Cutting big logs on the ground

Firewood Bandit · Nov 4, 2020

Paul bunion said: ↑

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the technique is to plunge almost all the way, then cut down. At this point you are cutting the bark and dirt closest to the saw head; The dirty chips are not getting pulled thru the entire cut thus minimizing contact with the chain. Then push the tip thru the far side and cut up, throwing the chips and dirt out in front, again minimizing contact with dirty chips and the chain. You are actually cutting the dirt from under at this point.
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You explained it better than I, Kudos.

Surprisingly it does make a big difference.

Firewood Bandit · Nov 4, 2020

Yawner said: ↑

Firewood Bandit, I don't understand your explanation. You say don't go all the way through and then right after that you say go all the way through. "Through" to me means to the other side, especially since you are describing a plunge cut. ??? Sorry I'm dense, I'd like to understand your technique.

"Cable skidded logs have a lot of dirt on them. How you cut can influence how fast it dulls. The technique is to plunge cut straight through the log about 1/3 of the was from the top and bring the tip near the far side but don't go through. Then cut all the way through to the bottom of the log. Then push the tip the rest of the way through the log and the bark /chips will be thrown out of the cut. Come straight up to the top and finish the cut. This also will avoid the bar getting pinched in a big log with a lot of weight."
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Paul Bunion described better than I.

Markds2 · Nov 4, 2020

huskihl said: ↑

I have a 60” Stihl peavey with aluminum handle. 2 guys leaning on it won’t break it. Might be the same as Logrite.
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I've got this NZ Made cant hook which is just over 60 inches in length - its a brilliant piece of kit and I wouldn't cut wood without it. It's absolutely astounding how much you can shift with it: Timbersaws H/Duty Cant Hook 1535mm

amateur cutter · Nov 4, 2020

Firewood Bandit said: ↑

The BEST thing I have found for dirty wood is a BIG saw and 404 chain. I have semi chisel on it and the amount of dirt it will tolerate is amazing.
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I have to 100% agree on this statement also. .404 semi chisel will tolerate a lot of dirty cutting before it really slows down. 80+cc saw is a big plus as well.

Cash Larue · Nov 4, 2020

Firewood Bandit said: ↑

You really need a cant.

A technique I learned watching my logger buddies cutting large logs on the landing:

Cable skidded logs have a lot of dirt on them. How you cut can influence how fast it dulls. The technique is to plunge cut straight through the log about 1/3 of the was from the top and bring the tip near the far side but don't go through. Then cut all the way through the log. Then push the bar the rest of the way through the log and the bark /chips will be thrown out of the cut. Come straight up to the top and finish the cut. This also will avoid the bar getting pinched in a big log with a lot of weight.

The loggers always cut all the way through the log because it will tear fiber if the log is not clean cut and it will draw the wrath View attachment 279717 View attachment 279718 View attachment 279719 of the forwarder operator.
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Man. That’s a big mother!

Cash Larue · Nov 4, 2020

buZZsaw BRAD said: ↑

See if there is a clearing under the log and try to buck at that point so you can roll the section. Ill cut from the top until i can insert a wedge (i have my own homemade ones out of 2x lumber) keeping the bar from pinching. Plastic ones work very well too. If no clearing under a log, ive removed leaves, dirt etc and slid a board (i used to carry a piece of 1x6 just for this purpose), barks scraps, and/or skinny logs under it and watch the bar very carefully as you finish the cut. Cut from both sides if possible/feasible. Other times ill make individual cuts but not all the way through until the cut where you can go all the way, roll then finish the cuts. Sometimes its inevitable to hit a little dirt. An old well used sacrificial chain (sharpened) is another option as stated. I usually have one around. Like some have said a peavey is an indispesible tool for rolling big logs. I never knew of its existence until a few years ago. Dont use mine that often, but great to have in the hoarders arsenal!
Can you wedge a 2x4/2x6 or a small round under log and lift it partially...a lever of sorts.
Picture is of a 34" Norway maple trunk. Couldnt roll as on a bank. Note wood wedges (or "kerf keepers" as i call them) in cut. View attachment 279796
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Something about that picture is extremely satisfying to me...

buZZsaw BRAD · Nov 4, 2020

Here's another after it was done Cash Larue. 460 with 36" bar. That log was a PITA to process.