The one handed debate...

[TreeClimber57]

Most of us (lets be honest here) have one handled a top handled saw.

I don't think anybody should one hand rear handled saws any time, but I have seen it done (done by one person with a 441 ... and overhead..).

None of the manufacturers will say it is safe to do, their lawyers likely print that part.. but we all have done it. I you know the risks, and handle it properly and only when safe to do so, then one handing a top handled saw can be done safely.

 

[TreeClimber57]

When using the 200t I only one hand 50% of the time and then I switch and use the other hand 50% of the time.

Ambidextrous ! More skill than I have ..

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I you know the risks, and handle it properly and only when safe to do so, then one handing a top handled saw can be done safely.

If you use one hand more then two, then you are an accident waiting to happen. JM(ns)HO

 

[clearance]

Snap cuts work fine.

Last storm i worked i saw an experienced bucketman/CA nail his left hand. He was luck that the break had engaged and he was just gouged in the heel of his palm with static teeth.

Cutting branches that are overhanging a line using snap cuts, I think not. I have two hands, I wish I had a tail, then I could use two hands. I don't want to get into another beef, but how much utility work have you done, on energized high voltage?

 

[stihlcountry]

I watched a man on Ax Men the other night use one hand on a rear handle saw. I guess when you get really confident on doing something like that you forget the risk envolved.

 

[EdenT]

Cutting branches that are overhanging a line using snap cuts, I think not. I have two hands, I wish I had a tail, then I could use two hands. I don't want to get into another beef, but how much utility work have you done, on energized high voltage?

Ignoring the HV issue for the moment, what would your advice be to a young arborist who does not do power line work, if they asked you whether they should one hand a saw?

 

[EdenT]

I watched a man on Ax Men the other night use one hand on a rear handle saw. I guess when you get really confident on doing something like that you forget the risk envolved.

I bet you remember when the saw smacks you in the face!

 

[Nailsbeats]

One handing a rear handle saw is a go in tricky situations. Like bucking trees under tension in the woods. With twists, binds, preasure and traps, sometimes you'll trip the last bit of your cut one handed while ready to move.

Two hands on the rear handle is used also for that matter. For swinging through a backcut or whatever, takes less energy and is easier on the back for long cuts.

 

[TreeClimber57]

If you use one hand more then two, then you are an accident waiting to happen. JM(ns)HO

I can not disagree with you there, I would never recommend that one use any saw one handed the majority of the time, or even half the time. Just stating that if used cautiously with proper understanding of the risks involved, then it can be done safely. It does have a higher risk factor than two handed, regardless of who is using it.

 

[clearance]

Ignoring the HV issue for the moment, what would your advice be to a young arborist who does not do power line work, if they asked you whether they should one hand a saw?

Not to one hand when learning. Classic do as I say, not as I do.

 

[jefflovstrom]

If you sign up for production, you will be using one hand on a 200T all day and if you can not, maybe you should not get into production. A good climber calls his shots. If you cannot handle it , dont do it.
Jeff
use 2 hands if you need

 

[DK_stihl]

Training

Ignoring the HV issue for the moment, what would your advice be to a young arborist who does not do power line work, if they asked you whether they should one hand a saw?
__________________

You shouldn't train a new arborist to do it (cut one handed), but they will probably pick it up from watching you! That how I learned.

 

[DK_stihl]

Cutting branches that are overhanging a line using snap cuts, I think not. I have two hands, I wish I had a tail, then I could use two hands. I don't want to get into another beef, but how much utility work have you done, on energized high voltage?

I have to agree, snap cuts are risky business when used on brush that is overhanging energized conductors. Good post clearance!

 

[DK_stihl]

I one hand my silky all the time.

I one hand 200T's occasionally to. What I have noted is that usually I am one handing it because I am too fat and lazy to get into a good cutting position that would allow me to use two hands. I also note that most cuts I would do one handed with a 200T I can do more safely with my silky. If I want to have one hand on the piece being cut, I finish the cut with the silky. I will still one hand the 200T in the future, but I consider it a high risk move and try to do it as little as possible.

Hand saws will work well in most cases, but it sure is nice to use a 200T for production! Cutting by hand all day gets old fast, I've done it.

 

[EdenT]

You shouldn't train a new arborist to do it (cut one handed), but they will probably pick it up from watching you! That how I learned.

You were watching? I feel violated! The truth is that almost all professionals will at some time one hand a saw. But they are professionals, know the risks, and are possibly choosing the lesser of two dangers at the time. The trouble with it being 'accepted practice' is you get moron's like this -

Moron with a 200T

who make the rest of our industry look bad when they cut bits off themselves.

 

[DK_stihl]

good post

You were watching? I feel violated! The truth is that almost all professionals will at some time one hand a saw. But they are professionals, know the risks, and are possibly choosing the lesser of two dangers at the time. The trouble with it being 'accepted practice' is you get moron's like this -

Moron with a 200T

who make the rest of our industry look bad when they cut bits off themselves.

You're right, I don't do it when it's unnecessary, but it definitely has it's time and place. Yeah, that tree topping guy is an idiot!

 

[outofmytree]

Ok here we go. Yet another thread where the pro camp says one handing is essential to meet the deadline/be a "real" tree guy/stay employed/look cool and the nancy boys like me say climb to a better position and eliminate the need to cut one handed.

For cuts above ANYTHING of value or danger including HV there are still ways to do the deed without taking a hand off your saw.

* Cut the scarf with your 200 and the back cut with a decent handsaw.

* Snap cut the piece baby

* Cut a "handle" about 8 inches long using a lateral just above your main cut. When you feel the back cut open up hit the off switch with your right thumb and grab the "handle" with your left hand. Allow the branch to fall/pivot around your left hand then release at the appropriate time.

Now don't take this to mean that I do not 1 hand my 200t. Frankly I do. Then immediately afterward look for the better option and there always is one. Slowly slowly I am eliminating the one hand cut from my bag of tricks.

 

[Bermie]

One way to avoid the cut and hold is to try the 'reverse' snap cut.

Cut the tension wood first, then the compression wood, allow the piece to settle and just pinch the bar, chainbrake on, reach over and snap it off and chuck it down...The bar in the cut stops the piece snapping off on its own as long as you get the overlaps right.

 

[lxt]

There are many who do, but they are idiots..

WOW.....what an ignorant statement JPS, I`ll bet many ITCC have 1 handed using discretion!!!!


Again: There is no greater authority pertaining to being aloft in a tree than the person in the tree!!! Funny most of my close calls were on the ground!!!



LXT...................

 

[treemandan]

It's just a question to get some feedback. Not looking for insults.

You must not do a lot of tree work cause if you think that is an inusult boy let me tell you... :chainsawguy:... It wasn't... an insult.

No but really : How are you " one handing" is the question. Like a buh-boon? Or when its " proper" ? What is proper anyway? Do you know? I think I know. I was one handing improperly one day and all the sudden I am bleeding all over this floor in the hospital.
There are some areas where reaching out with one hand is OK but I thought I was bad til I seen some of you guys. Its something you always have to control.