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profdant139's avatar
profdant139
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2020

Hand-powered chainsaw -- for emergency use

When we boondock, we sometimes come upon fallen logs blocking the forest roads (especially in the wake of the bark beetle epidemic), and I usually use a bow saw to cut them (if we can't just move them out of the way by hand). This only comes up once a year or so -- if it were every time, I would bring a chainsaw!

But a chainsaw is bulky and messy -- I do not have unlimited room in the cargo bed of my truck.

So I am going to give this project a try -- I have several old saw chains sitting around, ones that do not fit my current chainsaw. This video shows how to attach handles to a chain and then use it manually to cut wood.

Not sure it is much better than a bow saw, but it is certainly easier to store and carry! Plus it gives me something to do while I am busy practicing my "anti-social distancing." ;)

Video
  • Interesting. And doesn't require much space.

    Don't have that problem but I already carry a battery operated drill. I think I would just throw my battery operated saws all in the tool box, which uses the same battery.
  • Fun fact: the amount of elbow grease needed to make a saw cut is proportional to the width of the kerf.

    This suggests to me that a bow saw with a suitably aggressive blade will always be easier to use than anything short of a chain saw motor using a chain.

    Please do feel free to prove me wrong via actual experience.
  • It's an interesting idea. I'd be cautious of untangling the chain if it's nice and sharp.

    From the video, I'm pretty sure my Corona RazorTooth pruning saw cuts more quickly and easily than this. Maybe a well-sharpened chain would do better than the one shown, too; there's no way for me to tell that. The RazorTooth saw is definitely quicker and easier than any bowsaw I've used, almost as good as a well-sharpened pulpwood saw or two-man crosscut saw (and much more portable and maneuverable).
  • Newer trucks and SUVs have 110 volts plugs for low powered stuff including electric chain saws. My 2015 Tahoe was limited to 300 watts, the 2020 Silverado has 400 available.
  • campigloo, thanks for the heads up -- I modified the link. Sorry for the glitch.
  • Sounds interesting but all I get from the link is gmail wanting me to sign in.

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