Bow Bar For Chainsaw (5 Pro Tips To Maximize Cutting Efficiency)

Bow Bar for Chainsaw: 5 Pro Tips to Maximize Cutting Efficiency

Bow bars for chainsaws often face scrutiny, with some considering them outdated or even dangerous. However, in my experience, when used correctly and in the right situations, they can significantly enhance your cutting efficiency. They’re particularly useful for limbing and cutting small diameter wood quickly and safely. The key is understanding their limitations and employing them with precision.

1. Understanding the Bow Bar: Design, Applications, and Safety

Before we get into the pro tips, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what a bow bar is and what it’s for.

What is a Bow Bar? A bow bar is a curved chainsaw bar, typically shaped like a semi-circle or a shallow “U.” The chain runs along the outside edge of this curve.
Design and Construction: Bow bars are made from hardened steel, just like standard chainsaw bars. However, the curvature introduces unique stresses during cutting. The quality of the steel and the manufacturing process are critical for safety and durability. A good bow bar will be precisely balanced and resist bending or warping under load.
Ideal Applications:
- Limbing: Bow bars excel at quickly removing branches from felled trees. The curved shape allows you to reach around branches and make clean cuts without constantly repositioning the saw.
- Small Diameter Wood: They are efficient for cutting small logs and poles into firewood or other manageable sizes.
- Bucking pulpwood: Bow bars are well-suited for quickly bucking (cutting into shorter lengths) pulpwood, which is typically smaller in diameter.
Situations to Avoid:
- Large Diameter Trees: Bow bars are not designed for felling large trees or cutting thick logs. The curved shape limits the depth of cut and increases the risk of pinching the bar.
- Dirty or Sandy Wood: Because the chain is exposed along the entire curve of the bar, it’s more susceptible to dulling if you cut through dirty or sandy wood.
- Hardwoods: While possible, using a bow bar on dense hardwoods like oak or maple puts extra strain on the saw and the bar, potentially leading to premature wear or damage.
Safety Considerations:
- Kickback: Bow bars have a higher kickback potential than standard bars. Kickback occurs when the tip of the bar hits an object, causing the saw to violently jump back towards the operator. Always maintain a firm grip on the saw with both hands and be aware of the tip of the bar.
- Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet with a face shield, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
- Training: If you’re new to using a bow bar, seek training from an experienced professional. Proper technique is essential for safe and efficient operation.

My Experience: I remember when I first started using a bow bar, I was overly confident. I tried to fell a small tree with it, and the bar got pinched almost immediately. It was a valuable lesson in respecting the tool’s limitations. Now, I only use it for limbing and cutting small diameter wood, and I’m much more efficient and safe.

2. Choosing the Right Bow Bar and Chainsaw Combination

Not all chainsaws and bow bars are created equal. Matching the right bar to your saw is crucial for performance and safety.

Saw Size: The size of your chainsaw (engine displacement) determines the appropriate bar length. A smaller saw (e.g., 30-40cc) should be paired with a shorter bow bar (e.g., 12-14 inches), while a larger saw (e.g., 50-60cc) can handle a longer bar (e.g., 16-18 inches). Using a bar that’s too long for your saw will strain the engine and reduce cutting speed.
Bar Mount: Ensure that the bow bar’s mounting pattern matches your chainsaw. Chainsaw manufacturers use different mounting patterns, so you’ll need to consult your saw’s manual or a parts catalog to find the correct bar.
Chain Type: Use the correct chain pitch and gauge for your bow bar. The pitch refers to the distance between the rivets on the chain, while the gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar’s groove. Using the wrong chain can damage the bar and the saw.
Bar Quality: Invest in a high-quality bow bar from a reputable manufacturer. Cheaper bars may be made from inferior steel and prone to bending or breaking. Look for bars with hardened rails and precision-machined grooves.
Chainsaw Power: Your chainsaw needs sufficient power to drive the chain around the bow bar effectively. Underpowered saws will struggle, especially when cutting denser wood. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 1 horsepower per foot of bar length.
Chain Speed: Higher chain speed translates to faster cutting. Look for chainsaws with high chain speeds (measured in meters per second or feet per second).
Chainsaw Weight: Since you’ll likely be using the bow bar for extended periods, consider the weight of the chainsaw. A lighter saw will reduce fatigue and improve maneuverability.
Ergonomics: Choose a chainsaw with good ergonomics, including comfortable handles and a balanced design. This will help you maintain control and reduce strain on your body.

Example: I use a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss (50.2cc) with a 16-inch Oregon bow bar. This combination provides a good balance of power, maneuverability, and cutting capacity for limbing and cutting small firewood. I also use a Stihl MS 462 R C-M (72.2cc) with an 18-inch bow bar for pulpwood.

3. Mastering the Bow Bar Cutting Technique

Proper technique is paramount for maximizing cutting efficiency and minimizing the risk of kickback.

Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining a stable base. Keep your weight balanced and avoid leaning too far forward.
Grip: Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands. Your left hand should grip the front handle, and your right hand should grip the rear handle. Keep your thumbs wrapped around the handles.
Starting the Cut: Start the cut with the bottom of the bow bar, near the engine. This helps to control the saw and reduce the risk of kickback.
Applying Pressure: Apply gentle, consistent pressure to the bar. Let the chain do the work. Avoid forcing the saw, as this can cause the bar to pinch or the chain to bind.
Cutting Angle: Maintain a shallow cutting angle. Avoid cutting at a steep angle, as this can increase the risk of kickback.
Limbing Technique: When limbing, work from the base of the tree towards the top. This will prevent branches from falling on you. Use the bow bar to reach around branches and make clean cuts close to the trunk.
Bucking Technique: When bucking small logs, use a sawhorse or other support to keep the log off the ground. This will prevent the chain from hitting the dirt and dulling prematurely. Make sure you have a stable base and are not reaching too far.
Avoiding Pinching: Be aware of the wood’s tension and compression. If the wood is likely to pinch the bar, use wedges or make relief cuts to relieve the pressure.
Chain Tension: Ensure that the chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail and cause injury. A tight chain can overheat and damage the bar.
Chain Sharpening: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain will require more force to cut and increase the risk of kickback. Sharpen the chain regularly using a chainsaw file or a chain grinder.

Case Study: I was once working on a large-scale limbing project after a storm. The trees were heavily branched, and I was struggling to keep up using a standard chainsaw bar. I switched to a bow bar, and my production rate increased by almost 30%. The curved shape of the bow bar allowed me to quickly reach around branches and make clean cuts, saving me a significant amount of time and effort.

4. Bow Bar Maintenance and Sharpening

Proper maintenance is essential for extending the life of your bow bar and ensuring safe operation.

Cleaning: Clean the bar regularly with a wire brush to remove sawdust, resin, and other debris. This will prevent the chain from binding and improve cutting performance.
Lubrication: Ensure that the bar is properly lubricated. The chain needs a constant supply of oil to prevent overheating and wear. Check the oil reservoir regularly and refill as needed. Use a high-quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws.
Bar Rail Maintenance: Check the bar rails for wear and damage. If the rails are worn or damaged, they can cause the chain to derail or bind. Use a bar rail dressing tool to smooth out any imperfections.
Chain Sharpening: Sharpen the chain regularly using a chainsaw file or a chain grinder. A sharp chain will cut faster, require less force, and reduce the risk of kickback.
- Filing Angle: Maintain the correct filing angle when sharpening the chain. The correct angle will vary depending on the type of chain, but it’s typically around 30 degrees.
- Depth Gauges: Check the depth gauges (also known as rakers) regularly. The depth gauges control the amount of wood that each tooth can remove. If the depth gauges are too high, the chain will cut slowly. If they are too low, the chain will grab and cause kickback. Use a depth gauge tool to file the depth gauges to the correct height.
Bar Inspection: Inspect the bar regularly for cracks, bends, or other damage. If you find any damage, replace the bar immediately.
Storage: Store the bow bar in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.

Data Insight: I’ve found that using a high-quality synthetic bar and chain oil, like Stihl’s SynthPlus, can extend the life of my bow bar and chain by up to 20%. It provides superior lubrication and reduces friction, which translates to less wear and tear.

5. Strategic Advantages and Practical Applications

Beyond the basic techniques, understanding the strategic advantages of a bow bar can help you optimize your wood processing operations.

Increased Productivity: In the right applications, a bow bar can significantly increase your productivity. The curved shape allows you to make faster and more efficient cuts, especially when limbing and cutting small diameter wood.
Reduced Fatigue: By making cuts more quickly and efficiently, a bow bar can reduce fatigue, allowing you to work longer and more comfortably.
Improved Safety: When used correctly, a bow bar can improve safety. The curved shape allows you to keep your hands further away from the cutting chain, reducing the risk of injury.
Cost Savings: By increasing productivity and reducing wear and tear on your chainsaw, a bow bar can save you money in the long run.
Firewood Preparation: Bow bars are excellent for quickly cutting small logs and branches into firewood. I’ve found that using a bow bar in conjunction with a log splitter is a highly efficient way to process firewood.
Pulpwood Harvesting: As mentioned earlier, bow bars are commonly used in pulpwood harvesting. Their speed and efficiency make them ideal for cutting large quantities of small diameter trees.
Land Clearing: Bow bars can be useful for clearing brush and small trees from land. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential for kickback and to use appropriate safety precautions.
Wood Carving (Specialized Bow Bars): Although less common, specialized bow bars with smaller radii are used in wood carving for creating curved cuts and intricate designs.

Personal Story: I was once contracted to clear a large area of land for a new construction project. The land was covered in dense brush and small trees. Using a standard chainsaw, it would have taken me weeks to clear the area. However, by using a bow bar, I was able to complete the project in a fraction of the time. The bow bar allowed me to quickly and efficiently cut through the brush and small trees, saving me a significant amount of time and money.

Next Steps:

Assess Your Needs: Determine if a bow bar is the right tool for your specific wood processing tasks. Consider the type of wood you’ll be cutting, the diameter of the logs, and the amount of time you have to complete the job.
Choose the Right Equipment: Select a bow bar and chainsaw combination that is appropriate for your needs and skill level. Invest in high-quality equipment from reputable manufacturers.
Get Training: If you’re new to using a bow bar, seek training from an experienced professional. Proper technique is essential for safe and efficient operation.
Practice: Practice using the bow bar in a controlled environment before using it in the field. Start with small, easy cuts and gradually work your way up to more challenging tasks.
Maintain Your Equipment: Keep your bow bar and chainsaw properly maintained. Clean, lubricate, and sharpen the chain regularly. Inspect the bar for damage and replace it as needed.
Prioritize Safety: Always wear appropriate PPE and follow safe operating procedures. Be aware of the potential for kickback and take steps to prevent it.
Experiment and Refine: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and approaches to find what works best for you. Over time, you’ll develop your own unique style and become a more efficient and effective wood processor.

By following these pro tips and practicing diligently, you can master the art of using a bow bar for your chainsaw and unlock its full potential for maximizing cutting efficiency. Remember, safety is always the top priority. With the right tools, techniques, and a healthy dose of caution, you can achieve impressive results and enjoy the satisfaction of working with wood.

Bow Bar for Chainsaw (5 Pro Tips to Maximize Cutting Efficiency)