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CS30.1.15: Reassemble And Tension Chain

This bit of the assessment is about sticking the bar and chain back on to the saw and then sorting out the tension. Now, there's an emotive issue if ever there was; chain tension. It's something that here at DriveLink HQ we've covered a little bit before, so find out more by clicking on the Read More link...

As well as being able to listen to what the assessment schedule says about reassembling and tensioning the chain at the end, here's a couple of links that you might find useful, related to chain tension: Chain Tension, Too Hot To Handle and Creating Tension In A Video.

CS30.1.14: Sprocket Types And Replacement

Sprockets. Types, replacement ratios and how to change them. That pretty much sums up what you'll be expected to tell the assessor in section 30.1.14. Once again, you'll only need to "demonstrate knowledge" of this information, and that means answering a couple of questions. Find out a bit more after the jump...

There's only two types of sprocket that you need to remember ("spur" and "rim & spline") and a replacement ratio of 1 sprocket every 2-3 chains. The bit about replacing the drive sprocket only refers to the machine that you'll have in front of you - so for those of you with a Stihl it really couldn't be easier.

With a Stihl saw, you'll have an inboard clutch and it's easy to see what needs to be done just by looking at it. You might find it a bit more difficult with a chainsaw that uses an outboard clutch, but listen in to what the assessment schedule has to say about it...

CS30.1.13: Maintain The Chain Brake

The chain brake is so important, but for your assessment it really couldn't be easier, as all you need to do is show that you know what should be done if you find that the brake on your machine is worn or broken. Click on 'Read more' to find out what the assessor wants to hear...

This has got to be one of the easiest questions of the whole assessment; forget about having to actually deal with chain brake springs and brake bands, worrying about whether you have the chain brake in teh side plate housing or integral to the power unit. Nope, all you need to say is that in the event that you find something not quite right about the chain brake, you'd 'replace the unit with a new one."

That's it! To find out exactly what the assessment schedule has to say, listen by clicking on the audio link below...

CS30.1.12: Check And Clean Power Unit

The next section of the assessment is a quick clean and check over of the main power unit. Cleaning the saw will help with maintenance anyway and so it's a good idea to give it a quick once over with a brush or (even better) an airline to get rid of that sawdust / chain oil mix. Find out more after the jump...

Whilst your cleaning every nook and cranny of the chainsaw engine housing with a toothbrush (please don't use your usual toothbrush for this - I'd recommend you keep one by specially for this purpose), take the opportunity to ensure that the engine covers are in one piece, that any missing nuts / bolts are noted and then replaced. Chainsaws have a fairly hard life, and you may well be relying on yours for your income so it pays to look after it. Follow the audio link below to hear what the assessment schedule has to say about it.

CS30.1.11: Air Filter Maintenance

This little bit of the assessment schedule is pretty simple and shouldn't cause anyone too many problems; you just need to tell the assessor how to clean the air filter and tell them what it's function in life is. Find out more after the jump...

So, it's no big deal - explaining the function of the air filter; the clue is in the name, it's just there to prevent debris from entering the carburettor / engine, i.e. to filter the air.

The assessor will also want to know suitable ways of cleaning the filter both in the field and in the workshop. For more information either listen to the audio podcast, or visit Air Filters on DriveLink.

CS30.1.10: Maintain The Guide Bar

For this section, CS30.1.09, you'll be expected to actually maintain the guide bar of the saw you are using and answer a couple of questions on why the guide bar should be maintained. Find out more after the jump...

As mentioned, you'll be expected to comment on the state of your guide bar and carry out any maintenance that needs doing to it. That means looking over the bar for signs of damage or blueing (where it has overheated), as well as checking for signs of burring on the rails and filing these off if present.

Listen to the audio for information on the criteria for this part of the assessment.

For more information on guide bar maintenance...

Guide Bars

Guide Bars - Part 2

CS30.1.09: Incorrect Chain Tension

Section CS30.1.09 covers the activities required for incorrect chain tension; for this bit of the assessment you just need to show that you have an understanding of the effects when a chain is either too loose or too tight. Find out more after the jump...

If you want some more information on chain tension, take a look back at these previous posts before listening to the audio: