mtngun
Addicted to ArboristSite
Been using a chainsaw almost daily for several years while building a log home and cutting firewood, etc.. I'm normally careful and haven't had any saw injuries, but late this afternoon I was cutting while dead tired -- CSMing all day, then dragging/rolling/shoving/heaving several 14" x 9 foot green logs into the truck, sweating and panting like a dog, then bucking firewood.
Anyhow, I was so tired I can't even remember what exactly happened, except that I was still soaked with sweat and panting from wrestling with those logs, and I wanted to buck a few pieces of firewood to top off the load. Next thing I know, the saw bounced back and grazed my knee. Fortunately, I let off the gas before it hit me, and the chain ground to a halt before it went deep -- only 1/4". So I'll be lame for a week or two but am expected to live.
It looks worse than it really is.
OK, so this reminds me that I am mortal and maybe it would be a good idea to get some kevlar chaps. Ya think ?
Realistically, what can I expect chaps to do ? Do they stop the chain compeletely or merely slow it down quickly so it doesn't cut as deep ? What would chaps have done in this situation ?
Any opinions on whether I should get full wrap arounds or merely chaps that cover the front of the leg ?
I log in steep, brushy, terrain, so mobility is a big deal, and that's what has discouraged me from wearing chaps up till now. You never see any of the local loggers wearing chaps. But that's no excuse.
Anyhow, I was so tired I can't even remember what exactly happened, except that I was still soaked with sweat and panting from wrestling with those logs, and I wanted to buck a few pieces of firewood to top off the load. Next thing I know, the saw bounced back and grazed my knee. Fortunately, I let off the gas before it hit me, and the chain ground to a halt before it went deep -- only 1/4". So I'll be lame for a week or two but am expected to live.
It looks worse than it really is.
OK, so this reminds me that I am mortal and maybe it would be a good idea to get some kevlar chaps. Ya think ?
Realistically, what can I expect chaps to do ? Do they stop the chain compeletely or merely slow it down quickly so it doesn't cut as deep ? What would chaps have done in this situation ?
Any opinions on whether I should get full wrap arounds or merely chaps that cover the front of the leg ?
I log in steep, brushy, terrain, so mobility is a big deal, and that's what has discouraged me from wearing chaps up till now. You never see any of the local loggers wearing chaps. But that's no excuse.