Post #184950 by Tiki G. on Wed, Sep 7, 2005 4:46 AM

Swanky, just a few tips for this "asking for trouble" tool you seek.....

I use them alot and have learned from nothing but experience. I have (4) of the high amp Makita's with all different chain combos on them because I'm too lazy to stop and change them out. I prefer the one's with the manual switch's on them. You'll find that with the paddle switchs as you turn the grinder in different angles to carve, your hands are always moving into positions that make it hard to keep the paddle down. It's easier to just turn it on and leave it running for me.

The Lancelot 14 tooth is the ticket. It takes out big wood and does not hang up as bad as the 22 tooth. The 22 tooth's chain is narrower and does not work side to side as well as the thicker tooth 14 chain. You'll get a feel for it, but please be very careful with these things. They are VERY dangerous. My son in law just almost took his finger off with one about a week ago as I almost did about a year ago. Watch your step carefully around the log as you do not want to trip with this thing running in your hands. This could be BAD. Watch your hand grab the handle each time you you grab it. It's easy to stick your fingers right into the chain if you do not pay attention.

You can re-sharpen these chains, but it is a pain in the ass. I just use them for a few tikis and them chunk them. Is easier to buy new ones for $18.00 a piece. Palm will dull them faster than say white pine due to the water content in the log.

I have also carved with the chain guard off before, but I do not recommend it at all. I removed it to use the smaller Squire because the guard is in the way and does not allow you to get as deep as with the other two (Lancelots). I am "MR. Safety" at this point.....

Also watch the cord hanging down into your work area....I have cut the cord more than once and survived being shocked time and time again. The last thing you want is for the cord to get wrapped up and have this thing jerked out of yours hands before you even know it....It's easy to do because it hangs in the way sometimes, especially when you get going and don't want to stop. I usually tie it up around my waist to secure it and keep it out of the way to keep from tripping over it or cutting it. Half the time the cord ends up between my flip flop and the bottom of my heal. How's this always happens I have no clue......but it does.

Also, take a break every now and then and blow out the grinder with air or something because it sucks sawdust into it and will start running hot and you will burn it up. Keep it clean also around the switch so you can shut it down when you want.

Well I hope these tips can help you some and keep you safe and out of harm's way with this thing. It sure makes faster work on the rough out, then you can clean up with the chisles and Dremel.

Now that I have you scared to death of this wood chomping time saver, good Luck and please be careful!

G.