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5. When making a felling back cut, make the felling back
cut at least 2 inches higher than the horizontal notching
cut. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal
notching cut. Make the felling back cut so enough wood
is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree
from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not
cut through the hinge.
6. As the felling cut gets close to the hinge the tree should
begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not
fall in the desired direction, or it may rock back and bind
the Saw Chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use wedges of wood,
plastic, or aluminum to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
7. When the tree begins to fall, remove the Chain Saw from the cut. Turn off the Chain Saw
and put the Chain Saw down. Then, use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead
limbs falling, and watch your footing.
Limbing
8. When limbing (trimming) branches from a fallen
tree, leave the larger, lower limbs to support the
log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one
cut. Branches under tension should be cut from
the bottom up to avoid pinching the saw chain.
Bucking
9. Bucking a log is cutting a log into lengths. It is
important to make sure your footing is firm and
your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
When possible, the log should be raised and
supported by the use of limbs, logs, chocks or a
timberjack.
10. To overbuck is when the log is supported
along its entire length and is cut from the top.
Allow the saw to pull forward into the top of
the log until the bucking spike catches on the
log. Then pivot the saw through the log.
11. To underbuck is when the log is supported
on one end, and a cut of 1/3 the diameter
of the log is made from the underside of the
log. Then the finished cut is made by
overbucking to meet the first cut.
