In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Zipping Though Logs

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by buZZsaw BRAD, Oct 11, 2025.

  1. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2020
    Messages:
    4,869
    Likes Received:
    28,552
    Location:
    Ct.
    Perhaps using a marker and a tape measure might give you a minute to scan the log for metal or other foreign objects instead of just plunging in.
    Save time , great but rushing also becomes more of a risk for injuries.
     
  2. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2014
    Messages:
    1,517
    Likes Received:
    8,904
    Location:
    Colfax, WI
    I just eyeball it and they come out pretty dang close.
     
    metalcuttr, RCBS, eatonpcat and 4 others like this.
  3. Rope

    Rope

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    5,690
    Likes Received:
    33,476
    Location:
    Alaska
  4. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2019
    Messages:
    32,883
    Likes Received:
    201,729
    Location:
    North Haven, Connecticut
    He had asked me about getting one, but I told him he'd have to buy several as Ive run up to five saws there. Im content with ruler and chalk, but with firewood production like you it looks like a time saver.
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2025
  5. Rope

    Rope

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    5,690
    Likes Received:
    33,476
    Location:
    Alaska
    i have been using them for years. Its nice not have to do anything extra, for measurement. Its quietly there taking care of business.
     
  6. RCBS

    RCBS

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2016
    Messages:
    5,607
    Likes Received:
    27,470
    Location:
    Over here
    I 'edit' a lot of stuff out of logs. The time measuring and marking allows me a good look at what I've got to work with. I cut out bigger branch knots and all crotches. Personal preference. Sometimes they are just crooked a bit and cutting out a foot or so will give nice rounds on either side.
     
  7. WinonaRail

    WinonaRail

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2020
    Messages:
    3,741
    Likes Received:
    18,916
    Location:
    Indiana, US
    I've done the zip tie thing. I find they can break off pretty easily. Saw the idea on YouTube - In the Woodyard. Chris will tape 2 or 3 together after he fastens them down and uses a high vis tape on the ends so it is easy to see. I picked up some metal zip ties with the thought of trying those.

    I'm a fan of the Perfect Stick - has a magnet to stick to the bar so you can switch sides. Allows you to cut from either end of the log. I have a 16" version because that's the only length I cut. There are other sizes plus an adjustable version.
     
  8. Eric Wanderweg

    Eric Wanderweg

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2020
    Messages:
    7,955
    Likes Received:
    62,508
    Location:
    Bristol, Connecticut
    This is the first time I'm seeing this method. Looks quick and easy. I don't know though, if you're this guy's most productive part time employee (running YOUR saws to cut HIS firewood to boot) and he's busting your stones about the minute or two it takes you to mark a log... I don't mean to stir the pot, just thinking out loud here. That arrangement wouldn't sit right with me.
     
  9. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2019
    Messages:
    32,883
    Likes Received:
    201,729
    Location:
    North Haven, Connecticut
    It sorta bugs me, but he's the boss. I think anyone who uses his saws does it that way. I've seen what the other guys do and some of the cuts and lengths are not good.

    Just to bust his stones I got the ruler and chalk to mark the locust log he gave me. He was surprised at the red markings at every 16" and thought I had made the ruler that way!
     
  10. Sandhillbilly

    Sandhillbilly

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2019
    Messages:
    4,100
    Likes Received:
    29,252
    Location:
    North central Nebraska
    I just got the one offered for sale in the classifieds. Plan to try it out this weekend. Last year I really realized how much time I spend with a measuring stick and chalk. I really hope this makes a noticeable difference
     
  11. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2019
    Messages:
    32,883
    Likes Received:
    201,729
    Location:
    North Haven, Connecticut
    I know you've taken a liking to the ruler and chalk!
     
    metalcuttr, T.Jeff Veal, Rope and 2 others like this.
  12. Erik B

    Erik B

    Joined:
    May 12, 2015
    Messages:
    5,453
    Likes Received:
    37,349
    Location:
    Western Wisconsin
    Looking forward to your review.
     
    metalcuttr, T.Jeff Veal, Rope and 3 others like this.
  13. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2020
    Messages:
    4,869
    Likes Received:
    28,552
    Location:
    Ct.
    I use my 16 inch long piece of PVC pipe and chalk or crayon.
    I never used to bother but since doing this the piles look much better and no random lengths.
     
    metalcuttr, RCBS, T.Jeff Veal and 7 others like this.
  14. EODMSgt

    EODMSgt

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2020
    Messages:
    1,526
    Likes Received:
    13,181
    Location:
    White Mountain Region, NH
    Have you tried the ProSizer yet?
     
  15. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2015
    Messages:
    27,356
    Likes Received:
    172,229
    Location:
    Country life, Ga
    We had the Acc-u-mark brand. 16" & 18" sizes. Lost the 18 and found it later with the lawnmower...:emb::picard: and then had the 16 in the wrong place on the splitter, a round fell off the log lift and smashed it...:doh::headbang::headbang:
    We just use our broom handles now.
     
  16. Sandhillbilly

    Sandhillbilly

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2019
    Messages:
    4,100
    Likes Received:
    29,252
    Location:
    North central Nebraska
    I have, but I want to use it again in a different situation before I share my thoughts.
     
  17. Burnin Since 1991

    Burnin Since 1991

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2025
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    1,788
    Location:
    Concord River Valley, Massachusetts, USA
    I use cutoff pallet pieces cut to length. They always get lost, misplaced, broken so I don't spend money on them anymore. (Probably burnt in the woodstove too)
     
  18. cezar

    cezar

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2021
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    1,650
    Location:
    KY
    I just use my bars as a visual reference to measure out 16" rounds. I.e. if I'm rocking an 18" bar I sit it next to the log and mentally subtract 2". Close enough for me. You could even mark a notch onto the bar if you wanted to be precise.
     
  19. Rickyblazin

    Rickyblazin

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2021
    Messages:
    684
    Likes Received:
    4,476
    Location:
    Pottstown PA
    I love using a piece of scrap plywood about 5 inches wide cut to 16 inch with a can of regular rustoleom spray paint (not marking paint) the marking paint winds up all over me and my saws ..have endless supply at my work but i been using the same painted moldy piece for past two season
     
  20. Rickyblazin

    Rickyblazin

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2021
    Messages:
    684
    Likes Received:
    4,476
    Location:
    Pottstown PA
    I like the idea of the zip tie that doesnt move from the saw but i feel like it would get annoying aiming that thing at the log between each cut rather than just taking the time to mark the log and then just cutting it..idk id have to try for me to know