Yea, I should probably do that. Never have in close to forty years (knocks on wood). That's the thing with bad habits -- they're habits. That 32 in. bar on the 046 when I drop start it doesn't ever touch the ground (but maybe I should be thinking about my foot?).
I figured I should read my ANSI Z-133 2012again.
Hmm
"6.3 Chainsaws
6.3.4
Drop-starting a chain saw is prohibited. A chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged and the operator holding the saw firmly in a manner that minimizes movement of the saw when pulling the starter handle."
So, in a tree chunking a big spar, I'm supposed to hold an 046 " ...in a manner that minimizes movement"... when starting it? Sure seems like you want to drop start it, as opposed to pull the cord with the saw on the tree in front of you! The only exception would be if it stalls in the cut, and you re-start. I can see using the chain break, fine, but there are other situations in a tree were you are just going to drop start it, such as when you are positioned and nowhere near a limb to rest it on. I never have started a saw in a tree resting it on anything.
Am I missing something here?
On a side note, I put a full wrap handle and double set of bigger dogs on my 361, so that it was safer to start a cut (the lowest tooth is much bigger). I feel better jabbing that in before I take the chain break off. Which is also a new habit -- I used to take the chain break off with the tip pointing straight up, so I could have a better hold on the handle when I put it up to the tree sideways to start cutting. I still do it that way with the 046 and a long bar because of the weight; I'm afraid I could loose my grip fumbling with the chain break and have the saw land in my lap if the dogs come loose.:msp_scared:
Someone have a better idea?