I've done several widowmakers using this guys method with success. Not for the faint of heart though.
That is sweet.
I'll be using that here on smaller trees. But I'm not equipped to get this thing on the ground. Even if I had a 32" bar, I'm not sure I could plunge all the way through 30". I guess in that case I could come out the top and bottom, opposite the plunge entry, leaving a strap which I could then cut from the other side. With the 25", I
might be able to get it from both sides, putting a string around the trunk and marking the line with chalk. Then
maybe I could get plunges from both sides to line up. But the fork branches on the Black are so long that it's not gonna drop out after the first cut like in Butcher's video; It will end up vertical. I would need more equipment, like a pulling or winching vehicle.
The neighbor guy I took over there (don't know him well enough to call him a buddy yet) is busy, and not really interested even though I see it as easy money for him; I would do the cutting. At any rate, when I dropped him off I got to see some of his cool stuff.
He's had a Wood Miser for years. It's got a log lifter and a claw dealy that can spin the log on the table. His newest acquisition a couple months ago is a custom mill which he designed and had a guy build. It's got a seat on it, and bicycle pedals that he moves the cutting head with.
It will cut a 54" slab.
The owner will just have to get some quotes on getting that thing on the ground. The folks that gave me the chain grinder know some young guys that might give him a cheaper quote. I
think they're insured....
I told him I'll come over and pick up the wood that was trimmed out of the top of the Black, and get the rest of the wood after they get it down. I want that White in the worst way.
I've got a couple other down trees to get first, and I need to figure out that chain grinder so I can spend less time keeping my stock of chains sharp.
Thanks, guys, for all the input on this. I've learned a lot here that I'm sure I will use in the future. You guys are great!