I measure with the saw. After awhile, it becomes second nature.
I measure with the saw. After awhile, it becomes second nature.
I start at the stump and start cutting 24-inch blocks until the branches are too small to bother with. Oftentimes, the top part of the tree will hold the trunk up off the ground, so so you can cut the blocks without worrying about running the bar into the ground. When it's laying flat on the ground, sometimes you have to mark off blocks until you find a good place to make the cut, then go back and cut the previous ones by partially cutting then rolling, etc.
Firecracker, I know it's a long video but it's worth watching at least once. Covers saws and basic cutting from A-Z. Bucking logs is covered at about 0:50:00So, I'm really inexperienced at bucking logs. I have 2 sawhorses that I laid the wood on and cut relatively short pieces when possible as I'm splitting by hand and long splits drain my energy. I prefer to split on each whack with the axe. I also believe, whether factual or a figment of my imagination, that small splits season quicker given the larger exposed surface area.
Anyhow, as I'm getting near the end of the cut, the bar becomes pinched and as the wood falls away, it makes contact with the chain and sends out sparks and in one case, the chain falls off and fortunately didn't harm me. That was due to me cutting too long on a new chain without checking tension. Won't happen again...I'm very leery of saws in general. I picture my leg as a piece of tender flesh and that chain ripping through like a hot knife on butter. Fear is a good thing when dealing with deadly tools.
So, do I need to roll the wood near the end of the cut to avoid this? The wood is falling inwards towards the bar. One solution would be to get rid of the saw horses or cut to the outside of either the left or right support. I was cutting between. Problem is, some of my logs aren't long enough to avoid this unless I ditch the sawhorse and support them off the ground in some other way.
I saw a handy system that mounts the saw towards the outside and you pivot the saw down into the wood. This supports the wood underneath and doesn't pinch during the cut. Instead, gravity drops the unsupported cut piece. That cost $179, and I didn't want to spend any more money today. I have a second stove to install yet this winter and that's going to be about $2k likely for materials and labor.
Firecracker, I know it's a long video but it's worth watching at least once. Covers saws and basic cutting from A-Z. Bucking logs is covered at about 0:50:00
Thanks. I watched part of this on Sunday. It's an excellent video. I will watch again.
The most important part is the safety precautions including preventing kick back. For people who don't drop trees, that's the number 1 threat aside from understanding the chain brake, how to properly start the saw, and how to keep body parts away from that 60 mph chain.
Alot to think about, but good habits early will prevent devastation later.
All good tips, in addition anytime I'm out cutting, even if in the backyard, I always have an emergency whistle on a lanyard hanging around my neck. Figure it is a back up to the cell phone or for some reason can't reach cell phone pocket.Here's a couple of safety tips, in addition to wearing a hardhat with face screen or glasses, steel-toed or kevlar-lined (even better) boots, and kevlar chaps or safety pants:
* Park your pickup headed out of the woodlot and leave the keys in it.
* If your work area is not visible from the road, use surveyor tape to flag out the entrance
* Always carry a cell phone on your person (you can't call 911 if you're pinned under a tree and the phone is in the truck).
* When the tree begins to fall, back or walk quickly away from the falling tree in a diagonal direction
* Never walk away from a tree that won't fall--either because it's hung up or it sets back on your saw
* Make sure your truck is at least two tree lengths away from any tree you're falling
* If working with someone else, know where each other is working at all times.
There's a lot more, but these seven items are a good start.
All good tips, in addition anytime I'm out cutting, even if in the backyard, I always have an emergency whistle on a lanyard hanging around my neck. Figure it is a back up to the cell phone or for some reason can't reach cell phone pocket.
Quality stuff here guys! This forum is top notch and I would recommend it to anybody looking to expand there knowledge with regard to cutting or burning wood! I really appreciate you guys taking the time to offer the advice!
I am real tempted to go over to the dealer and pickup that helmet system, chaps, and Stihl brand gloves.
Due to Master Mech mentioning it, I'm going to get on that today / tomorrow. $160 is a wise move if you kickback or screw-up.. Like I said, flesh protection is cheap on the front end.
My endocrinolgist at a couple hundred an hour is way cheaper than an emergency hospital stay at 10's of thousands a day. There's a reason the big boys pull down a half million a year. Because they charge through the nose. I think I'm a decent looking guy..fair to middle. A chain ripping through any part of your body would be more than cosmetic.[/quote
I am also going today to pick up the suggested PPE, having raced motocross for over a decade I completely understand how important it could one day be.....I would not be sitting here typing this today if I had of passed on the proper PPE!
I wasn't getting the helmet until the kickback issue was raised. It gives you all in one so really not too bad when you think about it for $60
One thing I know that I am doing wrong is working with too much saw. I am constantly using a 25" bar for almost everything. A long bar like that can get you in trouble faster. I am looking into getting some chaps. Half the time I am not wearing glasses and I never use ear muffs. I've gotten bit by the chain twice now and I don't want it to happen again. Seems like I crave to have that chainsaw in my hand every chance I get. If that's the case the odds are going up for another potential accident. Like Backwoods said there is a fine line between fear and respect and I am learning to respect the saw.
Firecracker, I have always been very goal oriented and want results. You can't be like that with a saw in your hand. You always need to be thinking. Believe me I think alot but probably push too hard to get things done. Take your time above all else and don't get ahead of yourself. Bit by the chain twice means I was cut and believe me a man is nothing but butter when put next to a chainsaw. Everyone said it one way or another..................... respect the saw at all times and put safety number one.
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