If you are the owner or user of a chainsaw, have you considered the purchase of a sawhorse?
If you haven't we hope our tips below will help you make up your own mind as to whether using a sawhorse would be beneficial to you.
Most professional users of chain saws well be fully aware of the benefits of having a wooden or metal sawhorse to hand for use in some types of applications and environments; predominantly when carrying out logging work or for providing extra help when cutting fire wood.
For the homeowner that has just invested in a chainsaw for use in their gardens, a sawhorse is probably distant in their mind when it comes to this useful - but inexpensive accessory. Most home gardeners and DIY'ers think of the chainsaw first, the consumables second (chain saw oil & two stroke oil), protective safety wear third (safety gloves, boots etc), and a sawhorse is usually not thought of at all.
What does a chainsaw sawhorse do?
One of these items is designed to make log cutting safer, easier, and faster when using any electric or petrol engined chainsaw. Wooden and metal type sawhorses hold the log you are cutting at the correct height, freeing up both of your hands for safe operation of your saw.
Unlike a work bench these items are specifically designed for the cutting of logs, branches, and sections of timber that need cutting to size.
How is the log secured to the sawhorse?
The log that you need to cut (or other piece of timber) is placed onto the "jaws" of the sawhorse. Large logs may be heavy enough to use their own weight as the only method needed here, but it is usual practice for the manufacturers of sawhorses to include an additional option when it comes to securing logs onto a saw horse. This is usually accomplished by way of the fitment of a log securing chain, a clamp, or a rope.
Wooden type chainsaw sawhorses often have a rope fitted that is spring attached - this allows a good securing method coupled with ease of fitment.
A large number of the metal type chainsaw sawhorses that can be purchased are supplied as standard equipment with a log securing chain - this is the option chosen by manufacturers including the likes of Draper and Stihl. As would you probably expect, a metal chain is far more robust that a rope, and should give you years of trouble free service. A log securing chain is also usually fitted with a tensioning spring, this as with the securing rope fitted to wooden sawhorses allows a fast fitment with ease - just what you need if you are working outside on a chilly spring or autumn morning!
How portable is a sawhorse?
This varies depending on the make and model of sawhorse that you buy. If you need a model that is easily transported and not too heavy - take a look at the different wooden and metal chainsaw sawhorses that are advertised as being foldable. If the model that you look at has the ability to fold flat it will usually be easy to carry as well as be stored when it is not in use. A model that folds flat could be stored on the wall in your garden shed or garage, possibly mounted-up with a couple of wall brackets. Alternatively it could be stored away in a corner of the shed or your garden outbuilding, being out of sight and not taking up much room.
A sawhorse that collapses down and folds flat will also be easy to transport in a suitable car or van. Most types (including the models manufactured by Draper, Handy, and Stihl) are compact enough to fit into an average sized hatchback car - but obviously the bigger the boot the better! All of these mentioned types though will easily fit into an estate car, a pick-up, and any size of van.
Do any sawhorses have a built in measure?
Yes, several makes and models of this product have a built in measure including the popular Stihl wooden chainsaw sawhorse. This item has a measurement scale featured onto one of it's horizontal struts - when used this allows the chainsaw operator to cut the same length of log every time. Some of the galvanized metal and mild steel type sawhorses also have a measuring scale built into them, this is usually by way of them having scribed measuring points on the top strut support bar.
Top reasons for using a chainsaw sawhorse
Our top-tips for deciding to buy and use a sawhorse are:-
- It will make the cutting and sawing of logs easier
- It will hold the log or work piece securely allowing one person to use the chainsaw
- You can work in a more effective and also safer way
- You will save time when it comes to multiple log cutting
- No more aching or bad backs - you can cut logs at the correct height
- A sawhorse prevents logs "spinning" whilst they are being cut
- Allows multiple logs to be cut to the same length - easy measurement of logs
- Usually removes the action of "kick back" - as the log is fully supported in place
