Chainsaw De-Virginized

I used a chainsaw for the first time in my life, and it wasn't so bad, though those things still scare me. Balloon Gary gave me a small chainsaw awhile back, and I figured it would sit and gather dust, but Bob (my father-in law) was itching to fire it up, so he did. I ran over to Mike's and got the stuff, and Bob fiddled with it and got it running. Pretty amazing, he did a series of fine adjustments and got it to work, and then went to work. He cut up a bunch of small, fallen trees, and I took it in hand and used it, too. Didn't feel too bad. The one thing that really struck me about it was that it was light. When I used Homestead Gary's chainsaw, it was so heavy I couldn't imagine using it for any longer duration. And Gary's on the smaller side, though not a skinny weakling.

Of course, after using the saw, I got pumped and started shopping around for a serious chainsaw, and the information was a little overwhelming, but not too bad. I came to a few conclusions. First off, I need a reasonably substantial saw to cut wood, on the order of maybe five cords a year. I'll also need all the safety equipment, including helmet, chaps, and steel toe boots. Finally, I need to get one that I can handle, i.e., not too heavy. So I'll have to make a trip to Joe's and check it out.

They say to buy one where they service them, but I'm not sure why since a service place with service it no matter what, right? The logic defies me a bit, but I'm green. I'd like to support he local fauna, however, and they are always good for advice and I can hold the machines, though the store intimidates the hell out of me.

I got further along on the clapboards, did up the black felt stage, then stopped when the clouds rolled in, there was a prediction of rain. I should be able to finish this week, hopefully, and then it's time to go to my next project, replacing the ugly shingles with clapboards. Maybe I'm getting too ambitious, but I think it needs to be done. Also, I need to paint the trim and paint the south facing side of the house. The paint is taking a beating from the sun.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.