Drop starting saws

[joecool85]

The original reason I began starting the saw that way is because I'm new, but now I'm so use to it I just stick with it. I won't start on the ground after it's warm because it's a pain in the ass to set it down all the time. So I just do the "a" method after it's warmed up. Works real well and feels safe.

 

[berryman70]

I usually start saws with the A pic method if they start like they should, but on a hard starter or any saw for that matter, I have no problem with the drop start. & if they don't start the drop kick method helps mentally but not physically ) just kidding)

 

[Cedarkerf]

044 on down drop start yhe 66 just a little cumbersom for me. Only use chain brake up in trees.

 

[l2edneck]

always drop start unless its bigger bar than a 24

not sayin YOU should but I do

then i set the chain on a log or branch n pull.....

interested to know how you start saw in the tree if ya dont "drop start"?

opcorn: opcorn: opcorn:

 

[XJWoody]

Nothing wrong with establishing good habits from Get-Go

I took the USFS Apprentice Sawyer class a few years ago... after running a small saw 'unsupervised' for many. So we got plenty of 'b' method reinforcement. That weekend was my first time wearing chaps as well.

Most of the time, the common safety practices/'rules' aren't just something some pointy-headed geek dreamed up. Folks have lost & continue to lose parts in the figuring out process.

Since we're admitting guilt, one thing I really need to do is wear earplugs all the time. If I'm only going to be cutting for a few minutes, or tuning etc... I often go without. All my junk is muffler-modded now, & I'll be deaf as a post if I keep it up.

 

[sILlogger]

What's a chain brake???

Gary

O...u must have meant chain BREAK...duh!!! i got it now

 

[l2edneck]

I drop start on the ground........in the tree......and when in a bucket. I do always try to have the chain brake on.

OMG!!!!!!!!!

 

[B_Turner]

Cold, I start on ground with foot. Warm I start with handle between my legs, which I find easier than drop starting.

I never drop start, although if I did bucket work I might because it would be more convenient. My brother and some friends are long time arborists, and conditioned me years ago not to drop start. I don't care what others do, as long as they don't do it near me.

 

[Sprig]

For some dumb reason I voted 'sometimes' but it ain't true, just about always drop-start, hold da wrap in left hand, lift saw up a bit an' let it drop whilst yardin' on the rope. Main reason is its what I do, second is my feet be too big to step in da handle (on most saws) unless I do it barefoot (really not an option), and the only time I tried the between the knees thing was with the 266xp and darned near ended up singing soprano (and the bugger started which near gave me a fatal on top of near tossing my cookies, :censored: , wot and no chain-break). When my elbows are a bit toasted I'll start a larger saw by 'b' method if I can get my toe in there (is it just me or are most of the step-plates on saws just on da wrong side (right of handle) doh!), will do so with the 266 if tired of droppin' it (tons of compression on that pup).
My meagre 0.02$ fer da evening




Serge

 

[newguy18]

Drop start always chain brake never.

 

[SAWITALL]

I do it like "b" for the first start and like "a" for warm starts.

**edit**
I do drop start my weed wacker though.

I usually start it like A, just how I was taught and it works for me. I guess if I worked out of a trr it would be different.
I do drop start my trimmer too.

 

[SAWITALL]

I'm sure my chiropractor would be suprised too...

Gary

Chiropractor. I didn't take you for a wimp

 

[Lakeside53]

Always...and no, I don't set the brake first. unless

1) it's my 088.. or
2) a damn cold 064 (they have a nasty habit of bitting... ).
3) I'm demonstrating the "correct" technique to a customer..

 

[redprospector]

Saw in one hand, cord in the other, pull like he!!.
Works for me.

Andy

 

[starter]

I drop start rarely although I used to drop start all the time(like I've always done with the weedwhacker) but since finding this site (and reading a lot more because of it) I use the method a for warm starts and b for cold ones (and like XJ Woody, after refueling/oiling).

Also, I can't get my foot in the handle and there's no wide bottom flange on the saw so I put the arch of my foot on the handle sort of angled instead.

I've never and still don't feel unsafe drop starting, just like having the saw captive while yanking.

 

[pgg]

Up a tree, the saw's small, "drop start" means nothing, rather pull start from any position that feels comfortable, but with the right technique, strong but SHORT sharp jab on the rope, the motor's hot, easy peasy, it's balance and relaxation, same on the ground with bigger saws, also, when flooded, finger full throttle on trigger and throwing the saw downwards one hand and full stretch of the rope in the other, not something to do up a tree unless you're firmly braced at the time

 

[Jack_Shaft]

That's me in (a), every time unless a saw gets cranky on me and I really have to pull the guts out of it, then it's drop-start time.

 

[goof008]

Drop start the majority of the time. If it's not wanting to start, I'll set on the ground and pull like hell. Otherwise, all 2-strokes tools get drop starts.

 

[pyromaniac guy]

heck, my dealer showed me how to drop start when i bought my saws. that is the only way i have ever done it. the only variation is if i flood the stupid thing. then, i either get someone to hold the trigger while i pull, or it gets a little interesting.

and no, i don't use my chain brake...

 

[blis]

im amazed by how many ppl actually put chainbrake on when starting... heck, it only means more wear and tear on clutch...

Drop start without brake is the real way for men to start a saw...