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GENERAL SAWING TECHNIQUES
NOTE:
It is recommended that first-time user should, as a minimum
practice, cutting logs on a saw-horse or cradle.
• Saw off the lower branches on the tree first. By doing so,
it is easier for the cut branches to fall to the ground.
• At the end of the cut, the weight of the saw suddenly
increases for the user since it is no longer being
supported by a branch. There is a risk of losing control
of the saw, so make sure to stay alert during the entire
sawing operation.
• Only pull the saw out of a cut while the saw is running.
By doing so, you prevent the chain from jamming in the
wood.
• DO NOT saw with the tip of the chain bar. DO NOT saw
into the branch formations (where the tree branches
outwards). This will impede the tree’s ability to heal.
• For sawing off smaller branches, place the stop face
of the saw on the branch. This prevents unwanted
movements of the saw at the beginning of the cut. While
applying light pressure, guide the saw through the branch
from top to bottom.
• For sawing off larger branches, first make a relief cut.
Saw through 1/3 of the branch diameter from the bottom
to top using the top side of the chain bar. Then saw from
top to bottom for the other 2/3 using the bottom side of
the chain bar. Saw off longer branches in sections in order
to maintain control over the location of impact.
FELLING A TREE
When cross-cutting/bucking and felling operations are
being performed by two or more persons at the same
time, the felling operations should be separated from the
crosscutting/ bucking operation by a distance of at least
twice the height of the tree being felled.
Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger
any person, strike any utility line or cause any property
damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line,
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The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of
the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after
it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as
necessary before cuts are started. The escape path should
extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line
of fall (Fig.9).
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the
tree, the location of larger branches and the wind direction
to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire
from the tree.
NOTCHING UNDERCUT
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular
to the direction of falls (Fig.10). Make the lower horizontal
notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching either the
saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is being
made.
FELLING BACK CUT
Make the felling back cut at least 2inch(50 mm
)
higher than
the horizontal notching cut (Fig.10). 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.
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin
to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in
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 aluminium to open the
cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from the
cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then use the
retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and
watch your footing.
LIMBING A TREE
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When
limbing leave larger lower limbs to support the log off the
ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as (Fig.11).
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to
avoid binding the chain saw.
CROSS-CUTTING/BUCKING A
LOG
Cross-cutting/bucking 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 or
chocks. Follow the simple directions for easy cutting.
When the log is supported along its entire length (Fig.12), it
is cut from the top (overbuck).
When the log is supported on one end (Fig.13), cut 1/3 the
diameter from the underside (underbuck). Then make the
finished cut by overbucking to meet the first cut.
When the log is supported on both ends (Fig.14), cut 1/3
the diameter from the top (overbuck). Then make the
finished cut by underbucking the lower 2/3 to meet the first
cut.
When cross-cutting/bucking on a slope always stand on the
uphill side of the log (Fig.15). When “cutting through”, to
