Husqvarna 236 Chainsaw Tips (5 Pro Tricks for Woodcutting)

I remember the chaos. The dust, the noise, the endless trips to the hardware store. My first home renovation was a masterclass in what not to do. I vastly underestimated the time it would take, wildly miscalculated material costs, and, frankly, had no real system for tracking anything. The result? A beautiful (eventually) finished project, but one that cost me significantly more time, money, and sanity than it should have.

That experience, humbling as it was, taught me the critical importance of tracking metrics. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or processing firewood, understanding the numbers is the key to efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ultimately, success.

Now, let’s shift gears to a tool I’ve come to rely on heavily: the Husqvarna 236 chainsaw. It’s a fantastic saw for smaller jobs, but even with a reliable machine like this, maximizing its performance requires a strategic approach. That’s where these five pro tricks, combined with data-driven insights, come in.

Husqvarna 236 Chainsaw Tips (5 Pro Tricks for Woodcutting)

This article isn’t just about chainsaw handling; it’s about integrating practical techniques with the power of data. I’ll share five tips for using the Husqvarna 236 effectively, but more importantly, I’ll show you how to track key metrics to optimize your woodcutting projects. Let’s dive in!

1. Mastering the Bore Cut: Precision and Control

The bore cut is a technique where you plunge the tip of the chainsaw bar into the wood to create a cavity. This is invaluable for felling trees, bucking large logs, or creating notches for controlled splits.

Why It’s Important: The bore cut allows for greater control, especially when dealing with trees that might have internal stresses. It also reduces the risk of pinching the bar, a common problem in thicker wood.

How to Execute:

1. Stance: Ensure a stable and balanced stance.
2. Initial Cut: Begin with a shallow notch to guide the bar.
3. Plunge: Slowly and deliberately plunge the bar tip into the wood, using the lower part of the bar.
4. Pivot: Once the bar is fully inserted, pivot the saw to create the desired cavity.
5. Extraction: Carefully withdraw the bar, avoiding any sudden movements.

Project Metric Connection: Time per Bore Cut

Now, let’s talk about data. Just knowing how to do a bore cut isn’t enough; you need to track how long it takes you.

• Definition: This metric measures the average time required to perform a single bore cut.
• Why It’s Important: Tracking this helps identify inefficiencies in your technique or the suitability of your saw for the wood type.
• How to Interpret It: A consistently high time suggests a need to refine your technique, consider a different saw, or sharpen your chain.
• How It Relates to Other Metrics: It directly impacts overall project time and fuel consumption.

My Experience: I initially struggled with bore cuts, often taking upwards of 2 minutes per cut on hardwood. By focusing on smoother plunging and consistent chain sharpness, I reduced that time to under a minute. This seemingly small improvement translated into significant time savings on larger projects.

Data Example:

• Project: Felling 10 oak trees.
• Initial Average Time per Bore Cut: 1.8 minutes.
• After Technique Refinement: 0.9 minutes.
• Total Time Saved (estimated): (1.8 – 0.9) minutes/cut * 2 cuts/tree * 10 trees = 18 minutes.

This example showcases how tracking even a small metric like “Time per Bore Cut” can lead to substantial gains.

2. The Hinge Cut: Controlling the Fall

The hinge cut is a critical technique in tree felling. It involves leaving a section of uncut wood (the hinge) that guides the tree’s direction of fall.

Why It’s Important: A properly executed hinge cut provides crucial control over the tree’s fall, minimizing risks to property, personnel, and the tree itself.

How to Execute:

1. Determine Fall Direction: Assess the tree’s lean, wind direction, and surrounding obstacles.
2. Notch Cut: Create a notch on the side of the tree facing the desired fall direction. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
3. Back Cut: Make a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, leaving a hinge of approximately 10% of the tree’s diameter.
4. Wedges (Optional): Use wedges to help guide the fall if necessary.

Project Metric Connection: Hinge Cut Success Rate

This is a crucial metric to track for safety and efficiency.

• Definition: The percentage of trees felled in the intended direction without any complications or deviations.
• Why It’s Important: It indicates the effectiveness of your felling technique and risk assessment.
• How to Interpret It: A low success rate suggests a need for better training, improved risk assessment, or a change in felling technique.
• How It Relates to Other Metrics: It’s directly linked to safety incidents and potential property damage costs.

My Experience: Early on, my hinge cut success rate was around 70%. I attributed this to rushing the initial assessment and underestimating the tree’s lean. By slowing down, meticulously assessing each tree, and using wedges more consistently, I improved my success rate to over 95%.

Data Example:

• Project: Felling 50 trees.
• Initial Hinge Cut Success Rate: 70% (35 successful fells).
• After Technique Improvement: 95% (47 successful fells).
• Potential Cost Savings: Assuming an average cost of $500 for dealing with a misdirected fall (damage repair, extra labor), the improved success rate saved approximately (47-35)*$500 = $6000 in potential costs.

This illustrates the significant financial benefits of improving felling accuracy.

3. Chain Sharpening: Maintaining Peak Performance

A dull chain is not only inefficient but also dangerous. A sharp chain bites into the wood, while a dull chain bounces, increasing the risk of kickback and operator fatigue.

Why It’s Important: A sharp chain allows for faster, cleaner cuts, reduces strain on the saw, and improves overall safety.

How to Sharpen:

1. Secure the Saw: Clamp the chainsaw bar in a vise.
2. Use the Correct File: Use a round file of the correct diameter for your chain.
3. Maintain the Angle: File each tooth at the correct angle, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Consistent Strokes: Use smooth, consistent strokes, filing each tooth evenly.
5. Depth Gauges: Check and adjust the depth gauges as needed.

Project Metric Connection: Chain Sharpening Frequency vs. Wood Volume Processed

This metric links chain maintenance to productivity.

• Definition: The number of times the chain is sharpened per volume of wood processed (e.g., sharpenings per cord).
• Why It’s Important: It helps determine the optimal sharpening frequency for your specific wood type and cutting conditions.
• How to Interpret It: A high sharpening frequency suggests the chain is dulling quickly, possibly due to abrasive wood, improper filing technique, or a low-quality chain.
• How It Relates to Other Metrics: It impacts cutting speed, fuel consumption, and chain lifespan.

My Experience: I initially sharpened my chain based on feel, often waiting until it was noticeably dull. By tracking the wood volume processed between sharpenings, I realized I was waiting too long. Sharpening more frequently, even if the chain didn’t feel completely dull, resulted in faster cutting speeds and less strain on the saw.

Data Example:

• Project: Processing 5 cords of oak firewood.
• Initial Sharpening Frequency: 1 sharpening per cord.
• After Experimentation: 2 sharpenings per cord.
• Cutting Time Reduction: Approximately 15% reduction in cutting time per cord, resulting in a total time saving of approximately 5 cords * 15% = 0.75 cords worth of time.

This demonstrates that more frequent sharpening, based on data, can improve overall efficiency.

4. Fuel Management: Optimizing Run Time and Cost

Fuel efficiency is crucial for minimizing operating costs and maximizing productivity.

Why It’s Important: Efficient fuel management reduces expenses, extends run time, and minimizes environmental impact.

How to Manage Fuel:

1. Use the Correct Fuel Mix: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel/oil mixture.
2. Proper Storage: Store fuel in a cool, dry place in an approved container.
3. Avoid Spillage: Use a funnel to avoid spilling fuel during refueling.
4. Regular Maintenance: Ensure the air filter and spark plug are clean.

Project Metric Connection: Fuel Consumption per Hour

This is a straightforward but vital metric.

• Definition: The amount of fuel consumed by the chainsaw per hour of operation.
• Why It’s Important: It helps identify inefficiencies in the saw’s operation, poor cutting technique, or the need for maintenance.
• How to Interpret It: A high fuel consumption rate suggests potential problems with the saw, such as a dirty air filter, a worn spark plug, or an improperly tuned carburetor.
• How It Relates to Other Metrics: It directly impacts operating costs and overall project profitability.

My Experience: I noticed a significant increase in fuel consumption with my Husqvarna 236. After inspecting the air filter, I found it clogged with sawdust. Cleaning the filter immediately improved fuel efficiency by nearly 20%.

Data Example:

• Project: Processing 3 cords of pine firewood.
• Initial Fuel Consumption: 0.75 liters per hour.
• After Air Filter Cleaning: 0.60 liters per hour.
• Fuel Savings: Over a 10-hour project, the fuel savings would be (0.75 – 0.60) liters/hour * 10 hours = 1.5 liters. At $2 per liter, this translates to a savings of $3.

This simple maintenance task resulted in measurable cost savings.

5. Wood Stacking: Maximizing Space and Airflow

Proper wood stacking is essential for efficient drying and storage.

Why It’s Important: Stacking wood correctly promotes airflow, which accelerates drying and reduces the risk of rot and mold.

How to Stack:

1. Choose a Dry Location: Select a well-ventilated area away from standing water.
2. Elevate the Wood: Use pallets or sleepers to keep the wood off the ground.
3. Stack Loosely: Leave gaps between the logs to allow for airflow.
4. Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
5. Consider Wind Direction: Orient the stack to take advantage of prevailing winds.

Project Metric Connection: Moisture Content Reduction Rate

This metric is critical for firewood quality.

• Definition: The rate at which the moisture content of the wood decreases over time (e.g., percentage points per month).
• Why It’s Important: It determines how quickly the wood dries and becomes suitable for burning.
• How to Interpret It: A slow reduction rate indicates poor stacking practices, inadequate airflow, or a high initial moisture content.
• How It Relates to Other Metrics: It directly impacts the fuel value of the firewood and customer satisfaction.

My Experience: I initially stacked my firewood in tight, compact piles, which resulted in slow drying and significant rot. By switching to a looser stacking method with wider gaps, I dramatically increased the drying rate and reduced wood waste.

Data Example:

• Project: Drying 2 cords of birch firewood.
• Initial Stacking Method: Tight piles.
• Moisture Content Reduction Rate: 2% per month.
• Improved Stacking Method: Loose stacking with gaps.
• Moisture Content Reduction Rate: 5% per month.
• Time Savings: To reach a target moisture content of 20%, the improved stacking method reduced the drying time by (Initial Moisture Content – 20%) / (5% – 2%) months compared to the initial stacking method. If the initial moisture content was 40%, this would save (40-20)/(0.05-0.02) = 6.67 months in drying time.

This demonstrates the significant impact of proper stacking on firewood drying time and quality.

Applying These Metrics to Improve Future Projects

Tracking these metrics isn’t a one-time exercise; it’s an ongoing process of learning and improvement. Here’s how to apply these insights to future wood processing or firewood preparation projects:

1. Establish a Baseline: Start by tracking these metrics on your next project to establish a baseline for your performance.
2. Identify Areas for Improvement: Analyze the data to identify areas where you can improve your efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance quality.
3. Implement Changes: Make changes to your techniques, equipment, or processes based on your analysis.
4. Track the Results: Continue to track the metrics to measure the impact of your changes.
5. Iterate and Refine: Continuously iterate and refine your approach based on the data you collect.

By embracing a data-driven approach, you can transform your wood processing or firewood preparation projects from guesswork to a science. The Husqvarna 236 is a capable tool, but it’s only as effective as the person wielding it. By combining these pro tips with rigorous data tracking, you can unlock its full potential and achieve truly remarkable results. Remember that my experience in home renovation taught me that without tracking metrics, you are essentially flying blind. Start tracking those metrics today, and watch your efficiency and profitability soar!

Learn more