Reasons To Use A Sawhorse

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

Work Safer With A Chainsaw Sawhorse

It is a well known fact that you can work safer with the use of a chainsaw sawhorse.

This handy accessory holds logs, branches, or other timber sections securely whilst cutting with a chainsaw or hand saw.

All types of chainsaws can be dangerous unless care is taken during their operation. It does not matter whether your tool is battery operated, driven by electric, or petrol powered, unless high levels of care and safety are taken a chain saw can be dangerous to use by any level of operator.

In it's basic form there is the wooden chainsaw sawhorse. This is manufactured usually in a hard wood and is light and relatively stable in use.

When erected a sawhorse holds the log or other work piece in a horizontal position freeing up both of the tool operators hands. This allows the operator to use a chainsaw with complete control allowing good and safe cutting to proceed.

Most types of chainsaw sawhorse feature a method of securing logs or timber sections to it for chopping and cutting. This is commonly by way of a retaining strap or securing chain.

On the stihl wooden sawhorse this is by way of a retaining rope. On the stihl metal sawhorse a spring loaded chain is included as standard fitment.

Even an experienced tree surgeon will recognise the benefits of using a chainsaw sawhorse. As well as safety the purchase of one of these accessories can save hours of time on site by allowing more efficient cutting and logging work to be carried out.

Are metal type sawhorses stronger than wooden ones?

Although they are heavier to carry a metal sawhorse is stronger than a wooden one in addition to being more robust if the chain blade accidently touches it. Several brands of metal chainsaw sawhorse are also galvanised making them resistant to rust when used on site and in forestry environments.

Portek Logmaster

The Portek Logmaster is a chainsaw sawhorse that unlike traditional saw horses features a built in clamping mechanism to securely mount your chainsaw on to the sawhorse itself.

This attachment transforms the way you cut logs and branches by way of supporting the total weight of the chainsaw itself. Having the saw mounted in this way allows you to cut through logs with ease without you straining your back, arms, or shoulders.

The effect of this feature is like giving you an extra pair of hands to carry your cutting and logging work out.

Manufactured in tough galvanized metal tubing (hence it is corrosion resistant) the Portek Logmaster is robust as well as practical. The unit folds flat for easy transportation to the work area or for storage in the garden shed or workshop.

Is this the best portable chainsaw sawhorse you can buy?

The Portek Logmaster is regarded by owner current owners and tree surgeons as one of the best sawhorses that you can buy. This is taking into account it's versatility, robustness, and all-round performance when it comes to carrying out what is was designed for. 

With this accessory the whole weight of the chainsaw is supported on the logmaster, taking the whole weight strain out of the job of sawing logs. 

The Logmaster makes it fast, safe and effortless to usee unlike the conventional method of using a chainsaw which requires constant operator bending, lifting and straining, and starting and stopping.

Some top features of the Portek Logmaster

• Is fully adjustable
• Can fit any portable chainsaw
• Is suitable for different log sizes
• Has a load weight capacity of 125 kg
• Features a guarded chain bar
• Features useful adjustable legs
• Has a heavy duty chainsaw clamp vice

Chainsaw Sawhorse

Chainsaw Sawhorses::

You can buy online and save money on the purchase of a chainsaw sawhorse.

There is a wide range of different chainsaw sawhorse models to choose from to use with any make or model of chain saw. When it comes to buying a sawhorse it does not matter whether your saw is a Bosch, a Black & Decker, a Draper, Makita, Ryobi, Stihl - or any other, a portable sawhorse can be used with them all - and in our view is an essential accessory to have.

If you regularly use your chain saw for cutting logs and firewood, you will wonder how you ever managed without buying a chainsaw sawhorse! Not only will you work safer, you will be amazed at just how much time you can save when cutting logs. 

Forestry workers regularly choose to use a sawhorse, as do tree surgeons, this accessory frees up your hands so you can concentrate on the operation of your saw fully. 

Are chainsaw sawhorses effective? 

Without a doubt - yes. If you think of them as being a type of work bench that is capable of gripping logs tightly whilst they are being cut, we are sure you will know what we mean. Most users of electric as well as petrol chainsaws have experienced two problems whilst cutting logs, these being the log spinning whilst the chainsaw is cutting through the timber, and the nasty effect that is known as "kickback". A chainsaw sawhorse eliminates these being really effective - especially as regards safety. 

Are chainsaw sawhorses easy to use? 

Yes, most makes and models are really simple to use and when assembled (most are supplied flat-pack style) just need opening-out and a couple of fasteners tightening. They can be put to use normally in well under a minutes time. 

The models that have a log restraining chain, strap or rope, take a little longer - but only for the time needed to secure the log down in readiness for cutting. Heavy logs and branches will usually not need the chain to be used - but we always recommend it as it plays a large part with regards to the safe operation of your saw. 

Will a chain saw sawhorse allow me to work in a safer way?

A lot of home owners and DIY keen gardeners feel a little uncomfortable when tasked with using a chain saw. The thought of using a chainsaw around the home and garden is one that is often viewed as being dangerous - especially when it comes to the felling of trees. But a chain saw can be used safely if advice, guidelines, and precautions are put in place, before this type of powered garden machinery is used.

What a chainsaw sawhorse does is free-up the operators hands allowing them to concentrate on the safe use of their saw, instead of them having to hold the work piece at the same time. As long as the section of timber or log is secured to a sawhorse it will also stop it from rotating when the revolving chain on the saw makes contact with it - again increasing the level of safety whilst chopping and cutting is being carried out. 

With regards to safety and the use of one of these accessories there are a few basic points too bear in-mind: 

• Make sure the sawhorse has been assembled correctly and is in good order
• Always use a saw horse on flat, stable, and level ground, not on a slope or mud
• Keep it free from wood cuttings, chippings, and dirt - after it has been used
• Regularly check it's fittings and fasteners for tightness
• If fitted with rubber feet - make sure these are in place
• If you cut through the log securing rope (if fitted) replace this before the next use
• Check the rope or chain tensioner spring (if fitted) is correctly adjusted
• If the sawhorse becomes damaged in any way - do not use until it has been repaired
• As with all jobs involving garden machinery - take your time and work in a safe way
• When not in use - store away and inside a garden shed, hut, or garage - not outside
• If the sawhorse is made of steel and not galvanized, occasionally protect with a light spray of WD40 or GT85 corrosion protection spray
• Do not use near children or pets
• Always wear safety gloves and footwear as well as chainsaw safety ppe

Visit www.chainsawguide.co.uk for details on a choice of sawhorses.