. Try to have a spotter (even if it's someone that's not familiar with felling trees). They'll often see something go wrong before you will. And if you're crushed by the tree or big branch, you'll have someone to call 911 (it may sound like I'm joking, but I'm not). Dead trees are often more dangerous than live ones, because of limbs falling like the others have said. I personally wouldn't recommend cutting a tree down as your first project. If you read through everyone's replies, and put them all together, you'll see everything that can go wrong. Wedges will help the chain from becoming pinched, limbs may fall on you, the chain will stretch after you start cutting, etc. I was lucky in that I helped friends that are loggers and tree surgeons before I started on trees on my own. I also have friends that have gotten cut from kickbacks. Sorry this is so long, just don't want to hear that you got hurt. Good luck! Curt P.S. Sorry if I sound like a worry wart!