|
|
Chain
Saws
Chain
saws are another heavy-duty item for the well-stocked dendro laboratory,
used to obtain complete cross sections from logs, stumps, and snags (dead,
standing trees). Using a chain saw is best left to those who have been
properly trained, so don't assume you know how to use one without taking a
safety training course. Purchasing a chain saw is optional - if you don't
have one, or don't want to use one, contact your nearby logging company!
The
better chain saws have 16" - 24" bars on them - keep in mind
though that the longer the bar (the cutting edge of the saw), the more
power will be required and the heavier the chain saw. In my opinion, the
best saw for dendro work is a Stihl 044 with a 24" bar. Information
about Stihl saws can be found at their home
page. Count on spending about $US
700-800 for a Stihl 044. But don't forget all the other "little"
expenses when using a chain saw in dendrochronology! You'll also have to
budget for these items:
- protective chaps for
the legs
- a good sturdy helmet
with built-in face shield and ear protectors
- ear protectors
(sometimes called "ear muffs") or ear plugs for by-standers
- gloves (optional, but
they help reduce vibrations), preferably fingerless
- several spare chains
(a 24 inch chain costs about $20-25)
- several "screnches,"
tools with a screwdriver on one side and a hex nut wrench on the other
side
- a 2.5 or 5 gallon gas
can
- plenty of bar oil
- a spare air filter and
gas filter
- air filter oil
- again, lots of WD-40
- a wire brush
- a raker gauge and flat
file
- several round files
and a file handle
- a carrying case with
bar guard (optional)
- plenty of gas and
2-cycle engine oil
- one or more wedges to
keep trees from pinching the bar
- an extra oil cap or
gas cap (they can be stripped out accidentally)
Besides taking a course
on chain saw use, safety, and maintenance, you should read any of the
following manuals to learn more about chainsaws:
- Tilton's
Wood Harvester's Handbook,
published by Tilton Equipment Company, P.O. Box 68, Rye, NH 03870 USA,
phone 800-447-1152, Fax 603-964-7102, and other U.S. locations. Ask
for publication #RT91159 - cost is $2.00.
- Consumer
Information Guide - Chain Saws,
published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington,
D.C. 20207, and distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service.
- Faller's
and Bucker's Handbook, 7th edition
(1981), published by the Worker's Compensation Board of British
Columbia, 5255 Heather Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 3L8, Canada. A
111-page, very comprehensive handbook.
|
