There are a couple chain saw artists in my area.  I think it is amazing how they turn a big ugly tree stump into an amazing work of art.  I also got to see a chain saw artist at work when we vacationed in Colorado.  The artist specialized in bears.  He made bears large and small out of logs.  Some were small enough to hold or sit on a table and some were more than 6 feet tall.  A perfect greeting for visitors at your front porch.

So what does it take to be a chain saw artist? It takes time. This is not a skill just anyone can pick up.  You are using a chainsaw which is by its very nature a relatively dangerous tool.

The chainsaws used by a chain saw artist are  different than the ones you may use to chop down branches in your yard, left by the latest storm.  They generally use a smaller saw for the detail of the pieces where it is more likely to get pinched in  the cut.  Just because they use a smaller saw does not mean the possible injuries are any smaller.

Kickback is typically the biggest cause of chainsaw accidents,. Kickback occurs when the chain gets pinched during a cut. It also happens when the tip comes in contact with an object, even if it is the log being cut. With chain saw art, the tip plays a huge role in carving and opens the door for huge accident potential.

Proper lubrication is imperative to keep the chain from over heating and binding into the wood while making the intricate cuts required for chain saw art. Using the right size chain is also important and some of many chain saw artists often change the chain often during one project.

No matter what you are using your chainsaw for, one of the best safety tips you can use is to make sure you are using a sharp chain for your saw.  A chain saw sharpener is your best bet for keeping your chain sharp, whether you do it yourself, or pay someone else to do it.

If you want to try your hand at chain saw art, don’t go it alone. Find another artist who you can apprentice with.  This will allow you to learn all the tips and tricks of the artform, as well as keep you as safe as possible.