Sawing that troublesome pile of sticks into smaller branches.

[dansoftn]

This works for me and it is safe. Sawing a pile is always difficult and dangerous because one has a tendency to cut to the legs and across. Never do that. Always keep the guide in front of you like "Led Zeppelin. Also, called the Duat method.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

I can't agree with this at all. This puts your body and head squarely in the kickback zone. Always cut offset, staying out of the full arc of the bar.

 

[dansoftn]

I can't agree with this at all. This puts your body and head squarely in the kickback zone. Always cut offset, staying out of the full arc of the bar.

What is the kickback zone?

 

[dansoftn]

I can't agree with this at all. This puts your body and head squarely in the kickback zone. Always cut offset, staying out of the full arc of the bar.

What is cut offset?

 

[KostasVolos]

Offset means that you operate the chainsaw outside the right side of your body ( left hand holds the front handle of the chainsaw,right hand holds the back handle ).
In that way if a kickback occurs ,the bar's arc will be outside of your body and head .
Holding a chainsaw in front of your body or even worse leaning over the chainsaw is quite dangerous ,as in the case of a kickback the bar is going to arc towards your body or head.

Also your feet should not be parallel ,but the left foot should be in front ,while the right should be further back .This stance provides good balance and stability ,while in case the chainsaw drops suddenly /unexpectedly it wont injure your feet.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Yes, exactly that. He beat me to it. Never ever cut directly in front of you.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

BTW, where did that diagram come from?

 

[dansoftn]

Right. I think I make cuts to the right naturally. And I stand however it gives me the most stability. One foot abreast of the other is usually the strongest.

 

[dansoftn]

BTW, where did that diagram come from?

Gee. I did it in Paint 3D.
I had a tree fall and pinned a lot of branches from several other trees under it. Also, it was all on top of old rockie.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Just always cut from the side, and keep your entire body out of the arc of the cut.

 

[old CB]

And more--it's surprising how easily you can get into trouble cutting small stuff, especially when it's randomly piled like that. Every stick the saw chain encounters will react differently than its neighbor. Little sharp bits flying. I've always recommended not plunging a saw into any such mess. There's better ways to dispose of it.

 

[dansoftn]

Just always cut from the side, and keep your entire body out of the arc of the cut.

Yep. Had a 111i and thinking about buying bigger saw. Always good to learn. I never see the farside of the guide bar, so I must be doing something right.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

What is a 111i?

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Yes, based on your limited experience, you haven't had anything bad happen... yet... good luck! For God's sake, don't humble yourself and learn from some pros... good luck!

 

[dansoftn]

What is a 111i?

Dolmar I bought from Calvin "Dougie" Douglas.

 

[Seachaser]

Just always cut from the side, and keep your entire body out of the arc of the cut.

That’s the way I was taught many moons ago. My uncle was a logger and had the scars to prove what he taught. I wish I had a picture of his right bicep.