In article ,
Jaques d'Alltrades wrote:
The message
from (Nick Maclaren) contains these words:

If someone of normal strength (i.e. weakness) is trimming a
hedge with a chainsaw at head height and hits an unexpected
metal post, it may well kick out of his hands. If that happens,
then taking his face off is indeed quite likely. Or indeed
taking his head off.

Not with a modern saw - it wiyld have stopped by the time it hit you -
but it might leave a nasty gash.

My observations of people using modern chainsaws is that is not true.
When a tool like that kicks back in that position, it will hit you
in a fraction of a second (perhaps a tenth), and the saws just don't
stop that fast. Also, that is so fast that it is possible that
their "control finger" is still in place even if they are not
holding it, by the time it hits.

That experience is confirmed by using certain (non-saw) drill
attachments, where both effects also occur, but the likely damage
is VASTLY less (e.g. abrasion of clothes and skin).

What stopping time do they claim?


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.