Hand-powered Chainsaw

To me, an invention is an idea turned into something that improves life.

Not all Invention is Innovation

I am way past habitué to "reinvent" or to find "my inventions" already for sale, mutatis mutandis, to adopt/adapt/hack other people's ideas, re-creating their invention...

The Problem

So, here I am with tree branches that need trimming. As is wont to happen with old trees, some of those branches are really too high to reach with conventional tools.

The Itch

This week, I really had to do something about these branches. What about tying chainsaw chain to ropes?

Prior Art

Years ago my Dad had this "backpocket saw", which was a serrated wire with two handles (sort of like this one). It eventually rusted and broke, but using it must have left in my brain the concept that a flexible saw-thing was possible.   Eventually a couple years ago I came upon this "chainsaw in a can". Didn't quite convince me.

As-seen-on-the-Internet "survival saws" look and fell not much better than gadget toys.

Scratching the Itch

For real man's work I needed a piece of real chainsaw. In Uruguay I could buy chainsaw chain "by the yard", so I looked for that product here. No luck.

A few stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears) had ready-made replacement chain loops for chainsaws. I knew I could cut a link, and end up with a nice bit of chain that way. Having some outstanding store credit there, I went to Sears.

Back home I cut a link using a grinder, which turned out to take just a bit longer than expected (that metal is tough!), and with a piece of wire from a hanger and some rope, I was in business. 

OK, maybe not quite so fast, took a couple tries to learn how to pull for a smooth, effective cut, but then it did work!

Debrief

1. Exposure to ideas breed ideas
2. Having easy access to, and being handy in using tools (like the grinder) and assorted odds and ends (rope, wire) let one "reduce to practice" an invention painlessly
3. By publishing this I lost the international rights, and would have to file for US patent within one year max. Probably neither matters, since I see little of patentable interest here