Cut a slab freehand

Found the pic of the pole and the saw.

 

Just out of curiosity, did/do you scribe a line and walk up and down the log or cut completely through and proceed down to the other end? I’ve never walked a scribed line before and just trying to imagine what would be best for a newb.

 

I ran a chalk line then I took the saw and ran a scribe line down the chalk line with the saw. Then I went back and cut all the way through. Not perfect but I least I had something to follow or else it would have been as crooked as a dog's hind leg.

 

Random thought. You could screw a batton along each side below your cut as a guide

 

I just cut another plank off this log last night. What I learned is if I keep the blade always all the way in the log it will turn out much straighter. Some videos show plunging the blade up and down. What I found it that a few times the blade made a new cut toward the bottom of the log. You can see this in my pictures. They look like bar shaped groves.

I am getting better so that is good. Now to find a good use for them.

 

Not bad for free hand work!

I have ripped hundreds of 4' to 8' diameter logs free hand so we cold fit them on the Woodmizer, (some even have to be quartered to fit).
My method is to lay a straight board on the top of the log, and with a small saw cut a line to follow with the big saw.
I always use the longest bar I have available (60") so I'm cutting at an angle (45 degrees works good), this gives you the advantage of the bar's length to help keep your cut going straight both vertically and longitudinally, ( I bet I spelled that wrong).
You gotta have a well sharpened chain, a chain that is not ground evenly on both sides is about impossible to cut straight with.
Also, I always run the saw vertically (left to right) while I stand on the log.
Using this method (when everything goes right.), I have been able to rip a 5 foot diameter log 20 feet long with only about an inch of waste when we cleaned up the cut on the sawmill.

I hope this doesn't sound like a brag, sure don't mean it that way, just my humble experience.

 

Paul Dokken if you are going to do this a lot and desire precision, check out this Granberg guide.
EDGING MILL - G555B *Previously Mini Mill* | Granberg International

 

I don't think you are bragging at all. Great tips. Well sharpened chain and 45 deg is what stood out to me

 

Welcome Sawdust Man !!! Glad to have you here. Hope you are staying warm this winter…. When able, please introduce yourself and tell us about your setup!!

Introduce yourself here !

 

It is called sharing our experience and what we have learned. Thanks for sharing.