The Chainsaw Rabbit hole

I have recently fallen into the youtube chainsaw Rabbit hole. I've owned a chainsaw for over 10 years. I have had variable degrees of success with them. When I got my first one, all I knew was, trigger and Go. I must have been a menace. I learned to adjust my chain tension from an old neighbour in Calgary we called "Arnie Schwartzeneighbour." I learned how to use the Bumper spikes from my dad in his driveway far too long into my cutting career. I learned to sharpen a saw freehand from Pierce Clegg, the former owner of Babine Norlakes. I had variable levels of success and he would make me do it over if I was cutting crooked. This knowledge has served me well until now. Now that I have used the "File guide" tool, I will never freehand sharpen again.

When I said I've been a chainsaw owner for 10 years, I think that I have owned that file guide tool just as long. Thanks to my good friend Lukas Skywalker, who put me onto "Steve's Chainsaw Saloon" on youtube. Dudes got some great vids. I think I've watched them all and some of them multiple times. I even pulled the carburetor off my little saw and cleaned it up last night. Not gonna lie, I was pretty impressed with myself when it all went back together with no extra parts left and idled like a dream.

Raker depth gauge tool. This was likely the huge game changer for this job. I had no idea of its importance.

Check out his vids if you're a saw person. Guaranteed you will learn some stuff. Like anything, people are bound to have different opinions about this stuff. I am just sharing what worked for me. Do yourself a favour and watch this video. It’s 20 mins but it may change your chainsaw life. It’ll make it more enjoyable, more productive and likely safer. I wish he had an outboard motor saloon.