So, I don't know a whole lot about manly things like fixing cars and houses. Here is one occasion where I am stuck. The chainsaw I got has a 50:1 gas/oil mixture. I read the whole dang manual but they just assume you know how to mix the gas/oil.
So... how do I do this? What is the easy life hack way of doing it? Tips? Things I should know?
And bonus for any tips on the chainsaw itself. Not a big one and I am not downing a forest but trimming a small tree and downing two dead ones.
Others touched on the oil. I'll give you some advice re. the chainsaw.
If you're cutting larger trees, be aware of pinching. Be sure that you don't try and cut through a standing tree in one cut or you'll likely pinch your saw and get it stuck. Cut out a knotch in the tree that goes just shy of half way (Think pac man mouth), then back-cut to the top 1/3 of the notch. That'll make the tree fall towards the notch side unless it's really off-balance to begin with. It also keeps your blade from getting pinched.
LIKE THIS
The other piece of advice is more for safety. Mind the tip. The tip of the saw is where the blade spins DOWN. If you hit that on something, it can make the saw kick UP. If you don't understand why that's dangerous, then you shouldn't be cutting. Don't ever let the tip fo the saw come into contact with the ground, another piece of wood, etc.
Oh...one more re. pinching: If you're pruning small branches, consider a bypass lopper instead of a chain saw. I have a Fiskars lopper that'll cut 3" diameter branches without much issue. Safer and faster than waiving my saw above my head.
