I gotta ask

The natual selection post got me thinkin. When I dump a tree I like to notch and cut at a comfortable height. Usually about waist high. Once the tree is on the ground I can then get 2 rounds cut from the stump. The reason for this is that I've seen and had things go wrong enough that if and when they do I aint all bent over with my butt in the air. I see these guys on vids walk up to a tree and bend over till their almost standing on their heads. Kinda looks like it would make for a slow getaway if you had 1 that wanted to twist and shout iffn you know what I mean. Maybe I'm just to cautious but I aint been kilt yet. It would be different if I was cutting saw logs I s'pose.

This is a good point Butcher. And I like your idea. I often use my saw to measure up about 20-22 inches and cut my notch at that height. Same reason you do. Safer that way. I can keep my eyes where I want them to be looking, up at the tree and any other trees nearby.

I like your new avatar!

Safety & ergonomics, see if anyone has opposing views

& a good explanation why.

I've done it both ways,depending on size,condition or location of the tree.Main thing is,keep looking UP as much as possible,have 'escape route' planned out ahead of time,area around it free from sticks,stumps,other things to trip over etc....

I sometimes go over the area in my mind 2-3 weeks before its finally dropped,thinking of any way to do it differently,or any unforseen hazards that might occur.Smaller or less technical drops are less critical so to speak.Never let your guard down on those either however.

I do it both ways. Many times I have to cut high simply because I can't get bent over. So cut high and then you can still cut a log or two off the stump later. Contrary to thistle, I do not like to look up much but rather keep my eye on the kerf.That will tell you what is happening upstairs and this also keeps you looking closer to the saw. I think it can also give you a quicker response time by watching the kerf, just like when bucking up the log. See that kerf start to close; get that saw out now!

As for getting away, that needs to be thought out before you even start the saw.

Same here,
Both depending on various factors.
Some real good cutting tips so far.
Look it over, have the escape route planned & cleared.

Mostly I cut low since I have to skid the log out of the woods,
more difficult to throw the short stump on the ATV to get it out.
But sometimes it's the safest way to go, then I skid the stump out & then buck it to size.

Looking up, watching the tree is a basic safety rule. Watching the kerf will not help with falling objects, such as limbs, bark chunks, pieces of other trees. Backwoods, I hope you have provided for your family in the event of your demise.

I left waist high monuments all over Northern CA,, probably 3/4s of my trees were high stumped. Current regs required low stumps for logging, on your knees buster.

There are some situations a high stump is useful.

Honestly gentlemen, you've all got bigger balls than I do. I just ain't cutting them damn, big things. Be safe.

There is big, then there is...

I see what kind of saw you were using back then RK. Nice.

I saw one o

I saw one of those - or at least the current version - on the floor of the local dealer just yesterday - complete with a nearly 60" bar. It was a special order for a customer. I have no idea what he plans to cut with that here in the Ozarks, but on my place I could get the tree I am after plus at least two more in the area.

LOL!
That stihl didn't stay for long, I mostly used 797s, SP125s or 900G Homelites.

I don't know what a 797, SP125 or a 900G is.

I like my little Stihl Farmboss though. It gets the job done for me.

The are old style old growth killers.

http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.n...1dee99b0f5a4ea9a88256b780013351b?OpenDocument

http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.n...a4f098ab8d5ffc6188256b620013bbfe?OpenDocument


http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.n...cc6e27f21cad04bb88256c2e00782d34?OpenDocument

Okay. Homelite and McCulloch. My father use to own a McCulloh. Not that big, but that was a nice saw. Cool link to the specs Thistle. Just make sure there are pics involved in each one from now on. There is something about pics to go along with the .......