How to Cut Firewood with a STIHL Chainsaw
Processing your own firewood can be a cost-effective way to manage a felled tree. This guide covers the safest and most effective methods, with tips to streamline the whole process.
Protective Equipment When Cutting Firewood
Whenever you're working with a chainsaw, wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment is essential. This includes face and eye protection, ear defenders (for petrol models), and suitable gloves, trousers, and boots with cut protection.
Before using your saw, always read the operating manual and inspect the tool before each use. PPE does not replace safe working practices — for beginners, check out our chainsaw PPE starter kit.
Choosing the Right Firewood
Softwoods like spruce heat up fast but burn quickly. Hardwoods like oak and beech take longer to get going but burn for longer, ideal for longer fires. Always use seasoned wood: moisture content should be around 20%, which you can check with a wood moisture gauge. High moisture wood is hard to burn and creates tars and creosote that can line chimneys and cause fires.
Cutting to Length
Cut timber into one-metre lengths for easier handling. Secure the trunk with wedges and mark intervals. Avoid cutting the chain into the ground — it will blunt it.
Secure the trunk firmly, mark the cuts, and saw from both sides for clean sections without hitting the ground.
Building a Cutting Stand
When ground conditions are poor, build a V-notch stand from a log. It lifts the workpiece and reduces chain bluntness and user strain.
Place the trunk securely in the notch and secure with wedges to prevent rolling.
Splitting Firewood
Split logs for faster drying and easier burning. Use a splitting wedge or notch the log first for easier division. Smaller pieces season quicker and burn more evenly.
Secure your log horizontally with wedges; stand clear of the strike zone and wear gloves and boots.
Processing & Storing Firewood
Use a sawhorse to safely secure wood while cutting. Stack your logs with air circulation and cover the top for weather protection. Season hardwoods for up to 2 years.
Secure logs at height using a strap; move wood regularly to avoid sawing into the stand itself.
