How old to run a chainsaw?

[WildWill]

So little backstory to set the scene here. A few months ago my son had started asking to run the chainsaw. I see no problem I was about his age (12)when I learned. I did not think to inform my wife. As these things go there where some thrown chains, safety lectures, and cursing along the way but overall he's become quite proficient over the last couple of months.


Now fast forward to yesterday. We're at my mom's house for dinner and I decide to get some work done around the place while tending the smoker. I get the boy cutting on the saw while I stack firewood and burn brush. Everything is sailing along smoothly and I'm kinda reflecting on how nice it is when your kid actually becomes more of a help then hindrance with the chores. Then I hear my wife yelling at my son. She'd came on to the backporch to see him running the saw unsupervised (of course at the moment I'm probably the furthest away I'd been all day).



The exchange then went something like this.

[Wife] OMG Henry was running the chainsaw.
[Me] I know we've been working on it the last couple months.
[Wife] What? He's to young for that.
[Me] laughing. I wish you'd have been around to tell my dad that when I was his age.


Yeah so you can imagine how things devolved from there.




Anyway he wears ear and eye protection and I still see nothing wrong with it. What's your perspective?

 

[jdf]

Please buy him a pair of chainsaw chaps.
Only takes kickback once....
Always wrap his thumb around handle and learn chain brake use like it's second nature.

 

[Caseknife]

As long as he understands the hazards and proper handling and is big enough to handle it, I see no problem at all. But this is from someone who never had kids and has been running a chainsaw for 50+ years.

 

[Nick87]

Thats how kids become capable adults. There's risk to that theory but there's also risk to kids living in a bubble. I trust you'll know when its time.

 

[WildWill]

Please buy him a pair of chainsaw chaps.
Only takes kickback once....
Always wrap his thumb around handle and learn chain brake use like it's second nature.

The chaps are a good idea. Chain brake use has always been apart of his lessons and he does a good job with it.

 

[gouch]

Please buy him a pair of chainsaw chaps.
Only takes kickback once....
Always wrap his thumb around handle and learn chain brake use like it's second nature.

Yes! get some chainsaw chaps. I have supervised many an 18 and 19-year-old learning how to run saws. Inevitably it seems that the combination of Fatigue, overconfidence and a lack of attention result in a moving chain meeting a thigh.

Also a hardhat. Although nothing is likely to fall on his head, the worst kickback I ever had resulted in the bar hitting the brim of my hardhat and nocking me on my ass. I would be a hell of a lot uglier than I now am, if not for that hardhat.

 

[pabearhunter]

I have been using a chainsaw since I was about 12 years old. I am now 77. About 2 years ago a tree fell across my road at camp. I get out fire up the saw in a big Hurry and about the second cut i got a downward kick back and cut off the doe leather of my boot. Luckily I keep all the toes. Never to young or to OLD to learn SAFETY !!!!

 

[cgasner1]

Thats how kids become capable adults. There's risk to that theory but there's also risk to kids living in a bubble. I trust you'll know when its time.

There is a pile of truth in this especially considering I’ve seen grown ass men that have no business running a hand saw let alone one with a motor.

 

[INMT]

As long as he is strong enough to handle it without becoming fatigued, follows your safety guidance and can manage kickback if it occurs, age shouldn’t really be a factor.

A buddies kid started running a small chainsaw when he was 10 helping buck and limb firewood. I run the chainsaw certification program where I work and can say with certainty, that boy operates a saw safer and more efficiently than half the adults that come through the program. His dad is good with a saw and taught him well.

Proper PPE is a must. The last thing you want is guilt from your boy getting hurt from a preventable injury (and for your wife to be right ).

Suit him up and let him rip!

 

[Irrelevant]

I just taught my 12 and 15 yr olds this fall. I'm not a safety gear other than eye protection. But I'm really cautious with what I fall and cut up. Like skiing in avy terrain your decision making is what will kill you.

 

[Lasiocarpa]

I was running a saw at his age (or a bit younger) and see nothing wrong with it provided he takes the responsibility of his own safety seriously.

But yes, please get some chaps for him.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Chaps ... yes, and hearing protection plus eye protection. Start him with a lighter battery operated saw. It also is high rpm and sharp teeth, warranting safety awareness.

 

[Gellar]

I think 12 is perfect! I’d hire him to teach my 20 year old seasonals how to run a saw. If your wife is concerned your local stihl dealer probably puts on a safety class annually for free. They do in our area. It’s a good idea for adults too.

I’ve run on the principle that If my kids are old enough for something they are old enough to properly care for it too. They have one of those scrambler atvs. Dad’s not checking the oil and gas for them or filling it up when they want to ride.

 

[cgasner1]

I’d add chaps like the others have said. Your legs have some pretty serious arteries in them I know a guy that it about ended. Probably wouldn’t hurt to make sure he has some good boots on also.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Safety shoes, chaps, face shield.

First thing to teach is how to sharpen. If they can't handle/comprehend that, they have no business picking up a running saw or even hanging around them. It hurts almost as much to fall on an uncovered saw.

For that matter, the same goes for adults.