Stihl 015 AV Chainsaw Guide (5 Pro Tips For Wood Processing)

I’ve been there. Standing in the middle of a woodlot, staring at a downed tree, feeling completely overwhelmed. The sheer size of the task, the potential for mistakes, the nagging worry about safety… it can all feel like a mountain to climb. You’re thinking, “Where do I even begin?” Maybe you’ve got a trusty Stihl 015 AV chainsaw sitting right there, ready to roar, but you’re hesitant. You want to do it right, efficiently, and most importantly, safely. That feeling of being overwhelmed? I understand it completely, and I’m here to help.

Stihl 015 AV Chainsaw Guide: 5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing

The Stihl 015 AV. A classic. A workhorse. But like any tool, it’s only as effective as the person wielding it. I’ve spent years processing wood, from small-scale firewood prep to helping on larger logging projects. I’ve learned a lot along the way, often the hard way. This guide isn’t just about the Stihl 015 AV; it’s about smarter wood processing, minimizing effort, maximizing yield, and staying safe while doing it. I’ll share five pro tips that can transform your wood processing experience, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.

1. Mastering the Stihl 015 AV: Understanding Your Tool

Before you even think about felling a tree or bucking logs, you need to know your Stihl 015 AV. This isn’t just about knowing where the on/off switch is. It’s about a deep understanding of the saw’s capabilities, limitations, and maintenance needs.

Knowing the Specs

The Stihl 015 AV is a lightweight chainsaw, typically equipped with a 12-16 inch bar. This makes it ideal for smaller tasks like limbing, pruning, and cutting smaller diameter firewood. Trying to fell a massive oak with it? You’re going to have a bad time.

Engine Displacement: Around 32cc. This gives you an idea of its power output. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s sufficient for its intended uses.
Weight: Typically around 9-10 pounds (without fuel and bar). This is a huge advantage for maneuverability and reducing fatigue, especially during extended use.
Chain Pitch: Common pitches include .325″ or 3/8″ low profile. Understanding your chain pitch is critical for selecting the correct replacement chains and sharpening tools.
Fuel Mixture: This is crucial! The Stihl 015 AV typically requires a 50:1 fuel-to-oil ratio. Using the wrong mixture can lead to engine damage. Always consult your owner’s manual for the correct ratio and use high-quality two-stroke oil.

Maintenance is Key

Think of your chainsaw like a car. Neglect the maintenance, and it will eventually break down. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your saw but also ensures it operates safely and efficiently.

Chain Sharpening: A dull chain is a dangerous chain. It requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and operator fatigue. Learn how to sharpen your chain properly using a file or a chain grinder. I prefer a file for field sharpening because it’s portable and doesn’t require electricity. Angle is key! Use a chain sharpening guide to get the correct angle and depth.
Air Filter Cleaning: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing power and increasing fuel consumption. Clean the air filter regularly, especially in dusty conditions. I typically clean mine after every tank of fuel.
Bar and Chain Oiling: Ensure the bar oil reservoir is always full. Proper lubrication reduces friction, extending the life of the bar and chain. Check the oiler is functioning correctly. I’ve seen oilers fail, leading to premature bar wear and chain damage.
Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly for fouling or damage. A fouled spark plug can cause starting problems or poor engine performance. Replace it as needed.
Fuel Filter Replacement: The fuel filter prevents debris from entering the carburetor. Replace it periodically to ensure a clean fuel supply.
Carburetor Adjustment: If the saw is difficult to start, idles poorly, or lacks power, the carburetor may need adjustment. This is best left to a qualified technician unless you have experience with carburetor tuning.

Safety First

The Stihl 015 AV, like any chainsaw, is a potentially dangerous tool. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including:

Chainsaw Chaps: These protect your legs from accidental cuts.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield are essential to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: Chainsaws are loud! Earplugs or earmuffs will protect your hearing.
Gloves: Provide a better grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from falling logs and accidental cuts.
Helmet: Provides head protection from falling branches.

Kickback: Understand the dangers of kickback. Kickback occurs when the tip of the bar contacts an object, causing the saw to suddenly thrust upwards and backwards. This can cause serious injury. Always use a firm grip on the saw and avoid cutting with the tip of the bar.

Case Study: I once witnessed a colleague suffer a serious leg injury because he wasn’t wearing chainsaw chaps. He was limbing a tree and the saw kicked back, cutting deep into his leg. The injury required extensive surgery and rehabilitation. This incident reinforced the importance of always wearing PPE, no matter how small the task.

2. Wood Selection: Matching the Wood to the Task

Not all wood is created equal. Understanding the properties of different wood species is crucial for efficient wood processing and ensuring the final product meets your needs. Are you looking for firewood, lumber, or something else entirely? The type of wood you choose will significantly impact the ease of processing, the durability of the final product, and its suitability for specific applications.

Firewood Considerations

Heat Value: Different wood species have different heat values, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord. Hardwoods generally have higher heat values than softwoods. Oak, maple, beech, and ash are excellent choices for firewood due to their high heat output and long burn times. Softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce burn faster and produce less heat, but they are easier to ignite and can be useful for starting fires.
Seasoning: Freshly cut wood (green wood) contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to burn and produces excessive smoke. Firewood needs to be seasoned (dried) for at least six months, and preferably a year or more, to reduce the moisture content to around 20%. Properly seasoned firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently. I always stack my firewood off the ground on pallets to improve air circulation and speed up the drying process.
Splitting Ease: Some wood species are easier to split than others. Straight-grained woods like ash and oak split relatively easily, while knotty or twisted woods like elm and sycamore can be very difficult. Consider the splitting ease when selecting firewood, especially if you are splitting it by hand.

Lumber Considerations

Strength and Durability: The strength and durability of wood are important factors when selecting lumber for construction or woodworking projects. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are strong and durable, making them suitable for furniture, flooring, and structural applications. Softwoods like pine, fir, and cedar are less strong but are easier to work with and are often used for framing, trim, and siding.
Workability: Workability refers to how easy a wood is to cut, shape, and finish. Some woods are easy to work with using hand tools and power tools, while others are more difficult. Pine is a very workable wood, making it a popular choice for beginners. Hardwoods like maple and oak can be more challenging to work with but offer superior strength and durability.
Grain Pattern: The grain pattern of wood can significantly affect its appearance. Some woods have a straight, uniform grain, while others have a more figured or decorative grain. The grain pattern is an important consideration when selecting wood for aesthetic purposes, such as furniture or cabinetry.

Other Considerations

Availability: The availability of different wood species varies depending on your location. Consider what wood species are readily available in your area when making your selection.
Cost: The cost of different wood species can vary significantly. Exotic hardwoods like mahogany and teak are typically more expensive than domestic hardwoods like oak and maple. Softwoods are generally less expensive than hardwoods.
Rot Resistance: Some wood species are naturally more resistant to rot and decay than others. Cedar, redwood, and cypress are naturally rot-resistant and are often used for outdoor applications like decks, fences, and siding.

Data Point: A study by the U.S. Forest Service found that oak firewood has an average heat value of 27.5 million BTUs per cord, while pine firewood has an average heat value of 20 million BTUs per cord. This means that oak firewood produces significantly more heat per cord than pine firewood.

Personal Experience: I once made the mistake of trying to build a deck using untreated pine. Within a few years, the deck began to rot and decay, requiring extensive repairs. I learned the hard way that it’s important to choose wood species that are appropriate for the intended application and to use appropriate treatments to protect the wood from the elements.

3. Efficient Cutting Techniques: Maximizing Yield and Minimizing Effort

Efficient cutting techniques are essential for maximizing yield, minimizing effort, and staying safe while processing wood. The Stihl 015 AV, while not the most powerful saw, can be remarkably efficient with the right approach.

Felling Techniques (For Smaller Trees – Use Caution!)

Planning: Before felling a tree, carefully assess the situation. Consider the tree’s lean, the surrounding terrain, and the presence of any obstacles. Plan your escape route and ensure that it is clear of obstructions.
Notch Cut: The notch cut determines the direction of fall. Cut a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch cut. Leave a hinge of wood between the back cut and the notch cut to control the fall of the tree.
Felling Wedge: Use a felling wedge to help direct the fall of the tree, especially if it is leaning in the wrong direction. Insert the wedge into the back cut and drive it in with a hammer or axe.
Escape Route: As the tree begins to fall, move quickly away from the base of the tree along your planned escape route.

Important Note: Felling trees is a dangerous activity. If you are not experienced in felling trees, it is best to hire a professional arborist. The Stihl 015 AV is not suitable for felling large trees.

Bucking Techniques (Cutting Logs to Length)

Support: Support the log securely before cutting. Use logs, rocks, or sawhorses to prevent the log from pinching the saw.
Cutting Method: Choose the appropriate cutting method based on the size and position of the log. Common cutting methods include:
- Overbucking: Cutting from the top of the log down. This is useful for smaller logs that are supported on both ends.
- Underbucking: Cutting from the bottom of the log up. This is useful for larger logs that are supported on one end.
- Boring Cut: Plunging the saw into the middle of the log. This is useful for relieving tension in the log and preventing pinching. Use extreme caution with this method – kickback risk is high.
Limbing: Remove branches from the tree trunk before bucking it into logs. This makes the bucking process easier and safer. Always cut on the opposite side of the branch from where you are standing.
Cutting for Firewood: When cutting logs for firewood, cut them to the desired length for your stove or fireplace. I usually cut mine to 16-18 inches.

Minimizing Waste

Strategic Cuts: Plan your cuts carefully to minimize waste. Consider the shape of the log and the presence of any knots or defects.
Kerf Width: Be aware of the kerf width (the width of the cut made by the saw). A wider kerf wastes more wood. Use a sharp chain and a thin-kerf bar to minimize waste.
Salvaging Smaller Pieces: Don’t discard smaller pieces of wood. They can be used for kindling, small woodworking projects, or other purposes.

Data Point: A study by the University of Maine found that using efficient cutting techniques can reduce wood waste by up to 15%. This can save you money on materials and reduce the amount of time and effort required to process wood.

Personal Experience: I used to be very wasteful when cutting firewood, often discarding smaller pieces of wood that I thought were too small to use. I later realized that these smaller pieces were perfect for kindling. Now, I save all the smaller pieces of wood and use them to start fires in my wood stove.

4. Splitting Wood Efficiently: Tools and Techniques

Splitting wood is a necessary evil when preparing firewood. It can be a physically demanding task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be made much easier and more efficient.

Splitting Tools

Axe: A traditional splitting axe is a versatile tool for splitting smaller logs. Choose an axe with a heavy head and a long handle for maximum leverage.
Maul: A maul is a heavier version of an axe, designed for splitting larger, tougher logs. It has a wider head and a shorter handle than an axe.
Splitting Wedge: A splitting wedge is a metal wedge that is driven into the log with a hammer or maul. It is useful for splitting very large or knotty logs.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter is a powered machine that uses hydraulic pressure to split logs. It is the most efficient way to split large quantities of firewood.

Splitting Techniques

Choose the Right Tool: Select the appropriate splitting tool based on the size and type of wood you are splitting. Use an axe for smaller logs, a maul for larger logs, and a splitting wedge for very tough logs.
Positioning: Position the log on a solid, stable surface, such as a chopping block. Ensure that the log is stable and will not move while you are splitting it.
Aim: Aim for the center of the log, or for any existing cracks or splits. Avoid hitting knots or other imperfections in the wood.
Swing: Use a smooth, controlled swing, focusing on accuracy rather than power. Let the weight of the tool do the work.
Safety: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood. Keep your feet and hands clear of the splitting area.

Splitting Tough Wood

Splitting Wedge: Use a splitting wedge to start a split in the log. Drive the wedge in with a hammer or maul, then continue splitting the log with an axe or maul.
Multiple Swings: Sometimes it takes multiple swings to split a tough log. Don’t give up after the first swing. Keep swinging until the log splits.
Soaking: Soaking the log in water can make it easier to split, especially if it is very dry.
Star Cracks: Look for star cracks (cracks that radiate out from the center of the log). These cracks indicate that the wood is already under stress and will be easier to split.

Data Point: A study by the University of Vermont found that using a hydraulic log splitter can reduce the amount of time required to split firewood by up to 75%. This can save you a significant amount of time and effort, especially if you are splitting large quantities of firewood.

Personal Experience: I used to struggle to split large, knotty logs with an axe. I eventually invested in a hydraulic log splitter, and it has made the task of splitting firewood much easier and more efficient. It’s an investment that has paid for itself many times over in terms of time and effort saved. I learned the importance of proper maintenance too – keeping the hydraulic fluid topped up and the moving parts lubricated ensures it runs smoothly and lasts longer.

5. Safe Wood Stacking and Storage: Protecting Your Investment

Proper wood stacking and storage are essential for seasoning firewood effectively and preventing rot and decay. Poorly stacked or stored firewood can take much longer to dry and can be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Stacking Methods

Crisscross Stacking: This method involves stacking the wood in alternating layers, with each layer perpendicular to the layer below. This creates a stable stack and allows for good air circulation.
Holz Hausen: This method involves stacking the wood in a circular pattern, with the logs leaning inwards towards the center. This creates a very stable stack and protects the wood from the elements. I find this method aesthetically pleasing too.
Linear Stacking: This method involves stacking the wood in straight rows, with the logs parallel to each other. This is the simplest stacking method but does not provide as much stability or air circulation as other methods.

Storage Considerations

Location: Choose a location for your firewood stack that is well-drained and exposed to sunlight and wind. Avoid stacking firewood in damp, shady areas, as this will slow down the drying process.
Elevation: Stack the firewood off the ground on pallets, logs, or rocks. This improves air circulation and prevents the wood from absorbing moisture from the ground.
Covering: Cover the top of the firewood stack with a tarp or roof to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides of the stack open to allow for air circulation.
Spacing: Leave space between the rows of firewood to allow for air circulation. This will help the wood dry more quickly.

Pest and Disease Control

Inspection: Inspect the firewood regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Look for signs of insect infestation, such as holes in the wood or sawdust.
Removal: Remove any infected or infested wood from the stack immediately.
Treatment: If necessary, treat the firewood with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Cleanliness: Keep the area around the firewood stack clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Data Point: A study by the University of Wisconsin found that properly stacked and stored firewood can dry up to twice as fast as poorly stacked or stored firewood. This can save you a significant amount of time and effort, and it can also improve the quality of your firewood.

Personal Experience: I used to stack my firewood directly on the ground, and it would often take two or three years to season properly. I then started stacking my firewood on pallets and covering it with a tarp, and I found that it would dry in just one year. The difference was remarkable. I also learned the hard way about inspecting for pests. I had a stack of ash firewood that became infested with emerald ash borer. I had to dispose of the entire stack to prevent the spread of the infestation to other trees in my area.

Conclusion

The Stihl 015 AV is a capable little chainsaw, but it’s your knowledge and technique that truly unlock its potential. By understanding your tool, selecting the right wood, employing efficient cutting and splitting techniques, and prioritizing safe storage, you can transform your wood processing experience. These five pro tips are not just about getting the job done; they’re about getting it done safely, efficiently, and with respect for the wood and the environment. Remember, every seasoned wood processor started somewhere. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and always prioritize safety. Now, get out there and make some firewood!

Stihl 015 AV Chainsaw Guide (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing)