Starting a Stihl Chainsaw

Starting any chainsaw is dangerous; that is the nature of this beast.  Each brand has pecularities which you have to learn, in order to start, operate and maintain.  I have been using Stihl brand of saw for 15 years and find they are the best for a few reasons: easiest to start, low maintenance needs, forgiving, great power, easy to get parts almost anywhere; Yes I know they are about the most expensive but I find the total cost of ownership (10+years) makes them rather affordable if not cheap.  People don't throw away Stihl saws; even dropped, broken Stihls have market value on Ebay.  Also why not treat yourself and buy quality.  I think I can pass myself off as experienced if not an expert user.  Stihl has safety brake which makes it safer to start. 

So here are my simplified procedures for starting Stihl Chainsaws.

1. Put the saw's chainbrake on.
2. Grab the throttle and depress to full throttle.
3. Slide the choke to full. (usually down)
4. Hold saw's handlebar with your right hand in standing position.
5. Pull starter handle with your left.
6. Allow the weight of the saw to assist in starting.
7. Saw will start but not idle.
8. Turn off full chock.
9. Start saw as in step 4 & 5.
10. Saw will start on high idle; chain brake will hold.
11. After saw starts press throttle to turn off high idle.
12. Allow saw to warm up on idle and push oil toward the bar.
13. You are ready to cut.

These are my steps for starting Stihl saws.  They assume a properly tuned chainsaw in good running order with a chainbrake that holds the chain from spinning.  Starting and using any chainsaw is dangerous, Reader assumes all responsibility for use of their saw. 

Guide writer offers these suggestions in advancement of safe efficient use of saws but accepts no responsibility for mistakes of reader / user of their saw.