How old to run a chainsaw?

[Gellar]

And after the ass whooping I had to walk into the saw shop and buy a new chain with my profits. That’s what really hurt.

And they all knew why you were buying a new chain and they rubbed it in too.

 

[Potsie]

And they all knew why you were buying a new chain and they rubbed it in too.

Ya, that knowing look from Mr Yergler still stings.

 

[Redmt]

Nobody knows better when he's ready to run a saw, or anything else, than you do. My son was driving by himself at 12 . It's not recommended but he was capable.

 

[BenP]

My cousin in law and I were talking the other day about stuff like this where we have to explain to our wives that we understand their role in parenting boys and that they sometimes have rational fear that deserves merit but it is also the fathers job to teach the boys how to be men and that sometimes means a little bit of danger that they are not as comfortable with.

However, each boy is different so just like the many "how old to start shooting or hunting" it depends on the child. My 13 year old I probably wouldn't let go with a chainsaw due mostly to his size and not being strong really. Now his 8 year old brother could handle it strength wise but he is clumsy and distract-able so I wouldn't let him either.

I see no problem with it, you have probably given him more safety lessons than you received as a kid. It's not like he is felling redwoods.

 

[Hem]

I would have him run it in small doses.
Things happen when the operator gets tired. Can't get casual with a chainsaw when you first start out.

 

[Nick87]

I would have him run it in small doses.
Things happen when the operator gets tired. Can't get casual with a chainsaw when you first start out.

Small doses and small jobs. Baby steps.

 

[schmalts]

My chaps have a few cuts in them. All from chain contact. It's not a matter of if it's when it you cut a lot.

 

[Gerald Martin]

12 is plenty old enough to run a saw with proper safety gear and instructions if he’s physically capable of handling the saw and listens to instructions well.

Stand your ground with mama bear on this one. A boy needs to learn to become a man and 12 is a perfect age to take instruction instead of waiting until they’re old enough to think they know it all.

 

[Nick87]

12 is a perfect age to take instruction instead of waiting until they’re old enough to think they know it all

Logging that mentally.

 

[cgasner1]

12 is plenty old enough to run a saw with proper safety gear and instructions if he’s physically capable of handling the saw and listens to instructions well.

Stand your ground with mama bear on this one. A boy needs to learn to become a man and 12 is a perfect age to take instruction instead of waiting until they’re old enough to think they know it all.

Your dad start you at 10?

 

[Gerald Martin]

Logging that mentally.

8-12 is the sweet spot to take instructions from Dad. They still think you know most things and are able to put their curiosity into productivity. I think it’s also important for Dad to be able to affirm a boys initiative to figure out his own way of doing things but also be explicit and firm on the parts that you don’t mess around with regarding safety.

Gun muzzle direction, trigger finger position until ready to kill something, you’re going to sit in jail without getting bailed out or you drive drunk, don’t ever let the chainsaw touch your leg…. etc…. can be balanced with flexibility of a child figuring some things out on his own when the outcomes aren’t as critical.

Verbal affirmation for getting it right is just as important as verbal correction when they get it wrong.

 

[brymoore]

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.

I was the same way until I needed stitches.

 

[WildWill]

My cousin in law and I were talking the other day about stuff like this where we have to explain to our wives that we understand their role in parenting boys and that they sometimes have rational fear that deserves merit but it is also the fathers job to teach the boys how to be men and that sometimes means a little bit of danger that they are not as comfortable with.

It's definitely a give and take. Fortunately even with my poor beginning we worked it out as usual. Including her in the decision from the beginning could've avoided all this as she quickly pointed out and rightfully so.

 

[WildWill]

Verbal affirmation for getting it right is just as important as verbal correction when they get it wrong.

This is a reminder I needed. My dad was quick with criticism and slow with praise and it rubbed off.

 

[Elktrack]

I logged when I was a kid and thought chaps were for wussies and that real loggers didn’t need them. Turns out every single guy that had any experience used them. These were absolute professionals that fell and bucked all day every day. I wouldn’t start him off without them.

 

[Straight Arrow]

My chaps have a few cuts in them. All from chain contact. It's not a matter of if it's when it you cut a lot.

My chaps too. Also my left knee has a vertical small scar from early foolish days when I suddenly and dramatically learned that jeans do not deflect a whirring chain when at high rpm limbing firewood logs. Luckily I caught it short before I became an invalid.

 

[brockel]

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.

Exactly. Let kids do dangerous things carefully

 

[noharleyyet]

Definitely not a one size fits all answer. I’ve been around cutting tools my entire formative and professional life & they still me chills.

 

[Caseknife]

Always have to be paying attention and follow safety protocol, as soon as you get lax, something is going to bite!

 

[Redmt]

The subject of chainsaw chaps has me thinking. I want to get a pair for my wife. She runs HER Stihl electric saw a lot. What are you guys recommendations for a reasonable priced full wrap around chaps or slipover pants?