21
Sawing
Warning
Be alert to the springing
back of a cut limb.
Pruning of Standing
Tree (F20)
Cut up from the bottom,
finish down from the top.
Warning
Do not use an unstable
foothold or ladder.
Do not overreach.
Do not cut above
shoulder height.
Always use both hands
to grip the chainsaw.
Do not stand on a log
you are cutting.
!
!
(F20)
BUCKING TECHNIQUES
Log supported along entire length.
Cut up from beneath the buck being
careful not to cut into the ground.
Log supported on one end, proceed
First, make an insertion from beneath,
as if using a saw horse.
cutting up 1/3 of the buck diameter to
avoid splintering. Secondly, cut from
above the buck to meet the first insertion.
Avoid pinching.
Log supported on both ends.
Make a cut from above the buck of 1/3 of
the buck diameter, equidistant between
the supports at each end, to avoid
splintering. Cut up from beneath to meet
the first cut. Avoid pinching.
Note: The best way to hold a log while bucking is to use a saw horse. When this
is not possible, the log
should be raised and
supported by limb
stumps or by using
supporting logs. Ensure
the log being cut is
securely supported.
BUCKING USING A SAW HORSE
1. Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands and keep the saw to the right of
your body while cutting.
2. Keep the left arm as straight as possible.
3. Keep weight on both feet.
The chainsaw should only be used when the buck has
sturdy, reliable support. The machine should be held to
the right of the body, at a safe distance.
The chain needs to be moving at full speed before coming into contact with the
wood. When this has been achieved, the machine should be fixed to the wood
using dogs. During cutting this support should be used as a lever.
• Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands and keep the chainsaw to the right
of your body while cutting.
• Keep the left arm as straight as possible.
• Keep weight on both feet.
SKATING /BOUNCING
When the chainsaw fails to dig in during a cut, the guide bar can begin hopping
or dangerously skidding along the surface of the log or branch, possibly resulting
in the loss of control of the chainsaw. To prevent or reduce skating or bouncing,
hold the chainsaw with two hands and make sure the saw chain establishes a
groove for cutting.