Most people are familiar with the chain saw – that powerful piece of machinery that seems to be able to cut through any type of wood, at any time. The chain saw never gives up. Most homeowners will get this handy tool as soon as they can, to clear up a few branches and trees in the yard or the drive way. Fire fighters use the chain saw to stop a forest fire where it is by cutting a firebreak. Farmers use the chain saw to cut fire wood and keep their pastures clear. Then – even less known – artists use the chain saw to sculpt wood and create beautiful pieces. Since the 50's, chain saw art has become progressively more popular – with artists finding unique ways to use this simple yet effective piece of machinery : the chain saw.

The chain saw works on a two-stroke engine and usually consists of the following parts:

1)    A cutting bar (the chain runs around this bar in a groove on the chain saw. The cutting teeth are located on the chain)

2)    The engine – consisting of the piston, cylinder, crackshaft and other parts of a two-stroke engine. Two stroke engines have no cams or valves, so they generate power whenever the crankshaft rotates. A two stroke is ideal for a chain saw.

3)    The chain, driven by a centrifugal clutch.

4)    A carburator – for the gas and oil to get into the engine of the chain saw.

5)    Exhaust

6)    An oil pump and chain-oil reservoir

7)    A gas tank

The chain saw can be very powerful, especially in terms of horsepower with regards to how light the chain saw is. The simple two stroke engine on the chain saw is air-cooled, which allows for the chain saw to work more powerfully.

For the homeowner, the chain saw is ideal for cutting down branches that may be knocking against the house or blocking the drive way. Caution is advised, however, especially if the branch is quite old or thick. No one wants their car – or half the house – smashed in pieces. The chain saw is ideal for lawn and yard care in many other obvious ways, and in some circumstances the chain saw can be used to help you cut shelving or furniture inside the house. This, of course, requires some experience with a chain saw. Tree surgeons, specifically, will use the chain saw to ensure a tree grows in a specific way or stops growing in a certain way. It's best to hire a tree surgeon for the tree outside that may need to be cut down or 'trimmed' in a much larger way than a few branches, as they are highly skilled with the chain saw.

Farmers find the chain saw useful for more than just clearing trees or the usual things that a homeowner would use it for. They can also use the chain saw to cut fences or build barns. Butchers even use the chain saw to cut up meat, and this may take place on the farm.

Chain saw juggling – a dangerous but most certainly spectacular skill – is also becoming quite popular and is most certainly something to see!