How does a chainsaw work?

[Dave berry]

View attachment 1053223
Although chainsaws differ from model to model, they operate on similar principles. In this blog, we will address how chainsaw work as well as potential problems you may encounter.

Two-Cycle Engine
Chainsaws can be powered using an extension cord, battery, or gasoline.
Most gasoline-powered chainsaws use a two-cycle engine which requires the gasoline to be mixed with oil for the engine to operate properly. Attempting to run a two-cycle engine without a suitable oil and gas mix, it will cause the engine to cease due to insufficient lubrication.
The main benefit of a two-cycle engine is that allows for a high output of torque while being relatively lightweight. Since chainsaws are intended to be hand-held and operated at different angles, a two-cycle engine is ideal for this application.

Ignition Switch
To start the engine, the ignition switch must be set to the start position. As the starter rope is pulled, the starter engages the drive cup on the flywheel and rotates the crankshaft. The rotating crankshaft connects to the piston which moves up and down within the cylinder and the ignition process begins.
The flywheel has permanent magnets built into it and as it rotates past the ignition coil, a magnetic field is created. The magnetic field induces electricity, allowing the ignition coil to send voltage to the spark plug.
As the piston travels down the cylinder, it exposes an intake port and pumps fuel, oil, and air into the cylinder. As the piston travels back up the cylinder, a vacuum is created, and gas, oil, and the air is drawn through the carburetor into the crankcase.
When the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, the spark plug ignites the compressed fuel and air mixture which forces the piston back down, exposing an exhaust port where the spent fuel exits. A split second later, the intake port is exposed again, fresh fuel is drawn in and the process is repeated with every revolution of the crankshaft.

Muffler and Spark Arrestor
The exhaust from the engine travels through a muffler and spark arrestor. The muffler reduces engine noise while the arrestor prevents burning carbon deposits from exiting the saw and potentially starting a fire.

Choke and Primer Bulb
Engines will have a choke, primer bulb or both to assist with starting, especially when the engine is cold.
The choke will temporarily restrict airflow through the carburetor, so more fuel can enter the cylinder.
Likewise, a primer bulb draws additional fuel through the carburetor which enters the cylinder before the engine is started.
If the engine starts but loses power or stalls shortly after, the spark arrestor may be clogged, which prevents exhaust from exiting the engine. The clog is often caused by using too much oil or the wrong type of oil in the mixture.
If the engine does not start at all, the most likely cause is a defective spark plug or a restricted carburetor. The carburetor can be cleaned but it often needs to be replaced.

Fuel
Be aware that small engines are designed to use gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol. Gasoline with higher levels of ethanol can be corrosive and attract water which can cause starting or running problems and may damage the fuel system or engine.
You should store the gasoline and oil mixture in a clean sealed plastic container approved for fuel storage. If equipped, close the vent when not in use and store the container away from direct sunlight.
If you anticipate storing the fuel for longer than three months, consider adding a fuel stabilizer when you fill the container.

Chain Drive System
The crankshaft of the engine extends out the side of the crankcase and connects to a centrifugal clutch. At idle speed, the engine will run but not fast enough to engage the chain when the throttle trigger is pressed, the engine accelerates, causing the clutch flywheel to extend outward and begin to rotate a drive gear attached to the chain.
The chain rides in a track on a bar as the clutch rotates, it operates a pump to supply a special type of oil to the bar. This chain oil is thick and designed to stick to the bar and chain. Be aware that engine oil is not recommended for this application. Keeping the oil hole clear of debris is vital for proper lubrication. Without lubrication, the bar chain and engine may become damaged.

Chain Brake
For safety purposes, many chainsaws incorporate a chain brake that can be activated manually or automatically to stop the chain if you encounter any kickback during operation. The brakes should also be engaged when moving short distances to help prevent injury.

Chain Guard
Some chainsaws are equipped with a chain guard to keep the tip of the saw from coming into contact with an object or person. Although the safety feature can make the chainsaw less versatile, it is recommended for inexperienced users.

Chain Tension
If the chain is too loose, the gear will not be engaged properly or the chain may become dislodged from the bar and cause injury. If the chain is too tight, the engine or clutch can become damaged.
The chain tension can be adjusted but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper setting.
The teeth on the chain should face away from the engine on the top of the chain bar and towards the chain on the bottom.
If the saw is struggling to cut through wood, the chain likely needs to be sharpened or replaced, otherwise, the engine could overheat.

Well I sort of push it to and throw and it cuts. Saw one that made a funny noise once

 

[Burning man]

 

[sliceoflife]

Same was a lightsaber works, duh.


WRT the post itself... Is the information wrong? I just skimmed it but seems mostly right to me. My guess is they're not really looking to advertise to the longstanding members here (who already know where and what they want to buy)... but rather the short-timers that google sends here.

The tidbit about which way the teeth should point when putting a chain on the bar is good info. I had to google that when I put my first chainsaw together. Of course it's obvious after you ran a chainsaw... but a very basic intro post like this can have value (If the information is correct). With the push to remote work these days; we're seeing a new generation of urban flight from office workers and young professionals who are starting to have to take care of their new suburban and rural properties... which I think is going to keep a steady stream of absolute beginners to chainsaws/tractors/yard&property care in general finding forums like these based on google results pointing them here... and makes this marketing strategy make a certain kind of sense. Just my opinion.


If I had any advice to them it would be to include a link to their site (if allowed, not sure on sponsor/vendor rules here) in their posts.

 

[ladnar]

How do chainsaws work?
All of mine work very well thank you.

Waitress: How do you like your eggs sir?
Me: By god I really like em!

 

[HansFranz]

When I was a kid, my stepfather Bob worked as a small engine mechanic and clerk in a tool rental shop. One day an Asian man came in who apparently didn't speak English very well. He kept saying "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" and gesturing with his hands, and finally Bob figured out (from the hand gestures) that "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" meant he wanted to rent a chainsaw. Not only did the man want a "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" but he also wanted a "BIG!" zip zip zip.

Well, Bob rented him a big saw, and the next day the man returned it all mangled up. Apparently he tried to drop a BIG! tree...ZIP ZIP ZIP! ... and the tree came down, all right -- except it came down on the saw and on HIS HOUSE.

So I guess to answer your question "How does a chainsaw work?" I'll say sometimes not the way you want it to.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

When I was a kid, my stepfather Bob worked as a small engine mechanic and clerk in a tool rental shop. One day an Asian man came in who apparently didn't speak English very well. He kept saying "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" and gesturing with his hands, and finally Bob figured out (from the hand gestures) that "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" meant he wanted to rent a chainsaw. Not only did the man want a "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" but he also wanted a "BIG!" zip zip zip.

Well, Bob rented him a big saw, and the next day the man returned it all mangled up. Apparently he tried to drop a BIG! tree...ZIP ZIP ZIP! ... and the tree came down, all right -- except it came down on the saw and on HIS HOUSE.

So I guess to answer your question "How does a chainsaw work?" I'll say sometimes not the way you want it to.

Good Post HansFranz.

Sadly this happens too many times with chainsaws and humans that are not skilled in felling trees safely.

I had a buddy who was a retired Captain in the Baltimore County Md Fire dept.
He had a tree/trees under tension that I think he was cleaning up on the ground. The one limb nearly took his head off and he wound up in with a serious injury and extensive recovery.

Another friend lost his father in law who was ground man when his son was up in a man lift dropping limbs. Sadly the one limb almost took out the lift and landed on the dad who died.

 

[Burning man]

Same was a lightsaber works, duh.


WRT the post itself... Is the information wrong? I just skimmed it but seems mostly right to me. My guess is they're not really looking to advertise to the longstanding members here (who already know where and what they want to buy)... but rather the short-timers that google sends here.

The tidbit about which way the teeth should point when putting a chain on the bar is good info. I had to google that when I put my first chainsaw together. Of course it's obvious after you ran a chainsaw... but a very basic intro post like this can have value (If the information is correct). With the push to remote work these days; we're seeing a new generation of urban flight from office workers and young professionals who are starting to have to take care of their new suburban and rural properties... which I think is going to keep a steady stream of absolute beginners to chainsaws/tractors/yard&property care in general finding forums like these based on google results pointing them here... and makes this marketing strategy make a certain kind of sense. Just my opinion.


If I had any advice to them it would be to include a link to their site (if allowed, not sure on sponsor/vendor rules here) in their posts.

They are a site sponsor.

 

[Farmer_Nate]

They are a site sponsor.

They appear to me to be a bad site sponsor.

Moderators?

PM me with questions.

 

[JohnBPittsburgh007]

I would guess that if you pay to get the vendor tag, you can sell double ended dildos and call em chainsaws. Whatever keeps the lights on. I like this site

 

[Burning man]

I would guess that if you pay to get the vendor tag, you can sell double ended dildos and call em chainsaws. Whatever keeps the lights on. I like this site

Advertise Motorized double ended dildos that come with a chainsaw. I think the Chinese are already doing it.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

 

[U&A]

what are we doing here?

lol

how's the posi track on the rear end of a Plymouth work?.................it just dose

 

[U&A]

When I was a kid, my stepfather Bob worked as a small engine mechanic and clerk in a tool rental shop. One day an Asian man came in who apparently didn't speak English very well. He kept saying "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" and gesturing with his hands, and finally Bob figured out (from the hand gestures) that "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" meant he wanted to rent a chainsaw. Not only did the man want a "ZIP ZIP ZIP!" but he also wanted a "BIG!" zip zip zip.

Well, Bob rented him a big saw, and the next day the man returned it all mangled up. Apparently he tried to drop a BIG! tree...ZIP ZIP ZIP! ... and the tree came down, all right -- except it came down on the saw and on HIS HOUSE.

So I guess to answer your question "How does a chainsaw work?" I'll say sometimes not the way you want it to.

the higher the value of things that are close to a tree the more the magnetic force it has on the tree.

fact

 

[Johnny Gilchrist]

I want to buy a Hipa.

Is there a Hipa Store near me?

Their everywhere but not in stores, I always find mine at 3rd & Crump behind the car wash. Oh wait! I'm sorry I thought you said Hippo and my mind drifted off to night before last with my girl Candied Yams

 

[Gratewhitehuntr]

Slowly, then all at once.
That's what I usually tell people, but of course I'm conflating a chainsaw with felling.
The 2nd pop is when I usually stop

 

[Dean-O]

Wow what an informative thread……

Can’t wait until HipaStores next “amazing” thread

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

I am back, I learned about Echo 2511 saws.

Lots of good youtube videos about fixing and modding them too.

 

[Farmer_Nate]

Depending upon the Chinese to keep our lights on is what we in the US do best these days, it seems.
Can't we do a little more than that?

 

[U&A]

somehow!!!

I missed this video!!

LMFAO!!! You made my day man. Thanks

My wife knows when bad words start in the garage that often flying objects are next

One welding shop I worked at though, a fabricator got fired. He got pissed and threw an 8 pound sledge across the shop. I’ve never seen an 8 pound sledge with such a flat trajectory in my life.

 

[U&A]

somehow!!!

I missed this video!!

LMFAO!!! You made my day man. Thanks

My wife knows when bad words start in the garage that often flying objects are next

One welding shop at work that though, a fabricator got fired. He got pissed and threw an 8 pound sledge across the shop. I’ve never seen an 8 pound sledge with such a flat trajectory in my life.

I. Watched this video about 10 times today just for the laugh