How to Use an Underwater Chainsaw

During the 1960s a dam of 50 feet or higher was constructed every day somewhere in the world. Forests were flooded, leaving over 100 billion feet of useable timber submerged underwater. The timber is in extremely good condition because it has not been exposed to fungi and oxygen. The trick is to fell the trees before bringing them to the surface.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine if the diameter of the tree is greater than the length of the saw bar. If it is, then you must make special cuts that will allow for the safest felling of the tree.

2. Check the tree for its lean. Calculating the felling direction of a tree underwater must include the direction it will take during its float to the surface.

3. Grip the chainsaw with both hands. Put your thumb around the handle.

4. Balance yourself on the floor of the water body you are in. Use your weight to gain a balanced stance.

5. Avert a kickback. Lock your elbow so that the cut is straight in front of you. Do not cut above your head.

6. Hold the chainsaw close to your body if it has a chain brake.

7. Start all cuts in full throttle and keep the chain sharpened.

Tips & Warnings

• All felling techniques consist of two basic cuts with the chainsaw: the under-cut and the back-cut.
• Know the action of your chainsaw. The bottom of the bar cuts pull you in and top of the bar cuts push you back.
• Always keep the tip of the saw bar in solid wood to prevent kickbacks.
• Check all your equipment before you descend beneath the water.

Resources

• Submarine armed with an underwater chainsaw.
• Article about underwater tree cutting.