13
Overcutting
Undercutting
Undercutting
involves cutting on the under-
side of the log with top of saw against the log.
When undercutting use light upward pres-
sure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control.
The saw will tend to push back toward you.
WARNING:
Never turn saw upside
down to undercut. The saw cannot be con-
trolled in this position.
Always make your first cut on the compres-
sion side of the log. The compression side of
the log is where the pressure of the log’s
weight is concentrated.
Second cut
First cut on compression side of log
First cut on compression side of log
Second cut
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT
S
Overcut through
1/3
of the diameter of the
log.
S
Roll the log over and finish with a second
overcut.
S
Watch for logs with a compression side to
prevent the saw from pinching. See il-
lustrations for cutting logs with a compres-
sion side.
BUCKING USING A LOG OR
SUPPORT STAND
S
Remember your first cut is always on the
compression side of the log.
(Refer to the illustrations below for your
first and second cut)
S
Your first cut should extend
1/3
of the
diameter of the log.
S
Finish with your second cut.
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
Using a log for support
2
nd
Cut
1
st
Cut
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
Using a support stand
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING:
Be alert for and guard
against kickback. Do not allow the moving
chain to contact any other branches or objects
at the nose of the guide bar when limbing or
pruning. Allowing such contact can result in
serious injury.
WARNING:
Never climb into a tree to
limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat-
forms, a log, or in any position which can cause
you to lose your balance or control of the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS
S
Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly
gripped on the saw. Maintain secure footing
and balance.
S
Watch out for springpoles. Springpoles are
small size limbs which can catch the saw
chain and whip toward you or pull you off bal-
ance. Use extreme caution when cutting
small size limbs or slender material.
S
Be alert for springback. Watch out for
branches that are bent or under pressure.
Avoid being struck by the branch or the
saw when the tension in the wood fibers is
released.
S
Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear
branches out of the way to avoid tripping
over them.
LIMBING
S
Always limb a tree after it is cut down. Only
then can limbing be done safely and prop-
erly.
S
Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled
tree to support the tree as you work.
S
Start at the base of the felled tree and work
toward the top, cutting branches and limbs.
Remove small limbs with one cut.
S
Keep the tree between you and the chain.
Cut from the side of the tree opposite the
branch you are cutting.
