Anyone have good advice or a good article on various shapes of wedge cuts? I always fly by the seat of my pants but it would be good to learn more theory. Like I usually do a cut like: / \ but I know its usually supposed to be closer to: / _ but not why.
Your 2nd supposed to be open face notch is supposedly the safest - for an average size tree, for an average person, for a hinge that hangs on while falling, for firewood. There are other cut angles for trees on slopes, for lumber instead of firewood, larger than average trees, etc.. Your first more conventional face cut is rather common too, the hinge supposedly usually breaks a little sooner. I've never done it this way. So I really can't think of an advantage to it. The Humbolt notch, or upside down notch has purposes one of which leaves the wedge on the stump rather than the trunk. There's the bore cut, which is actually a good one to know (I have never had occasion to) for leaners and bigger trees that when you know how to do it well supposedly gives you lots of control of felling action(s).
There’s bound to be several Arbormaster vids on notches. Ideally you want your hinge to hold and guide until the end.
Very good tutorial from professionals that explains why you use each. I've used both styles you illustrated as well as the bore cut. I'm not a fan of felling trees but when I must, I try not to die, get maimed or smash anything. Lol
This right here! Most videos online of tree felling gone wrong are a result of cutting through the holding wood. Once that happens, the tree can go 360 degrees. Recognizing the amount of holding wood and where exactly it is can make up a lot for poorly cut wedges.
I don't fell trees that often. I use the Humbolt notch. Im thinking this keeps the tree butt from going backwards as it falls. Plus the bottom log doesn't have the notch in it either. Pic of TOH stump I felled last week.
Very true. Lose the hinge and center of the trees gravity takes over. I've lost some by over cutting the hinge. Patience is key when making the back cut.
There's a whole lot of yeah yeah as far as what where when, not to mention how. My preference is conventional, have used open face often on small diameters. I've maybe made a couple humboldts just to do them. There is no 'right' way until you are standing at the base of the tree you are going to cut. Lean, Dote, Species, Desired direction, tension/compression all need to be evaluated at the butt for each tree. This is stuff I've picked up on from those who know over the years watching cutting. The wood Jedis don't even really use a notch it seems. The scratch a little line on one side and sitck the saw in. When they are done the stump is ready for a tablecloth.
