[Bert]

Started using the other halves chainsaw recently and my grandparents have kindly offered to buy me some protective clothing.
We have a budget of £500 maximum for this.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to which make to buy as there is such a choice.
Thanks

[MikeM]

wow, for £500 you'll get some really top notch stuff. For that sort of money you'll be able to get climbers gear, which is a lot lighter and more comfortable that the bog standard stuff. Try to find a local supplier that specialises in chainsaw stuff rather than the bottom end stuff they sell at agri merchents. To put it into perspective, my outfit cost about £150, 60 for the tolleys, 70 for the boots and abot 30 for the lid. But that is all bottom end stuff, perfectly legal and servicable, but  not the most comfortable *espcially the trousers, that weigh a tonne).

[robert waddell]

from your location map i would say very good water proof ones
definitely go for lightweight ones  you have to be as nimble as possible when working with a power saw

[FiB]

oooooo lucky you bert!!!  I also have bottom end stuff and it sooo doesnt fit (think mine was a husquevarna starter kit with very padded chaps adn size 6 wellies that weigh a tonne (I am size 5 but they dont go any smaller)  .  Picies when you buy it to make me jealous please!

[suziequeue]

Do go for trousers rather than chaps - and braces - as they can be quite heavy - even the lightweight climbers ones I suspect.

Like the others - go for the good stuff - this is life and limb you are talking about protecting. Stihl and Husqvarna make clothing and chain saws so they should know!!!

I find the lid/ear muffs/face guard all-in-one combination helmets very handy.

Do get the proper chainsaw gloves and boots. The tongue of the boots are specially designed to provide protection to the foot and ankle - just where the trousers stop. The gloves are differentially designed to provide protection to the back of the leading hand in case of kick back.

[Bert]

Thanks for all the advice 
Have ordered helmet, boots, trousers & braces from www.frjonesandson.co.uk.
Will post pics when they turn up ( probably going to live in it all for ever more as I have spent less on a car in the past  . Difference is this lot could save my life, the car could of killed me......... well the way I used to drive  )

[FiB]

Bert have you been on any training?  I thouroughly recommmed, if you havnt - it will probably do as much for your safety and limbs as the clothing  (although you'll never saw without once you have been on training!).  I did the basic course, (maintainance cross cutting and felling small trees) with Phil Dunford in North wales and really enjoyed it.  Looking forward to seeing goodies!

[FiB]

Lol - Ive just seen where you live!!  (not very useful telling you about Phil in North wales, sorry!!!!)

[MAK]

I have mixed views on protective clothing .
Other threads have had people warn of the dangers of using a chain saw and the protection available.
Some have said that restrictive clothing is actually a hazard and that agility,caution and respet for the tool are very important.

I do not have an ejector seat in my car when I travel at 130 km/hr or wear chain mail gauntlets if I use a jig saw or drill.
I only use my chain saw after 3 espresso's coffees , when it is dry under foot and when I have no other jobs planned for the rest of the day - I give myself time.  I note that here, in the early spring, the air is filled with the sound of chain saws, and I have never seen people wear any protective clothing.## Every smallholder has a wood and logging is the major  industry after cattle. Nearly every home burns wood and we got thru 1000 Euros worth last winter. That is a lot of wood  and not an excessive amount So a lot of wood is cut here without protective clothing.
So - why an I not buy protective clothing in the same shop that offers me 10 different chain saws ? I can buy a face visor or goggles alongside strimmers.

I do not say this is right or wrong or or suggest that protective clothing is not needed. However the most important point is respect,  knowledge and caution when using a chain saw. That said I gain knowledge and experience every time I use a chain saw. I still have  a healthy fear with some cuts and when cutting some types  of wood that only helps me take more care     

[Small Farmer]

When I was young I didn't bother either and had some very narrow escapes. And one I didn't escape. Now I'm older, some days more than other days, and I don't trust my reactions.  The saws are safer now, the chains kick back less but I'm less able so I take more care v

Around here the farmers don't have chainsaws any more because their insurance wont cover it.

[Bert]

Lol - Ive just seen where you live!!  (not very useful telling you about Phil in North wales, sorry!!!!)

FiB Hopefully me and the boss are going to go on a course at the end of the summer. Which is why I have finally been aloud to use other halves chainsaw (after over 5 years of asking) and only under his supervision. You can tell me more about Phil  in North Wales ( price,location, ect) because he could be considered as my grandparents live in North Wales. 
 
MAK I agree with you, you have to respect a bit of kit like a chainsaw that can kill you and quite frankly if you don't respect a chainsaw you shouldn't be handling one. I spend a lot of time on the Sea another lady that can kill you with out a second thought if you don't respect her. I also used to be a zoo keeper so trust me I know how to respect things that can kill you. 

[suziequeue]

However the most important point is respect,  knowledge and caution

.... and a sharp chain.

Couldn't agree more MAK

I did the basic course, (maintainance cross cutting and felling small trees) with Phil Dunford in North wales and really enjoyed it

I did my course with Phil too. I did the two days of basic maintenance etc and then - after discussing my needs with Phil I went out and bought what we thought would be best and then a month later I did the three days basic cutting and felling small trees with my own chain saw etc.

Phil is a really good teacher and it was a great start. I haven't had to change any of my kit since as it is well suited to what I do.

[robert waddell]

well i am to old to go on a course and seriously doubt i would learn anything    all these forced upon us courses and mandatory tickets for this that and the other are only legislation to part us from our money for the betterment of others        if the EU have there way you wont be needing safety gear or chainsaws  if they do the same as they are proposing for sprayer operatives with having a cut of date for the age of the operator
this safety malarkey has got the fastest wheels ever  building sites tickets that last 5 years then have to be renued at your expense or you suddenly find you are unemployable   pass your driving test and you get that one for life no compulsory retesting no updates     now the same halfwits that drive on the roads i would not let near a hand saw never mind a power saw
i prefer not to use safety equipment because that is my decision   this does not imply that others should do the same
and my old McCullouch 595p does not have a chainbrake and is illegal(as far as i am aware) to use or sell    temperamental but will still fell and log trees over 30inches across

[MikeM]

safety clothing is a tricky one, a lot of the time (say, 90%) I don't wear anything other than ear defenders*. Most because I am logging stuff up using a saw horse. The saw will go nowhere near me so long as my body ergonomics are correct. However, if I'm using the saw in situations where how it'llbe used is unpredictable then I will wear it, it doesn't cause me any harm to do so, even tho I have never needed it.


*I always use ear defenders when using 2 strokes, it's the only injury you can't avoid with safe practise, ergonomics etc. I've met too many deaf tree surgeons to take that risk with me lugoles.

[simba]

i have read the mixed views of people on here re protection and i say wear trousers steelies on your feet and helmet and visor ... does not matter how many years one has not needed it or respect for what your doing each and every cut of wood is diferent wether its on the ground or to be felled one slip, snag or twist can throw the saw and if you get it into your body it WILL hurt they do not forgive..

know how to look after your saws keep them sharp let the saw do the work. i love working with them