My daughter wants to use my chainsaw!

I have a 13,14,15 daughters they might do it for a face book pic then they would be gone!

My #1 son was never interested in learning how to use a chainsaw until college courses included that, at UMO.

#2 son said he was ready at 12 (a bit large for his age, and strong.) Gave him half-hour safety lecture on the road to a wood-cutting party in the Berkshires. Supervisor there: "he's ok."

Safety topics:
No monkey grip with left hand (keep thumb opposed.)
Keep left elbow locked.
Keep feet well apart.
Always plan ahead for escape; clear paths.
Stay out of the plane of the chain; kickbacks will occur.
Relax and take breaks, good opportunity to examine chain.
Think ahead.

16 might be old enough to run the saw. It all depends upon the child and somewhat on how that child was raised. It's sort of like a tractor. I drove a tractor many, many moons before I could legally drive a car. I fondly recall the first time being asked to drive the tractor and I think I was fresh out of kindergarten. So began my tractor driving days and they haven't stopped yet.

I was running Dad's new 3400 Poulan with 20" bar at 17,that's been retired for several years now but still has lots of grunt for a mid-size saw.Started it up last May just for kicks - 2nd pull it popped,3rd pull it was a-screamin'.They sure dont make 'em like that anymore.

Bravo

My Daughters are 19, 24, and 26. The 19YO is getting more interested in all things outdoors but only on sunny days ; ) My 26 year old moved back home after college for a while and suprized me. She wanted to learn how to split wood with 'everything"! When I was confused she explained she wanted to know how to use a hatchet, axe, maul, sledge and wedges, and the hydrolic splitter. No problem dear but you aren't going to need that warm coat. She is tiny but puts the boys in their place quickly ; )

My 16YO son had been cutting under close supervision since 14. At 16YO he dropped his first good sized free standing tree. It went well. He never lost respect for the stored energy and complexity of the forest canopy.

Good for you for offering. I've been jokingly offering the oportunity to learn to everyone who spends any time at my place. I maintain that it's the cure all for frustration, wieght issues, PMS, and most other ills. Lately I've had more takers. More folks wanting to get back to the land I guess.

Enjoy,
Mike P

I think sometimes we baby our kids today, overprotective
as BS said he was driving a tractor very young
my Dad who is now 85 worked on the dairy farm
at 10 years old was drivning tractors, dump trucks
and anything else that needed done
I was building / riding mini bikes with Dad at 7 years old
yes I got hurt here and there but I learned invaluable
lessons of life

4yr old Great-Nephew Oct 2011

It's always better that they learn from you (someone who knows how to run a saw safely) than someone else (who may be either ignorant, careless, or both).

Well the MS180 is a girl saw.

Before you're feelings get hurt, read my signature!

That's great! Great that any kid would be interested and great that a young woman would want to step out of the traditional woman's realm and play with a saw. A girl needs a good father to make her strong, proud, and confident.

My wife and I are expecting our first in May. I tell my wife that I will have the little tike in the bouncy seat in the driveway when I change oil in the truck, and so on. Basicly as young as I can start 'em.

Tony