Drop Start, no, yes, when, never.

[grizz55chev]

OMG, You just hit the nail on the head. I'm also Left hand dominant. That's probably why it comes natural for me.

Like you, I’m getting older, and somewhat wiser! My boy is a pro tree guy, so he’ll inherit my collection of old saws, wether he likes it or not! He’s far ahead of me in his knowledge of trees and the business, but my knowledge of repairing and maintaining equipment is where I shine! He just goes out and buys a new one if needed, I was never able to do that, every Saw I own was a basket case when I got them! He’s also a small plane pilot and owner, which blows my mind sometimes, it taught that kid to drive when he was 12, he’s 38 now!

 

[chipper1]

Like you, I’m getting older, and somewhat wiser! My boy is a pro tree guy, so he’ll inherit my collection of old saws, wether he likes it or not! He’s far ahead of me in his knowledge of trees and the business, but my knowledge of repairing and maintaining equipment is where I shine! He just goes out and buys a new one if needed, I was never able to do that, every Saw I own was a basket case when I got them! He’s also a small plane pilot and owner, which blows my mind sometimes, it taught that kid to drive when he was 12, he’s 38 now!

It's great you get to see what he's become .
Sounds like he's done well with what you and the good Lord gave him.

 

[grizz55chev]

It's great you get to see what he's become .
Sounds like he's done well with what you and the good Lord gave him.

He’s a good kid, but I had a lot of help raising him! There are at least 5 other “ parents “ involved, and we did it together! In spite of it all, he still calls me Dad, and my pride shows when he does!

 

[chipper1]

Thanks, I try to keep a positive attitude. I don't take it personal. At my age nothing worth getting upset about. I'll be lucky if I can still run my saws in another 10 years. I see all these real old folks and I don't see how they can enjoy life if they just sit. I'd rather be dead. I've stopped taking unnessary chances because there's always a chance of falling and being crippled up. Being a nature guy I've noticed old Animals die when they get to old to live a full life. The older I get the more I realize death isn't anything to fear but being bed ridden or paralyzed for years is. I'm hoping to keep moving right up till I go. I enjoy working and want to keep going till my batteries run down. Like that Energizer Bunny. Then let me go into the next world bravely. It's going to be fun there too. I've told my family no big cry baby funeral just cremate me and get on with their lives. I hope my Grandsons will take care of the good wisdom and good equipment I'll be leaving for them. Anyone over 70 needs to be aware that we are at the bus stop and we should enjoy what time we still have left. The young guys will mature and become less critical and more understanding. The older guys should realize young guys will be like we once were. I just take all comments with a smile. Have a great day.

I feel the same way.
I've always laughed at the 50yr old over the hill parties, I figure 40 is over the hill, who lives to 100.
At 49 I figure I'm on the downhill slide and gaining speed , but I'm also more productive now than I've ever been before, even if I can't physically do what I could in the past.
Like my signature says "If you're not Laughing, Learning, and Loving, you're not Living!", I'm hoping to go out doing all of them, but as you said I have hope of something much better than this life .

 

[grizz55chev]

I feel the same way.
I've always laughed at the 50yr old over the hill parties, I figure 40 is over the hill, who lives to 100.
At 49 I figure I'm on the downhill slide and gaining speed , but I'm also more productive now than I've ever been before, even if I can't physically do what I could in the past.
Like my signature says "If you're not Laughing, Learning, and Loving, you're not Living!", I'm hoping to go out doing all of them, but as you said I have hope of something much better than this life .

I’ll take what this life offers, as long as I can, and have faith that when it’s done, the next life will be just as good or better, that’s the way I was raised!

 

[chipper1]

He’s a good kid, but I had a lot of help raising him! There are at least 5 other “ parents “ involved, and we did it together! In spite of it all, he still calls me Dad, and my pride shows when he does!

I think I know what you mean, 5 kids with three mothers here, that ones in my signature too "I may be slow, but I'm not stupid". It takes me a bit, but I figure things out sooner or later.

 

[chipper1]

I’ll take what this life offers, as long as I can, and have faith that when it’s done, the next life will be just as good or better, that’s the way I was raised!

 

[dmb2613]

I drop start more now that age has got me, right hand on handlebar and pull with left hand as I drop the saw downwards, as for the EZ start Stihls. they are hell to start if flooded lol

 

[Ted Jenkins]

I drop start every thing I have even when I am all alone some times. This is not a great plan because it is definitely life threatening. When I drop a 100 cc plus saw that has no brake it could get ugly fast. I have been forcing myself to put my foot through the handle thinking that some of my family members would be disappointed that I lay bleeding some where. The best plan always is to have some habit for safety. Thanks

 

[Del_]

I drop start every saw, always.

There is no other way when starting a saw in a tree or a bucket truck.

It's also easier when on the ground.

40 years and never had an incident.

 

[Wow]

I’m a lefty, always drop start and go, no need to switch hands!

Me to.

 

[ATH]

I drop start every saw, always.

There is no other way when starting a saw in a tree or a bucket truck.

It's also easier when on the ground.

40 years and never had an incident.

I've never had a problem holding the saw against the tree to secure it when starting.

 

[ATH]

Yep, my big steel toe boots won't hold the rear handle so ground starts are not safe. Someone once said it will hold the saw even if only part goes in. To do that would be dangerous. If that saw slipped out. A saw needs to be under control all time and especially during starts. In the End, each operator has to decide for himself what is best for his needs. I NEVER condemn anyone but I have worked hard to teach safety first convenience last. Have a great day.

Yes...in control is the point. Drop start is not maintaining control.

 

[ATH]

If you care to follow industry safety standards:
ANSI Z133 Section 6.3.4

I know, that is not important to everybody...but that is the standard "written in other people's blood".

I'm not going to tell you what to do unless you are on my job site or using my tools - but there it is.

 

[ShneaSIG]

I ground start or do the leg pinch. I don't care for the drop start.

 

[MountainHigh]

yep ...I have leg pinched to start saws for most of my life, and since I pulled my shoulder out a few years back, I now slightly twist my hand into more of a curl position (more palm side up) using a sort of modified barbell curl action pull, rather than relying so much on the shoulder for pull.

It's kind of hard to describe as it's in between a curling action and traditional leg pinch pull using shoulder. With some experimentation you can find the sweet spot where it doesn't stress your shoulder, but still transfers adequate force for a quick snap.

 

[grizz55chev]

Yes...in control is the point. Drop start is not maintaining control.

Depends on how it’s done, been drop starting for longer than most on here have been alive, never once been injured by a running saw. Only cuts I’ve received have been during sharpening.

 

[r black]

I only drop start myself, ....always have since the early 80's ....to each their own ...excluding mid 80-90-100cc saws

 

[Wow]

Depends on how it’s done, been drop starting for longer than most on here have been alive, never once been injured by a running saw. Only cuts I’ve received have been during sharpening.

You and I. After years of hand filing my saws are very sharp. Don't wanna accidentally bump one. Most times I'm gloved pretty good or at least the chain is pulled using a shop towel. I sheath my bar and chain. Being able to get the chain sharp and the bar serviced and oiling right can make a medicore saw shine like broken glass.

 

[Skeans]

I’ve always dropped started saws especially the big saws with long bar how are you going to hold a 100cc+ sized saw with a 60” bar between your legs and start it? Once in a blue I’ll drop start them in the air but most of the time it’s the bar tip on the ground.


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