Hi guys i've just joined this forum and am hoping for some advice from the pros. I started using a chainsaw about 6 years ago, my grandad who is a very experienced but not professional chainsaw user (he used trees from his own land to heat his house for years: felling and bucking them) taught me the basics of using the saw and safety. since then i've cut a fair amount of wood for our own heating. He gave me his stihl 044 with a 28" bar, stihl helmet with visor and ear defenders, and oregon chaps, i don't know how old the safety kit is but i'd guess at least as old as the saw which has got to be in the region of 10-15 years old. recently i've watched and read up on a lot safety and cutting advice on youtube and this site which got me thinking: should i be upgrading safety kit wise, new trousers/chaps, proper chainsaw boots, gloves and helmet? should i go and get professional training instead? bear in mind that i do this mostly to heat the house relatively cheaply, a tank of oil costing about £300 so if the cost were to go above that i'd have to question whether its really worth the effort.
(sorry that was a bit wordy)
thanks for any advice
(sorry that was a bit wordy)
thanks for any advice