One handed chainsaw
 

In message , Nigel M
writes
Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable. They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed chainsaw.

so was it like a chainsaw or like a carving knife?

Assuming the latter some sort of reciprocating saw. It was probably
something like a Dewalt alligator saw or Bosch Tyrannosaw -these have
two opposing blades that move against each other - cutting better in
heavier duty materials than a single bladed reciprocating saw.

http://www.tooled-up.com/MicroCategory.asp?CID=4&SCID=20&MCID=585

For examples (not necessarily cheapest, just the first good link I
found)
--
Chris French and Helen Johnson, Leeds
urg Suppliers and References FAQ:
http://www.familyfrench.co.uk/garden/urgfaq/index.html

"Nigel M" wrote in message
...
Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable.
They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed
chainsaw.

I find it impossible to visualise a *chain* saw which looks like an
electric *carving knife*, since I have never seen a carving knife
with a chain.

Do you perhaps mean an ordinary electric reciprocating saw? That can
be used with one hand.

Franz

In article ,
Nigel M writes:
| In uk.rec.gardening, Franz Heymann wrote:
|
| I find it impossible to visualise a *chain* saw which looks like an
| electric *carving knife*, since I have never seen a carving knife
| with a chain.
|
| I don't know is this was meant to be serious or not. Imagine a large
| electric carving knife, with a 10" blade. The handle is on the top at
| the rear. Now replace the blades with a chain bar.

Look up the term "alligator saw".


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

"Nigel M" wrote in message
...
Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable. They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed chainsaw.

Apparently these are not available to the general public. I have no
desire to end up "one handed", but it looks much safer than trying to
use a standard chainsaw for the same task.

Does anyone know where they can be bought?


--
Nigel Mercier


It is listed on the site as a tree care saw. Maybe you could contact them
direct for a supplier. http://international.husqvarna.com/

Saffy.

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 22:50:35 GMT, Nigel M wrote:

Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable. They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed chainsaw.

Apparently these are not available to the general public. I have no
desire to end up "one handed", but it looks much safer than trying to
use a standard chainsaw for the same task.

Does anyone know where they can be bought?

Was it electric? Possibly one of these but with a shorter handle?

http://www.stihl.de/katalog/produktg...70/default.htm




--
Tim C.

....or how about this one?

http://www.makita.com/Tools_Item_View.asp?id=365


--
Tim C.

"Nigel M" wrote in message
...
In uk.rec.gardening, Franz Heymann wrote:

I find it impossible to visualise a *chain* saw which looks like an
electric *carving knife*, since I have never seen a carving knife
with a chain.

I don't know is this was meant to be serious or not.

I was being quite serious.

Imagine a large
electric carving knife, with a 10" blade. The handle is on the top
at
the rear. Now replace the blades with a chain bar.

Elactric carving knives do not usually have handles at the top of the
rear, and they don't have "blades". They have a solitary blade.

Why don't you just describe it as a mini chain saw with a transverse
handle?

I used to have a small, light chain saw. The chain had a habit of
coming off in use. When the damn thing came flying past my ear and
nicked a piece off it, I decided that it was perhaps not a good thing
to go on using it, so I threw it away.

Franz.

On Mon, 06 Sep 2004 14:06:05 GMT, Nigel M wrote:

In uk.rec.gardening, Franz Heymann wrote:

Elactric carving knives do not usually have handles at the top of the
rear, and they don't have "blades". They have a solitary blade.

Going OT here, but all the electric knives I've used have been as I
described. And they *all* have two reciprocating blades.

Why don't you just describe it as a mini chain saw with a transverse
handle?

Because it isn't. The handle was in line with the blade.

How was it powered? Electric? A small chainsaw with a petrol motor would be
pretty hard work after a while, hence they all seem to be 2-handed
machines. Apart from the pole-saw I can't seem to find anything like your
description on The Web. Any idea what make it was? Colour even?

--
Tim C.

How was it powered? Electric? A small chainsaw with a petrol motor would be
pretty hard work after a while, hence they all seem to be 2-handed
machines. Apart from the pole-saw I can't seem to find anything like your
description on The Web. Any idea what make it was? Colour even?

Sorry, I just read your other post to Chris French and Helen Johnson.

--
Tim C.

On Mon, 06 Sep 2004 12:36:50 GMT, Nigel M wrote:

In uk.rec.gardening, Nick Maclaren wrote:

Look up the term "alligator saw".

No! It is not an alligator saw. It is a top handled chainsaw. The public
can't normally buy them, but I wondered if anyone knew a stockist.

I think I'm wasting my (and your) time in this group, sorry.

I could name a few but you're wasting your time, no one will sell you
one unless they know you've been properly trained to use them.

=================================================

Rod

Weed my email address to reply.
http://website.lineone.net/~rodcraddock/index.html

Rod wrote in
:

On Mon, 06 Sep 2004 12:36:50 GMT, Nigel M wrote:


No! It is not an alligator saw. It is a top handled chainsaw. The public
can't normally buy them, but I wondered if anyone knew a stockist.

I think I'm wasting my (and your) time in this group, sorry.

I could name a few but you're wasting your time, no one will sell you
one unless they know you've been properly trained to use them.


I'm intrigued now. Why is this one handed chainsaw so much more dangerous
than an ordinary one?

Nigel's original question was prompted by thinking the tool looked *safer*
than a standard chainsaw, and those seem to be widely available to the
general public - I'm now wondering what this one does differently.

(I have not forgotten your short lecture on 'Why You Should Always Wear
Chainmail Trousers (with special attention to Things That Could Happen When
The Chain Comes Off)'!)

Victoria Clare

Try this

http://www.chainsawspecialists.co.uk/picture_338xpt.htm

One handed chainsaw for Super Pro's only!


"Nigel M" wrote in message
...
In uk.rec.gardening, Tim Challenger wrote:

http://www.makita.com/Tools_Item_View.asp?id=365

For those who are having trouble visualising what I was trying to
describe, this is pretty close. Differences are, it was 2-stroke, and
the blade was about twice as long.


--
Nigel Mercier

This sounds either like a reciprical saw or a top handled chainsaw.
Both are very dangerous in the hands of untrained people and can be
fatal. Top handled chainsaws are intended for use only by
arboriculturalists after training and then only when up in the tree,
not on the ground. There is a code of practice for there use issued
by the HSE.
Alan.

Chris French and Helen Johnson wrote in message ...
In message , Nigel M
writes
Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable. They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed chainsaw.

so was it like a chainsaw or like a carving knife?

Assuming the latter some sort of reciprocating saw. It was probably
something like a Dewalt alligator saw or Bosch Tyrannosaw -these have
two opposing blades that move against each other - cutting better in
heavier duty materials than a single bladed reciprocating saw.

http://www.tooled-up.com/MicroCategory.asp?CID=4&SCID=20&MCID=585

For examples (not necessarily cheapest, just the first good link I
found)

On Mon, 06 Sep 2004 23:23:17 +0100, Victoria Clare
wrote:


I'm intrigued now. Why is this one handed chainsaw so much more dangerous
than an ordinary one?

Dunno really, except if you're waving the thing about with one hand
it's perhaps more likely that various bits of your anatomy could get
in the way. Also with one hand you don't have the same degree of
control if for example you catch something with the tip of the guide
bar causing it to kick back.
None of us here is trained to use them but from time to time we work
with contractors who are using them. They only use them up trees, they
are not supposed to use them on the ground. Quite apart from the
competence angle, the physical demands are significant, you should see
the muscles on the arms of these guys.

=================================================

Rod

Weed my email address to reply.
http://website.lineone.net/~rodcraddock/index.html

In article ,
Rod wrote:
On Mon, 06 Sep 2004 23:23:17 +0100, Victoria Clare
wrote:

I'm intrigued now. Why is this one handed chainsaw so much more dangerous
than an ordinary one?

Dunno really, except if you're waving the thing about with one hand
it's perhaps more likely that various bits of your anatomy could get
in the way. Also with one hand you don't have the same degree of
control if for example you catch something with the tip of the guide
bar causing it to kick back.

Quite. And the various bits don't just include minor and optional
ones, but whole legs. How long is you have to reach the operating
table after severing a femoral artery? 5 minutes or thereabouts,
isn't it?

Actually, there are other issues. Using any power tool single-handed
is a LOT more tiring than using it double-handed, because you have to
hold it harder (think leverage). And the vibration of a power tool
held hard can cause you to weaken and lose your grip - often with
little warning. I gave up using a hedge trimmer after that happened
once too often.

None of us here is trained to use them but from time to time we work
with contractors who are using them. They only use them up trees, they
are not supposed to use them on the ground. Quite apart from the
competence angle, the physical demands are significant, you should see
the muscles on the arms of these guys.

Which reminds me of the FAQ: I am not strong enough to use a bowsaw
any longer; what type of chainsaw should I buy?


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

"Nick Maclaren" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Rod wrote:
On Mon, 06 Sep 2004 23:23:17 +0100, Victoria Clare
wrote:

I'm intrigued now. Why is this one handed chainsaw so much more
dangerous
than an ordinary one?

Dunno really, except if you're waving the thing about with one hand
it's perhaps more likely that various bits of your anatomy could
get
in the way. Also with one hand you don't have the same degree of
control if for example you catch something with the tip of the
guide
bar causing it to kick back.

Quite. And the various bits don't just include minor and optional
ones, but whole legs. How long is you have to reach the operating
table after severing a femoral artery? 5 minutes or thereabouts,
isn't it?

Actually, there are other issues. Using any power tool
single-handed
is a LOT more tiring than using it double-handed, because you have
to
hold it harder (think leverage). And the vibration of a power tool
held hard can cause you to weaken and lose your grip - often with
little warning. I gave up using a hedge trimmer after that happened
once too often.

None of us here is trained to use them but from time to time we
work
with contractors who are using them. They only use them up trees,
they
are not supposed to use them on the ground. Quite apart from the
competence angle, the physical demands are significant, you should
see
the muscles on the arms of these guys.

Which reminds me of the FAQ: I am not strong enough to use a bowsaw
any longer; what type of chainsaw should I buy?

I have an electric reciprocating saw with a whole range of blades with
varying tooth size. It is dead easy to use, and is little, if any,
more dangerous than a handsaw. It handles branches up to 2" diameter
quite comfortably.

Franz

http://www.abbeygardensales.co.uk STIGA SPR 350
http://www.stihl.co.uk/html/default_...tegory=product STIHL MS 200
T

Top handled chainsaws, will not be sold to anyone without proper training
and evidence of such.
That doesn't stop you from buying one at a dispersal sale.....he he

Anthony

"Nigel M" wrote in message
...
Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable. They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed chainsaw.

Apparently these are not available to the general public. I have no
desire to end up "one handed", but it looks much safer than trying to
use a standard chainsaw for the same task.

Does anyone know where they can be bought?


--
Nigel Mercier

On Mon, 6 Sep 2004 13:57:08 +0000 (UTC), "Franz Heymann"
wrote:


I used to have a small, light chain saw. The chain had a habit of
coming off in use. When the damn thing came flying past my ear and
nicked a piece off it, I decided that it was perhaps not a good thing
to go on using it, so I threw it away.

That isn't really an issue with modern saws. They all have chain
catchers - and they work, no excitement any more when the chain comes
off. It rarely happens anyway if the chain is correctly tensioned.
Still worth keeping all parts of yourself clear of the back of the saw
while using it.

=================================================

Rod

Weed my email address to reply.
http://website.lineone.net/~rodcraddock/index.html

"Anthony" wrote in message
...
http://www.abbeygardensales.co.uk STIGA SPR 350
http://www.stihl.co.uk/html/default_...tegory=product STIHL MS
200
T

Top handled chainsaws, will not be sold to anyone without proper training
and evidence of such.
That doesn't stop you from buying one at a dispersal sale.....he he


There is a lot of crap talked about not only chainsaws, but also other
dangerous machinery. Training is desirable, but who trained the first person
to use one? Who trains the first person to use a new model/type? Who trains
the trainers? I hired a chainsaw a few years ago, and was asked "do you know
how to use one?" and that was it.

Suppliers will sell you anything, they may say " make sure you get some
training" or they may say "is the person who's going to use it trained?" And
of course you will reply "yes", and then he'll sell you the saw. After all,
he's in the business of selling machinery, he's not going to turn you away.

Just be careful, read the manual, use commonsense and the recommended
protective clothing, and you'll be OK.

And if the worst comes to the worst, remember, you've got to die of
something. ;-))


Steve

"Nigel M" wrote in message
...
Some men just came to trim a tree below an overhead power cable. They
had what looked like an electric carving knife, a one handed chainsaw.

Apparently these are not available to the general public. I have no
desire to end up "one handed", but it looks much safer than trying to
use a standard chainsaw for the same task.

Does anyone know where they can be bought?



These kind of things?

http://www.abbeygardensales.co.uk/su...s-0000745.aspx


Note the requirement for production of a certificate at the top of the page,
though. This requirement doesn't appear on any other of their chainsaw
pages.....



--
Richard Sampson

mail me at
richard at olifant d-ot co do-t uk

On Wed, 8 Sep 2004 20:52:14 +0100, "shazzbat"
wrote:


There is a lot of crap talked about not only chainsaws, but also other
dangerous machinery. Training is desirable, but who trained the first person
to use one? Who trains the first person to use a new model/type? Who trains
the trainers? I hired a chainsaw a few years ago, and was asked "do you know
how to use one?" and that was it.

Suppliers will sell you anything, they may say " make sure you get some
training" or they may say "is the person who's going to use it trained?" And
of course you will reply "yes", and then he'll sell you the saw. After all,
he's in the business of selling machinery, he's not going to turn you away.

Just be careful, read the manual, use commonsense and the recommended
protective clothing, and you'll be OK.

I agree with a lot of that, you're obviously intelligent and fairly
machine/risk savvy - you taught yourself. Same here, same for my mate
Phil who works with me. Same for many others.

*But* what do you do with the rest - they need to use these things but
they aren't safe out without their mothers. You have to get 'em
trained for your own and everbody elses safety as well as theirs.

As for the dealers, you're probably at least partly right - our local
dealers who know us very well don't ask for our NPTC certificates but
I don't know what they'd do about a stranger walking into their
showroom. Should be seeing their rep next week, I'll try and remember
to ask him.

'Who trains the trainers?' Good question. Neither myself or Phil are
qualified trainers or assessors but I don't know anyone who could
teach or assess us adequately on say for example Compact Tractors,
we'd have to train 'em ourselves first.

=================================================

Rod

Weed my email address to reply.
http://website.lineone.net/~rodcraddock/index.html

In article ,
Rod wrote:

*But* what do you do with the rest - they need to use these things but
they aren't safe out without their mothers. You have to get 'em
trained for your own and everbody elses safety as well as theirs.

Where DID you get the idea that their mothers are any better?


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.