Chainsaw Maintenance
Are you one of those campers that has a mound of telegraph pole size logs for a fire? Is your fire so intense everyone has to sit about 20 metres away from it so as not to self ignite? If you answered yes, then this camping tip is probably not for you.
I long wanted a chainsaw, but recognised the difficulties of carrying fuel for it when I drive a diesel vehicle. It meant carrying two types of fuel for my more remote trips.
I also wondered about getting my self a battery powered chainsaw. However, I questioned their effectiveness and reliability. The life of the battery between recharges and camps was also important.
Look at reviews on chainsaws
So, after hearing some good reviews – and already having a couple of batteries for my drill and driver – I decided to get one as a gift from the Hon Minister for Finance and War. That way it didn’t cost anything – hey.
I went for a Ryobi brand because that was what the drill and driver were; because of its price; because of its availability and backup through Bunnings; and because of all the other tools I can drive off the Ryobi batteries – I now have a blower, a soldering iron and an angle grinder.
Oh… and go the brushless. I’m not sure why but the power and service life seem to be better.
A chainsaw for camping is worth its weight in rum
I have since used my saw on many occasions and, I must say, its been well worth its weight in rum.
Beware though that National Parks and Forests don’t allow chainsaws – but I’m hoping if I can show the battery is not in the chainsaw and I haven’t used it on National Park or Forestry lands I should be ok.
Beware of the rules and regulations of carrying a chainsaw
Oh, and I often photograph where I have collected firewood if ever I’m challenged.
Don’t underestimate the advantages of carrying a good battery powered chainsaw on your camping trips – and travels.
If you cut the wood into reasonable lengths, you get a good night’s fire. Cutting lengths too short uses more battery and cutting longer lengths requires less cuts. I find that I can get 2 or 3 nights cooking fire from one 18V 5000 mAh battery.
A good chainsaw has many uses
Another trick I learnt from a good mate (and pretty embarrassingly obvious), is to hunt for firewood on the side of the road (or wherever is legal) in the last hour/s of your day’s travels.
Just check too that the chain for the saw you buy is a standard size. Yes, you can sharpen them but consider the time and effort – and the cost.
I have also needed to use my saw when recently travelling on a somewhat isolated track with two other cars towing campers. We came across a tree that had fallen across the road. Reversing three cars and their trailers up a narrow bush track to find a turnaround was not a sound option.
Naturally, you need to comply with all the rules around taking forest products (wood etc) from private property, council roads, crown land and national parks etc.
Keep safe and warm when Camping and Travelling
Do you need more camping tips?
Camp and Travel – Out&About with Dayv has camping tips around useful ways of doing things. If you have a camping tip worth sharing, let us know at Camp and Travel.
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