Last spring I replaced an old, hard-to-start chain saw with a new "easy-start" chain saw. But I had difficulty starting it. I thought I was following directions, but it still took a long time to start, if at all. I felt embarrassed about it and was reluctant to try again.
So I used a nice-sharp curved draw saw to cut trees up to four inches in diameter. In one sense, it was nice because it was quiet and good exercise. And I could change hands when using my right hand caused too much irritation in my bum shoulder. The only problem is that I didn't get much cut, especially of the bigger stuff. And we have lots of downed trees to take out as firewood before they rot.
We went to our cabin yesterday only for the day and did a variety of chores and a bit of walking. I had a few minutes to spare before returning to Duluth, and so I gave the chain saw another try.
I tried to get the trigger to lock in position for starting, but it wouldn't stay. I looked at the symbols along the lock and figured out that maybe I was using the right position. I think the needed position was one stop short of the full lock.
Push the primer a few times. Put the handle between my legs and hold the cross handle. Pull gently on the starter rope. It had the appropriate feel for the easy-start. I find it hard to describe the change in tension as I pull it out.
One pull. Two pulls, sounds and feels even better. Three pulls, roar from the saw and yay from me!
I ran the chain saw for a few minutes, and I felt great pride that I finally persevered. Unfortunately, I didn't think there was time to do any cutting and I shut the saw off. But at least I know that the next time we go to our cabin, I can start a more productive cutting of firewood. I have two nice size birches in mind whose absence will let some smaller birches grow.
