Husqvarna Chainsaw 70cc Tips (5 Pro Woodcutting Hacks)

As someone who’s spent a lifetime felling trees, milling lumber, and preparing firewood, I understand the allure and the challenge of working with wood. There’s a primal satisfaction in transforming a standing tree into something useful, whether it’s a cozy fire on a cold night or sturdy lumber for a building project. But to do it safely and efficiently, you need the right tools and the right knowledge. That’s where the Husqvarna 70cc chainsaw comes in. It’s a powerhouse, capable of tackling serious woodcutting tasks, but like any powerful tool, it demands respect and understanding. In this guide, I’ll share five pro woodcutting hacks specifically tailored for maximizing the performance of your Husqvarna 70cc chainsaw, turning you from a weekend warrior into a skilled wood processor. These tips will not only enhance your cutting efficiency but also extend the life of your saw and, most importantly, keep you safe.

Mastering Your Husqvarna 70cc Chainsaw: 5 Pro Woodcutting Hacks

1. Chainsaw Chain Selection and Sharpening: The Foundation of Efficient Cutting

The heart of any chainsaw is its chain. A dull chain is not only inefficient, wasting fuel and energy, but it’s also dangerous, increasing the risk of kickback. With a 70cc Husqvarna, you’re likely dealing with larger timber, so selecting the right chain and maintaining its sharpness is paramount.

Understanding Chain Types

• Full Chisel: These chains have square-cornered teeth that offer the fastest cutting speed, ideal for clean wood and experienced users. They are, however, more prone to dulling if they hit dirt or debris. I often use these when felling trees in areas I know are free of rocks and sand.
• Semi-Chisel: With rounded corners, semi-chisel chains are more forgiving in dirty conditions and maintain their edge longer than full chisel chains. They are a good all-around choice for general woodcutting. I prefer semi-chisel when bucking firewood from fallen trees in the woods where the chain is more likely to contact dirt or debris.
• Low-Profile (Micro-Chisel): These chains are designed for safety and are less likely to kickback. They are slower cutting but are a good choice for beginners or those working in tight spaces.
• Ripping Chain: This chain is designed for cutting WITH the grain of the wood, not across it. It is used for milling logs into boards.

My Experience: I once tried to save money by using a cheap, no-name chain on a large oak tree. The chain dulled after only a few cuts, and the saw vibrated excessively. I quickly learned that investing in a quality chain, like an Oregon or Stihl chain specifically designed for my Husqvarna, is well worth the cost in terms of performance, longevity, and safety.

Chain Pitch and Gauge

The pitch of a chain refers to the size of the chain links, and the gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Using the wrong pitch or gauge can damage your saw and is unsafe. Refer to your Husqvarna 70cc chainsaw’s manual to determine the correct chain pitch and gauge for your specific model. Common pitches for 70cc saws are .325″ and 3/8″. The gauge is commonly .050″ or .058″.

Sharpening Your Chainsaw Chain

A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. There are two primary methods for sharpening your chainsaw chain:

• Hand Sharpening: This involves using a round file and a file guide to sharpen each tooth individually. It’s a skill that takes practice, but it allows you to maintain your chain’s sharpness in the field.

  • Tools: Round file (correct size for your chain pitch), flat file, file guide, depth gauge tool, vise.
  • Steps:
    1. Secure the chainsaw bar in a vise.
    2. Use the file guide to ensure the correct filing angle (usually marked on the guide).
    3. File each tooth consistently, maintaining the original angle and depth.
    4. Use the flat file to adjust the depth gauges (rakers) to the correct height, as specified in your chainsaw’s manual.

  • Chainsaw Sharpening Machine: These machines offer a more precise and consistent sharpening result, especially for those who are less experienced with hand sharpening.

  • Tools: Chainsaw sharpening machine, safety glasses.

  • Steps:
    1. Secure the chain in the machine.
    2. Adjust the machine to the correct angle and depth for your chain.
    3. Follow the machine’s instructions to sharpen each tooth.

Data and Insights: I’ve found that hand sharpening is a good option for touch-ups in the field, while using a sharpening machine every 2-3 chain uses provides the best overall sharpness and extends the life of the chain. The angle and depth of the sharpening should be checked regularly and adjusted as needed. A properly sharpened chain will pull itself into the wood, creating large, consistent chips.

Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when sharpening your chainsaw chain, regardless of the method you use.

2. Mastering Felling Techniques: Precision and Safety

Felling a tree is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. A 70cc Husqvarna gives you the power to handle larger trees, but it also increases the potential for serious accidents if done incorrectly.

Pre-Felling Assessment

Before you even start your saw, take the time to assess the tree and its surroundings.

• Lean: Determine the direction of the tree’s natural lean. This will influence your felling direction.
• Obstacles: Identify any obstacles that could affect the tree’s fall, such as other trees, power lines, or buildings.
• Wind: Be aware of the wind direction. Strong winds can drastically alter the tree’s fall.
• Escape Routes: Plan two escape routes at a 45-degree angle away from the anticipated fall line. Clear these routes of any obstacles.

My Experience: I once rushed into felling a tree without properly assessing the lean. The tree fell in an unexpected direction, narrowly missing my truck. This taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of taking the time to plan and assess before cutting.

The Felling Cut

The felling cut consists of three key elements: the notch, the back cut, and the hinge.

• The Notch: This is a wedge-shaped cut made on the side of the tree facing the desired felling direction. It should be about 1/5 to 1/3 of the tree’s diameter. The angle of the notch should be around 45 degrees.
• The Back Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the base of the notch. Leave a hinge of wood (about 1/10 of the tree’s diameter) between the back cut and the notch.
• The Hinge: This is the uncut wood between the notch and the back cut. It acts as a guide, controlling the direction of the fall.

Step-by-Step Felling Process:

1. Clear the area: Remove any brush or debris around the base of the tree.
2. Make the notch: Cut the top of the notch at a 45-degree angle, then cut the bottom to meet the top cut.
3. Make the back cut: Carefully make the back cut, leaving the hinge intact.
4. Insert wedges (optional): If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction or if you want to ensure a controlled fall, insert felling wedges into the back cut.
5. Final push (if needed): If the tree doesn’t fall on its own, use a felling lever or a wedge to push it over.
6. Retreat: Immediately retreat along your planned escape route as the tree falls.

Data and Insights: The size of the hinge is crucial. Too small, and the tree may twist and fall unpredictably. Too large, and it may not fall at all. Using felling wedges can add significant control, especially with larger trees. I’ve found that plastic wedges are less likely to damage my chain if I accidentally cut into them.

Safety First: Always be aware of your surroundings and have a clear escape route. Never turn your back on a falling tree.

3. Optimizing Bucking Techniques: Efficiency and Safety

Bucking is the process of cutting a felled tree into smaller, more manageable lengths. This is where a 70cc Husqvarna really shines, allowing you to quickly and efficiently process large logs.

Safe Bucking Practices

• Stable footing: Ensure you have a stable footing before starting to cut.
• Log support: Support the log to prevent it from pinching the chain. Use log jacks, other logs, or branches to elevate the log.
• Avoid cutting on the ground: Cutting directly on the ground will quickly dull your chain.

My Experience: I once tried to buck a large log without properly supporting it. The log rolled, pinching my chain and nearly causing a kickback. I learned the hard way that taking the time to properly support the log is essential for safety.

Bucking Techniques

• Cutting from the top: If the log is supported at both ends, cut from the top, about one-third of the way through. Then, roll the log over and finish the cut from the bottom.
• Cutting from the bottom: If the log is supported in the middle, cut from the bottom, about one-third of the way through. Then, finish the cut from the top.
• Bore cutting: This technique involves plunging the tip of the saw into the log to make a cut from the inside out. It’s useful for relieving tension in the wood and preventing pinching. However, it’s also a high-risk technique that should only be attempted by experienced users.

Step-by-Step Bucking Process:

1. Assess the log: Determine how the log is supported and identify any tension points.
2. Support the log: Use log jacks, other logs, or branches to elevate the log and prevent pinching.
3. Make the first cut: Choose the appropriate cutting technique based on the log’s support.
4. Finish the cut: Carefully finish the cut, avoiding pinching the chain.

Data and Insights: Using a log jack can significantly increase your bucking efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. I’ve found that a good log jack can save me up to 30% of my bucking time.

Safety First: Always be aware of the potential for pinching and kickback. Use caution when bore cutting, and never force the saw.

4. Fuel and Lubrication: Keeping Your Husqvarna Running Smoothly

A 70cc Husqvarna chainsaw requires a specific fuel and lubrication mixture to operate efficiently and reliably. Using the wrong fuel or lubrication can damage the engine and shorten the life of the saw.

Fuel Mixture

• Gasoline: Use high-quality, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher.
• Oil: Use a high-quality, two-stroke oil specifically designed for air-cooled engines. Husqvarna recommends their own brand of oil, but other reputable brands like Stihl and Echo are also acceptable.
• Mixing Ratio: The recommended mixing ratio for most 70cc Husqvarna chainsaws is 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). Refer to your chainsaw’s manual for the specific mixing ratio for your model.

My Experience: I once used a cheaper, generic two-stroke oil in my Husqvarna. The saw ran poorly and produced excessive smoke. I quickly switched back to Husqvarna oil, and the saw ran much better. Investing in quality oil is essential for protecting your engine.

Chain Lubrication

• Chain Oil: Use a high-quality chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws. This oil is formulated to cling to the chain and provide adequate lubrication, reducing friction and wear.
• Oil Level: Check the chain oil level regularly and refill as needed. The chain should be constantly lubricated during operation.

Step-by-Step Fueling and Lubrication Process:

1. Mix the fuel: In a clean fuel container, mix the gasoline and two-stroke oil according to the recommended mixing ratio.
2. Fill the fuel tank: Carefully pour the fuel mixture into the chainsaw’s fuel tank.
3. Fill the chain oil tank: Fill the chainsaw’s chain oil tank with chain oil.
4. Check the oiler: Start the saw and check that the chain oiler is working properly, lubricating the chain.

Data and Insights: Using a fuel stabilizer can help prevent fuel from going stale, especially if you don’t use your chainsaw frequently. I add fuel stabilizer to my fuel mixture whenever I know I won’t be using the saw for more than a few weeks.

Safety First: Always mix fuel in a well-ventilated area and away from any sources of ignition. Store fuel in an approved container.

5. Maintenance and Storage: Extending the Life of Your Chainsaw

Proper maintenance and storage are essential for extending the life of your Husqvarna 70cc chainsaw. Regular maintenance will keep your saw running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.

Regular Maintenance

• Air Filter: Clean the air filter regularly to ensure proper airflow to the engine. A dirty air filter can reduce power and increase fuel consumption.
• Spark Plug: Check the spark plug regularly and replace it as needed. A fouled spark plug can cause starting problems and poor performance.
• Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter periodically to prevent dirt and debris from entering the carburetor.
• Chain Tension: Check the chain tension regularly and adjust as needed. A loose chain can derail and cause damage to the saw.
• Bar and Chain: Clean the bar and chain after each use. Remove any sawdust or debris from the bar groove and chain.
• Sharpening: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain is more dangerous and less efficient.

My Experience: I neglected to clean the air filter on my Husqvarna for too long. The saw started running poorly and eventually stalled. I learned that regular maintenance, even simple tasks like cleaning the air filter, can make a big difference in the saw’s performance and longevity.

Proper Storage

• Empty the fuel tank: Before storing the saw for an extended period, empty the fuel tank to prevent fuel from going stale.
• Run the carburetor dry: Start the saw and let it run until it stalls to remove any remaining fuel from the carburetor.
• Clean the saw: Clean the saw thoroughly, removing any sawdust or debris.
• Store in a dry place: Store the saw in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Use a bar cover: Use a bar cover to protect the chain and prevent accidental injury.

Step-by-Step Maintenance and Storage Process:

1. Perform regular maintenance tasks: Clean the air filter, check the spark plug, and adjust the chain tension.
2. Empty the fuel tank: Empty the fuel tank and run the carburetor dry.
3. Clean the saw: Clean the saw thoroughly, removing any sawdust or debris.
4. Store the saw: Store the saw in a dry place with a bar cover.

Data and Insights: I’ve found that using a chainsaw case or bag can protect the saw from damage during storage and transportation.

Safety First: Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance on the saw.

Conclusion

Mastering your Husqvarna 70cc chainsaw is a journey that combines skill, knowledge, and respect for the tool. By implementing these five pro woodcutting hacks – focusing on chain selection and sharpening, mastering felling and bucking techniques, understanding fuel and lubrication requirements, and practicing diligent maintenance and storage – you’ll not only enhance your cutting efficiency but also ensure your safety and extend the life of your valuable chainsaw. Remember, every tree, every log, and every cut presents a unique challenge. The key is to approach each task with careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to safe practices. Now, armed with this knowledge, go forth and transform those trees into something useful and beautiful, always remembering to respect the power in your hands.

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