I got to the dump just as a landscaper dumped this oak... Then I split 4 more monster oak cookies in Lowell. This was my 3rd trip, and if the homeowner saves it all for me, I figure I'll make another 8 or 10 trips. Then the main course was a large birch, $30 for the whole thing. I got this much in the car ( with the homeowners help, a burly Russian), and will go back Sunday for the rest. I've got a chainsawing question, how would I go about cutting a log this big with my new Stihl MS 180? Or shouldn't I even try?
That's getting after it. Nice scrounge. Eric B has the answer. Make multiple cuts before rolling. Sent from my SM-T280 using Tapatalk
You'll now want to get yourself some hard plastic felling wedges. They can get used to keep the log from closing and pinching your new saw bar. Plastic because they can fall onto your chain. Or, use a wedge of wood, nothing fancy needed. Sent from my SM-T280 using Tapatalk
this! Nice score, Im so jealous that you actually get landscapers dumping wood at your dump. Ours is just homeowner brush. Also, I have cut several trees that were probably 5-6" wider than my 18" bar. Start at the top and cut down 4-6" then move the saw up to the top of the log and dig the bottom dogs (teeth) into the top of the log and then rotate the bar down through the back side of the log. Once thats done you can then start cutting through the near side and it will go right through. Or as said, keep rolling the log if its manageable. That will help keep the chain out of the dirt too!
All good suggestions on how to attack that log. Especially not getting a pinched bar - with experience you'll learn to watch the cut and feel the saw starting to pinch, but no amount of experience will save every pinching situation, and by rule it will NEVER happen at a good time or in a good place. For rolling, if you don't have a cant hook, this would be a great excuse to get one. A good hook properly applied will save many a rocked chain, imo.
You got some nice scores there Keep in mind if you touch dirt for a second it will dull your chain , it's like rubbing sand paper on a knife I use to use my steel wedges all the time for spreading the kerf open on logs , and used a sharpened stick and pounded it in . Dealing with logs you really should have a Cant Hook
Thanks for all the advice! The place where I bought the saw has plastic wedges, I'll pick some up. Rain today, but I'll take some pics when I do the cutting. I don't mind critiques!
I try to give my business to the small business places, but I know I've seen those wedges at Walmart. I know, blasphemy! Sent from my SM-T280 using Tapatalk
No need to cut from both sides. Instead of cutting straight down, place the powerhead on top of log and cut down the far side until bar tip almost hits the ground. Use the spikes in the front to lever the saw down. Then pull saw out and cut straight down the side nearest you like you normally would. This keeps you from cutting on both sides of the log, stepping back and forth, etc. Your 180 will cut that just fine, you just won't win any races doing so....but neither the log or your stove possess a stopwatch Here's a vid to demonstrate. This guy goes a little too far over the log imo, but you will get the idea. bucking a big log - Bing video
Dump stickers are $5 for town residents, but other than a few busy Saturdays in spring and fall, nobody checks. Saturdays are the best days for wood scrounging, 8-1. Weekdays 8-4, not very convenient if you have to work, unless you go on your lunch hour. Fall & early winter are pretty juicy, people are cleaning up their yards. After Christmas is a waste of time, Christmas trees clogging up everything, and wood frozen to the ground.
Bingo, I've never used wedges. You have to look for compression and tension. Ditto the 180 will do just fine. Birch is pretty soft anyway.
Midwinter yes, bocefus78 is right spot on with this and he was also correct with the video. That guy has the right idea but went too far with it. You saw, when you cut the side opposite you should never go beyond straight up and down as you really don't have any control once you go past that point. It will also help if you can take a small piece that you've cut to put under the log; not right under where you are cutting but close as this will keep you from pinching. As for the wedges, they can be handy but I've never used a wedge for cutting anything like that as it simply is not needed. Also, while cutting, keep an eye on the kerf and you will probably never pinch the saw. And one more thing you've been warned of; never let the chain touch the ground else you'll be sharpening that chain way too much.
I think I'd be nervous about burying my saw blade so deep in the log. That guy in the video was cutting cookies, not big chunks that could pinch. And you are right, leaning over the log so far the saw is pointing back at him doesn't seem wise. But I suppose I will just have to try the cut to see what it feels like.
Zackly how ta do hit rite der. I lernt hit dat way some years back. Keeps me from toting me big saw so much.
There is no concern about burying that saw blade deep into the log. No harm done. Just think about all the guys who like to use the plunge cut when felling trees!
