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G. Getting Ready to Cut
Now is the time to debark or clean your log. This can be achieved by the simple chain-
saw attachment, called a Log Debarker (available through Hud-Son Forest Equipment
Inc.) or you can pressure wash or use whatever method available to remove any mud
or bark from the logs. By debarking and cleaning your log it will extend the life of your
blade.
a) Adjust the Hud-Son guides so that they are slightly (no more than 2 inches) wider than
the maximum width of the log.
(Note: as you cut slabs, boards or squares you may need to adjust the guide to ensure
the best performance and quality cuts)
b) Find the top of the log with the blade. Remember, that you may have cheaters in
place so be sure these are clear when making the first cut. You will be removing the top
potion of the log. (top slab)
c) On the manual lift models, crank your head down to the desired height and click up
one notch to set the head. Make sure your blade will clear your dog assembly.
d) Start your engine, let it idle for at least 5 minutes. (Refer to the engine manual for
proper engine maintenance)
e) With the engine in idle position, increase the throttle to start the blade. Sawing
should always be done with the engine in full throttle.
f) Gently push the saw head through the log, pushing on the head frame. If the engine
starts to labor, you are going to fast, slow down. Go slow through burls and knots as the
engine may bog down through these parts of a log.
g) When you are at the end of the log, power down the engine, crank the head up so
that will clear the log and roll back to the front of the log. For ease of operation, put the
slabs on the operator's side of the mill, this way you will not have to dig through sawdust
for your lumber.
h) You now have a flat surface on top of your log, remove the cheaters (if applicable),
you will no longer need them, as long as the log dogs will hold the log in place.
i) Set your log dog assembly so that they are standing in the track. Turn the cut side
of the log, using a cant hook, ¼ of a turn. The flat side must be flush against the squaring
pin to assure a square cant.
j) Adjust the log dog at an angle to the track so that the blade can pass over the top,
but so that the dogs are effective in securing the log.
Debark the log.
Guide location
- log width
